The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix combines two intelligent, energetic and affectionate breeds into one fun, active package. Known as the Border Aussie, this clever cross is medium sized with a long, glossy coat and an expected lifespan of around 13 years.
When adopting a cross breed, it is important to understand the perks and quirks of each parent breed.
Since the resulting pup may show traits of either, or both, in every category imaginable.
So let’s check out the important characteristics of both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd.
To help you get a sense of what you might expect from a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix.
While there are no guarantees with how cross breeds will resemble their parents, knowledge truly is power.
We will discuss temperament, trainability, appearance, health and more.
Is the Border Aussie mix a good fit for you? Let’s find out!
What is a Border Australian Shepherd mix?
Generally speaking, a mixed-breed dog is the result of two different pure-breed dogs. Referred to as the “parent” breeds.
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix comes from two similar breeds, defined as members of the “herding group.”
The Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd.
Individually, both breeds have a rich history as working out on farms and ranches. Helping their owners by, you guessed it, herding.
The so-called “sheepdog” has historically been identified as the ideal dog to direct and protect flocks for farmers.
Despite the passage of years since their arrival as working dogs, both breeds still show behaviors clearly tied to their history.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament
Both Australian Shepherds and Border Collies tend to be fairly similar in temperament.
Their personalities are closely tied to their identities as “herding” dogs.
Both breeds are characteristically smart and bursting with energy.
As a result of this combo, both types are often described as “work oriented,” even “workaholics”!
For both of these natural herder-types, one cannot speak about temperament without energy levels.
Both breeds have the energy to work and play hard, and enjoy doing so.
When not provided a sufficient outlet for their energy, a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix will become bored and frustrated.
This can be expressed in destructive behavior around the house.
Both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds thrive emotionally and mentally when their instinctual drives to herd and work are met.
They also thrive in a home where there is someone around all day, who has time for regular interaction.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Exercise
Proper exercise for a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is arguably one of the most important considerations before adoption.
As stated earlier, both parent breeds are defined by their high energy levels.
Border Collies and Australian Shepherds share a daily need for exercise beyond a walk in the park.
These striking features lend themselves to the reality of a breed that requires a near tireless owner. One that can keep up with their canine companion.
This breed is not ideal for homes who are not interested in keeping active.
It should be a deciding factor in pursuing a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix.
They need to be given plenty of other stimulation both mental a physical.
Agility, fetch, sporting dog training and flyball are great choices.
When considering a Border Aussie mix, these ideas can be used as a jumping-off point for a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Australian Shepherd and Border Collie Mix Training
Fortunately for prospective dog owners, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are considered to be easily trainable.
Obedience training is, generally speaking, a crucial part of owning a dog.
The idea itself may seem daunting, conjuring up images of frustration and anxiety on your part.
However, both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are “eager to please.”
That being said, easy trainability does not mean training can be skipped altogether.
When working with any new pup, training has a lasting impact of their future behavior.
It is also vital to keeping your Border Collie Australian mix from getting bored.
Use only positive reinforcement training with these super clever dogs, and they will reward you with a strong bond and great companionship.
But what about their appearance.
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Height and Weight
When it comes to sizing, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds both fall into what is considered the “medium” part of the overall range for dogs.
Border Collies typically run 19-22 inches for males and 18-21 inches for females.
In terms of weight, males range 30-45 pounds, while females typically place within the 27-42 pound range.
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Australian Shepherd males usually stand 20-23 inches tall, while females range 18-21 inches.
In weight, males are generally within 55-70 pounds, while females range 35-55 pounds.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Coat and Grooming
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix will have a fairly long coat, in a range of potential color combinations.
Australian Shepherd coats are thick and medium length, in black, blue merle, red merle and red with or without white markings.
That might sound like a lot, but that’s nothing compared to the variety of coats possible for Border Collies.
They share some of the same color possibilities as Australian Shepherds, such as black, blue merle and red merle.
