Top 35 Australian Shepherd Mixes – Hard Working Canine Companions

Australian Shepherds are dogs of endless energy, brains, and beauty. Originally bred to herd cattle, Aussies are a fixture of the Western lifestyle. They have also found a niche as a great breed for agility competitions and for active pet owners. While their variety of colors and patterns make them an attractive pet, they aren’t for everyone.

These dogs need lots of exercises and appreciate a good challenge rather than a more sedentary or passive owner. Australian Shepherds have an extremely strong drive to herd, and if they don’t have cattle or sheep around may instead turn to herd children, chickens, cats, or other small animals.

An Australian Shepherd’s many positive attributes make them a popular choice for mixing with other breeds in order to create eye-catching, friendly, and willing to please crosses.

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Getting to Know Australian Shepherds

AKC Breed Popularity	Ranks 17 of 196
Nicknames	Aussie
Height	Male-20-23”; Female-18-21”
Weight	Male-50-65lbs; Female-40-55lbs
Life Expectancy	12-15 years
Temperament	Energetic, smart, strong work ethic
Coat Color	A variety of shades from black and white to blue and red merle
Coat Type	Medium length can be double-coated
Hypoallergenic?	No
Shedding	Moderate seasonal shedders
Grooming Needs	Moderate, weekly brushing, monthly bathing, nail trimming, teeth brushing
Exercise Needs	High
Trainability	Eager to please, very responsive, smart
Tolerant of solitude?	No, needs mental stimulation and attention to prevent destructive behaviors
Tolerant of heat?	Yes, with acclimation
Tolerant of cold?	Yes, with acclimation
Good With Kids?	Great with older kids, may try to herd younger children. Proper training may be required for an Aussie to live with children.
Good With Other Pets?	Generally good with other pets. May chase cats. Like to be the dominant dog in a pack or pair.
Barking	Generally, quiet dogs, may bark at strangers
Good for apartments?	No, these dogs need large areas to run
Health Issues	Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, genetic deafness
Puppy Price	$600-800

History of the Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd’s roots lie in the Pyrenees Mountains, between Spain and France, where shepherds known as Basques developed a sheep herding dog called the Pyrenean Shepherd. During the 1800s, when the interior of the Australian continent was being explored for cattle ranching, some adventurous Basques brought their sheepdogs there to see what Australia had to offer in the way of sheep ranching.

Here, the Pyrenean Shepherd was mixed with British breeds, including Collies and Border Collies, to create a dog that was more like the Australian Shepherd we know today. These Basques eventually brought their dogs to the vast pasturelands of California where they were mistakenly named Australian Shepherds and became synonymous with cowboy culture and the American West. Today there are still many Australian Shepherds working ranches across the country, but they have also found other work areas including service dogs, search and rescue, performance, therapy dogs, and drug detectors.

Top 35 Most Popular Australian Shepherd Mixes

With information on 35 different Australian Shepherd mixes, there’s a lot to read here. Feel free to browse all of the mixes or click the shortcut to read about mixes that you think you might be interested in.

Australian Shepherd Mixes	Description
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix	Energetic and loyal. Aussiedors require lots of exercises and excel when they have a job to do.
Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix	When you cross two of the most intelligent breeds you get intelligent offspring that are hardworking, loyal, and eager to please.
Australian Shepherd Husky Mix	This colorful mix is energetic, loyal, and affectionate to their family but may be leery of strangers.
Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix	Playful, energetic, and often goofy, this mix loves to be with their people. Their coat may be easier on allergies than other mixes.
Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix	A dog that is dedicated to their owners, energetic, and playful. May be protective of their family and property.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix	Energetic, loving, and social, this mix is great for families with children and other pets.
Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix	This mix is a great choice for families with children and other pets. They are energetic and friendly, yet eager to learn.
Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix	With two herding parent breeds, this mix is ready to work and very focused on having a job. They are also highly intelligent and energetic.
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix	This friendly mix will play with you all day and snuggle with you all night. They may also make good watchdogs.
Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix	This is a happy mix that does well with kids and other pets yet is intelligent and ready to work when asked.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix	Aussie Rotties is an active mix that needs lots of space and attention. They can be very protective of their family.
Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix	This mix has guard dog instincts and is loyal to their family. They are also intelligent, making training easy.
Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix	A playful, energetic, and loyal pup, an Australian Shepherd Boxer mix would be a great addition for families.
Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix	This mix is as loving as is it beautiful. They are better suited for cooler climates and need lots of exercise and attention.
Australian Shepherd Great Dane Mix	A larger Australian Shepherd mix that may serve as a guard dog and a companion. They tend to be intelligent and easy to train but maybe stubborn.
Australian Shepherd Doberman Mix	A protective, loyal and intelligent mix, the Australian Shepherd Doberman is not well suited for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix	With two very different parent breeds, there is huge variability in temperaments and look of this mix.
Australian Shepherd Chow Chow Mix	Not for the novice dog parent, Australian Shepherd Chow mixes can be protective and stubborn but has the potential to make a great pet.
Australian Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix	This mix provides a very adorable, playful, and loving dog. However, they will need consistent training to maintain their manners.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix	For a smaller mix, look into the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua. These miniature dogs are loving, affectionate, and energetic.
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix	Often confused for a Long-Haired Dachshund, this mix is energetic and lively in a small package.
Australian Shepherd Terrier Mix	When you cross an Australian Shepherd with a Boston Terrier you get a loving ball of energy that is playful and loyal.
Australian Shepherd Pomeranian Mix	An adorable and playful mix, the Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mix is well suited for small area living as long as adequate exercise and attention is given.
Australian Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix	This mix features a smaller dog with boundless energy that is friendly but also work-oriented.
Australian Shepherd King Cavalier Spaniel Mix	A relatively new mix, this pup is loving, affectionate, and loyal. They love their families but may be standoffish to strangers.
Australian Shepherd American Eskimo Mix	A working dog with an affectionate heart, the Australian Eskimo is a combination of a working companion.
Australian Shepherd Shetland Sheep Dog Mix	Two herding breeds come together to create this fun-loving but focused breed that is intelligent, loyal, and playful.
Australian Shepherd Cairn Terrier Mix	This mix creates an energetic little dog that is loyal and affectionate to their family but maybe a little leery of strangers at first.
Australian Shepherd Wheaten Mix	These dogs are energetic little companions that are eager to please but also have a stubborn streak.
Australian Shepherd Yorkshire Terrier Mix	A fun-loving pup that can be on the protective side, the Australian Shepherd Yorkshire Terrier mix is a compact version of an energetic Aussie.
Australian Shepherd Flat-Coated Retriever Mix	This mix is friendly and energetic yet intelligent and eager to please making them a common choice for service animals.
Australian Shepherd Bull Terrier Mix	Energetic, playful, yet protective the Australian Shepherd Bull Terrier mix can work well with active families or with a solo companion.
Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix	For a spunky, friendly little dog, look at an Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu mix. Even though Shih Tzu were originally bred as guard dogs, you won’t find any fierceness in this mix.
Australian Shepherd Papillon Mix	This mix creates a friendly, affectionate little companion. However, they may be shy or nervous around new people or animals.
Australian Shepherd Schnauzer Mix	A medium-sized mix that is eye-appealing and fun-loving, these dogs will be true companions and maybe a little protective.

