The Australian Shepherd lab mix is a friendly and affectionate crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and an Australian Shepherd. This is a mix with a lifespan between 9 and 12 years and is also medium-sized. Also, known as an Aussie Lab mix can weigh from 40 to 70 pounds and stands at 18 to 25 inches.
This mix has a great demeanor and not forgetting his great looks. You are most probably going to fall in love with this canine friend.
And because this is a fairly new mixed dog you may not know much about this crossbred.
That is why in this article I am going to guide you to all that you need to know about this ball of fluff. From his looks to his personality traits and even how you can best take care of him.
So, let us get right into it.
Related posts:
About the Australian Shepherd Lab mix
The Labrador is arguably one of the most popular if not the most popular breed. This is mainly because of his friendliness and go happy character.
When combined with the Australian Shepherd that is popular for his work ethic and energy, you get a mix also known as the Aussiedor.
This mix can also go by other names that include;
- The Aussie Lab mix.
- Labrador Australian Shepherd.
- Australian Labrador mix.
- The Australian Sheprador.
He is a great addition to a family.
However, he is more suited for more active individuals and families that can meet his daily exercise quota.
This cross will also excel in the countryside where he can freely explore, play, and even help with farm work which he will more than willing to do.
Recognition
No major kennel clubs recognize the Australian Shepherd Lab mix. He is, however, recognized by some designer dog registries that include the following;
- The International Designer Canine Registry.
- Dog Registry of America.
- Designer dogs Kennel Club
- American Canine Hybrid Club.
Pros and cons of owning an Aussiedor
pros
✓ These are great working dogs.
✔ They make great family pets.
✓ Aussiedors are super friendly dogs.
Cons
✘ Australian Shepherd Lab mixes are known to shed a lot.
✗ Their energy can be too much for some people.
✘ Finding a reputable breeder for this mix can be hard.
7 Fun facts about the Labrador Australian Shepherd mix
- These mixed dogs often have two different colored eyes and this condition is known as heterochromia. This can be any 2-color combination of either brown, blue, amber, green, or even hazel.
- Some Aussiedor mixes are known to have short tails also known as bobbed tails which keep the dogs safer as they work.
- Most Australian Shepherd Lab dog crosses will have webbed feet that come in especially handy when the dog is swimming.
- They are energetic and excel in activities such as swimming, agility training, hunting, as guide dogs, and even search and rescue.
- This crossbreed may try to herd young children and their interactions should be highly monitored. However, they are super friendly and adore the company of young children.
- They are fast and can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour in just 3 seconds of running.
- These mixed dogs have double coats that shed a lot.
General Appearance and characteristics of the Lab Aussie mix
| Aussiedor summary table | |
|---|---|
| Height | 18 to 25 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds |
| Lifespan | 9 to 12 years |
| Breed Type | mixes and more |
| Purpose | Working and companion dog |
| Suitable For | Active owners and families |
| Grooming requirements | moderate to high |
| Color Variations | Merle, red, tan blue, bi and tricolor |
| Health concerns | hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and obesity |
| Temperament | intelligent, loyal, loving, friendly, Energetic, Playful, Affectionate |
| Other names | Aussie Lab mix or Aussiedor |
Height and Weight
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a medium-sized dog with a height of between 18 to 25 inches weighs anywhere between 40 and 70 pounds when fully grown.
Physical appearance
Knowing the exact appearance of a mixed dog like the Australian Shepherd can be difficult.
You can only make an educated guess of how your pooch is going to look like. It is no secret that the Aussiedor is a great looking dog that can look more like the Labrador Retriever or the Australian Shepherd.
Labradors have broad chests and hazel or brown eyes. Aussies also have broad chests but their eyes can come in either brown, blue, or amber colors.
You can expect your Aussiedor to have long hanging ears and expressive eyes that are almond-shaped.
Their muzzles should be tapered with a well-defined stop with them and the eyes.
Coat appearance
These dogs can have a mixture of different coat types that can either be straight or slightly wavy. The length can also vary.
Their coats can also be water-resistant like those of Labradors.
Unfortunately, Aussie Shepradors are known to be heavy shedders and in some instances, they may shed more than their parents.
So, when you decide to get this pooch you should invest in a good vacuum cleaner to help you get rid of the fur.
Colors:
The Aussiedor is more of a rainbow dog that can come in just any color.
Some of the most common colors are;
| Tricolor (white, black, and tan) | Brindle | Bicolor (white and black) |
| Red Merle | Black and tan | Brown |
| Silver | Speckled | Blue Merle |
Personality traits and temperament
| Traits | Rating |
|---|---|
| Friendliness |
🐕🐕🐕🐕
|
| Exercise needs |
🐕🐕🐕
|
| Protectiveness |
🐕🐕🐕
|
| Prey Drive |
🐕🐕
|
| sociability |
🐕🐕🐕
|
This dog’s traits can lean more to the Aussie’s or Lab’s side depending on the breed that this dog takes more after.