But also have a number of others, such as white and red, white and black, sable and others.
Depending on length and thickness, different types of dig coats require different types of care.
Coat Care
For the Australian Shepherd, a slicker brush to manage its thick, medium length coat.
Border Collies may require a pin brush instead.
Your Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix could be either.
One commonality between the breeds is that proper grooming is crucial in managing their active outdoors lifestyles.
Australian Shepherds are recommended to have an “occasional” grooming schedule, while Border Collies should be groomed on a weekly basis.
Regardless, they both need proper care from a loving owner to make sure the great outdoors stays outdoors.
Both breeds receive the general recommendations for dog care. Such as consistent nail trimming, checking ears to avoid infection, and brushing teeth regularly.
Such suggestions will certainly be a consideration for a mix-breed as well.
Meeting the mixed-breed pup’s parents may help eliminate some of this seeming chaos in coat appearance and consistency outcomes.
But this is arguably the area with the most differences between Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Health
When it comes to Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, there are several common diseases to watch out for.
Australian Shepherds are prone to thyroid disease, cancers such as hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, cataracts, elbow dysplasia, and epilepsy.
Border Collies are considered healthy in general, but there are several diseases to watch out for.
Similar to the Aussie, they are prone to hip dysplasia and epilepsy. They can also be prone to deafness, especially those with the merle gene.
Additionally, both are susceptible to Collie Eye Anomaly, an eye disease attributed to other similar breeds.
Proper testing of the parents should be done, to hopefully rule out any offspring’s exposure to these common, serious diseases.
Both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds can carry the merle gene. This has been linked to hearing and vision problems.
Double merle puppies, those from two merle parents, can be blind, death or even born with no eyes!
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For this reason breeders should never put two merle dogs together, even from different parent breeds.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Lifespan
The lifespan of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds tend to fall within a similar range.
For the Australian Shepherd, the average life expectancy is 13 to 15 years. For the Border Collie, the norm is 13.5 years.
As the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is the offspring of these two breeds, you can expect the mix to fall within this general range.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Puppies
If you’re considering a Border Aussie mix, a puppy may be the best way to go.
You can have full oversight of training your Border Aussie, providing the best chance to thoroughly develop an affectionate, trusting relationship.
And having fun with a pup likely to be a highly intelligent and eager learner.
Border Collie x Australian Shepherd Breeders
When considering a breeder for a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix, make sure you are as thorough as possible when getting all the essentials about the mix’s parents.
Both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds have shared possible disease susceptibilities.
Make sure your breeder provides proof of low hip and elbow scores, as well as a clear eye test carried out less than a year ago. This is as a minimum.
With the Border Aussie mix, you’re likely to find a pup that shares the energy, affectionate, intelligence and trainability of the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.
This gives you more time to be thorough with regards to the puppy’s health.
Is a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Right for Me?
Mixed breeds in general are a toss-up in terms of what to expect with traits. Personality, energy levels, trainability and appearance can vary.
Fortunately, both Australian Shepherds and Border Collies share many defining traits.
In comparison to other mixed-breeds, these commonalities will give you some sense as to what you may expect.
Are you ready to buy or adopt a dog with a propensity for near infinite energy reserves?
High intelligence, affection, eager trainability and work drive?
If so, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix may be just what you are looking for.
References
- Derry, Margaret. Bred for Perfection: Shorthorn Cattle, Collies, and Arabian Horses Since 1800. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003.
- Fields-Babineau, Miriam. Training Your Mixed Breed. Allenhurst, NJ: Kennel Club Books
- American Kennel Club
- Platt, S et al. 2006. Prevalence of Unilateral and Bilateral Deafness in Border Collies and Association with Phenotype. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Strain, GM et al 2009. Prevalence of Deafness in Dogs Heterozygous or Homozygous for the Merle Allele. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Clark, LA et al 2005. Retrotransposon insertion in SILV is responsible for merle patterning of the domestic dog. PNAS
- Strain, GM et al 2004 Deafness, prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. The veterinary journal.
gretchen heiss says
I too am looking for a puppy, has anyone fond a breeder?
