Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix: The best dog?

Last Updated on April 26, 2023

Ever wonder what you’d get if you crossed a protective defender with a turbo herder? Well, you’d get the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix!

Also named the Australian German Shepherd or German Australian Shepherd, this crossbreed is nothing if not dynamic. This is the watchdog that every active family will want as a companion.

Keep reading to find out what makes this hybrid so special!

Where does the Australian German Shepherd mix come from?

We know very little about the Australian German Shepherd’s origins. There doesn’t seem to be any recorded history for this crossbreed at all.

Intentional breeding likely started in the recent past, probably in the United States. But even that’s just our best guess.

This hybrid doggo’s parent breeds have been around much longer, however. You’ve probably heard of these two popular canines before, but let’s take a moment to meet each one.

Introducing the Australian Shepherd, a cowboy’s companion

You’d be hard-pressed to find a canine with the Australian Shepherd’s track record. For over 100 years, these dogs have roamed the American West, rounding up livestock for farmers and ranchers.

Despite their name, Australian Shepherds or Aussies aren’t actually from Australia. While the breed was refined in the Outback, this purebred got its actual start working the hills of Europe.

Needless to say, the modern Aussie comes from a long line of herding champions!

German Shepherd? More like canine bodyguard!

Brave and powerful German Shepherd dogIn the 19th century, German officer Captain Max von Stephanitz sought to create a German herding dog like no other. Through careful crossbreeding, the modern German Shepherd Dog emerged.

Shortened to GSD, these canines quickly proved capable of far more than herding. One even became a famous movie star named Rin Tin Tin.

Today, they’re frequently used in police work, bomb and drug detection, and personal protection. Fiercely loyal and intimidatingly confident, you don’t want to get on this dog’s bad side!

The Australian German Shepherd mix may not be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) like its parents. Still, the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) does.

Appearance: The physical qualities of the German Shepherd Aussie mix

It’s almost impossible to predict a designer dog’s looks, and this couldn’t be any more true for the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix!

Most have well-proportioned, athletic bodies. Their sloping back and long legs give them the ambling gait of a GSD with the Aussie’s peppy step.

Set up high on their well-proportioned head are triangular ears with rounded tips. It could still range anywhere from upright and alert to floppy and folded.

Their almond-shaped eyes have that observant and intelligent expression. Eye color varies from dog to dog. Most often, we see them with brown, blue, or hazel eyes.

Your pooch might even inherit heterochromia from their Aussie side, a condition that gives them two different eye colors!

Muzzles can be medium or long that slightly tapers and have a rounded tip.

Your Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix is likely to have a fluffy, plumed tail that can be long or short, depending on which parent breed they take after.

When it comes to their fur, they generally have a straight to wavy double coat that’s short- to medium-length.

They sport a solid color, while others have a combination of black, tan, red, cream, golden, white, blue merle, or red merle.

Some might even be tricolor or have tinges of silvery gray or brindle, with speckled or spotted markings.

How big will a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix get?

Full-grown Aussie German Shepherds usually have a height of 19 to 26 inches tall (48 to 66 cm) and weigh 45 to 80 pounds (20 to 36 kg), where males tend to be heavier than females.

This is assuming that your pup has a standard-sized Australian Shepherd parent.

If your pooch comes from a Toy or Miniature Australian Shepherd, they could be much smaller.

Even if your German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix is more petite than average, we don’t recommend this breed for apartment dwellers.

Their energy is far too boundless for anything but a spacious home with a large yard. Farms and ranches would also make a great home for this mixed breed.

Do Aussie German Shepherds make good house dogs?

The cool thing about German Australian Shepherd mixes is that they’re equal parts loving and vigilant. With this crossbreed, you get a skilled guard dog and family companion, all rolled into one.

Because this pooch is quite aloof and a little wary of strangers, it makes them a reliable watchdog. They’re not huge barkers, but expect some barking when unfamiliar people are near.

Some Australian German Shepherds have sharper guarding instincts, and you won’t know if your pup is one of them until you’ve spent some time together.

It would be best if you didn’t wait until you see your fido’s true colors to start training and socializing them.

Exposure to different people and situations is essential for this hybrid. Start this process while they’re young, as early as 2 ½ weeks, and keep it positive.

German Aussie Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, but they also have an independent streak that’s mostly inherited from their Australian Shepherd parent.

To keep them engaged, include plenty of praise and tasty treats. And don’t force your pooch to interact with strangers if they aren’t comfortable!

