Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix: Info, Pictures & Facts

The Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix, or the Aussie Collie mix, appeals to many dog owners due to its intelligence and good-natured personality. This pooch is friendly to humans and other dogs.

As with other mixed breeds, the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix has various appearances that they may inherit from both of its parents. Regardless, this mix has attractive looks that can charm anyone.

If you are planning to bring an Aussie Collie home, you’re at the right place. Keep reading as we discuss everything about this hybrid — from its size, weight, temperament, and grooming needs to its lifespan and health!

Breed Overview

What Is an Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix?

The Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix, also known as the Aussie Collie or Border Aussie, is a cross between two highly instinctive and hardworking dogs, the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie. This mixed breed is a perfect addition to active families or pet owners with a large yard.

The Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix is a medium-sized designer dog that has the qualities of two working dogs. It is highly trainable, versatile, and obedient, which makes it a good companion dog.

Because of its incredible qualities, this hybrid is well-known and recognized by designer breed registries.

The Border Aussie is acknowledged by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix Origin and History

Despite being a well-established hybrid, it is unclear when the first Border Collie Aussie dog appeared. Nevertheless, both its parents come from a lineage of herding dogs which makes this mix a good working dog.

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, was originally bred by the Basque natives in Spain to herd sheep. It is a descendant of the Pyrenean Shepherd or Spaforrd, a fine dog for herding livestock in France.

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherds were actually developed in western North America. The Basques first brought this breed to Australia before reaching America, causing confusion regarding its breed origin.

Meanwhile, the Border Collie is another herding dog. This breed started in Britain, produced by crossbreeding Roman dogs with Viking spitzes. For the longest time, it has been herding sheep in Scotland and Wales.

The Border Collie has been a dominant player in competitive sheepdog trials because of its agility and intelligence. In 1995, this dog breed was officially listed in the herding group by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The history of both the parents of the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mixes as herding dogs makes this mix a complete package. This dog has not only charming looks but also a clever, protective, and reliable nature.

Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix Appearance 

The appearance of the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix is quite uncertain. Since it may inherit either feature of the parents, it will only display its actual appearance once it turns into an adult dog.

The Border Aussie carries a blend of attractive features from both parent breeds, but the appearance of the Border Collie generally dominates. It has a lean stature, narrow muzzle, floppy ears, and a normal or bobbed tail.

In terms of the coat, it is likely to inherit a long, fluffy, and dense double coat. However, a medium coat is also possible if it has a short-haired Australian Shepherd parent with tan or white markings.

The coat colors of this mix vary. It may inherit a black, blue, brindle, red merle, and blue merle coat common for both parents. A tri-colored coat is also possible, but the color differs between the Collie and Aussie parents.

One distinct feature of this Australian Shepherd mix is its differently colored set of eyes, known as heterochromia. This condition is observed in both parents, especially Australian Shepherds with ghost eyes.

Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix Size and Weight

Based on the size and weight of its Australian Shepherd and Border Collie parents, this crossbreed falls between medium and large-sized dogs. It weighs 30 to 65 pounds and stands between 18 and 23 inches tall.

The Border Aussie mix matures around 12 to 15 months old when it attains its full-grown size. This depends on the gender of the dominant parent.

Genetics is also a key indicator of the size of the Border Collie Aussie mix, especially with mini or toy-sized Australian Shepherds and mini Border Collies. This puts them between small and medium-sized dogs.

You need to consider the size of this mix breed, as it determines the space that it needs. Like a purebred Aussie, the Border Collie Aussie mix can live in apartments but is still more suited in large open spaces to run around.

Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix Temperament and Personality

The personality and behavior of the Border Collie Aussie mix are also varied. But surely, this mix could be the smartest dog.

This crossbreed is outgoing, energetic, and playful. It has a deep loyalty and devotion to its family and enjoys being cuddled. Although it can be aloof around unknown dogs, this dog is friendly to anyone.

Its huge love for family makes it a good family dog with kids and other pets. This intelligent breed can be trained to be a fine watchdog. On the downside, it is prone to separation anxiety when left alone, like the Aussie.

Meanwhile, this mix may also have less desirable qualities. It can be loud and self-willed like a purebred Border Collie or a bit demanding like the Aussie. Hence, this mix is not the best dog for new dog owners.

Here’s a video of red merle Border Aussie puppies from a blue merle Aussie and red merle Border Collie:

Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

Hybrid dog breeds are considerably healthier than purebred dogs since purebreds have less divergent genetic makeup. On average, a healthy Border Collie Aussie mix has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Unfortunately, no dog breed is immune to genetic diseases and health problems, including the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix. 

