Aussalier

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United States
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Australian Shepherd
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Aussalier is a newly recognized hybrid, a cross between either a toy or miniature Australian Shepherd and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and there can be several areas of variation in the looks of these little dogs even within one litter. For the most part, they should be happy, friendly, and energetic animals that are very attentive to their family. At this point, very little is yet known about which diseases and disorders may affect this particular cross, but we can conjecture that based on the disorders that are more frequent in the Aussie and Cavalier breeds that Aussaliers may be at risk for disorders such as hip dysplasia, congenital epilepsy, and eye troubles.
Purpose
Companion
Date of Origin
2013
Ancestry
Australian Shepherd, Cavalier King Charles

Aussalier Breed History

This is an extremely new crossbreed of dog, registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club in 2013 by a breeder in Spokane, WA. The Australian Shepherd that we know today was actually developed in the United States rather than in Australia, as the name would suggest. This breed was developed by cattle and sheep herders in the mid to late 19th century. Their early history is most likely from Basque shepherding dogs that traveled from Australia to America in the early 1800’s. These dogs, most likely Pyrenean Sheepdogs that had been crossed with a Collie type breed are believed to have been crossed with other hard working stock dogs in America in order to develop an agile and enduring herding animal. The miniature and toy sizes of the Australian Shepherd were developed in the 1960’s to create a smaller version of these energetic and versatile dogs. Like standard sized Australian Shepherds, toy and miniature Australian Shepherds can sometimes be described as a little standoffish, so they mixed it with the gentle and affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a dog breed specifically developed as a lap and foot warmer. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was given its name as it was a great favorite of both King Charles I and King Charles II in the 1600’s and this dog remains a favorite, listed as the 19th most popular dog breed by the AKC. The Australian Shepherd is more popular still, listed as the 16th most popular. With this level of popularity, it's no surprise that the few reputable Aussalier breeders have long waiting lists.

Aussalier Breed Appearance

The Aussalier crossbreed of dog is so new that a standard has not been set, and there can be many variations even among the same litter. They are fairly small dogs, typically between 13 and 16 inches tall and weighing between 16 to 35 pounds, and both of them tend to be slightly longer than they are tall. The skull should not be domed, but the top of the head could be rounded or flat. The muzzle, eyes, and ears of these hybrids could vary quite a bit. The muzzle itself can range from the full muzzle of the Cavalier with well developed but not pendulous lips to the slightly longer, tapering muzzle with close fitting lips of the Australian Shepherd. The alert eyes of the Australian Shepherd are almond shaped and come in brown, blue, and combinations of the two, in sharp contrast with the signature eyes of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, large, round eyes in a melting dark brown that portray their sweet and gentle nature. Their ears tend to sit high on their head, but they may fold forward, or they might hang from the side, and their coats could be either straight or wavy, silky or weather-resistant, single coated or double.

Aussalier Breed Maintenance

The coats of the Australian Shepherd and the Cavalier King Charles are quite different in texture and length, but their grooming requirements are similar. Bathing is generally kept on an as needed basis and they should be brushed several times a week to prevent tangles and matting. If the coat is more reminiscent of the silky Cavalier coat, conditioner should be used to keep it shiny and silky, but if it is the slightly coarser fur of the Aussie, then conditioner is not necessary. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also grow fur on their feet which requires brushing and trimming, and your Aussalier may inherit this trait.

Aussalier Activity Requirements

The Aussalier is designed to be a companion dog, so the Australian Shepherds used are likely to be chosen mainly for their pleasant nature. This means that the dogs that are bred by responsible breeders should be friendly with most people, although they may show some reservation around strangers. With adequate socialization, they should also be easygoing and playful during encounters children and other animals, although it seems likely that herding behaviors may emerge if those children or animals happen to be small or fast moving. Both parent breeds are energetic and are typically highly trainable although Australian Shepherds sometimes show some stubbornness during training sessions. Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are very attentive to their family. They can be prone to developing separation anxiety and do best when they are made a part of daily family life, so it would be reasonable to guess that the Aussalier would exhibit the same tendencies.

Aussalier Owner Experiences

Duncan
2 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Fetch
Duncan is such a mush!!! So excited when we get home from wherever we were. Loves to cuddle and get belly rubs!!
4 months, 2 weeks ago
Ivy
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Swim
Fetch
Cuddles
Ivy is about to turn 3 years old. We have had her since she was 9 weeks. She really is too smart for her own good and has been a breeze to train as she is food crazed. She can either be chasing birds for hours on end or lay on the couch for hours. A great balance of temperament. Everyone mentions her "wiggle butt" when she greets you. Great dog, we love her to bits.
5 months, 3 weeks ago
Izzabella, or Izzy for short
9 Weeks
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
All seems fine with potty training seeming to be slow, but she is young. Leash training slow for now too, but we are getting a better collar or harness so I don't hurt her neck.
11 months, 2 weeks ago
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Sketch of smiling australian shepherd