The Border CollieAustralian Shepherd Mix, also known as the Border Aussie, is a hybrid between a Border Collie and an Australian Shepherd – both working dogs with herding lineages. Pet owners can expect a people-oriented, kind, calm, bouncy, and playful breed. Unfortunately, Border Aussies are unsuitable for families suffering from allergies because this designer breed sheds throughout the year. They are well suited for older kids who love long walks and active days out.
Border Aussies might look nearly identical for someone unfamiliar with the Borders and Aussies, differentiated only by Border Collie’s long natural tail and Aussie’s docked tail. Both the parent breeds have incredible energy, bright-eyed charisma, and an enthusiastic work ethic that is unsurpassed. However, Border Aussies have different temperaments, talents, origins, training challenges, and characteristics.
Choosing the best qualities between the Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd might be challenging for an active pet parent who wants a dedicated tail-wagger that is easy to train and excited for any mental or physical activity. So, let’s outline their similarities and dissimilarities.
The main differences between Borders and Aussies are:
Aussies are more robust and slightly heavier than the Border Collie, despite being around the same height at the withers.
Both have similar coat patterns, but Borders have more varieties.
Borders tend to be a little timid than the Aussies, the latter being a little more invasive.
Even though both breeds are very clever, Border Collie’s intelligence is regarded the best among all canine species.
Borders and Aussies have their lineages in European Collies, but Aussies also have sheepdog ancestors from Germany or Spain and share genetics with the German Shepherds.
Aussies are not highly dedicated to tasks like Borders, which results in OCD. Borders are also needier, suffer from separation anxiety, are more protective towards kids and owners, and are suspicious of strangers and assertive when meeting other pets.
Being a working dog, Aussie concentrates on being a driving dog (or drover), communicates by movement with the infrequent bark, and flanks alongside or behind to move them. On the other hand, Borders are pack dogs for the herd and communicate with eye contact, using a silent slinking movement and a direct stare to intimidate livestock and move them.
A Border Collie can be your faithful companion, only if:
You have open, wide spaces for them to get enough exercise.
Scottish Sheep Dog, English Sheep Dog, and Welsh SheepDog
Spanish Shepherd, Pastor dogs, Bob-Tails, Blue Heelers, New Mexican Shepherds, California Shepherds
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Personality
Border Aussies resemble Border Collies more than the Australian Shepherds. They have floppy ears on a mesocephalic head, a medium-long double coat that is dense and waterproof, with brown, blue, or green eyes. Border Aussies are prone to heterochromia (one eye has a different color than the other eye). However, Borders with the merle gene can also have heterochromia. Like their parents’ intense gaze, the Border Aussie has striking eyes that express volumes that they won’t hesitate to unleash their power.
Although Borders and Aussies are both medium-sized dogs with medium-long hair and smooth coat, more physical traits can help us distinguish these breeds. In addition, Border Collies have more possible color varieties than the Aussies’ coat. Let’s look at the colors varieties each breed has:
Border Collies
Black
Blue
Blue Merle
Brindle
Gold
Lilac
Red
Red Merle
Sable
Sable Merle
White and Black
White and Blue
White and Blue Merle
White and Red
White and Red Merle
White Ticked
Australian Shepherds
Black
Merle
Blue merle
Red tricolor
Black
Red
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
High
Pet-Friendly
Medium
Strangers-Friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Medium
Good for Apartment Living
Medium
Sensitivity Level
Medium to High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold Tolerance
High
Heat Tolerance
Medium
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament
It is challenging to predict the exact temperament of the Border Aussie as they can inherit the traits from both their shepherd herding parents. However, they will be well-behaved with proper socialization and training.
Border Aussies are usually quiet and calm, but they bark to communicate if they feel suspicious. In addition, they can suffer from separation anxiety, so it is recommended not to leave them alone for extended periods.
Border Aussie loves to chase and herd small animals, so they will likely stalk and nip at children’s ankles. This is not an indication of aggression – they are just doing what comes instinctively to them. The Australian Shepherd’s instinct to herd can be trained out, but it is something to be conscious of if you have young kids at home.
Both parent breeds excel in canine sports. Their willingness to please and keen desire to work with their owner make them perfect companions for various canine activities. However, it is necessary to realize that these breeds are not innately outgoing, social butterflies who love to greet and meet other people and have endless patience. Instead, they can be easily merged into a family with children and become great pets, requiring constant work and supervision.
Border Aussies are responsive and gentle. However, pet parents must ensure that they do not scold or hit as these breeds are very sensitive and easily offended.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Training
With these breeds and their offspring, it’s vital to concentrate on positive reinforcement training. Border Aussies are sensitive to their owner’s mindsets and don’t react well to mistreatment or violence. Therefore, as an owner, you have to develop a friendly, respectful connection with your puppy that convinces and makes them feel protected. In general, these intelligent dogs are easy to train; however, they might be very determined. Hence, early socialization and proper training are essential for Border Aussies.