Recommendations

For the best family dog, look at an Australian Shepherd Beagle, Australian Shepherd Lab, or an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix.

For apartment living an Australian Shepherd Papillon, Australian Shepherd Yorkshire Terrier, or an Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu mix may be best.

For an exercise partner Australian Shepherd Border Collies, Australian Shepherd Flat-Coated Terrier, or an Australian Shepherd Boxer can keep up with you all day.

If a friendly guard dog is more on your list, an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees, Australian Shepherd Doberman, or an Australian Shepherd Rottweiler may be more to your liking.

1. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix

Other Names	Aussiedor, Australian Sheprador, Aussie Lab
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Energetic, friendly, loyal
Average Height	20-25”
Average Weight	40-80 lbs
Trainability	Easy to train, eager to learn
Exercise Needs	High

Aussiedors aren’t for the stay-at-home dog parent. They need to get out and exercise daily. They also prefer to have a job to do, whether that be herding sheep or chasing a stick. Being very intelligent dogs makes them easy to train and willing to learn. However, their intelligence is wasted if they can’t be put to work. They can become bored and destructive if left alone for too long.

Aussiedors come in a variety of colors and patterns, including brown, black, cream, brindle and anything in between. Weekly grooming is a must to decrease shedding and prevent mats.

This mix of dogs can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and weight gain if not given the proper amount of exercise. Feed them a high quality dog food meant for high energy to fuel the active ones or you may need to cut calories if this pup isn’t getting the required amount of exercise.

This is a mix that will do well with other pets and children if they have been socialized to them. However, the Australian Shepherd part of them may make them more likely to want to be the dominate dog and to herd small children and animals, so supervision is always a must. Socialization as a puppy and training as an adult will help ensure the safety of children and other pets around this mix.

2. Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix

Other Names	Aussie Collie, Border Aussie
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Intelligent, energetic, affectionate
Average Height	18-23”
Average Weight	30-60 lbs
Trainability	Easy to train
Exercise Needs	High

Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are two very similar dog breeds. Both love to work, run, and are fiercely loyal to their family. The cross between them is no different. This mix is highly energetic and appreciates a job to do to challenge their mind and exercise their body. Destructive behavior or aggression may develop in dogs that are left alone repeatedly for long periods.

Since both parent breeds come in an array of colors, the mix of them does as well. Aussie Collies can be black and white, merle, brown and white, red, grey, and others. They tend to have a double coat, like Border Collies, with a thick undercoat that is waterproof and insulating. The topcoat is usually long and silky, like an Australian Shepherd. Weekly brushing will help remove dead hairs and detangle the thick coat and monthly baths will be needed to keep them clean.

This mix is more prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia, deafness, and Collie Eye Anomaly, where the eyes don’t develop properly and lead to blindness. They will need to be fed high-quality dog food with added protein and fat to keep weight on.

These dogs make great family pets with proper socialization. Since both parent breeds have strong herding instincts, it’s important to supervise children and other small pets when they are around them. If this mix is trained to work, they may be less willing to interact with humans and be leery of strangers.

READ MORE: Top 29 Most Popular Border Collie Mixes

3. Australian Shepherd Husky Mix

Other Names	Aussie Husky, Aussie Siberian
Lifespan	10-13 years
Temperament	Energetic, affectionate, loyal
Average Height	18-24”
Average Weight	30-55 lbs
Trainability	Easy
Exercise Needs	High

Aussie Huskys are dogs that are as eye-catching as they are energetic and fun-loving. They need vigorous daily exercise and access to outdoor spaces. Be careful, though, these dogs can become masters of escape if their enclosure isn’t large enough. This mix is also intelligent and eager to please, so training is usually a breeze, but proper socialization is required and dominance needs to be established by the owner early on to prevent aggression. When it comes to family, these dogs are all affected, but the same is not always true for strangers. They tend to be loyal and protective to one or a few people.

When you combine two dog breeds with striking coloring, you’re bound to end up with varying shades of beauty. This mix tends to have a solid color on the chest, belly, legs, and feet and a different color covering the back and head. Shades of grey, black, brown, and cream are most commonly the top colors and white for the chest, belly, and legs. They usually have a double hair coat that requires frequent brushing.

The Aussie Husky is prone to allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. Getting a puppy from a reputable breeder is a must as most of these conditions can be screened for pre-breeding.

Well socialized dogs of this mix will do well with children and other pets, especially if their energy levels are similar. What might not go over well is not giving this mix time to get acclimate to new people and pets without proper supervision.

4. Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix

Other Names	Aussiedoodle, Aussiepoo
Lifespan	10-13 years
Temperament	Playful, energetic, eager to please
Average Height	10-15”
Average Weight	25-70lbs
Trainability	Easy to train but become bored easily
Exercise Needs	Daily

For a fun-loving, eager, and energic dog, look no further than an Aussiedoodle. Both parent breeds provide this mix with lots of smarts, which makes training easy and fun but also will require frequent attention and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and destructive. Since this mix can happen with poodles of various sizes, there is lots of variability in size among the mix.