You might even consider muzzle training your hybrid friend, especially if he joins your pack as an adolescent or adult.

This might seem harsh, but muzzles can be an excellent tool for keeping your dog and other people safe. As long as the muzzle isn’t used as a punishment, your doggo will get used to it in no time!

If this crossbreed is starting to sound a little intimidating, keep in mind that they are completely devoted to their families, and they love to play!

Take a minute to watch this video of Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppies playing with their littermates and toys.

Your kids will enjoy this hybrid, too. Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are known for their patience and friendliness toward children.

Think of their crossbreed offspring as a canine nanny of sorts.

Still, you’ll want to supervise playtime with younger kiddos. The Aussie German Shepherd’s herding instincts could kick in at just the wrong time.

We don’t need to tell you how little your toddler wants to be corralled by a 70-pound mammoth.

You should also exercise caution if you have other pets in the home–especially pets that look like food.

There’s a good chance that your Australian German Shepherd will be an only-dog sort of canine. And with a relatively high prey drive, we can’t guarantee that they’ll be best buds with the family cat, either.

While this dog isn’t suitable for every living situation, there’s a lot to admire about this breed.

Confident, experienced owners who can spend a good portion of each day bonding with and training this pup will undoubtedly reap the rewards.

Well-trained German Aussie mixes are capable of some amazing feats. From search-and-rescue to therapy, to good ol’ fashioned agility, these dogs never cease to impress.

You should still consider providing mental enrichment at home by giving your German Aussie Shepherd mix puzzles, interactive toys, as well as clicker and obedience training.

Owning an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix

Every dog needs some assistance when it comes to general care and maintenance. And let’s be honest, nurturing our fur babies makes us happy, too.

One of the first things you need to consider when raising your Aussie German Shepherd is that they have moderate tolerance to heat.

They’ll enjoy cold weather more because of their coat, so be wary if you have this mixed breed and live somewhere that’s often warm.

Do Australian German Shepherd mixes shed?

If you’ve spent any amount of time around an Australian Shepherd or a GSD, you know that you walk away with half their fur stuck to your clothes.

Their crossbreed offspring is considered a moderate shedder with average grooming needs.

But like other double-coated canines, they shed profusely during their bi-annual blowout – spring and fall.

You’ll want to brush your German Shepherd Aussie mix at least every week to keep matting at bay and to remove the extra dead hair in their undercoat.

We recommend using a slicker brush and a rake while moving in the same direction as the hair growth.

Baths should only be given when necessary using a mild dog shampoo when washing your pet to avoid irritating her skin or drying out her fur.

If you feel like you couldn’t handle the shedding anymore and you want to get rid of all your canine’s hair, get a different breed instead. Shaving is NEVER good for dogs with a double coat.

Here’s a video explaining why you shouldn’t shave your Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix, or any double-coated dog:

Another essential part of your pup’s primping is checking their ears every day. Ears that are upright can quickly accumulate dirt and dust.

Before cleaning, see if there’s any redness or odor, which are signs of infection. Cleaning can be done once a week with a damp cloth or an ear wipe.

Don’t forget the nail trims, either. Not only do sharp talons take the fun out of playing with your dog, but long claws can splinter and break.

Plus, they’re downright uncomfortable. Most pups can do with a pedicure once a month or so, but this varies from dog to dog.

For oral hygiene, brush your Aussie German Shepherd mix’s teeth at least three times a week using a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs.

Exercise: how much activity does a German Aussie Shepherd need?

If you saw “herding dog” and immediately broke a sweat, you might want to have a seat for this one. Plan on a full two hours of daily exercise for this fireball of a canine.

Ideally, this time will be split between strenuous activity and play, training, or casual walks.

Just like people, Australian German Shepherds don’t want to do the same things over and over again. To keep them (and yourself) happy, think outside the proverbial box.

Walks are great, sure, but have you ever seen a GSD Aussie mix dock dive? What about flyball? This is one clever pooch, so they can learn to do just about anything. And for them, learning is half the fun.

Combining exercise with mental exertion is a fantastic way to wear out your pup. It also strengthens your bond. It’s a win-win for everybody!

You can teach your fur buddy to catch flying discs with this Kong Frisbee, which is well-loved by active fidos.

Diet and nutrition: What’s the best dog food for an Australian German Shepherd?

As an active breed, your German Australian Shepherd needs a diet high in protein to keep their body and muscles healthy.

