Border-Aussie

30-75 lbs
17-23"
Unknown
Australian Shepherd
Border Collie
Aussieollie, Australian Collie Dog

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. 

purpose Purpose
Companion, Herding
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Australian Shepherd, Border Collie

Border-Aussie Health

Average Size
Male Border-Aussie size stats
Height: 17-23 inches Weight: 30-75 lbs
Female Border-Aussie size stats
Height: 17-23 inches Weight: 30-75 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
Minor Concerns
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Hearing
  • MRI
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Border-Aussie Breed History

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. 

Border-Aussie Breed Appearance

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. 

Border-Aussie Breed Maintenance

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.

Border Aussies often suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and other potentially expensive health conditions. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Our pet insurance tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Border-Aussie Temperament

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. 

Border-Aussie Activity Requirements

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. 

Border-Aussie Owner Experiences

Bondi
2 1/2 years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We just adopted him from another owner a couple weeks ago, so we're still getting to know him!
7 years, 1 month ago
Mayze
10 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Catch treats
Tug-of-war
Run
She is very hyper and outgoing. She’s super friendly and loves to have room to run around freely
6 years, 11 months ago
Gypsy
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Gypsy is very friendly to the family but is always looking to play, sometimes playing in a not so nice way. She definitly uses her arms in daily activities and always loves to chew on her toys.
6 years, 10 months ago
Tucker
16 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
Jogging
Tug-of-war
Frisbee toss
We were told Tucker was over 2 years old when we considered adopting him, but found out he is actually just over 1 *after* we adopted him. It makes a difference - we started out treating him as a dog when he is still really a puppy. That required some adjustment from us. We had him spend time with other dogs to socialize and we're now going through obedience training. He is amazingly smart, stubborn, obstinate and frustrating, but the most loving, affectionate and energetic dog I've ever had. This dog does not know how to stay still.
6 years, 5 months ago
Shiloh
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hide & Seek
Tug-of-war
Running
Dog Parks
We adopted Shiloh as a 10-month old puppy. He had 3 previous owners. He was given up because he has an aversion to children, which we are trying to work on with him. But any time a child is near him, he tenses up and becomes very uneasy. He is stubborn about eating his dog food, which can be very frustrating, and doesn't like being left alone. He loves his family very much, and is a bit timid around strangers at first. He loves meeting new dog-friends though, and loves the dog park. Overall he is the sweetest, cutest, kindest little puppy and we love him all the time!
6 years, 4 months ago
Berklee
6 Months
8 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bike ride
training
Running
Fetch
Puzzle Toys
dog shows
Walks
I got Berklee when he was 6 months old. He was from an accidental litter, and he was born on a farm. We got the little guy as a 4-H show dog for me, after my 12 year old springer spaniel was no longer capable. He is an absolute sweetheart, and he is smart as a whip. although he can be a little bit picky about his dog friends, he gets along with others pretty well. my cats and him don't really see eye-to-eye all the time but they manage. When he first arrived he had some pretty bad anxiety and a couple other personality issues like aggression, but he has really come a long way. He has really just become my best friend. I adore him!
5 years, 10 months ago
Athena
8 Weeks
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I just got my Athena so I'm still learning how she is and her personality. I can tell she's lovely and very curious about everything, she likes to run around the apartment, play with her toys or even people's feet, and she sleeps a lot too. I live in an apartment so I hope it's ok when she grows up. I'm planning on doing a lot of adventures with her when she gets the third vaccine. We are both learning how to adapt to each other and I am loving it!
5 years, 7 months ago
Cookie, Big Man, Mr.McGruff
11 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Biking
Water play
Tracking
Hiking
Walk
So my mom bred the dog and we had 6, but now have 3 border aussies. This is one of the most barky, intense, hyper, out of control breeds I have ever helped raise. They bark a LOT. They are loyal, loving and need lots of activitues, toys, time to run and chase things in the yards, walks (not your average neighborhood walk take these bad boys in the woods and mountains!) They loooooove the water, so water play is top on our list of activities for them. Avoid at all costs if you don't have a house, yard and can devote constant time and energy. They will destroy and get bored, but think of the breed.
5 years, 6 months ago
Peaches
14 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Peaches is a very rambunctious little girl. She has taken to obedience training quickly mastering most everything. A little independent and very chewie still but all in all we are enjoying her.