Some of the problems encountered by this crossbreed are listed below:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint of canines. Since hip dysplasia is common for both the Border Collie and Aussie, the Border Collie Aussie mix may also be affected. Signs include an unusual gait, limping, weakness, and pain. Depending on the severity, it can be treated with medication or surgery.
• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Collie eye anomaly is a hereditary disease that is most common among Border Collies but also observed in the Australian Shepherd. This is due to a mutation that causes blindness or blurry vision. Your Border Aussie may get this disease if both the Aussie and Border Collie parents are affected.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is another genetic disease that affects both the parent breeds of the Border Aussie mix. It can cause a seizure and collapse in affected dogs. Unfortunately, no source of prevention exists yet. If you have this hybrid, it is important to be aware of the dos and don’ts in case an epilepsy attack occurs.

Having a dog suffer from pain and discomfort is stressful for any fur parent. While it’s out of your control to prevent these problems, there are ways to manage and reduce their occurrence.

For example, a proper diet and stress-free environment are good for Border Aussies with epilepsy, and regular exercise helps manage hip dysplasia.

How to Take Care of Your Border Collie Aussie Mix

The Australian Shepherd Collie mix needs proper care to remain healthy and satisfied. As with any dog, this mixed breed needs regular exercise, a balanced and nutritious diet, and training.

The following are the most important aspects of caring for an Aussie Collie mix:

Food and Diet

An adult Australian Shepherd Collie mix needs to eat nutritious dog food daily. Since it belongs to a family of working dogs, its food and diet need to meet the needs of the Australian Collie to ensure its health.

A diet that is rich in protein and low in fat is prescribed for Border Aussies that can be found in dry or wet food. If your mix is very active, it also needs a sufficient amount of carbohydrates to fuel its daily activities.

In terms of food quantity, an adult Border Aussie needs about 4 to 6 cups of dog food daily if it is similar in size to its Aussie parent. In contrast, if it’s more similar to the Border Collie, it only needs 1 to 2 cups of dog food daily.

The easiest way to choose the right dog food for your Border Aussie is by looking for products marked with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal of approval, guaranteeing its high quality.

Cleaning and Grooming

The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is a heavy shedder like its parents, especially during the shedding season. This is due to their usual long double coat, which needs a high level of maintenance.

Routine brushing of its coat about 2 to 3 times weekly can reduce shedding and avoid matting. You can also trim its hair occasionally or once it starts blocking the eyes of your pooch.

Since the Border Aussie can have very thick coats like an Aussie, you may be tempted to shave its coat. However, this is not advisable as your dog can suffer from harmful UV rays and skin infections or injuries.

Aside from coat maintenance, you also need to brush their teeth up to three times a week and trim their nails every 5 to 6 days.

You must also clean their ears monthly with a damp cloth and their eyes with a moist cotton ball.

Training and Exercise

This wonderful dog needs to be trained with positive reinforcement. Since they are witty and intelligent, their need for mental stimulation and intense physical activity can be honed for them to excel in dog sports.

Since this mix is too hyper but also timid with strangers, it would benefit from obedience and socialization training. Also, there are ways to dial down this animal behavior taken after the purebred Australian Shepherd.

In terms of exercise, this mix needs daily exercise, which is at least two hours of walking a day or one hour of exercise with mental stimulation, like playing frisbee or fetch.

Since the Australian Shepherd mix has herding instincts, it chases after anything that piques its curiosity. You may want to keep your Australian Collie on a leash until they are fully trained.

How Much Does a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

If you fancy having a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix at home, puppies from reputable breeders cost between $600 and $850.

But if your Australian Collie inherits a rare quality from the parent breeds, expect to pay more.

Here are the initial expenses associated with owning an Australian Shepherd Collie mix:

One helpful way to reduce the costs of having a Border Collie Aussie mix is by getting pet insurance. This helps you cover the costs of a medical diagnosis and ensure special care for your pooch during hospitalization.

Places to Find Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you have decided to buy a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix, the next thing to do is choose where to get a puppy. Fortunately, you have a lot of options on where to start.

The most experienced Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix breeders have training facilities and regular checkups. With their long-time experience in the business, you can be guaranteed a healthy puppy.

Hence, buying a hybrid from reputable breeders is highly recommended. Another great tip is to be aware of the process of buying a puppy.

