The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with a striking appearance and vivacious personality. Fun-loving, active, and smart they are devoted companions to people of all ages and families with children.
What is an Aussiedor? The Australian Shepherd Lab mix, also known as Aussiedor, is a cross between an Aussie and Labrador. Friendly, playful, and loyal, the Aussiedor is an athletic, large dog that needs lots of exercises. Obedient and easy to train, this hybrid easily learns commands, tricks, and loves agility courses.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this designer dog and help you decide if Aussiedor is the perfect breed for you. Let’s take a look, shall we?
What Is an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a designer dog breed, developed by crossing a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Australian Shepherd. Also known as Aussiedor, this mixed breed dog combines the best traits of its parent breeds.
As a designer hybrid, the Australian Shepherd Lab mix isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. But, they can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America Club, Designer Dog Kennel Club, and International Designer Dog Registry.
Brief History
The exact origin of this hybrid is still a mystery, but Auissiedors may have existed naturally for quite some time. However, in the late 1990s, designer breeders started intentionally crossing Labs and Australian Shepherds.
Australian Shepherd
Known as the ultimate herding dog, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States, not Australia. Nicknamed the Aussie, this breed is still commonly found on ranches and farms and used to herd cattle and sheep.
Highly energetic and intelligent, Aussies love to work and excel at dog sports such as agility and obedience.
Labrador
Developed in Newfoundland as a working dog, the Labrador Retriever was popular with fishermen and hunters and helped retrieve fish and shot waterfowl. People-oriented, friendly, and smart, the Lab is the most popular dog breed in the United States and a great family companion.
Both – Mixed Breed – Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
When you mix an Australian Shepherd and a Lab, you get the Aussiedor – a loyal and affectionate companion with a ton of energy. True to its heritage, this hybrid is a working dog at heart and, as such, best suited for active families.
Easy to train, protective, and affectionate, these athletic canines love to be around people and will become true members of the family.
Characteristics of Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
There’s no certain way of predicting how any individual Aussiedor will look or behave. However, considering that both the Aussie and the Lab are highly athletic working breeds, it’s safe to say that their mix will be too.
In terms of appearance, you can expect your Aussiedor to have an athletic body, straight back, strong legs, and floppy ears. The eyes and coat can come in a variety of different colors depending on which parent breed your mix takes more after.
Australian Sheprador Highlights:
| Size | Medium to large-sized dog |
| Weight | 40 -80 pounds |
| Height | 22-25 inches |
| Coat Type | Short to medium-long double coat |
| Shedding | Heavy, seasonal shedding |
| Energy Level | Highly energetic |
| Overall Health | Very good |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Size
Since the Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a fairly new designer dog, there is no set standard when it comes to size. Depending on which parent your Aussiedor takes more after, he will either be medium-sized or a large size dog.
Female dogs are usually smaller than males, but that’s not always the case.
Height
In terms of height, you can expect your Aussiedor to be from 22 to 25 inches tall. However, many can be shorter or taller, depending on the size of their parents.
Weight
When it comes to weight, a full-grown Australian Shepherd Lab mix can weigh from 40 to 80 pounds. A dog that takes more after his Labrador Retriever parent will generally be heavier than a dog that takes more after the Aussie.
Coat Color
Aussiedors can sport a variety of different coat colors and patterns. Since Labs have solid coats and Australian Shepherds can have a solid or multi-colored coat, Aussiedors can either have a solid coat, or a mix of colors.
The most commonly seen coat colors are:
- Brown
- Cream
- Black
- Tan
- Red merle
- Blue merle
- Yellow
Shedding
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix usually has a medium-long double coat that sheds a lot. Besides shedding a steady amount of hair all-year-round, this mix will also blow his coat two to four times a year when seasons change.
Due to this fact, this mix isn’t the best choice for allergy sufferers or people who can’t stand seeing dog hair all over their home or furniture. Even if you don’t mind seeing clumps of hair all over your home, a powerful pet vacuum cleaner is a must.
Temperament
As a combination of two highly popular dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd Lab mix is bound to inherit some amazing traits. With that being said, no one can tell for sure if your pooch will behave more like its Aussie or Lab parent.
Since both parent breeds are working dogs, the Aussiedor will love to work too, and won’t be able to sit still. If left to its own devices, this mix can easily become bored and will resort to destructive behavior just to stay busy (source).
Aussiedors have a lot of energy and playful spirit, so your mix will always be in the mood for games and play sessions. Flyball, tug-of-war, or Frisbee are great interactive games that will keep your pooch exercised and give him a chance to spend time with you.
As a general rule, most Aussiedors are easy-going, friendly, affectionate, and loyal towards their people. However, if your mix takes more after its Aussie parent, he can be aloof around strangers and protective of his family.
Some Aussiedors also have a strong herding drive and may attempt to nip and herd small children and other pets (source). However, with a bit of patience and training, you can correct this behavior and curb your dog’s herding instincts.
