Prefurred

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix – Everything You Need To Know

The Border Collie Australian 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. 

Two Dogs on a Rock in Front of a Mountain

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. 
  • You are devoted to positive reinforcement training.
  • There is a well-rounded dedication in meeting their extensive physical and mental needs.

An Australian Shepherd can be your faithful companion, only if:

  • You are willing to deliver daily enrichment exercises for their minds and bodies.
  • You live in an environment that permits a lot of contact with you and possibilities for vast exercise.
  • You are eager to train those who want to learn and explore their potential.

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Pros and Cons  

Pros Cons 
Loyal and affectionate Can become destructive if left alone for extended periods
Healthy and long living Energetic breed that needs a lot of activity 
Excellent stamina and perfect family companion Mental and physical stimulation is necessary to stop your dog from being aggressive 

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Basic Information

  • Name: Border Collie Australian Shepherd 
  • Height: 18 to 23 inches
  • Weight: 30 to 65 pounds
  • Color:  Black and white, gray, brown, red, blue merle, red merle, and red tricolor 
  • Coat: Medium-long double coat
  • Hypoallergenic: No  
  • Energy: High  
  • Activities: Watchdogs, companion dogs, working dogs
  • Barking Level: Medium to High 
  • Shedding Level: Medium to High 
  • Group: Mixed breed  
  • Litter Size: 4 – 9 Puppies  
  • Life Span: 10 – 17 years
  • Another Name: Aussieollie, Border Aussie, Aussie Border
  • Breed Recognition: ACHC – American Canine Hybrid Club, DDKC – Designer Dogs Kennel Club, DRA – Dog Registry of America, Inc., IDCR – International Designer Canine Registry.

Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd: A Comparison  

FeaturesBorder CollieAustralian Shepherd
Image  


OriginUnited Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, EnglandUnited States
Height18 to 22 inches18-23 inches
Weight30 to 45 pounds40-65 pounds
SizeMediumMedium
GroupHerding Herding
Children CompatibilityMedium to HighHigh
Family CompatibilityHighHigh
Pets CompatibilityMediumHigh
Barking LevelLow to MediumMedium to High
Shedding LevelMediumMedium to High
HypoallergenicNoNo
Grooming NeedsMediumMedium to High
Overall HealthMedium to HighMedium to High
EnergyHighHigh
Exercise NeedsHighHigh
TrainabilityMedium to HighHigh

Activities
Agility, Conformation, Herding, Obedience, Rally Obedience, TrackingCompanion, Sports, Obedience, Agility
Complication in breedingNoNo
Litter Size4 to 8 puppies6-7 Puppies
Lifespan12 to 15 years12-15 years
Other NamesScottish Sheep Dog, English Sheep Dog, and Welsh SheepDogSpanish 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: 

  • Yard Play 
  • Frisbee
  • Obstacle Course 
  • Retrieval tasks like Fetch and come. 
  • Weave Poles 
  • Hiking 
  • Agility training 
  • Flyball

Exercise Needs Overview

  Energy Level                                          High  
  Exercise Needs                                     Medium to High  
  Playfulness                                            High   
  Intensity          Medium to High  

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Grooming 

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.
  • Brush their teeth 2 to 3 times a week.
  • Check their nails, ears regularly and clean their ears
  • Bath when required.
  • 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 around seven 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.

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
Find a Dog


Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Images

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Videos

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix

Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix

Other Australian Shepherd Mixes

  • Australian Retriever
  • 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
  • Bull-Aussie
  • Aussie Akita
  • Berner Aussie
  • Aussie Pug
  • French Bull-Aussie (Aussie-Frenchie)
  • 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

Other Border Collie Mixes

  • Afghan Collie
  • Border Malamute Collie
  • Ski-Border
  • Border Heeler
  • Border-Aussie
  • Border Beagle
  • Bordernese
  • Border Collie Britt
  • Border Collie Cocker
  • Bodacion
  • English Borsetter Collie
  • Border Springer
  • Giant Border Schnollie
  • Golden Border Retriever
  • Border Collie Pyrenees
  • Italian Border Greyollie
  • Border Jack
  • Border Stack
  • Borador
  • Border Collie Lakeland
  • Miniature Border Schnollie
  • Border Newfie
  • Border Collie Pit
  • Border Point
  • Border Pom
  • Bordoodle
  • Border Collie Bernard
  • Border Schnollie
  • Border Sheepdog
  • Border Collie Bull Staffy
  • Standard Border Schnollie

Leave a Comment