The hair coat of an Aussiedoodle mix can come in any variety of colors from solids like black and white to merle colorings. The texture can vary from wavy to more tightly curled like a poodle. This mix may also shed less than other Australian Shepherd mixes, making them a better choice for those with allergies. Even with less shedding, frequent brushing, bathing, and trims are still a must.

This mix is generally healthy, but maybe predisposed to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and other eye problems. To reduce the likelihood of these diseases, be sure to get puppies from a reputable breeder that performs pre-breeding screenings. Daily exercise for a half-hour or more is necessary to prevent weight gain. Feeding a high-quality diet will ensure that their nutritional needs are met to provide energy for growth and maintenance.

These pups are very playful and will do well with a family that they’re accustomed to. Socialization as a puppy will is important to ensure that this mix is comfortable with kids of all ages. The herding instinct will be strong meaning that even smaller members of this mix may want to herd small children and animals.

5. Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix

Other Names	German Australian Shepherd
Lifespan	13-15 years
Temperament	Loyal, energetic, protective
Average Height	20-25”
Average Weight	45-80lbs
Trainability	Easy to train, eager to learn
Exercise Needs	High

Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mixes have an energy level that requires daily exercise and activity. A fenced yard is a must for these larger pups to stretch their legs. Mental stimulation is also important in order to keep this smart dog engaged and from getting bored and destructive.

The color may vary from black, brown, red, tan, brindle, to spotted or speckled. They usually have a thick, double coat that will require daily brushing during shedding seasons and weekly grooming other times of the year.

Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mixes are prone to degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, bloat, deafness, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. Feeding proper amounts of high-quality dog food and giving them plenty of exercises will help prevent weight gain that can be detrimental to their health.

While these dogs may be loyal and dedicated to their owners, they may also be leery and protective around strangers. This makes them great guard dogs but proper socialization is important if they are to be around small children or other animals. As with any Australian Shepherd mix, the herding instinct is strong, so watch out for these dogs to try to herd anything that moves, especially since they are on the larger side.

6. Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix

Other Names	Augi, Aussie-Corgi
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Fun loving, energetic, loveable
Average Height	10-13”
Average Weight	20-30lbs
Trainability	Easy, eager to please
Exercise Needs	High

A smaller Australian Shepherd mix, Augi is a dog of high energy and intelligence. They are also fun-loving and like to be social with their family and others. Their high intelligence can also make them stubborn, making early training and socialization even more important.

Most Augis are usually a combination of black, tan, brown, and white. They may be a solid, single color, or more frequently tri-colored. Their hair coat is thick and long, requiring daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats and to reduce the amount of shed hair.

This mix is more prone to weight gain, epilepsy, eye problems, joint issues, deafness, blindness, and back problems. Frequent exercise and proper nutrition are a must to help prevent many of these diseases. Getting your puppy from a reputable breeder may help reduce the occurrence of problems as well.

These friendly dogs are generally well suited for children and other pets. They are more willing to socialize with strangers than other Australian Shepherd mixes as well. Still, proper socialization, training, and supervision are necessary. Their natural herding instinct may make them more likely to follow their owners around, curious about what they are doing.

7. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

Other Names	Australian Retriever
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Friendly, intelligent, loyal
Average Height	19-23”
Average Weight	25-60 lbs
Trainability	Easy
Exercise Needs	High

The Australian Retriever is often a friendly, outgoing dog with lots of energy. They will want to be with their family constantly, especially doing physical activities together outside. Even though they’re friendly, they may become possessive of their family and possessions if they’re not socialized and trained properly.

Their haircoats come in black, brown, white, and even more golden like their parent breed. They can also come in a mix of colors and markings. Their hair is usually longer and wavy and needs frequent brushing to prevent matting and to decrease shedding.

This mix is prone to the common issues of hip dysplasia, cataracts, and even bloat. They will need to be fed high-quality dog food to provide them with plenty of energy, but not overfed so that they gain too much weight. Proper exercise will help as well.

Most Australian Retrievers do well with children of all ages, especially if given plenty of time to acclimate to them and if they were socialized at an early age. They also do well with most pets, but they do still possess a strong herding instinct that may lead to them rounding up smaller animals and children. These pups can be possessive of their family and may work well as watchdogs, but most of the time with proper socialization they are friendly towards everyone, strangers included.

8. Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix

Other Names	Australian Heeler, Texas Heeler
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Work oriented, friendly, loyal
Average Height	17-22”
Average Weight	25-50 lbs
Trainability	Easy and eager to learn
Exercise Needs	High

Coming from two strong herding parent breeds, the Texas Heeler is especially adept at working. They have a high intelligence and energy level that requires a lot of exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They are best kept in homes with active families and large, fenced yards. Without proper stimulation, they may become destructive or aggressive.

This mix comes in many colors and patterns. They can be solid colors of black, white, brown, or tan, or more commonly a merle pattern from any of the above colors. Texas Heelers tend to have a thick, double coat that requires frequent brushing to prevent mats and shedding. Their hair is usually short and coarse.

Texas Heelers may be more prone to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as deafness. They will also require a high protein, high fat dog food in order to keep weight on in their active state. However, if these dogs don’t get the exercise they need, they can easily become overweight if overfed.

Most dogs of this mix do well with children, especially if they are properly socialized and grow up with them. Some may require extensive training in order to be safe around children and other pets. With a strong herding instinct like these dogs have, they may get try to round up small children and animals.

9. Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Other Names	Aussie Pits
Lifespan	10-16 years
Temperament	Friendly, energetic, loving
Average Height	17-23”
Average Weight	30-85 lbs
Trainability	Easy, eager to learn
Exercise Needs	High

The Aussie Pit is a dog that is meant to move. Lots of exercise and space to run are necessary for these dogs to stay happy and healthy. Without this much-needed exercise, they can easily become destructive or aggressive. Fortunately, these dogs are also easy to train so that you can teach them games and tricks that will help burn energy and stimulate their mind.

They may come in a variety of colors, including blue, black, red, and cream or a merle combination of any of the above. Their hair coats tend to be short like a pitbull but are usually thick and dense, which requires frequent brushing to reduce shedding and mats. Some may require a coat in the extreme cold.