For a satisfied Aussie German Shepherd tummy, aim for 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dog food a day, which is about 1,000 calories. Divide this amount into two meals to discourage overeating, bloat, and keep your canine friend fueled.

Other than your pet’s metabolism, look for a dry kibble appropriate for her weight, age, and health.

You can check if she’s gaining too many pounds by doing a touch-test, where you can feel her ribs. Being overweight can be a sign of illnesses like insulinoma and hypothyroidism. So it’s best to be cautious.

Are Australian German Shepherd dogs healthy?

Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mixes are generally healthy dogs that could enjoy a lifespan of 9 to 15 years!

But like any dog, owners will still need to watch out for some health problems. Unsound breeding practices in their parent’s early years can contribute to a greater risk of hereditary conditions.

Joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia are possible in both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds.

Your pup may also experience eye conditions, including Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), colobomas, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and cataracts.

A few other health issues to look out for are hemophilia, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, drug sensitivity like MPR, EPI, and cancer.

How much are Australian German Shepherd puppies?

Wondering if you can afford one of these remarkable dogs? You’re in luck! A German Shepherd Australian Shepherd puppy can cost around $300 to $800.

You might find one for a lower price, but expect to pay somewhere in this range.

You also have to consider other expenses like annual medical and non-medical expenditures that can have a total of $985 to $1,200.

Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix breeders

Picking a breeder is just as important as picking out your puppy.

If you don’t do your due diligence, you risk funding a less-than-stellar breeding operation. To make matters worse, you could get your heart set on an unhealthy pup.

Given the German Aussie Shepherd’s potential for genetic conditions, it’s crucial that you check the parents’ medical records and obtain a health guarantee for the pup.

Keep in mind that these documents should include more than a standard vet checkup. You’re looking for proof of thorough genetic testing. Run away from any breeder who can’t provide this paperwork.

You’ll also want to ask how the litters socialize. The best breeders care just as much about their puppies as their clients do.

They should be knowledgeable about this crossbreed’s personality and need for early interaction.

Furthermore, breeders should have an evident bond with their pups. If the adult dogs or puppies at a breeding facility seem detached or fearful, this is a huge red flag.

Currently, there don’t seem to be any breeders or kennels offering this hybrid. Don’t be discouraged, though! You might be able to find one of these pups through a rescue.

Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix rescues

There are several benefits to adopting a German Aussie Shepherd. For starters, you can save quite a bit of money.

You also have the option of bringing home an older dog and avoiding the more trying aspects of puppyhood (hello, potty training).

Perhaps the most joyful part of doggy rescue is providing a needy pooch with a loving, stable home. Who doesn’t want to be their canine pal’s superhero?

As you scour local shelters and larger rescue organizations, keep in mind that you may not find an Australian German Shepherd that’s a 50/50 split. One or two other breeds may be thrown into the mix.

If you’re undeterred by the element of surprise, check out these rescue sites to find your forever pup:

1. Happy Tails Rescue (Maple Grove, MN)
2. All Shepherd Rescue (Baltimore, MD)
3. Aussie and Me Animal Rescue (Sarasota, FL)
4. Heartland German Shepherd Rescue (Gretna, NE)
5. Westside German Shepherd Rescue (Los Angeles, CA)

Other Aussie mixes and German Shepherd crosses

If you want to take a look at other designer dogs with a German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd parent, then these mixed breeds might interest you:

• Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler mix (AKA Texas Heeler)
• Australian Shepherd Lab mix (AKA Aussiedor)
• Australian Shepherd Corgi mix (AKA Auggie)
• Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix (AKA Cattle Shepherd)
• German Shepherd Australian Kelpie mix (AKA German Shepherd Kelpie)
• German Shepherd Rottweiler mix (AKA Shottie)

Have you fallen in love with the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix?

The German Australian Shepherd is an extraordinary canine. Loyal to a fault, they can be the perfect watchdog and excellent running mate.

They do require a diligent owner, however. Novice pet parents or those with packed schedules should think carefully before bringing one of these puppies home.

Think you can handle an impressive breed like the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Reference

• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Australian_Shepherd_German_Shepherd_mixed_dog_named_Kenya.JPG
• http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/multidrug-sensitivity-what-you-need-to-know
• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-in-dogs#:~:text=Exocrine%20pancreatic%20insufficiency%20(EPI)%20is,a%20normal%20or%20increased%20appetite.