5 years, 5 months ago
Hamilton
2 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hiking
Running
Frisbee
swimming
Hamilton is very well adjusted. He gets between 30 minutes and 3 hours of exercise depending on the day and season. The summertime is his "off" season as we live in the desert. That's our time to get down on some indoor sports!
5 years, 5 months ago
Sadie Anne
6 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We are beginning to take walks two or three times
We have only had her 3 days.
5 years, 5 months ago
Tov
8 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Cuddling
Walk
Playing
Playing in the snow
Tov is a amazing companion although is a little silly. we rescued him 7 years ago and have loved and cared for him ever since. However he is quite difficult to train unlike most collie-aussies. Although he’s old he never lost his energy.
5 years, 3 months ago
Scout
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's our little furkid. Loves to be next to us all the time, likes to wrestle and play tug but loves laying on the couch in the evening just the same.
4 years, 9 months ago
Banjeaux
4 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
What a sweet dog and good for our 4 year old and 9 month old. They love her!
4 years, 7 months ago
Sully
18 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tracking
Running
Agility training
swimming
He's a very sweet and kind natured dog. He's super friendly and loves everyone including kids and other dogs. As much as he loves to get out and about doing activities, he's also happy to chill at home and hardly notice him. He is very affectionate, loves to cuddle and always consoles people when they are upset. I don't know what I would do without him in my life, he's my whole world!
4 years, 6 months ago
Duke
6 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing Ball
He is protective, talks a lot...loves to play anything, chases me around the house.
4 years, 6 months ago
Ripley
4 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Agility training
Frisbee
Fetch
loving dog that is super energetic
4 years, 6 months ago
Maggy
7 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Agility training
Tricks
We have no previous experience with this breed of dog and we found out quickly we have a high energy dog. She went into training quickly.
4 years, 5 months ago
Shadow
5 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
training
Full of constant energy even when you think there is none left. Loves to be with you and give you affection. Love the affection right back.
4 years, 4 months ago
Duke
6 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
chasing
Walking
Throwing ball
Frisbee
I don’t see Duke as high energy. He’s just my dog that likes to play a lot!! He gets his feelings hurt and then he ignores us for about 2-3 hours. He won’t bring the ball back to us unless he wants to! Grrrrr
4 years, 4 months ago
Buster
10 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Learn a new trick
Tracking
Fetch
Travel
Buster is extremely intelligent, very emotionally aware and easy to teach new words and tricks, walking however is something he is unable to learn how to do without pulling (rip my shoulder). We have two cats which Buster tends to herd on instinct when excited or when they get to excited. His herding isn't exclusive to the cats either, he will try to herd us as well XD. Overall a wonderful and protective dog but def gotta be prepared to deal with the herding behaviour.
4 years, 3 months ago
Skye
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beach
Dog Parks
Dog Expos
Love them to death!! Stubborn with not herding other dogs at the dog park but they have so much instinct in them!
4 years, 3 months ago
Sparky and Bauer
1 Year
8 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Herding
Walk
Water play
Farm dogs
Play
We adopted Sparky and Bauer as 4 month old puppies. The are brothers and at the time my now husband and I weren’t living together as I was still in school. Sparky and Bauer got to see each other often but both were farm dogs from the start. We had seen the dad (who was the border collie) and his herding skills and our pups picked up the skill very quickly. They were both very easy to train and super affectionate dogs. Sparky has had some tense moments with children, mostly because he is unsure of them. Bauer on the other hand loves children and all people he meets. They are very much working dogs and are now full time farm dogs on our dairy farm. Highly recommend these lovable dogs.
4 years, 3 months ago
Toast
6 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Toast when he was four-years-old, and we quickly realized that he had definitely endured abuse in the past. He is very affectionate and loving with people he knows, but is very overprotective with strangers and other dogs in our presence. He is a bit dog reactive, which we assume is because of his time spent in the shelter. He's a very smart and intelligent dog with a lot of energy, he doesn't like being told what to do and will throw tantrums when left alone for too long (peeing on the bed or tearing up random items in the house). The best part about him is how emotionally intelligent he is. He is able to sense when someone is in distress and will come up to you, cuddle, and kiss your face. Truly a wonderful dog despite his behavioral issues, which is something that won't be an issue unless you adopt a troubled dog!
4 years, 1 month ago
Bella
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Herding
Play
Run
I love Bella and she is so quick to learn and very friendly
4 years, 1 month ago
Mayzeigh
10 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Mayzeigh is perfect. I worship the ground that she walks on
