Popularly known for its often multi colored eyes and enthusiastic personality, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd is one of the best canines to join your family. Border Aussies are the hybrid produced by crossbreeding the Border Collie with the Australian Shepherd. Together, these two breeds have made the perfect dog in all aspects. Their appearance will initially draw your attention, but their lovable nature and playfulness is what will completely win you over. This designer dog is officially recognised by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and many other well known bodies.
Many persons choose to adopt the Border Aussie after one look, but it is important to take a look at the characteristics of a dog before you decide to make them your own. While its exotic appearance may win you over, the Border Aussie does have certain needs or requirements that may not fit into your lifestyle. In order to understand the personality traits of the Border Aussie, we must examine its heritage, and pay close attention to how the parents behave.
The Border Collie
Used in historical times by farmers and hunters, the Border Collie is a working class dog breed. They were mainly used as herding dogs for sheep. Their popularity rose as owners began to realise that this breed was highly intelligent, and followed instructions very well. They also have an eager to please mentality that causes them to go above and beyond for their owners. Apart from their tranability and intelligence, Border Collies are also great family dogs who enjoy showing affection and playing with their owners. Some of these attributes should be present in your Border Aussie, depending on the dominant parental gene.
The Australian Shepherd Dog
The Australian Shepherd Dog also comes from a lineage of hard work, and was previously used as a working dog for farmers and herders. Australian Shepherd Dogs, also previously referred to as Aussies, were used as sheep herders and British herding dogs in their early years of existence. This is one of the reasons that they are very active and react well to human commands. They are also very energetic and loyal pups, and bring joy to every family they enter. In 206, they were ranked as the 17th most popular dog breed in the US.
5 Major Features of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
The features of both parents show the major characteristics that will emanate from your new dog, but it is still important to take an in depth look at the Border Aussie before making your decision. Here are 5 major features and characteristics of the Border Aussie.
1. Border Aussies are closer in resemblance to the Border Collie than the Australian Shepherd Dog
This breed may be a bit difficult to distinguish from mini Border Collies because both breeds have similar physical attributes. The main determinant in this case would be size, as the Border Aussie falls between 30 to 75 pounds in weight, making them extremely bigger than the mini Border Collie. When it comes to appearance, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd has a long coat with varying textures, and this coat may come in a variety of different colours. These include but are not limited to black, white, beige, brindle, speckle or merle. They may also have different coloured eyes, ranging between brown, blue and green.
2. They are very good companion dogs
The personality and temperament of a Border Aussie is always shocking to many because of their big size. They are very lovable and sociable dogs, who enjoy making their owners happy and being around them. They love their owners so much that they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, instead, they enjoy family oriented and social settings. They tend to be very quiet which is ideal for many families, and their overall sweetness will consistently sweep you off your feet.
3. With the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix, grooming is a breeze
Despite the length and fluffiness of their coat, the Border Aussie doesn’t need more than the average dog when it comes time for grooming. They do not shed, which means brushing is reduced to once per week if needed. Bathe these dogs as needed, and be careful not to use any shampoos with harsh chemicals that may cause an allergic reaction, but instead use a dog shampoo specifically for sensitive skin. Remember to also pay attention to their dental hygiene, and keep their delicate areas such as the eyes an ears clean, to prevent any infections from happening.
4. They love their exercise and training times
Border Aussies were designed to work, which make them prime candidates for following instructions. This makes training relatively simple, and your dog will understand you in a short time frame that may shock even you. They love training because of the mental stimulation that it causes, but they also need their exercise time to run around. Normally, its best to give them at least 1 – 2 hours of physical exercise each day, including playful activities and long walks. This will keep your Border Aussie both happy and healthy.
5. Border Aussies live very long and healthy lives
If you’re searching for a dog who is in it for the long run, the Border Aussie may be your best bet yet. They generally live an average of 10 to 14 years, and there have been reports of some Border Aussies living up to 16 years. Though they live long, they are at risk for many health issues and conditions, some of which are life threatening. Some of these major health conditions are:
- Epilepsy – This condition is normally inherited, and causes unexpected and consistent seizures in your dog which may result in death.
- Hemangiosarcoma – This condition is a form of cancer in canines that causes tumors to develop in the blood vessels of your dog. This condition is very serious, and should be treated as soon as detected. It is normally associated with your dog’s exposure to the sunlight, so ensure you keep your Border Aussie cool and safe.
- Cataracts – Eye conditions such as cataracts are a common occurrence in dogs, especially large dogs. The earlier it i detected, the better the chances are for your pup.
There you have it, everything you need to know about the Border Collie Australian Shepherd to determine if this dog breed is ideal for you. Happy adopting!