If this mixed dog leans more towards the Australian shepherd parents you can expect;
- A protective, reclusive, and shy furry friend.
- He can be wary of strangers and can sometimes be slightly aggressive when triggered.
- They may try to children’s heels as they play and chase each other.
Because of these nipping tendencies, these dogs may not be very suitable for novice dog owners. They are more suited for experienced adult homes or homes that have older children.
You can easily train these nipping tendencies out of your Aussiedor.
However, if he takes more of the Lab he should be;
- Very trainable because of his intelligence.
- Highly suitable for families that spend most of their time indoors.
- Very sociable, easy-going, and friendly.
With all that being said, you should know that the Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a pooch that adores being part of a family.
Generally, they tend to be easy-going because most of them tend to have more Labrador Retriever’s qualities as far as temperament and personality are concerned.
These balls of fluff are also not known barkers but they may bark when they want to alert you of something that is not going right or when they are super excited. Barking is their way of communication and not entirely a bad thing.
Family compatibility
The Australia Shepherd Labrador mix makes a great family companion. They are generally great with kids if they take more of the Labrador’s side but can be aloof strangers if they take more after the Australian Shepherd.
Origin of the Australian Shepherd Lab mix
It is not clear when this mixed dog first appeared or who the first breeder to intentionally breed this pooch was.
But the parents of this dog have been around for some time now and we can take a look at their history to get a better understanding.
Australian Shepherd history
This breed was initially known by several names that included;
- Spanish Shepherd
- Pastor Dog
- Bob-Tail
- New Mexican Shepherd
- California Shepherd
- Austrian Shepherd.
In contrary to what many may think this dog is believed to originate from the Pyrenees Mountain in France and Spain and not from Australia as the name may suggest. These doggos descended from sheep-herding dogs that were found in these areas.
After that, he found his way to the United States where he was refined further to the pooch that we know today.
They were mainly bred to be herding dogs and their popularity rose after the second world war.
Even to date, they are still used as herding dogs and horsemen are very fond of them.
Some people also prefer to keep them as pets and family dogs especially those that have active lifestyles and can meet their exercise needs.
Other Aussie mixes
- A texas Heeler is an incredible cross between an Australian Cattle dog and an Australian Shepherd.
- When you cross a Boston Terrier with an Australian Shepherd you get an incredible hybrid that is also known as a Bossie.
- When you mix an Australian shepherd and a husky you get an Ausky.
- Australian Shepherd Cocker Spaniel mix is a medium to a large-sized dog.
- The Australian Shepherd Husky mix
Labrador Retriever history
The Labrador retriever hails from Newfoundland off the Atlantic coast of Canada. He was originally known as St John’s dog which was also Newfoundland’s capital.
Labs mainly served as companion dogs and they were used by fishermen as their helpers in the 1700s. They were used to retrieve fish that had escaped hooks.
Although their heritage is unknown many believe that the st John’s dog was interbred with the Newfoundland dog and other small local water dogs.
English noblemen that had visited Canada then spotted the dog and returned home with the finest specimens of Labradors Retrievers.
British breeders then refined and standardized the dog to the pooch that you know and love today.
In America, the dog almost went extinct in the 1880s.
He was recorded as one of the most popular dogs in the US in 1991.
Today this dog serves many purposes from being used as therapy dogs, for search and rescue, and even for drugs and explosive detection.
Other lab mixes
- Cuteness in the form of a Bullador which is a Labrador and American bulldog mix.
- The Labradane is an elegant and refined cross between a Lab and a Great Dane.
- An amber eyed Borador, a hybrid of a Labrador and Border Collie.
- Bullmasador is the Lab and Bullmastiff mix that might give you a run for your money.
- The German Shepherd Lab mix.
- Goldador is the Lab and Golden Retriever mix.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lifespan of an Australian Shepherd lab mix?
The average lifespan of an Aussiedor is between 9 to 12 years.
What are Australian Shepradors?
Australian Shepradors are mixes between busy Australian Shepherds and the gentle Labrador retrievers. This creates dogs that are intelligent and highly trainable.
How big does an Aussiedor get?
The Australian Shepherd lab mix is a medium-sized dog that could reach a height of up to 25 inches and weigh as much as 70 pounds when he is fully grown. But the size will come down to the genes that the mix inherits from the parents.
Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppies
In the breeding of Aussiedor puppies, any of the breeds can be used as either the dam or the sire. This is because both the Aussies and Labs are of almost similar sizes.
