Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Owner’s Guide
Are you the new pet parent of an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix dog or puppy? Would you like to adopt an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix? Then you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve put together an owner’s guide, where you can learn about the origins of these beautiful dogs, find out all about their personalities, characteristics and more! Let’s get started!
Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix – History & Origins
Australian Shepherd German Shepherd dogs, also commonly referred to as German Australian Shepherds, are two breeds that have been intentionally crossed: the Australian Shepherd and the German Shepherd. Both of these dog breeds are working dogs, which have high levels of intelligence. The result of this mix is a beautiful, highly intelligent dog that’s extremely loyal and loves being with his pet parents.
German Shepherds started back in the 1800s when a calvary officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, decided to develop a great herding dog. Over the course of 35 years, Stephanitz continued to refine the breed. The result of his breeding program was a German Shepherd that is highly confident, known for its bravery and is the second most popular dog today according to the AKC (American Kennel Club).
Australian Shepherds originally came from herding dogs bred in the Basques region of Spain. In the 1800s, Basques people immigrated to Australia, where their dogs were used to herd sheep. A bit later, some Basques people ended up moving to California, in the US, where ranchers became enamored with the dogs. From that time to now, Australian Shepherds have made their mark on the culture of the American West. These days, the Australian Shepherd is the 16th most popular dog in the US, according to the AKC.
In the US, the German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd were crossed, with the outcome an amazing mix of the two breeds.
Characteristics of German Australian Shepherd Dogs
The German Australian Shepherd dog is usually a medium-to large in size and has a slightly rectangular body shape. Those dogs that have more German Shepherd genes may have the slope to their backs, while dogs that have more Australian Shepherd genes have a higher chance of missing half of their tail.
These dogs have a head that is well-proportioned to the rest of the body, with triangular ears set high on the head, with rounded tips. Expect the German Australian Shepherd to have an athletic build and be quite agile on their feet.
A German Australian Shepherd can weigh in between 45 to 80 pounds and stand between 20 to 25 inches tall. The breed has a medium-length coat, which forms a “ruff” around the neck, and then feathers down around their legs. These amazing fur babies come in various colors including merle, red merle, blue merle, tan, black and tricolor.
When it comes to eye colors, these can also vary greatly. Some dogs may have one blue eye and one amber eye, while others will have two brown, blue, hazel, amber or green. Whatever color they have, these dogs are stunning. Australian Shepherd German Shepherd dogs also have beautiful almond-shaped eyes and black noses.
These dogs have a lifespan somewhere between 10 and 15 years.
German Australian Shepherd Personality/Temperament
Just as their stunning looks, German Australian Shepherds also have wonderful personalities. With proper breeding, a German Australian Shepherd will be extremely intelligent. In fact, these dogs have been known to outthink their pet parents, so be warned!
Along with their high intelligence, this breed is also very protective, making them a little standoffish with strangers. They’re also highly energetic. Remember, both of the dog breeds that make up the German Australian Shepherd have been used as working dogs, so they need a lot of exercise.
These dogs are usually great with kids, especially those they’ve been raised with. However, remember that children, especially young children, should never be left alone with any dog. Always be sure to supervise young kids when they’re with your fur baby.
What about other animals? German Australian Shepherds can get along quite well with other animals in the home; however, the dog must be socialized and trained at a young age to make sure he is good with other pets.
German Australian Shepherds are extremely trainable and live to work. So, if you have one of these amazing fur babies, you’ll need to make sure he is properly socialized. You’ll also need to keep him busy, so he doesn’t become bored or depressed. These dogs are the happiest when they have work to do, and when they have plenty of physical activity. German Australian Shepherds are best suited for pet parents who are active, rather than those who are more sedentary.
In addition to all of these marvelous characteristics, these dogs are loving, loyal, dependable companions. They form deep bonds with their pet parents.
German Australian Shepherds Need A lot of Activity
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd dogs need quite a bit of activity. Remember, these are working dogs! Without the right amount of activity, these dogs can become destructive or even neurotic. As a result, expect to give your dog about 2 or more hours of vigorous exercise every day. Training can also be included, to keep your dog’s mind mentally acute. These dogs also enjoy puzzle toys, new experiences, training and more.
In addition to the activity requirements, you’ll need a big yard for your canine companion to run around and enjoy. This is not a breed that adapts well to apartment living. So, you really will need a home with a large, fenced yard for your fur baby.
German Australian Grooming Requirements
Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mixes do shed quite a bit, especially during shedding season (about twice a year). So, you’ll need to brush your fur baby regularly to get rid of the excess hair and keep his fur from becoming tangled and snarled.
These dogs should only be bathed when needed; always use a shampoo made especially for dogs, not shampoo made for humans. You will also need to trim your fur baby’s nails when they become too long and brush his teeth about 3 times a week (or more). Here, again, be sure to use a product that’s made for dogs; do not use toothpaste made for humans.
Health and Diet
German Australian Shepherds are generally healthy, but they can inherit some conditions from their parents. These can include:
- Bloat
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- EPI
- Epilepsy
- Deafness
- Cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- OCD
- Eye problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Drug sensitivities
When it comes to diet, your fur baby will need about 3 cups of dog food per day, as long as he’s active. If he’s older and not quite as active, you may need to reduce the amount of food he gets each day. Be sure to ask the vet about this before reducing your canine companion’s food.
Overall, these are amazingly intelligent, highly active dogs who do make good family dogs. You just need to have a large yard and keep your fur baby mentally stimulated in order to have a healthy, happy dog! With a German Australian Shepherd, you’ll have a loyal, loving companion for years to come!
