The Australian Shepherd Lab mix or Aussiedor is a beautiful, energetic, loyal medium-sized dog. This hybrid results from crossbreeding the purebred Australian Shepherd and the purebred Labrador Retriever parent. These hybrid dog breeds make great herding dogs
An average Aussiedor stands between 22 to 25 inches tall and weighs 40 to 80 pounds. With its strong temperament, playful demeanor, and intelligence, this mixed breed is excellent for families with children.
It does have some health issues, but it is manageable with care by the dog owner. It is a member of the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Origin Of The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
Now we will talk about the two dog breeds history and see how it led to the evolution of the Aussie Shepherd Lab Mix.
Labrador Retriever History
The Labrador retrievers hail from Newfoundland, Canada. Fishermen used this breed as a working dog to help retrieve fallen nets in the 17th century.
Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted. They possess high levels of intelligence, making them relatively easy to train. Labs have an athletic build, allowing them to complete any assigned task easily.
Their soft mouths enable careful acquisition without causing damage. The Labrador’s dense coat comes in solid black, yellow, or brown color. Accepted as the most popular dog breed till 2023 by the American kennel club, they are indeed awesome pets
Australian Shepherd History
The Australian Shepherd is one of the unique herding breeds. They developed from imported dogs who arrived in California, with sheep imports coming from Australia in the 1800s.
According to genetic studies, Australian Shepherds belong to the UK Rural group of related breeds. It indicates their origin may lie in European herding dog ancestry.
Initially bred for their stamina and agility, they herd livestock all day. Over time this breed became valued for its skill as a conscientious worker and an affectionate companion.
Due to the need for capable farmers’ helpers, the Aussie was brought along during America’s westward movement. It was in the 19th century that they experienced considerable development.
Australian Shepherd dogs are incredibly intelligent with high energy levels. They are perfect candidates for advanced training like obedience classes or search & rescue operations.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance
The appearance of the Labrador Australian Shepherd mix usually combines both parent breeds. Some variation may exist depending on which traits are inherited from each breed.
They generally range in size from medium to large. Males typically measure 18-24 inches tall and weigh 45-88 pounds. Females are smaller at 17-22 inches tall and 30-70 pounds.
These pups have a double coat with a soft undercoat covered by a longer topcoat. Many mixes have the traditional black or yellow lab coloring.
But you can also find mixes in chocolate brown, blue merle, or red merle. Some might have white markings around their face, chest, or paws.
Aussiedor Coat Colors
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix comes in a variety of coat colors.
Black Lab Australian Shepherd Mix
Th Australian shepherd black mix is a hybrid canine. It combines the active and intelligent Australian Shepherd with the friendly Labrador Retriever.
The result is an energetic, easy-going, and highly trainable dog. These pups are medium in size with sturdy legs, pointy ears, and broad heads.
They are mostly black with white or sometimes brown patches on their faces. The marks may also be found around their noses or eyes. They carry genes from both parent breeds, giving them a unique look.
Personality-wise, Aussiedors can fluctuate based on underlying genetics. Usually gentle-natured, they can occasionally be stubborn! They also possess natural herding instincts like Border Collies.
Australian Shepherd Chocolate Lab Mix
The Australian Shepherd Chocolate Lab Mix is a medium to large-size designer dog. It’s a stunning mix of powerful and loyal pooch.
Their colors range from black to yellow, chocolate tan brindle brown, cream blue merle, or a mix of these! They require brushing several times per week to prevent shedding problems.
Due to its gentle nature, this sweet canine will become a great family dog and a right dog for you. If you’re away during the day, it might be wise not to leave them home alone too often.
Australian Shepherd Yellow Lab Mix
The Australian Shepherd Yellow Lab Mix has an athletic build. The dog’s coat comes in various colors: black, brown, brindle, cream, or tan.
The Aussiedor’s coat tends to be thicker and less dense than its Australian Shepherd parent. This mix of purebred dogs is known for being energetic and strongly desires to roam.
They do best with active families. The dog needs plenty of space to play around and enough exercise to tire them out daily.
Breed Overview Of These Designer Dogs
Now let’s move over to this mixed breed dog’s temperament, personality, socialization, training, exercise, and grooming.
Australian Shepherd Labrador Mix Temperament
The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix is an intelligent, high-energy hybrid. They love to play and hang out with their people. Aussiedors are always eager to please, making them highly trainable.
While they were originally bred for work, Aussiedors now make great family pets. It is due to their loyal nature and loving disposition. Their herding instinct is top-notch.
Aussiedors need plenty of exercises daily to keep themselves in a jovial state. Dog sports such as agility or flyball are the perfect way to let off steam while having fun!
Mental stimulation can come through this kind of activity or learning new tricks. These activities will make your pup more obedient and less destructive when bored.
Personality
Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes are often described as devoted, loyal, and intelligent. They possess a natural curiosity for everything. Being a large sized dog, they are a puffball that melts in your arms
These hybrid pups are social creatures. They love to play with children, interact with other animals, learn new things, and take on challenges.
