30-75 lbs
17-23"
Unknown
The Border-Aussie is a hybrid animal, a cross between two popular herding dogs and is a highly intelligent breed with a great deal of energy. These medium-sized canines are eager to please their owner and are generally rather easy to train, but they can have an overabundance of energy and are at their healthiest when they get at least two hours of vigorous exercise per day. Although they are generally agreeable if properly socialized, they do have a strong herding instinct and they may attempt to herd children and other animals by nipping at their heels. Due to the size and high exercise requirements, this busy hybrid is generally unsuited to apartment living.
The Border-Aussie is a crossbreed of two of the most well-known and popular of the herding dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie. The Australian Shepherd that we know today is actually a newer breed that was developed in the farmlands of the United States in the late 19th century rather than in Australia, as the name might suggest. This breed was developed to herd cattle and sheep and was most likely derived from Basque shepherding dogs that traveled from Australia to America in the early 1800’s. When the Basque people came to America, they brought with them their shepherding dogs, most likely Pyrenean Sheepdogs that had been crossed with a Collie type breed which are believed to be the foundation stock for the modern Aussie. These capable herding dogs are believed to have been crossed with other hard working stock dogs once they reached America, creating an agile and enduring herding animal. The Border Collie, on the other hand, is an extremely old breed, believed to be a combination between small, spitz-like herding dogs that travelled with Viking raiders during the third century and somewhat larger Roman herding dogs that had relocated to Britain during the Roman invasion during the first century. The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent canine, considered by many experts to be the most intelligent overall breed of dog, in fact the Border Collie is often the dog chosen when scientists are trying to measure the upper limits of exactly what a canine can learn. These Collies were bred for performance rather than for looks and although they are an attractive dog, they are first and foremost a working dog and without a job, these dogs can become bored and destructive. Although the hybrid is fairly new, it is fairly popular and it has been around long enough that we can get a good idea of the quirks and attributes that the Border-Aussie has.
The Border-Aussie is a medium-sized dog. The Australian Shepherd and Border Collie were both bred for the same type of work, so the resulting dogs have a definite “herding dog” look to them. Although they can get physical traits from either side of the family tree, the Border-Aussie tends to favor the Border Collie in their physical structure, particularly in the face, which is somewhat narrower than the Australian Shepherd, with a more tapered muzzle. Their eyes will either have the almond shape of the Australian Shepherd or the oval shape of the Border Collie and can come in just about any color from dark brown to blue. This crossbreed is more likely to have two differently colored eyes than most dogs due to their Australian Shepherd heritage. There are a many different coat colors that can occur with this particular combination of dogs. Some Border-Aussies will take after the Border Collie side in black and white, but because of their Australian Shepherd contribution they may come in any color including traditional Aussie colors like red, liver, tan, merle, and tricolor, and non-traditional Aussie colors like brindle and sable.
The Border-Aussie does require regular grooming, but overall, they are fairly easy to maintain. These dogs generally have a fairly low odor although a bath every month or two will ensure that they remain stink free and may help to reduce the constant shedding. Their abundant medium length fur is prone to tangling and matting if not attended to, and they require brushing several times a week, although daily is better. It is particularly important to keep this cross breed’s ears clean as the hair that grows in them can trap dirt and other contaminants, increasing the chances that your dog will develop an ear infection.
The Border-Aussie is an active and outgoing dog with an incredible work ethic. Although they do make good family pets, they are even happier if given a steady job or activity to do. Like their parent breed, the Border-Aussie dogs are very confident dogs that are task-oriented and do quite well in a variety of activities, including agility training, freestyle canine dance, and competition herding exercises. Although this dog is generally pretty easy going when it comes to family members, they may occasionally be more reserved with strangers. They are fairly good with children if they have been socialized with them, however, an unsocialized dog may be more likely to snap at the perceived threat. Even the well socialized dog should be monitored with small children, for both the child’s safety and the canine’s. The Border-Aussie is not generally a noisy dog and has an overall positive outlook on life; if left alone for too long, however, these little dogs may become restless and destructive.
Both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd are very athletic and energetic animals, and they require a great deal of exercise. Although the mix is not quite as intense as the purebred Border Collie, they are still generally at their happiest and healthiest when they get at least two hours of vigorous activity and mental stimulation per day. Along with brisk walks or jogs, this dog may also be able to expend their considerable energy with alternative activities, such as freestyle dancing, competitive frisbee, agility training, and herding. While they are fairly quiet, this crossbreed is not typically suitable for apartment living as it has such high energy level.