Here is a list of reputable breeders where you can find a Border Aussie mix puppy for sale:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a reputable site to find purebred puppies of any breed. They have a long list of expert and most trusted breeders that are registered with AKC to see if they have Border Aussie crossbreeds. 
• Puppy Spot – This online pet store is run by a community of dog lovers working with some of the top breeders in the country. Their puppies undergo routine health evaluations to ensure that they are not affected by any severe health issues. With thousands of puppies to choose from, you can surely find an Aussie Collie mix.
• Lancaster Puppies – This platform is a major pet advertising marketplace in the United States, hosting thousands of purebred and mixed-breed puppies for sale. You can visit Lancaster Puppies’ website to find a reputable Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix puppy near you.

Aside from buying puppies, you are always welcome to adopt a pet from rescues. Here is a list of rescues and shelters where you can find some Aussie Collie mixes for adoption:

• Petfinder – This online pet database has thousands of dogs that are ready for adoption. It is also affiliated with shelters, rescues, and non-profit organizations across the United States. You can surely find a Border Aussie on this site.
• Heart of a Border Collie Rescue – This rescue is a non-profit organization that offers a temporary refuge for Border Collies and Border Collie designer dogs in approved foster homes. If you find a Border Aussie mix from this organization, they can also provide education to you as a new Border Aussie mix owner.
• Northwest Minnesota Aussie Rescue – This rescue is a family-owned non-profit for Australian Shepherd mixes partnered with several rescue organizations. Since they match their dogs to the right family with specific preferences, you can get lucky looking for Border Aussies with them.

If you’re lucky enough, you can also get this mix for free in local rescues and shelters near you. Just drive around town.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Border Collie Aussie Mix

To further help you decide if this Border Collie mix is a great match for you, this section contains a summary of the pros and cons of owning an Australian Collie mix.

That said, here are the advantages of having a Border Aussie at home:

• Great around kids: Similar to Border Collies, this hybrid dog is a great addition to families with kids and other pets. They have cheerful, affectionate, and wonderful personalities. Because of their herding instincts, they are also innately protective and can double as guard dogs.
• Extremely intelligent: This mix is arguably one of the smartest dogs around. Although this no longer comes as a surprise since its parents are also intelligent working dogs.
• A good working dog: Because it has the wits, stamina, and trainability of its parent breeds, the Australian Collie is a good working dog. This makes them suitable to work on farms to herd livestock. If you’re in an urban setting, you can also rely on them as watchdogs.

These positive qualities are only some of the pros of having a Border Aussie as a pet. On the other hand, as with any dog breed, this mix has characteristics that are not often desired by some dog owners.

Here are some disadvantages of getting a Border Aussie dog:

• Easily bored and needs an active lifestyle: This playful and outdoorsy pooch needs long hours of exercise. Their training should also be designed specifically to provide mental stimulation. They enjoy hiking or running and being outdoors. And so, their needs can be challenging for busy dog owners.
• Not hypoallergenic: The long double coat of the Australian Collie sheds excessively, especially during shedding season. And so this mix may irritate allergic dog owners. Nevertheless, this can be managed by regular brushing.
• Prone to genetic diseases: The Border Aussie is prone to many diseases that can be inherited from either the Border Collie or Australian Shepherd parent. Fortunately, there are ways to manage their symptoms to let them live a comfortable life.

As you can see, the disadvantages of owning an Australian Collie are not because of a negative personality. They are really good pets and are perfect for any family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Border Aussies Good Family Dogs?

The Border Collie Australian Shepherd is a good family dog. This hybrid is outgoing, friendly, and affectionate. They can also get along with kids and other pets.

Because of the history of its parents as herding dogs, the Border Aussie can also double as a great guard dog to look after your house and even protect your children.

Do Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mixes Shed a Lot?

Because of the long double coat of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix, this hybrid sheds a lot. The shedding seasons are spring and fall, so you should expect them to shed more excessively during these periods.

Are Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Since the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is considered a heavy shedder, it cannot be categorized as hypoallergenic.

The loose hairs from their coat can easily cause irritation and discomfort to allergic dog owners. If you have a Border Aussie at home, brush them regularly to reduce shedding.

Do Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mixes Bark a Lot?

Yes. The history of its parents as herding dogs has also instilled the habit of barking among the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mixes. This makes them good guard dogs since they can alert you of any intruder.

If loud barking is undesirable for you, it can be corrected by obedience training.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Australian Collie is an intelligent hybrid with a friendly, energetic, and free-spirited personality. They make excellent pets for families with kids and other pets, especially those with active lifestyles.

It comes from a family of herders, so this mix can also be relied on to do small tasks in the house. They are also good watchdogs or guard dogs.

Since the hyper Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is also extremely intelligent, training that provides both physical and mental stimulation is needed by this dog. Hence, they are suited for experienced dog owners.

Are you excited to have this hybrid soon? Share your thoughts about the Border Aussie in the comments below!