This mix has a propensity for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, deafness, and epilepsy. They will also require high protein, high fat dog food in order to maintain a healthy weight when being active. However, they can also easily become overweight if they aren’t given the proper exercise or are overfed.

Aussie Pits are typically good with kids but may need a little training to keep them calm when around them. Because they are so playful and tend to be on the larger side, they may injure kids without trying to. They can also get along well with other pets if they are socialized properly and introduced to them slowly.

10. Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix

Other Names	Aussie Beagles
Lifespan	12-16 years
Temperament	Happy, energetic, playful
Average Height	13-23”
Average Weight	30-65 lbs
Trainability	Easy or moderately hard depending on personality
Exercise Needs	High

An Aussie Beagle can produce very different kinds of dogs. Depending on which parent breed a puppy takes after, they can be highly intelligent and easy to train, like an Australian Shepherd, or easily distracted by scents and bored, like a Beagle. Both parent breeds give this mix a lot of energy and requirement for daily attention and interaction. If left alone for too long or not stimulated enough, an Australian Shepherd Beagle mix may become a constant barker or troublemaker.

This mix may come in colors black, grey, brown, white, lemon, and tan, or any combination of those colors. Their haircoat tends to be medium in length and thick, meaning that excessive shedding can be a problem. Frequent grooming, especially in the summer and fall is a must to prevent mats and tangles.

This mix is generally pretty healthy but may be more prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. A high protein dog food may be necessary for more active dogs, just be sure to not overfeed this mix as weight gain can be a problem if they’re not exercised properly.

Aussie Beagles are friendly and social so they typically work well with a family or with other pets. Proper socialization and training will make any family situation easier to deal with.

11. Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix

Other Names	Aussie Rottie
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Protective, intelligent, sociable
Average Height	20-25”
Average Weight	50-120 lbs
Trainability	Easy and eager to learn
Exercise Needs	High

Aussie Rotties are one of the bigger Australian Shepherd mixes. They can be quite powerful and energetic. This mix needs a lot of attention and very little alone time or else they can become aggressive and destructive. With proper training, attention, and socialization, these dogs can be very loving, outgoing, and affectionate making them great companions and guard dogs all in one.

The coloring of this mix generally leads more towards the Rottweiler side of black and tan, grey, or brown. A merle color is pretty rare. Their hair coat is usually medium length and dense and can be either smooth or rough. Frequent grooming is necessary to decrease shedding and prevent mats.

Hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart disease may be more common with this mix. They also have more of a tendency to overeat, so proper feeding with high-quality dog food is a must to prevent excess weight gain and issues that go with that.

Socialization is a must for this mix. Families with older or no children may be preferable and other pets should be introduced slowly to ensure everyone’s safety. Without socialization, this mix may be too protective of their people and actually become aggressive towards strangers and small children and animals.

12. Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix

Other Names	Great Aussie Pyrenees, Aussie Pyrenees
Lifespan	10-15 years
Temperament	Intelligent, loyal, protective
Average Height	25-32”
Average Weight	40-100 lbs
Trainability	Easy but may become independent
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high

With guard dog instincts in their blood, an Aussie Pyrenees is sure to be loyal and protective. Couple that with their large size and this may be a very feared mix. However, with proper socialization and training, this mix can get along well with everyone. They will need frequent attention and mental stimulation as boredom can cause them to be destructive or aggressive.

Their coat color is often white, cream, or merle, and they tend to have dark eyes. They usually have long, thick hair that will need frequent grooming to reduce shedding, mats, and hot spots.

Being a slightly less active dog than most Australian Shepherd mixes, the Aussie Pyrenees is more prone to obesity and should be fed proper amounts of high-quality dog food. They may also experience hip dysplasia, bone cancer, or skin problems at a higher frequency.

This mix typically does well with older children, but proper socialization is a must with younger children. Other pets are generally okay as well, especially with proper socialization and a long adjustment period.

13. Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix

Other Names	Australian Boxherd
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Playful, friendly, confident
Average Height	23-25”
Average Weight	60-80 lbs
Trainability	Easy
Exercise Needs	High

An Australian Boxherd is a high energy dog that loves to be around their families. They need frequent attention and exercise in order to ward off destructive behaviors like digging or barking. They may also be protective of their family. It may be important to establish your dominance with this breed early on to prevent aggression later.

This mix comes in a variety of colors, including brown, chocolate, brindle, golden, or merle, or they may be spotted or speckled with or without white markings. They have a soft, short to medium hair coat that requires weekly brushing to reduce shedding and prevent mat formation.

These dogs may be more prone to hip dysplasia, heart, and eye problems. Care needs to be taken to prevent overfeeding, especially if they are not getting enough exercise. Otherwise, weight gain may be a concern. For active pups, be sure to feed a high protein diet to provide the necessary energy so that they don’t lose too much weight.

In general, an Australian Boxherd does well with children, but socialization and proper training are still a must when around small children. Other pets are usually well-tolerated, especially if a long adjustment period with supervision is given.

Read more: Top 30 Most Popular Boxer Mixes to Fill Your Heart and Life

14. Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Other Names	Berner Aussies
Lifespan	10-12 years
Temperament	Intelligent, loving, loyal
Average Height	20-25”
Average Weight	60-100 lbs
Trainability	Easy, eager to learn
Exercise Needs	High

The Berner Aussie is an interesting combination. Both are very loving breeds but are bred for two very different jobs. The outcome of the mix can yield very different puppy personalities and traits. If they take after the Australian Shepherd, these dogs will be more work-oriented, focused, and high energy. If they take after the Bernese Mountain Dog, they may be more protective and laid back. Either way, the majority of these dogs are easy to train and make great companions.

This larger mix tends to be a combination of black, tan, and white. Merle colorings are rare. They along, thick haircoat that makes them better suited for cooler climates. They will also require frequent brushing to reduce shedding and prevent mats.

Health issues that this mix faces include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, bloat, and cancer. Choosing a dog from a reputable breeder that performs pre-breeding screenings may help reduce the occurrence of some of these issues. Be sure not to overfeed these dogs as weight gain can be an issue.

