Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, also known as Aussiedor, Aussie Sheprador, Australian Sheprador, Aussie Lab, and Sheprador, is a cross between Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. They are medium-sized, energetic, loyal, playful, intelligent and are considered even-tempered dog breeds. If you are a new dog owner, this breed is not a wise option. You must have a dog parenting experience if you want an Australian Shepherd Lab mix as your puppy.
Aussiedor was intentionally developed in North America in the late 1990s by breeders. However, it is considered that this mix may have existed many years ago.
Image source: Animal corner
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Intelligent | Displays hunting tendencies |
| Family-friendly | Sheds a lot |
| Working and guard dog | Needs excessive exercise |
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Basic Information
- Name: Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
- Height: 18 – 25 inches
- Weight: 40 – 80 pounds
- Size: Medium to large
- Group: Mixed breed
- Coat: Short/medium/long and double coat
- Color: Black, tan, brindle, brown, yellow, chocolate, silver, black, red, white, and cream
- Barking Level: Medium
- Shedding Level: Medium to high
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Energy: High
- Activities: Companion dogs, guide dogs, herding cattle, agility.
- Litter size: 6 puppies
- Life span: 12 – 15 years
- Other names: Aussiedors, Australian Shepradors, Aussie Shepradors, Aussie Labs, and Shepradors
- Breed recognition: Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Australian Shepherd Vs. Lab: A Comparison
| Features | Australian Shepherd | Labrador Retriever |
| Image |  |  |
| Origin | The United States | United Kingdom |
| Height | 18-23 inches | Over 20 inches |
| Weight | 40-65 pounds | 40 to 70 pounds |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Group | Herding | Sporting dogs |
| Children Compatibility | High | High |
| Family Compatibility | High | High |
| Pets Compatibility | High | Medium to high |
| Barking Level | Medium to high | Low to medium |
| Shedding Level | Medium to high | Low |
| Hypoallergenic | No | Yes |
| Grooming Needs | Medium to high | Low |
| Overall Health | Medium to high | Low to medium |
| Energy | High | Medium to high |
| Exercise Needs | High | Medium to high |
| Trainability | High | Medium to high |
Activities | Companion, sports, obedience, agility | Agility, conformation, field trials, hunting tests, obedience, rally |
| Complication in breeding | No | No |
| Litter Size | 6-7 Puppies | 6 puppies |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Other Names | Spanish Shepherd, Pastor dogs, Bob-Tails, Blue Heelers, New Mexican Shepherds, California Shepherds | Labrador |
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Personality
A Lab mixed with an Australian Shepherd is a unique mixed breed. The puppy can be distinct even in the same litter while mixing a purebred Australian shepherd and another purebred Labrador Retriever. The mixed breed will either inherit both the parent breed’s traits or incline to one of the parent breeds.
An Aussiedor stands around 18 to 25 inches tall and weighs about 40 to 80 pounds. The coat colors are black, brown, tan, brindle, white, and cream. They usually have a double coat with short to long fur. They shed a lot and are not hypoallergenic. Hence, people with fur allergies should not parent this dog breed.
Aussiedors have triangle-shaped ears that are floppy. They have a pair of brown, blue, black, or hazel eyes. Their chest is wide, and both elbows are close to the sides of their ribs.
Friendliness Overview
| Affectionate | Medium to high |
| Family-friendly | Medium to high |
| Kid-friendly | Medium to high |
| Pet-friendly | Medium to high |
| Stranger-friendly | Medium to high |
Adaptability Overview
| Good for apartment | Low to medium |
| Good for new owners | Low to medium |
| Sensitivity level | High |
| Tolerates being alone | Medium to high |
| Cold tolerance | High |
| Hot tolerance | Medium to high |
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament
Australian Shepherd and Lab mix puppies are highly amiable, making them a great family dog. They are also kids-friendly, provided, introduced slowly, and trained early. You need to keep them under supervision while they mingle with the kids in your house. They also make good guard dogs. It is considered that Aussiedors are territorial barkers. Therefore, any stranger entering your property might trigger your dog’s protective instinct. Hence, you must also introduce your pet to a few close relatives and friends.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Training
If your Aussiedor inherits Australian Shepherd characteristics, he will need rigorous activities and training. Therefore, he has a hunting instinct and may chase and run to hunt things they want. Here, the training is necessary! You will have to train him in basic obedience tricks, which will disallow them to pursue anything they want. Socialization training is an essential aspect of training an Aussiedor! They have a protective instinct for their family. A usual visitor must be already introduced to your puppy.
Trainability Overview
| Easy to train | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Prey drive | Medium |
| Mouthiness tendencies | Medium to high |
| Barking or howling tendencies | Medium |
| Wanderlust tendencies | High |
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Exercise
Your Aussiedor was intentionally bred to work all day. Therefore, as they are technically working dogs, they have high energy and require 120 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Failing to provide them with the right amount of activity will make them aggressive. Activities like playing fetch, chasing frisbees, and swimming can keep your Aussiedors healthy and fit.
Exercise Needs Overview
| Energy level | High |
| Intensity | High |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Grooming
Your Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy will need good brushing once in a while. They can have matted hair if not groomed regularly. Regularly brushing can eliminate loose hair from their body, preventing matting and coiling of fur.
- Bathe them when needed, using dog-friendly shampoo.
- Clip their nails when they make a ticking sound against the floor.
- Check for ear wax as they have floppy ears.
- Brush their teeth regularly to keep gum disease and tartar at bay.
- Clean their eyes.