Gabby says
Hello
I’m Gabrielle Young, FL I am looking for a puppy that has Austrian shepherd like fur, train ability, and at least similar characteristics .As someone new to buying a dog!
JACKIE L PHIPPS says
We live near Nashville ,Tennessee .We lost our aussie border collie this week , she was only 3 years old . Miss her so bad it hurts . Please help us find a breeder who has the Australian shepherd border collie mix .
Michele N says
I have an Australian Shepherd male,8mo old. I live in AR
carol a swanson says
I’m in search of an Aussie Border Collie breeder in Northern California. If anyone knows of a breeder could you please point me in the right direction thank you
Pamela Sorensen says
I am looking for a blue merle female border collie australian shepherd mix like the photo at the beginning of this article. I lost my precious Mazal Tov this past week. Talk about a huge hole in our house. She was a part of EVERYTHING. Every plan…every activity. She was diagnosed with cancer 20 months ago and went through trials to help humans trying to find the cure for her too. She didn’t die of cancer but renal disease from cancer drugs. However, we got an extra 20 months with her. This may well be the best breed ever.
Tyralee Rubner says
I live in Denver. I lost a very adorable & smart border Aussie puppy due to distemper that he got before he even had his shots.
Do you know of any breeders in my area? I was broken hearted when I lost the best puppy ever.
Pat, Rob and Lizzy says
We lost our beautiful Border collie Aussie mix this week to cancer. We would love to find another female puppy. We live in Wisconsin and will travel. We miss her terribly.
Sue Bell says
I am so very sorry to all that have endured the loss of their lovely border collie/Aussie mixes or any breed for that matter. These types of dogs are so much a part of the family as they want to be either right in the mix of what your doing or at least right their checking it out. When they are not around anymore there is a huge crevice left that is literally impossible to fill. I had a dog Oakley, like none other he was the finest dog I have ever met, brilliant and loyal to a fault. He was a border/heeler, so he had these ears that went up and down had freckles and then was colored like a traditional blk/wht border with the rough border coat. He had a spleen mass and suffered what seemed to be a stroke prior to finding the mass. When he went so did a huge piece of my heart that was torn by immeasurable grief. I’m now left with a border/Aussie Gunner, he is goofy and wonderful and too, would like to find a mate for him. He is submissive and him and Oakley had a little somewhat of the relationship that Bob, describes between his border and border/Aussie. I too, would be interested in another border/Aussie and would need a pup due to acclimating a new dog to cats and giving Gunner a chance to have a relationship with a mix that might be a little less intense. If anyone has any ideas, I’m located in Seattle, out in the sticks.
Steven Buschman says
i lost my beloved border collie last year and kept my eye out for another to fill the empty spot in my heart. I got lucky after a few months of looking and found a border ausie. I had to jump on it even though i wasn’t over the other dog but ive had “loki” now for 10 months and she is so wonderful. very loving and not as agressive as a pure border collie
TATIANA STANTON says
Looking for an Aussie/Border collie mix puppy in vicinity of Ithaca, NY. We made the mistake of having two Border Aussies that were very close in age. James, died at almost 15 years old this July and Boon is close to 16 years old and has lymphoma. While she is in good spirits we do not count on her making it very many more months. Farm is about 40 acres with a herd of meat goats, hay fields and woods. Dogs do chores with us twice a day and help herd goats to and from their rotating pastures. Rest of the time dogs have run of the house. Looking for an affectionate dog who loves human companionship and likes to work with livestock but do not need a workaholic. Short hair would be a nice change but not expected.
Robin says
Hello, We are looking for a Border Collie / Aussie Mix. We live in Grass Valley, Ca.