This mix tends to be very loving and well suited for family life. However, proper socialization is necessary for these dogs to be around small children. They may have trouble remembering how big they are and may injure a child accidentally during play.

15. Australian Shepherd Great Dane Mix

Other Names
Lifespan	10-12 years
Temperament	Loyal, fun loving, alert
Average Height	20-30”
Average Weight	60-120 lbs
Trainability	Easy but may be stubborn
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high

For a lovable giant, look no further than an Australian Shepherd Great Dane mix. These dogs tend to be very loyal and loving, yet energetic and playful. Too much alone time can cause these dogs to become destructive, so lots of exercise and mental stimulation is required. They also require a lot of space just due to their size. An experienced dog parent is a plus as this mix can become stubborn or independent without the proper guidance.

This mix can be solid colors, such as black, white, brown, or tan, or may be spotted or speckled with different colors. The haircoat tends to be short to medium in length with frequent grooming required to reduce shedding and mats.

Australian Shepherd Great Dane mixes can experience hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems and skin issues. Maintaining a proper weight can help reduce some of these issues. Don’t overfeed this mix and always feed a high quality dog food meant for large breeds.

Most of these dogs will do well with children, especially if they’re socialized properly at a young age. They typically aren’t aggressive towards kids but can sometimes forget how big they are and get overly playful, especially with smaller kids and animals.

16. Australian Shepherd Doberman Mix

Other Names	Doberman Shepherd
Lifespan	10-13 years
Temperament	Loyal, protective, intelligent
Average Height	22-24”
Average Weight	80-110 lbs
Trainability	Easy but may be stubborn
Exercise Needs	High

The Doberman Shepherd is one of intelligence and loyalty. They will do best with an experienced dog parent that has the time and commitment to establish dominance, socialize, and train them to well mannered. They also tend to be protective of their family and leery of strangers.

The coloring of this mix tends to fall along the lines of a Doberman, with solid colors of black or brown. The haircoat tends to be smooth and short to medium length. Weekly grooming is usually enough to keep mats from forming and to reduce shedding. This mix doesn’t tolerate extreme cold as well as others.

A Doberman Shepherd may be more susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, and eye problems. While this is a large mix, care should be taken to prevent overfeeding as it can exacerbate joint issues. Be sure to feed a high-quality large breed dog food.

This mix can do well with children, especially if they’re older. Proper socialization and training may be necessary to ensure safety around smaller children and pets. These dogs may have strong protective or guard dog instincts that may require supervision when around small children or strangers.

17. Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

Other Names	Dalmatian Shepherds, Aussiedals
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Energetic, protective, loyal
Average Height	20-24”
Average Weight	40-70 lbs
Trainability	Easy
Exercise Needs	High

The parent breeds for this mix are very different, so there is likely to be great variability in Aussiedals. They may be very outgoing and friendly, or very protective and guarded. They will most certainly be energetic, requiring frequent mental stimulation and attention to keep them from being destructive.

This mix will most commonly be a combination of black, brown, or tan on a white background. They will be short haired, so not very suitable for colder climates. However, even with short hair, they will still require frequent brushing to decrease shedding.

With this mix, you will need to watch out for hearing and eye issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, and epilepsy. Feeding a high quality, high protein dog food will help to ensure that your dog stays in the best body condition. Avoid overfeeding, especially if your pup isn’t getting the required exercise.

Families with small children aren’t ideal for an Australian Dalmatian. They may be overly protective or leery of strangers. Proper socialization and training are a must if this mix is to be around small children. This mix may also have a propensity to herd small animals.

18. Australian Shepherd Chow Chow Mix

Other Names	Aussie Chow
Lifespan	8-12 years
Temperament	Stubborn, protective, loyal
Average Height	22-25”
Average Weight	90-140 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high

Aussie Chows typically require an experienced hand. They can be stubborn and independent and require socialization and training at a young age. They also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from getting aggressive and destructive.

The look of the Aussie Chow is a combination of an Aussie’s coloring and a Chow’s bear cub appearance. This can make for an adorable combination but also a heavy shedder. Their haircoat is medium to long and very dense. Frequent brushing is required to prevent mats and decrease shedding.

These dogs may be more prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and skin issues. Since they are an active mix, a high protein diet is recommended to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid overfeeding these dogs, especially if they aren’t getting the proper amount of exercise, as weight gain can be an issue.

Caution needs to be taken with this mix and small children and pets. They may be protective and require proper socialization and training to ensure everyone’s safety. Families with older or no children are preferrable. Other pets are generally considered okay, especially if there is a long adjustment period for the Aussie Chow mix.

19. Australian Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix

Other Names	Cotralian
Lifespan	10-15 years
Temperament	Playful, loving, protective
Average Height	16-22”
Average Weight	30-60 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

A Cotralian couldn’t be more adorable. They also generally have the personality to match, being very playful and loving. However, they can be protective or even aggressive if they don’t get the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation.

This mix can follow a variety of color combinations. Black, grey, brown, red, white and cream, or any combination of those colors are a possibility. Their haircoat tends to be medium to long and can have some waves or curls. They also tend to have a Cocker Spaniel’s large, curly ears. Frequent brushing is necessary to decrease shedding and prevent mats.

The Cotralian may be more prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye and ear problems, including frequent ear infections and deafness. This active mix should eat a high protein dog food to maintain a healthy weight and avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.

This mix will require proper socialization and training to be comfortable around small children and smaller animals. Their strong herding instincts may cause them to herd children and small animals or they may try to nip or bite if unintentionally provoked.

20. Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

Other Names	Aussie Chi
Lifespan	12-17 years
Temperament	Energetic, affectionate
Average Height	Varies
Average Weight	Varies
Trainability	Average to easy
Exercise Needs	High

The Aussie Chi is an energetic, lovable little dog. They thrive on being the center of attention and can do well living in smaller spaces. Training is usually fairly easy as this mix is intelligent and eager to learn, but consistency is a must. You’ll need to keep this dog entertained and exercised in order to avoid destructive behavior.

This mix tends to have the haircoat and coloring of an Australian Shepherd with the body shape and size of a Chihuahua. They can be tri-colored, solid, merle, or spotted. Colors range from black to grey, brown to tan, and white to cream. Their haircoat is typically medium length and dense, requiring frequent brushing to decrease shedding and mat formation.