While they may be reserved towards strangers, Aussiedors form strong bonds with their owners and don’t like being left alone. Without daily affection and companionship, Aussiedors can become destructive and develop separation anxiety.
If you have enough free time to play and interact with your Aussiedor daily, he will be an affectionate, gentle, and fun family companion. But, if you have long working hours or aren’t at home a lot, you should consider a more independent dog breed.
Pet Friendly
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix gets along with other dogs, but they have to be properly socialized from a young age. Considering that this mix can inherit the Aussie’s herding instincts, he may try to herd small pets such as cats or smaller dogs.
Child Friendly
The Aussiedor is an amazing family dog that likes to interact and play with children. Still, this is a high energy breed, so they are better suited for families with older kids who know how to play and behave around a dog.
This mix also gets along with younger children, but they can unintentionally knock the child on the floor in the middle of a lively play session. To prevent any accidents from happening, supervise your dog when he is interacting with youngsters.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Care
Bringing a new dog into your home is no small feat, so you’ll need to develop a care routine that will help you keep your Aussiedor healthy and happy. Make sure to keep up with your pup’s regular vet checkups and preventative flea, ticks, and deworming treatments.
Other things you should pay attention to are:
Health Risks
Thanks to hybrid vigor, mixed breed dogs experience fewer health issues than purebred dogs. While generally healthy, Aussiedors can inherit certain health problems seen in Aussies and Labs, so you’ll have to take your pooch to regular vet checkups.
The most common health issues seen in this breed are:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer
It may seem that Aussiedors can develop many health problems, however, many reach the ripe old age completely healthy. To avoid serious health issues from arising get your designer hybrid from a reputable breeder and don’t miss regular vet checkups.
Aussiedeors have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years and may even live longer when properly cared for.
Grooming
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix sheds a lot and is a high maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. You should brush your pooch at least four times a week to remove dead skin cells, loose hair, and prevent mats and tangles.
Since they are seasonal shedders be prepared to brush your dog every day during spring and fall. When it comes to bathing, wash your dog three to four times a year with a mild dog shampoo that won’t damage the skin or coat.
To prevent dental problems and plaque buildup, brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week, or ideally every day (source). You’ll also have to trim his nails every couple of months and inspect his ears weekly and clean the waxy buildup as necessary.
Food or Diet
Your Australian Shepherd Lab mix should eat food that is formulated for medium-sized dogs with high energy. Look for foods that contain all essential macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that will support your dog’s health and keep him energized throughout the day.
Your Aussiedor’s nutritional needs will change as he grows, and you’ll have to transition him from puppy food to adult formula and finally to senior dog food. Keep in mind that this mix can gain weight easily, so avoid free feeding and stick with a regular feeding schedule.
Training and Exercise
As a mix of two highly energetic working breeds, the Aussiedor has a lot of energy and high exercise needs. They need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day coming from activities such as walking, running, hiking, or swimming.
Aussiedors also like to play so you can keep your pooch in shape and help him blow some steam with toys and interactive games. Games such as fetch, tug-of-war, flyball, and agility will keep your mix physically and mentally stimulated.
Australian Shepherd Labs are highly intelligent and eager to please, so they are generally easy to train. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training give the best results and are a great way to teach your dog obedience, commands, or even some tricks.
Having a super-smart dog has its perks, but it also means that your Aussiedor may get stubborn and difficult to train sometimes. Therefore, you’ll have to know how to assert yourself as the pack leader and find high-value rewards that will keep your pooch motivated to train and learn.
Housing
Gentle and loving at heart, Aussiedors seek companionship and should live indoors with their human family. Due to their energetic nature, they thrive in houses with fenced backyards but could live in an apartment if properly exercised.
Where to Get Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?
Since Aussiedors are designer hybrids they aren’t as easy to find as purebred dog breeds. When getting a new dog, there are only two things you can do – adopt or buy a mixed puppy from a breeder.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Breeders
Finding a reputable Aussiedor breeder will require extensive research and some legwork. Look for breeders that do all the necessary health tests on both parents and puppies and have experience with Aussies and Labs.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Price
On average, you can expect to pay from $600 to $1000 for an Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy from a breeder. Puppies who have all health certificates, vaccinations, and microchips cost more than those without the necessary paperwork.
Adoption
Mixed breed dogs such as Aussiedors often end up in shelters and rescue organizations, so adoption can be a great way to bring this mix into your home. Check out your local shelters and rescue groups to see if any Australian Shepherd Labs are waiting for a forever home.
Additionally, you may want to check Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescue organizations, since they often take care of mixed breed dogs too.
Conclusion
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a lively, smart, and devoted designer breed that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Friendly and good-natured, Aussiedors make great pets to families with older kids, novice and experienced owners.
In addition to regular exercise, this mix needs companionship and may get frustrated or develop separation anxiety if left home alone. But, if you have enough free time or are looking for an exercise buddy and devoted companion, the Aussiedor is the right breed for you
Related Contents:
- Best and Popular Australian Shepherd Mixes – Complete Guide
- Australian Shepherd Husky Mix – Complete Guide 2023
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