Follow these simple steps to raise an obedient companion:
Use short words, such as ‘sit,’ ‘come,’ ‘stay,’ etc., for the desired demeanors you want to teach. Again, consistency is essential, so make sure that everyone who interacts with your dog uses the same commands.
Once they perform well, treat them immediately with verbal praise and small treats.
Reduce the number of treats gradually once they learn the command, but continue to praise them every time verbally.
Positive reinforcement training should be maintained and consistent to ensure that they keep up the good work.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
Medium to High
Intelligence
High
Prey Drive
Medium
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
Medium to High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Medium
Wanderlust Ability
Medium
Attention/Social Needs
Medium
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Exercise Needs
Border Collie Australian Mix is a working dog who requires adequate exercise, both physical and mental stimulation. Hence, exercise them for at least 90 minutes daily to keep them fit and sustain their energy. Regular walking, jogging, or playtime are recommended. Although allowing them to walk ahead of you on your long walks is not a great idea. This breed must be walked either behind or beside you as the alpha owner to reinforce that. Here are some activities to keep your Border Aussie engaged:
Border Aussie bears a medium-to-long-length double coat, a coarse outer coat, and a smooth undercoat, which doesn’t need grooming frequently, except during shedding seasons. Border Collie Australian Shepherd’s grooming needs are as follows:
Brush their medium-long shaggy coat at least twice a week. During shedding season, brush around four times a week.
Often Clip their nails using canine-specific guillotine nail trimmers as their larger nails can get easily scratched up.
Grooming Overview
Amount of Shedding
Medium to High
Tendency to Drool
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low
Easy to Groom
Medium to High
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Health
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is a relatively healthy designer breed. Unfortunately, this does not indicate that they will be resistant to any disorder. However, a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and regular check-ups can avoid many health ailments.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium
Weight Gain Possibilities
Medium
Size
Large
Elbow Dysplasia: A genetic disorder commonly affects large breed dogs. This condition is caused by divergences in the maturing rates of the three elbow bones. Because of this, the joints will be loose, resulting in lameness and distress.
Hip Dysplasia: A painful disorder caused when the hip’s socket part fails to suit the ball, which leads to joint dislocation. This disorder may occur at birth or an earlier age as hereditary. When the affected dog ages, this condition can further expand into arthritis.
Cataracts: An affected eye will look clouded due to the formation of a white film-like coating over the eye lens. Such a condition should not be left untreated as it can result in blindness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: An eye disease that causes blindness from losing photoreceptors at the eye back. It can be diagnosed earlier. Dogs with this disorder can survive for many years since they have other senses to compensate.
Multi-Drug Sensitivity: This is a condition where the gene that transports specific prescribed medicines out of or away from the brain is incorrect, and the toxicity of the drugs poisons them. When you visit the vet, make sure to remind them that they are sufferers of MDS to be on the safe side.
Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome: A condition where white blood cells (WBC) are not released accurately from the bone marrow, preventing the dog’s immune system from opposing diseases. Most Collies generate symptoms of this at aroundseven months of age and can die soon after. A DNA swab can diagnose if they suffer from this syndrome early.
Collie Eye Anomaly: CEA is an inherited developmental condition usually seen in breeds like Australian shepherds, Border Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, etc. This disorder can lead a dog to blindness.
Deafness: A hereditary condition seen in Collies. There is every chance that the mixed breed puppy gets inherited.
Cancer: The Australian Shepherd has a higher life expectancy than Border Collie, so they are predisposed to cancer as they grow older. Cancer can be remedied by surgical removal of tumors and chemotherapy. Yet, it is crucial not to ignore the signs and diagnose them earlier.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Diet and Nutrition
Border Collie Australian Shepherds are just as unique as other canine breeds and must be fed as per their necessities. They need around 1100 calories a day, about 1.5 to 2.5 cups a day of good high-quality, well-balanced nutritious food. The kibble you serve your puppy should be high in calcium to keep them away from diseases like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It would be better if you took proper care not to feed your Border Aussie with human foods, as some may be toxic for them.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Living Condition
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd crossbreeds require a lot of space to run around with you or on their own. Therefore, they are more suitable to live on a ranch, farm, or a house with a big backyard. However, they can stay in an apartment as long as you can provide the physical and mental stimulation they need.
Adding a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Buying a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
Border Aussies are easy to train due to their intelligence.
They shed very heavily.
They are not suitable for a family with small kids since they can hurt them.
Make sure you meet the parents and check for their health tests, vaccination records, etc.
Early socialization can give you a fantastic companion for a lifetime.
Cost of a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy
A Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix puppy can range from approximately $600 to $900, not including miscellaneous costs.