Grooming Overview
| Easy to groom | Medium to high |
| Drooling tendencies | Low to medium |
| Amount of shedding | Medium to high |
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Health
Australian Shepherd and Lab Mix is susceptible to a few health conditions similar to that of their parent breeds:
Elbow dysplasia: This disorder occurs when the elbow joint bones don’t fit appropriately. This condition generates abnormal pressure at the joint, leading to chronic rubbing and painful osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
- Mild to moderate pain
- Lameness in the forelimbs
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. The cartilage and bones in the dog’s hip start to wear away as he develops. This leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.
Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow gradually. Cataracts may develop at any age and often do not damage vision, although they cause vision loss in some cases. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifies the breeding dogs after testing them free of hereditary eye disease before breeding. Usually, you can remove cataracts surgically with good results.
Arthritis: This condition, most frequent in older dogs, can affect the legs, hips, back, and other body areas, making daily activities uncomfortable. However, as a dog owner, you can watch for signs of arthritis in dogs. So, if your dog is diagnosed, you may discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.
Bloat: Also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, is a condition in which a dog’s stomach twists when it fills with gas, food, or liquids. GDV appears out of nowhere and can progress swiftly. There is always a situation that requires immediate attention.
Epilepsy is the most prevalent neurological disease in canines, concerning about 0.75 percent of the population. Epilepsy is a broad name for disorders characterized by repeated, uncontrollable seizures caused by a brain defect.
Obesity: Obesity is a common health disease in dogs. Excess weight can result in back pain, digestive disorders, joint problems, and heart diseases. The ideal way to control this disorder is by maintaining a healthy diet and routine exercise.
Retinal dysplasia is when the retina develops abnormally. You can find it in various breeds.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Many eye infections involve the retina’s slow deterioration. In the initial phases, puppies become night-blind. As it progresses, they lose their eyesight during the daytime as well. However, most canines slowly adapt to their slight or complete sight loss as long as their home surroundings remain the same.
Hypothyroidism is when a dog’s metabolism is slowed due to the lack of thyroid hormone production. Symptoms are:
- Lethargy
- Gaining weight
- Reluctance to work out
- Hair Loss
Health Overview
| General health | Medium to high |
| Weight gaining tendencies | Medium |
| Size | Medium to high |
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Diet and Nutrition
An Aussiedor requires 2000 calories per day. That makes 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dog food. Ensure the diet is rich in protein and low in calories. Consult the vet whenever you notice increased or decreased consumption of food.
Before making changes to the diet, consult a vet and make the procedure slow. Do not give your Aussiedor puppy all the human food. They might become dangerous and life-threatening.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Living Condition
An Aussidor requires a loving family to spend his entire life with. They suffer from separation anxiety and should not be left alone for long. They cannot live in apartments, as they are high in energy and will require ample space to sweat it out. Positive reinforcement is best while training these puppies.
Aussiedors can tolerate cold and hot climates. Still, do not expose him to extreme sun and icy winters. You can use sun lotions and paw wax during summer and winter to protect your pet’s skin.
Adding An Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy
Things to remember before adding an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy to your family
If you plan to add a lovely Aussiedor to your family, make an effort to search for a reputable breeder. They will ensure you:
- Vaccination certificate
- Gene testing certificate
- Medical histories and updates
- Meet with the purebred parents
- To show you the breeding zone
Cost of an Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy
The cost of an Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy will range from $400 to $800. However, if you plan to rescue, the puppy may cost not more than $250.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Images
Image sources: All things dogs, K9 Web, Animal corner, Perfect Dog Breeds, K9 Web, Pinterest, HCB.CAT, Draka, The Pets, Puppy in training
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Videos
Australian Shepherd Labrador Mix: Interesting Facts/Infos Nobody Knows
ONE SECOND EVERY DAY | Aussie Retriever Puppy Growing Up | 8 weeks to 8 months
Other Australian Shepherd Mixes
- Bull-Aussie
- Aussie Akita
- Berner Aussie
- Aussie Pug
- French Bull-Aussie (Aussie-Frenchie)
- Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
- Aussie Beagle (Sheagle)
- Sheepnees (Aussie Pyrenees)
- Australian Shepherd Rottweiler
- Aussie-Chi
- Boxherd
- Border-Aussie (Aussie Collie)
- Aussiedoodle
- German Australian Shepherd
- Texas Heeler
- Ausky
- Aussiedor (Shepradors)
- Auggie
- Bossie (Baussie)
- Auberman
- Chow Australian Shepherd
- Dachshund Aussie Shepherd
- Dalshep
- Aussiel (Cotralian)
- Australian Eskimo
- Auss-Tzu
- Aussie Tare
- Cairn Australian Shepterrier
- Aussalier English Cotralian
- Confetti Australian Shepherd
- Aussie Newfie
- Austi-Pap
- Aussie Pom
- Shel-Aussies
- Aussie Shiba
- Aussie-Flat
- Aussie Wheaten
- Yorkie Aussie
- Border Aussie
Other Labrador Retriever Mixes
- Afador (Labrador x Afghan Hound)
- Bassador (Labrador x Basset Hound)
- Borador (Border Collie Labrador Mix)
- Boxador (Boxer Labrador Mix)
- Cavador (Labrador x Cavalier)
- Chabrador (Labrador x Chow Chow)
- Corgi Labrador Mix
- German Shepherd Labrador Mix
- Goldador (Golden Retriever Labrador Mix)
- Huskador (Husky Labrador Mix)
- Labradorernese
- Labradormaraner
- Labradorradoodle
- Labrador Pointer Mix
- Rottador (Rottweiler Labrador Mix)
- Springador
- Doberdor