Litter size:
Aussiedors have a litter size between 5 to 8 puppies.
These puppies take about 12 months to reach maturity.
Cost:
To get one of these puppies you may need to part ways with anywhere between $600 to $1000. This will ultimately come down to where you get the puppy and the breeder.
Other factors such as the lines of the parents may also come into play in determining the price of an Australian Shepherd Lab mix.
If this price is too much for you, adoption is a great option.
But always remember to get your Aussiedor from a reputable and responsible breeder that understands your needs can provide you with the necessary documentation.
How to take care of an Australian Shepherd Lab mix
1. Grooming requirements
One of the biggest disadvantages of owning this dog is high shedding. The coat will, therefore, require more grooming.
This is something that you should be prepared to deal with before buying or adopting the Aussie and Lab mix. And if you are susceptible to dog-related allergies you should also consider adopting a hypoallergenic dog.
You need to brush the Aussiedor’s coat at least 3 times a week to reduce shedding and to get rid of loose hairs. This also helps to get rid of tangles and mats.
Running a damp cloth through their coats can also help get rid of excess hair.
Also, remember that they do not require frequent baths as it causes the coat to dry. A bath after every 2 months should be enough.
You should also pay close attention to their ears and dental hygiene through cleaning and brushing.
2. Feeding requirements of an Aussiedor
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a high energy dog that will need to be fed on the right diet to meet his energy demands.
Meeting their nutritional and calorie is important if you want them to stay happy and healthy.
The general rule of thumb is to give this dog 30 calories for every pound that he weighs.
| Aussie Lab mix Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Guide | 1300 calories |
| Cups of Kibble | ~3 |
Divide these meals into 2 or 3 daily portions and also make sure that you Aussiedor has a constant supply of clean water to keep the dog well-hydrated.
You also need to keep a close eye on the dog’s weight. Do not overfeed this dog on treats and give them enough exercise.
Nutritional requirements
Also. the diet should be high on proteins for repair and building of muscle and fats to provide them with the energy that they need. Proteins should make up at least 20% of their diet and fats should be about 10% of the diet.
These proteins provide the dog with amino acids that can only be found in what they eat. Amino acids are the main building blocks for most of the dog’s parts from muscles to hair.
Proteins will also provide this crossbreed with energy that he requires to stay active and also play a major role in hormonal production.
They can also be found in both meat and animal products but should not be from by-products.
Fats especially those with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential for this crossbreed. These fatty acids will help to keep the coat and skin healthy and are also important for brain and eye development.
This is not forgetting that fats are also important sources of energy.
Most diets will not label if the foods have these fatty acids but you can find omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements.
Feed the Aussiedor on high qualities foods whether it is raw, dry, wet, or canned foods.
3. Exercising a working dog
The Australian Sheprador is a dog that loves to exercise and will need upwards of 60 minutes to meet the physical and mental stimulation needs.
From taking this dog on daily walks, going on runs, hiking, dock diving, and even swimming are some of the activities that you can undertake together with this pooch.
Having a fenced yard might be a bonus for you and allow him to roam and explore.
You should couple physical stimulation with mental stimulation by playing some mind games such as puzzles with him.
A puppy should not be over-exercised because it can be harmful to their joint development.
| Daily Exercise Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Number of walks | 2 (30 minutes each) |
4. Training the Australian Shepherd Lab mix
Being an intelligent dog means that Aussiedor is a very trainable dog.
This is provided that you correctly train the dog through reward-based training and positive reinforcement.
Dogs learn through conditioning and the consequence of certain behavior.
Take your time and be consistent with training and do not use punishment when you are training the pooch.
Aussiedor health issues
This dog is a fairly healthy designer pooch. However, he is susceptible to some health issues that are suffered by the parents some of which are hereditary.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are some of the most common health conditions suffered by the Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. This is a result of abnormal development of the joints which can result in a lot of pain to the pooch. If this problem is not treated it can eventually cause arthritis.
Epilepsy is also common with these dogs and it is a genetic condition.
How long does the Labrador Australian Shepherd mix live?
The Australian Shepherd Labrador mix has a life expectancy of between 9 and 12 years.
Australian Shepherd Lab mix Breed summary
We have seen that the Australian Shepherd lab mix is a medium-sized dog that results from the combination of two incredible dogs, the Lab Retriever and an Aussie.
These dogs thrive best in farms and places where they can get a lot of exercises.
This is not a pooch for a first-time dog owner and you should first understand his needs before you decide to buy or adopt.
They may shed a lot but you can reduce this by brushing the dog frequently.
So, what do you think of this dog? Is he one you would consider adding to your home?
Give us your answer and feedback in the comment section below.
There you go WOOF!
You may also like