Moreover, this Aussie lab mix has a great herding instinct because its parent is a herding dog. If not managed, it may develop behavior problems due to excess energy.
Socialization
Socialization is an important part of raising an Australian Shepherd Lab mix. It helps shape their behavior and provides the ideal foundation for a well-mannered dog. Exposing them regularly from an early age (8 weeks onwards) will ensure they remain well-behaved.
Socializing your puppy from an early age will teach them to be comfortable in different environments. It prevents fear or aggression when your pup meets strangers or visits new places.
Being exposed to multiple experiences also gives your Aussiedor a confidence boost. It increases mental stimulation and keeps boredom at bay.
A good socialization process includes a social introduction with people who aren’t family members. Strange animal encounters like cats on leashes being held by strangers are crucial.
Take them to public parks where loud noises are normal, like skateboarders or outdoor concerts. These activities are fun instead of training, like long walks and games at home.
Training And Exercising Your Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix needs consistent training and exercise. It is essential for their physical and mental stimulation. Aussiedors can be boisterous when they are bored or lack regular activity. It can result in destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture.
Regular walks on a leash will satisfy your dog’s need for exploration. Playing fetch, tug-of-war, or other interactive games twice a week keeps them physically fit and mentally engaged.
Access to parks or nature trails allows for more vigorous activities like running or swimming! Training classes from professional instructors are recommended rather than attempting training at home.
However, you can attempt to do potty training at home for them. Ensure rewarding positive behavior with treats to encourage good behavioral habits over time!
Aussiedor Grooming: do Australian shepherds shed?
The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, or “Aussiedor,” is a double-coated breed. They require regular grooming to maintain their healthy look. Their medium-length coat sheds moderately year-round.
Heavy shedding is noticed during seasonal changes. Owners need to stay on top of their maintenance needs. Regular (weekly) brushing removes dead dog hair from the undercoat and keeps tangles from forming in the fur.
Specialty tools like slicker brushes and de-shedding blades are useful for combatting heavy shedding periods. Bathing your Aussiedor every 2 to 4 months will give them a subtle gleam. It will keep their skin healthy and debris-free.
Aussiedor And Care
Maintaining regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care is important when caring for an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix. They are prone to certain inherited health conditions like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia.
Labrador Health
Labradors are generally healthy dogs but possess a few health issues. They may be passed onto the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix.
Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary disease affecting Labrador Retrievers. It can lead to arthritis, difficulty walking, and lameness.
Labradors need proper nutrition and regular exercise to prevent this condition from developing. Ear infections are another potential genetic issue in Labs. Their long floppy ears trap moisture and debris more easily than other dog breeds.
Regularly cleaning your Aussiedor’s ears with a recommended veterinarian-approved ear solution prevents ear infections.
Australian Shepherd Health
The Australian Shepherd is a robust and generally healthy breed. But are vulnerable to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the hip joint isn’t properly formed.
It can cause pain, reduced mobility, and arthritis in older dogs. Another common issue is eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
Regular vet visits for check-ups and assessments of the eyes, ears, and bloodwork are important. Being overly inactive will predispose them to develop extra weight. It puts more strain on their body leading to heart or kidney diseases.
Aussiedor Health
Australian Shepherd Lab mix’s common health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, cancer, cataracts, or glaucoma.
Regular vet check-ups are recommended to identify any of these conditions early on. Provide a balanced diet per your dog’s weight and ample exercise to promote overall health. Vaccinations against distemper and hepatitis should also be up-to-date.
how long do australian shepherds live?
The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix has a lifespan of 9 to 15 years. But, genetics and environmental factors play a major role in determining the lifespan of these intelligent dogs.
Proper nutrition combined with regular exercise helps your pup stay fit. Periodic routine tests like heartworm tests or general blood workups ensure pups remain in top shape
Is An Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Right For Me?
Consider this designer dog’s temperament, energy level, and size to decide whether it fits well.
Do Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes Make Good Family Pets?
Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes make great family dogs and do well with small children. They have a friendly and social nature. They are intelligent dogs, quick to learn basic commands, and thrive on learning things as a family dog.
The Aussie Lab Mix loves being around children and other animals and is perfect for households with multiple pets or older kids. Aussiedors also require regular exercise. They are a good fit for active families who enjoy outside.
Aussiedors have even been used as therapy dogs due to their loving disposition.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Products And Accessories
Keep your pup healthy and happy with harnesses, chew toys, dog food, and dog treats. The below products are explicitly designed for Aussiedors.
PetSafe Easy Walk Front Clip Harness
The PetSafe Easy Walk Front Clip Harness is designed to help many a dog owner. The harness fits snugly over the dog’s torso with an adjustable chest strap. It provides a secure and comfortable fit while preventing pulling.
It also has a safety link clip for maximum control and reflective trim for nighttime visibility. This no-pull harness helps train your Aussiedor puppy effectively and avoids unnecessary tugging or pulling during walks.
This quality product is available through reputable pet supply retailers. It offers 45-day returns if you are unsatisfied with its use on your particular Australian Shepherd Lab Mix breed dog.
