10-20 lbs
7-10"
Unknown
The Austi-Pap is a hybrid breed where the Australian Shepherd (Standard, Toy or Miniature) is crossed with the Papillon. Relatively new, there is little information available about the Austi-Pap; as an Austi-Pap puppy will inherit traits from both of its parents, it is best to consider what each of its parent breeds is like when seeking an understanding of what the hybrid will ultimately be like. The Australian Shepherd enjoys having a job to do and is typically confident, independent and loving. One of the oldest breeds of dog, the Papillon is friendly, playful, intelligent and obedient.
The hybrid called the Austi-Pap is a new breed of dog that does not have a detailed history. However, the two breeds that combine to make the Austi-Pap have long histories. The Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States to work as a herding dog. It is likely that the name of Australian Shepherd is due to the fact that the ancestors of the dog arrived in the United States from Australia; those who worked the dogs named them after where their ancestors previously resided. The breed’s popularity increased in the 1950’s after the dog was featured in rodeos and films. The Australian Shepherd now works as a ranch dog, guide dog, therapy dog, drug detecting dog, and in search and rescue. The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of dog, going back nearly 700 years in Europe. The breed, which originated in France, got its name from its ears that look like the wings of a butterfly. The tiny dogs are shown in many paintings that were created during the Renaissance period. The depiction of the dog in paintings has allowed for its development to be known. While the ears of earlier dogs had drooping ears, an unknown event led to some dogs having erect ears. The popularity of the breed spread from Europe and across the Atlantic during the early 1900’s. The breed has also been known as a Toy Spaniel.
The Austi-Pap is a hybrid dog from the Australian Shepherd and Papillon, varying in size based on his parents. While the Papillon is a very small dog (average weight of 5 to 10 pounds), an Australian Shepherd can vary significantly in size, with Toy and Miniature Australian Shepherds leading to a smaller Austi-Pap than when the Papillon is bred with a Standard Australian Shepherd. Colors may vary between merle shades and white, depending on which genes are predominant in the parent breeds. The coat will likely have an attractive wave to it, but the density of the coat can change from puppy to puppy.
Maintenance of your Austi-Pap will be moderate, requiring regular grooming to ensure the health of his coat. Thought to be an average shedder like his parents, regular brushing will be necessary for your Austi-Pap, as brushing should occur a few times per week for Australian Shepherds and as much as daily for Papillons. Basic care that is necessary for all dogs is also important, to include trimming his nails as necessary and keeping his ears clean and dry. In addition, you will want to brush his teeth regularly to ensure his overall dental health. Papillons should typically not be left outdoors for long periods of time because of the breed’s tendency to bark at the slightest sound. This being the case, the Austi-Pap should also not be left outdoors for extended periods.
The Austi-Pap will inherit his temperament from his parents. The Australian Shepherd is typically an independent and confident dog that is very loving towards his family. The Australian Shepherd enjoys having a job to do and can become frustrated if he does not have the mental and physical stimulation he requires. The Australian Shepherd will typically be reserved around those he does not know, which is a part of his protective nature; early socialization will be important particularly considering his natural suspicion. While the Australian Shepherd may initially nip at children in an effort to “herd” them, he will be easy to train and will make a great companion for the whole family. The Papillon is friendly, playful, smart and obedient. Dogs of the breed can be timid and will often bark at almost any noise it hears. The Papillon will get along well with older children, cats and other small dogs though will often behave aggressively towards larger dogs in an effort to protect his owners.
When considering the activity requirements of the Austi-Pap, it is best to consider the needs of his parent breeds. The Australian Shepherd has a high energy level and requires a significant amount of activity in order to maintain his physical and emotional health. The Papillon on the other hand, enjoys a moderate level of activity and can do well spending the majority of his time indoors (though due to frequent barking, residing in an apartment may not be ideal). The breed is quick and athletic, though requires less activity than the Australian Shepherd.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/05/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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