Health conditions that may affect this mix are allergies, skin issues, and teeth and eye problems. Maintaining a healthy weight is important by avoiding overfeeding and by providing these dogs with plenty of exercise.

These dogs most often do well with families, but may take an issue with small children as they sometimes don’t like to share the spotlight. Proper socialization and training are important to ensure everyone’s safety.

21. Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix

Other Names	Aussie Doxie
Lifespan	13-17 years
Temperament	Energetic, intelligent, eager
Average Height	10-15”
Average Weight	15-40 lbs
Trainability	Average to difficult
Exercise Needs	High

The Aussie Doxie can be a great combination for smaller spaces. They are still very energetic, but are able to get by with daily exercise and don’t always need the large outdoor areas. They are typically moderately difficult to train and need consistency and determination to maintain good behavior.

Both parent breeds come in a variety of colors and patterns, so it’s not surprise that their mix would as well. They can vary in colors such as black, grey, brown, tan, red, white, and cream. They may have merle coloring or dapple. They tend to have medium to long hair that is thick and short legs and a long back. Frequent brushing is necessary for shedding and tangles.

The Dachshund parent breed brings their concern for back problems into the equation, while the Aussies bring eye problems and deafness. They may also be more likely to experience hip and elbow dysplasia. It’s very important that these dogs don’t get overweight as that can increase their likelihood for back and hip problems.

With proper socialization and training, the Aussie Doxie mix can do well with children and other animals. Their strong herding instinct may lead them to herd or nip at smaller children and animals, so supervision is required.

22. Australian Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix

Other Names	Bossie
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Playful, energetic, loyal
Average Height	15-23”
Average Weight	25-40 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

The Bossie crosses the Boston Terrier with an Australian Shepherd. What comes out is an energetic and loving breed that loves nothing more than to be with their family. They are intelligent and eager to learn but need consistency and patience and they can sometimes forget training or get distracted. It’s also important to establish dominance to prevent this mix from walking all over you.

The Bossie most often comes in a combination of two or three colors. Rarely solid, they can be black, red, brown, or white. They typically have a shorter haircoat, but it’s not uncommon to have medium length hair as well. Frequent brushing will help prevent mats and to decrease shedding.

This mix is more prone to hip and other joint issues as well as eye injuries, especially if they more closely follow the Boston Terrier side. Be sure to avoid overfeeding so that this mix doesn’t get too heavy.

Families with small children should make sure to properly socialize and train this mix to prevent unwanted herding or nipping. With proper socialization, this mix can make great companions for people of any age. They also tend to do well with other pets as long as they get adequate time to adjust to new pets.

23. Australian Shepherd Pomeranian Mix

Other Names	Aussiepom
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Energetic, loving, affectionate
Average Height	11-17”
Average Weight	10-30 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

An Aussiepom is sure to satisfy anyone’s need for cuteness, but they are loving and intelligent as well. Their need for mental stimulation means that they aren’t easily left alone for long periods of time. Destructive behaviors can develop if they get bored or lonely. They may also be a bit nervous or leery of strangers and should be given plenty of time to adjust.

The haircoat of this mix tends to have a merle coloring or maybe a solid color with flicks or spots of a second color. They are most commonly blue or red merle or tri-colored. Their hair is medium to long in length and fluffy. They are able to tolerate warm and cold weather fairly well, but since they are so little, caution should be taken in extreme weather. Frequent brushing is necessary to decrease shedding.

This mix may be more susceptible to deafness and blindness, hip and elbow dysplasia, and patella luxation. Being a small dog, special care needs to taken of their teeth and gums as well. This active dog should not be overfed to prevent excessive weight gain.

Due to their size, small children may need to be taught how to interact with this mix so that they don’t accidentally injure them. These dogs should also have proper socialization and training to decrease the likelihood of unwanted herding.

24. Australian Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix

Other Names	Raussie
Lifespan	13-16 years
Temperament	Energetic, friendly, work-oriented
Average Height	12-20”
Average Weight	15-40 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

The Raussie is a combination of two very work-oriented breeds. That being said, this mix can still be very friendly and loving to people. They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep from becoming destructive. An experienced dog owner is best when training these dogs as they can be stubborn and try to dominate.

This mix usually takes the appearance of a rat terrier in body shape but may take the coloring of an Australian Shepherd. They can be black, grey, white, or brown with merle coloring or spots. They tend to have shorter hair coats that still require frequent brushing to reduce shedding and mats.

Health conditions to watch out for include hip dysplasia, allergies, and eye problems. This active breed can be prone to weight gain if they are overfed or if they’re not given the proper amount of exercise. Be sure to feed a high-quality diet that will provide energy without excessive weight gain.

This mix should be socialized and trained at a young age in order to do well with small children and small animals. Since Australian Shepherds were bred to herd and Rat terriers were bred to hunt, they may have strong instincts to chase and hunt smaller animals. Be sure to allow a long adjustment period when introducing a new pet.

25. Australian Shepherd King Charles Cavalier Mix

Other Names	Aussalier
Lifespan	12-13 years
Temperament	Energetic, loyal, affectionate
Average Height	Varies
Average Weight	10-25 lbs
Trainability	Average to easy
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high

The Aussalier is relatively new in the dog world, so most of the long term information is just speculation. However, what is known is that they are very playful, fun-loving dogs that love to be with people. They tend to bond stronger to one person in a family but will happily spend time with any members. Training is typically easy although they are intelligent and will try to put one over on you if you let them.

This mix comes mostly in tri-color and merle patterns. They can have varying amounts of white. They tend to have medium to long, silky hair that needs to be brushed frequently to reduce shedding and prevent mats.

Since this is such a new mix, the health concerns are still being ironed out, but we can speculate that they may be more prone to the diseases of their parent breeds. This would mainly be hip dysplasia, eye problems, deafness, and obesity. Be sure to feed a high-quality dog food at the proper amounts so that this mix doesn’t become too heavy.

These dogs love to run and play and they can make great pets for families with children, especially if they are properly socialized. Without socialization and training, these dogs may be leery of strangers and try to herd small children and animals.