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
This Puzzle Toy offers entertaining ways to engage and stimulate your Australian Shepherd Lab Mix. It is designed by renowned pet product maker Nina Ottosson, who has created over 20 interactive games for different-sized dogs and other pets.
The game features adjustable difficulty levels from 1-4. You can find the perfect challenge for your four-legged family member. It helps them learn nose work, problem-solving, patience, self-control, and focus in older pups/dogs.
Finding An Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy
An Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy can be found with reputable breeders, shelters, or rescue organizations.
Rescuing This Designer Dog: Mix Breed Rescues
Adopting or rescuing an Australian Shepherd Lab mix has become popular for many pet lovers. It provides a stable, loving home and environment for a needy animal. Rescuing animals save money while potentially saving the life of an animal.
Rescued Aussie Labs may already be adults when they come into their new homes. Understand that behavioral issues may occur due to previous situations. Research and ensure the organization prioritizes health screenings, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering.
These rescues take in lost and abandoned dogs and rescue them from puppy mills. Owners who can no longer care for them also drop them here. Mix breed rescues typically screen potential adopters. It is done to ensure their new family member is going into a loving and safe home.
Lab Australian Shepherd Mix Breeders
The first step in finding an Aussiedor puppy is to locate reputable and responsible breeders. Ensure they offer purebred parent breeds and important paperwork like the American Kennel Club registration.
Proper health clearance and testing results confirm that the parent breeds do not have genetically inherited diseases. A reputable breeder takes care of these.
Pick a mixed-breed breeder specializing in socialization. It allows them to become better-adjusted dogs later in life.
Similar Breeds
The Mountain Cur-Lab Mix:
This breed is a Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur dog mix. It has a strong prey drive inherited from its parents. With training, they can be loyal and loving companions.
The energy level on this mix will vary depending on how much it inherits from each parent. They prefer to play outside or walk in moderate temperatures.
Basset Hound Lab Mix:
This popular cross is between a Basset Hound and a Labrador Retriever. They are known for their laid-back temperament and playful nature. With proper socialization, these sweet-natured dogs are great family pets!
They require regular exercise as they have medium energy levels. This mix is perfect for those looking for something more relaxed than the Aussiedor!
Golden Labrador:
The Golden Labrador comprises golden retriever genes crossed with a yellow labrador retriever. These hypoallergenic pups are very friendly toward children and other pets.
They are excellent for families who want something lively yet mellow at home. They have good sporting stamina like other retrievers.
Fun Facts About Aussiedors
- Despite their friendly and outgoing attitudes, the Australian Shepherd Lab-mix is an independent and intelligent breed.
- They possess an instinct to herd and make excellent service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, etc.
- The Aussie Lab was featured as the lovable pup Valentine in the 2009 film Hotel For Dogs.
- These dogs enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, biking, or running. It makes them great exercise companions.
FAQs: Australian shepherd lab mix
What do Aussiedors look like?
Aussiedors are a crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever. They have medium to large-sized bodies and short or medium-length coats. They come in black, brown, and cream colors.
How much are Aussie Labradors?
The cost of an Aussie Labrador can vary depending on the breeder, location, dog’s age, and pedigree. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for an Aussie Labrador.
Are Australian Shepherd lab mixes good dogs?
Australian Shepherd Lab mixes can make great pets as they are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. However, they may require a lot of physical and mental stimulation due to their active nature.
How long do black lab Australian Shepherds live?
The lifespan of a black lab Australian Shepherd mix can range from 10 to 14 years. Actual lifespan depends on factors such as diet, exercise, and genetics.
What is the size of a black lab Australian Shepherd mix?
The size of a black lab Australian Shepherd mix can vary. They are generally medium to large-sized dogs, ranging from 18 to 25 inches in height and 40 to 80 pounds in weight.
Do Australian Shepherd lab mixes shed?
Yes, Australian Shepherd Lab mixes can shed. Their shedding can vary depending on the length and thickness of their coat. Regular brushing reduces shedding.
Are Aussiedors good with kids?
Aussiedors can be good with kids if they are socialized and trained properly. They are known to be loyal, friendly, and affectionate, making them great family pets.
How big will an Aussie lab mix get?
The size of an Aussie Lab mix can vary depending on its genetics and parents’ size. Generally, they can grow to be medium to large-sized dogs. They range from 18 to 25 inches in height and 40 to 80 pounds in weight.
how big do australian shepherds get?
Australian Shepherds range in height from 18 to 23 inches, and in weight from 40 to 65 pounds. Males are generally larger than females.
What is an Aussie mix with a chocolate lab?
An Aussie mix with a chocolate lab is a crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd and a chocolate Labrador Retriever. They can have a medium to large body and short or medium-length coat. They come in various colors, such as brown and cream.
Author Profile
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Aritra, the founder of Labradorandyou.com, is a lifelong dog lover whose passion ignited for Labradors for their loyalty and intelligence. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. Labradorandyou.com provides reliable, timely, and evidence-based information, including Labrador-specific product reviews, training techniques, and care tips.
Labradorandyou.com was born out of Aritra's passion and his desire to share his profound knowledge about the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike
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