Mike says
Hello,
I’m looking for a Border Collie/Australian shepherd mix female for sale.
I would love to find a blue merle with blue eyes.
I just purchased a farm and need help with the animals and z companion for myself being a retired single Male .
If anyone knows where I can locate one within 300 miles of Springfield Missouri, please let me know.
Styve Homnick says
Looking for a female Border Collie/ Aussie Shepard /Golden Retriever mix. I live in New Mexico.
Rick Eichenlaub says
We lost our wonderful Dweezil last week to a cancerous nasal tumor. He was only 7 years 11 months old and was absolutely the smartest and largest aussie border you’ve ever seen. You can see him on Facebook at Dweezil Claymont Eichenlaub. We are searching for another aussie-border puppy to love. I know we can never replace Dweezil but we owe it to another dog to give a good home. It has to be a pup as we have two small grandchildren and I would want to have a puppy so as not to run the chance of a larger dog harming them before he would get to know them.
Gerrie says
I’m looking for a Aussie border collie cross, female near Sacramento Ca.
Anyone know of any available?
Howard says
My Jax died 1/2/18 I rescued him 10 years ago, he had every parasite known to mankind, but after $1,000 in veterinary bills he had some good years,
I am looking for another Border Aussie to be my Jeep Wrangler copilot and chase a few cows , and chickens. Please if anyone knows of one who needs a great life, contact me
Nicolette says
Hello my name is Nicolette!
Thank you for the information. I am also looking for a border aussie mix dog and live in San Francisco. If anyone knows one in or near California I’m willing to travel to get one.
Thanks
SSandy Suders says
I just saw three yesterday. One is 3 yrs. Old and my favorite. The other two are approx. One . They hope to get them good homes. Here in south central PA. They are free &mix of B.collie and Australian Shepherd
vickie says
my sister is looking for a border/aussie mix do u know where she could get one>
my sister is looking for a border/aussie very you here in pa she does agility with her one dog now and wants another one to do agility with
Rosalie Delrue Rosalie Delrue hat is best foe him says
I have a border collie mixed with a Australian Shepard he looks just like a border collie. He is 5 and a half months old what is the best food to get Jack I am feeding him Redford grain free lamb and sweet potato. What’s is bests for him.
Colton says
I feed mine Purina pro plan sport and mix all the flavors
Beth says
I’ve had 3 borders (one is my current girl) and one awesome miniature aussie. Would so love to have a female border aussie for a companion for my now only dog, the 4 or old female border. Our 14 year old precious border boy just died a few was ago …. Where to find a border aussie in Colorado?
Bob says
Sorry to hear bout your dog Beth. I brought in a pup for Lady, a 2yr old B.C. She did not like that at all. She was very jealous. Ultimately it had quite an effect on Rance, an Aussie. She dominated him severely an made it very difficult to train him. Most of what he learned was from her. Even 2yrs later he doesnt listen well to me. Just a thought for you when considering.
Keith Gordon says
I’d like to get one of these dogs. I had one for 14 years, & he passed away. I have a horse farm, & miss him.
Any ideas where I can find one around Michigan?
Desi johnston says
My family just lost our Aussie border collie blue Merle and are looking for the same type of breed. Any help would be appreciated.
Paul Gillmeister says
Great story and info on Border Collie Aussie mix’s.
Where can I get one?
CCB says
I know someone who adopted a pup, but now cannot care for it due to work hours. He probably should not have adopted this dog.
Where are you located? If you are near Indiana…
Christophe Genet says
Hello
Myname is Christophe, I lives in Hesperia CA and I am looking exactly for this breed. Twenty years ago I had a brother and sister they were the greatest dogs. Do you know a breeder in Southern California? Thank you very much for your very informative site.
David Myers says
My red merle and white aussie border collie mix female (Peanut) has been missing since August, I miss her terrilbly and only the same breed will do, except for finding Peanut of course.