26. Australian Shepherd American Eskimo Mix

Other Names	Australian Eskimo
Lifespan	13-15 years
Temperament	Affectionate, energetic, loyal
Average Height	19-23”
Average Weight	35-60 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

The mix of an Australian Shepherd and an American Eskimo yields a fluffy, hairy dog that is energetic and loving. They like to be with their people, but may also be focused on the job at hand. This intelligent breed needs mental stimulation to keep themselves out of trouble and from becoming destructive. Training is typically easy, but can be made more difficult by their stubbornness.

This mix tends to be white with spots or speckles of black or brown. They have medium to long hair that is dense and coarse. Frequent brushing is a must to prevent mats and to reduce shedding. Because of this dense coat, they are better suited for cooler climates and may not appreciate hot, humid weather.

These dogs may be more prone to joint issues, like dysplasia and patellar luxation, eye problems, epilepsy, Addison’s diseases, and skin issues. Proper pre-breeding screenings can help decrease the likelihood of these issues. You should also avoid overfeeding this mix so that they don’t gain excessive weight.

As long as this mix gets a lot of exercises and is properly socialized, they will do well with children and other pets. In some dogs, the herding instincts may take over and they will want to herd small children and animals, but for the most part, they are very playful and fun-loving with everyone.

27. Australian Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog Mix

Other Names	Shel Aussie
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Intelligent, playful, fun
Average Height	16-23”
Average Weight	30-65 lbs
Trainability	Easy
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high

With two herding parent breeds, you would assume that this mix is all work and no play, but in fact, the Shel Aussie is quite playful and fun-loving. They enjoy activities and being with their people. They are intelligent and easy to train, but be sure to keep the upper hand as they may try to take advantage of a more novice dog owner.

These dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. They may be brown, black, grey, cream, blue, brindle, or merle. They will have long, thick hair coats that require frequent brushing to keep them mat free and to decrease shedding.

This mix may be subject to joint issues, such as dysplasia, and eye problems. Pre-breeding screening is an important way of reducing the likelihood of any of these diseases. This breed is moderately active, but overfeeding can still be a problem that can lead to excessive weight gain.

The Shel Aussie is typically a great companion for family members of all ages, but socialization and training are still important. This mix has a strong instinct to herd and may try to do so with smaller children and animals. Socialization will also help reduce this mix’s leeriness of strangers.

28. Australian Shepherd Cairn Terrier Mix

Other Names	Cairn Australian Shepterrier
Lifespan	13-16 years
Temperament	Affectionate, loyal
Average Height	14-17”
Average Weight	20-40 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

The Cairn Australian Shepterrier is a high energy, affectionate breed that likes to be with their families but may take some time to warm up to strangers. They are moderately easy to train and may take some reinforcement of commands in order to properly follow orders. They may have a strong drive to herd and hunt other animals, especially smaller ones.

This mix looks like a miniaturized version of an Australian Shepherd. They have medium hair that needs frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles and to remove shed hair. Obesity can also be a problem and special attention needs to be paid to the amount of food that you’re feeding them to prevent overfeeding and excessive weight gain.

These dogs may be more prone to joint issues, like dysplasia, and eye problems. They may also experience patellar luxation and hypothyroidism with higher frequency. Finding responsible breeders will help to decrease many of these health conditions.

This mix typically does well with children, especially if they’ve been socialized to them at a young age. They may not take well to other pets, though. Since they may have a strong drive to herd and hunt, smaller pets may be seen as prey instead of companions. Socialization, training, and supervision can help ensure that everyone stays safe with this mix.

29. Australian Shepherd Wheaton Terrier Mix

Other Names	Aussie Wheaton
Lifespan	12-14 years
Temperament	Energetic, loyal, affectionate
Average Height	14-17”
Average Weight	20-40 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

The Aussie Wheaton is a combination of energy and affection with some loyalty thrown in. They love to be with their people and are eager to do anything that is asked of them. However, with terrier in their blood, they’re bound to be a little stubborn and so may do better with an experienced dog owner who is consistent and firm when needed.

These dogs typically look like a light-colored mini Australian Shepherd. They will have a shaggy coat that borders on curly. Some may have some merle or tri coloring. Their shaggy coat requires frequent brushing to remove snarls and prevent mats as well as to decrease shedding. They are an active breed, but overfeeding can still be an issue. Take special care to avoid overfeeding and give them the exercise that they need.

This mix is prone to the same health conditions as their parent breeds. The main concerns being joint issues, like dysplasia and patellar luxation. They may also have trouble with their eyes and deafness. Reputable breeders will screen for many of these conditions pre-breeding to greatly reduce the chances.

These little dogs typically work well with kids. They are playful and fun-loving and just want attention. Socialization and training are an important way of helping to ensure that everyone is safe when interacting with this mix. Other pets are generally okay as well.

30. Australian Shepherd Yorkshire Terrier Mix

Other Names	Mini Yorkshire Aussie
Lifespan	13-16 years
Temperament	Loyal, playful, energetic
Average Height	8-18”
Average Weight	10-40 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	Moderate

The smaller mix of a Mini Yorkshire Aussie is energetic but without the large space requirements of larger breeds. They are affectionate and playful with their family, but maybe protective and leery of strangers. They are very intelligent and independent which can make training very easy but also requires an experienced dog parent that can keep the upper hand.

They will have a variety of coat and eye colors, including red, blue, brown, and black or combinations of all of the above. Haircoats tend to be medium to long and can be thick or silkier. Frequent brushing is an important way of preventing mats and tangles and reducing shedding. This mix is active, but they’re also small so overfeeding can be a problem.

This mix is not without its share of health concerns. They can be more prone to joint issues, eye problems, and tracheal collapse. Deafness can also be an issue. Reputable breeders will be able to reduce the occurrence of these conditions by performing pre-breeding exams.

Most of the time these dogs do well with children and other pets, especially if they have had proper socialization and training. This mix still may harbor some hunting and herding instincts, so smaller children and animals may need to be supervised.

31. Australian Shepherd Flat-Coated Retriever Mix

 

Other Names	Aussie Flat
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Friendly, intelligent
Average Height	20-24”
Average Weight	40-75 lbs
Trainability	Easy
Exercise Needs	High

Aussie Flats are friendly and affectionate, highly energetic and intelligent. They make a great choice for service animals. While they are easy to train, they do require frequent attention and exercise to keep them from being destructive. They make great outdoor companions for families of all ages.

This mix can come in many colors and combinations. They can be solid or have patterns. Possible colors include black, brown, grey, and cream with varying degrees of white. The haircoat is medium to long and can be straight or wavy. They may or may not have a double coat. Frequent brushing is required to prevent mats and to reduce shedding.

Health conditions to be concerned with for this mix include elbow and hip dysplasia, eye problems, deafness, and epilepsy. This is a relatively new mix so the actual occurrence of these health conditions is unknown. While this is an active mix, overfeeding can still be a problem and cause excessive weight gain.

This playful mix typically works well for families with children. The herding tendencies of the Australian Shepherd are most commonly cancelled out by the retriever’s outgoing personality. However, socialization and training are still highly recommended especially for dogs that follow the Australian Shepherd traits more closely.

32. Australian Shepherd Bull Terrier Mix

Other Names	Aussietare
Lifespan	11-15 years
Temperament	Playful, protective, social
Average Height	20-23”
Average Weight	50-70 lbs
Trainability	Easy to average
Exercise Needs	High

Aussietare is highly energetic and social. They like to be around people and other animals, yet can be protective of their family. Training can be difficult if dominance isn’t established early on. An experienced dog owner may be better with this dog as consistency in training is key to maintaining good behavior.

The variety in coloring and patterns of this mix is wide-ranging. They tend to have a lighter colored background with dark spots or speckles or some merle coloring. Their hair coat is short to medium in length and can be thick and dense or silky and wavy. Frequent brushing is necessary to reduce shedding and prevent matting.

This mix may be plagued by health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, eye problems and deafness. Responsible breeding can help reduce some of these issues by performing pre-breeding screenings. Weight gain can occur if this mix is overfed or not exercised properly.

The Aussietare is active and playful. They enjoy being social, but can still be standoffish around strangers and overly protective of their family. Small children and animals may need to be supervised when around this mix. Socialization and training can help this mix live comfortably with humans and pets of all sizes and ages.

33. Australian Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix

Other Names	Auss-Tzu
Lifespan	13-16 years
Temperament	Lively, friendly, affectionate
Average Height	9-11”
Average Weight	10 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

An Auss-Tzu mix creates an energetic little dog that doesn’t know it’s little. They make great companions and are better suited for apartment living than other Australian Shepherd crosses. That being said, they still need their daily exercise or they may become destructive or aggressive.

There is a lot of variety in the appearance of this mix. They can vary greatly in size depending on the size of the miniature Aussie used as a parent breed. They typically have long, silky hair in a variation of colors from black and grey, white and cream to brown and tan. This long haircoat requires daily grooming to prevent tangles and snarls as well as to decrease shedding.

Since this mix is fairly new, the exact occurrence of certain health conditions hasn’t been ironed out yet, but there are a few from the parent breeds that are worth mentioning. This mix may be likely to develop joint issues, like patellar luxation, dental problems, eye problems and deafness. They may also become obese if overfed or overtreated.

The parent breeds for this mix come from herding and guard dog backgrounds, so socialization is important if these dogs are to be around smaller children or other pets. They may also be leery of strangers. Proper training and socialization should occur as soon as possible.

34. Australian Shepherd Papillon Mix

Other Names	Austi-Pap
Lifespan	13-16 years
Temperament	Energetic, friendly, obedient
Average Height	7-10”
Average Weight	10-20 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

The Austi-Pap creates a little dog that is friendly and obedient and may be fearful of larger animals and strangers. Training is typically easy as they are eager to please and enjoy having a job, but fearful behaviors may take over in certain situations. They are high energy but are better suited for apartments than other Australian Shepherd crosses.

The size and coloring of an Austi-Pap can vary greatly depending on the parents. Miniature Aussies will create smaller mixes and standard Aussies will create larger ones. The coloring may be merle or a light background with speckles or spots. They tend to have longer hair that is straight or with a slight wave. The density of the haircoat can vary from dog to dog. However, frequent grooming is required for all dogs of this mix in order to prevent mats and decrease shedding.

This mix may experience joint problems, such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia, or eye problems. Dental problems are also an issue, especially with the smaller sized dogs. Overfeeding this mix can be a problem that leads to excessive weight gain.

This mix does better with older children as smaller children tend to move faster and aren’t as gentle causing this mix to be fearful. They tend to do well with cats and smaller dogs, but large dogs may cause fear. Socialization and training at a young age may help curb some of these fearful behaviors.

35. Australian Shepherd Schnauzer Mix

Other Names	Confetti Australian Shepherd
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Active, affectionate, intelligent
Average Height	12-23”
Average Weight	15-50 lbs
Trainability	Average
Exercise Needs	High

The Confetti Australian Shepherd tends to be a loving and affectionate dog that likes to be around its family. They are active and enjoy having a job to do. They may become possessive and protective, especially around strangers. They are medium-sized dogs that prefer to have a house with a yard along with daily walks or runs.

This mix tends to resemble the miniature Schnauzer in appearance, including having the beard and skirting. However, they may be a variety of colors and patterns, including merle or spotted in brown, black, or grey. They will most likely be double-coated and require frequent brushing to prevent matting and to reduce shedding.

These dogs are more prone to joint and eye issues, urinary stones, and epilepsy. Reputable breeders can perform pre-breeding screenings for many of these issues to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence. Overfeeding and overtreating can cause excessive weight gain that can also be detrimental.

This is a mix that is more comfortable with older children and other pets if a proper adjustment period of giving. They may be hesitant of strange dogs and even aggressive if socialization and training don’t occur at an early age.

Final Thoughts

Australian Shepherd mixes are dogs that are meant for activity. They enjoy being outside with their families, especially if that involves play or other interactive activities. Most also appreciate having a job to do to keep their minds stimulated. Socialization and training are important for every one of these Australian Shepherd mixes in order to get the best behavior possible in all situations with all types of people. If you live an active lifestyle and have time to devote to a companion, an Australian Shepherd mix will give you back everything that you put in times 10.