3 years, 11 months ago
Ash
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Frisbee
Puzzle Toys
Tug-of-war
hide and seek
swimming
Ash is a very adaptable dog when we move between our apartment and my parents home near the lake. He can be calm when we need him to be, but he love love loves to play. We couldn’t picture our life without him.
3 years, 11 months ago
Luna
8 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Great family breed. Easy to train early on. Keep them active as they get bored easily. Easily my favorite breed.
3 years, 11 months ago
Luna May
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
Boat ride
Frisbee
Center Of Attention
Road trip
hyper
Fetch
Chasing Things Small
Deaf
Hearding Us
Car rides
Boss
Running
Amazing Girl! Always on the go! Running, running, running. Born Deaf! Very easily trained! My best friend!!!
3 years, 10 months ago
Guinness
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Watching tv
Chasing balls
Car rides
Walk
Very smart, lots of energy, let's us know when someone comes on our property. We had a Australian shepherd, so had a good idea of what to expect. Strong herding instinct. Does have separation anxiety when we are leaving. Guinness goes to doggy daycamp once a month to play with other dogs
3 years, 9 months ago
Jackson
20 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He’s currently 20wks old/12.8kg (28lbs), finishing his molar teething, and still working on the nipping... He’s incredibly smart, a bit stubborn, loves kids & other dogs, very food driven, likes to cuddle, no sense of personal space, overall healthy, full of spunky cuteness. Highly highly recommended breed.
3 years, 9 months ago
Slate
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We did. It socialize and he is very skidding of people and animals. He has gotten better in the last 2 years.
3 years, 8 months ago
Heinz
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Love him to death..had 2 border collies previously
3 years, 6 months ago
Sophie
7 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Herding
Chase
Flyball
Agility training
We adopted her at 10 weeks. She quickly became part of our exising pack consisting of a greyador and a chihuahua. Has a super sweet personality but is a bit cautious with strangers. Cant imagine our lives without her.
3 years, 6 months ago
Scout
8 Weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hike
Swim
Run
Hunt
I just got my border Aussie a couple days ago and I’m already in love with him! He is so energetic and athletic but also has a side of him that is okay to just sit and snuggle.
3 years, 6 months ago
Vinny
1 Year
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
3-4 walks per day, fetch, rest. patios
We adopted him like usual, but we usually get them older so it's diff having a "puppie", but we constantly receive comments from people saying "they can't believe how calm and mellow he is". I know this is rare, because he also has plenty of energy at times.
3 years, 4 months ago
Stevie
4 Months
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Luckily, we have enough room in the apartment to play games like fetch and keep away with her in order for her to get exercise. When she is fully vaccinated in a couple weeks, we have plans to begin going on runs and to the dog park for socializing! I think she is doing exceptionally well while having to stay indoors, and was trained to use potty pads in no time! She learns tricks rapidly and is very good at adjusting to activities based on my own energy level. Absolutely love her!
3 years ago
Luna
7 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We just got our little Luna this week!
2 years, 8 months ago
Rocket
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
kitchen 'soccer' and oudoor frisbee
Rocket is amazingly gentle and easy to get along with. He is great with our 2 cats. He absolutely LIVES for play and is the only dog I have ever met that will ignore food if a game is in the offing.
2 years, 8 months ago
Bianca
3 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Play fighting
Walking
She’s still very young but she’s such a happy dog, she radiates happiness whenever she’s around. She can be shy with strangers but will let them pet her. She can become hesitant with strangers.
2 years, 8 months ago
Louie Vuitton
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Love him to pieces. What a character. Makes us laugh. Energetic. Fun. Happy.
2 years, 8 months ago
Sullivan Moses
4 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sullivan is just a baby but is learning quickly! Our grands, 8,3 and 2 years of age, are at our home almost every day of the week. He loves playing with them. We are working on him NOT herding the children 🤣
2 years, 7 months ago
Kratos
4 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Flyball
Hide & Seek
Hiking
Running
I've had him since 8 weeks old and he's always been very friendly, relatively easy to train (his high energy level meant we had to tire him out before training sessions so we could make any real progress with the training), and very high energy. He's in weekly flyball classes, as well as goes to doggy daycare 2-3 days a week and gets 2-3 hours of walks a day. He can also be very stubborn and headstrong and is often too smart for his own good. He also is a bit of an escape artist when it comes to crates, and can be a bit chatty towards me and people he knows well but doesnt really bark at my door or at people walking by
2 years ago
Jasper
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is my first puppy of this breed. But I've done lots of research prior to adopting him. I also use to work as a kennel tech and handled these breeds before.
2 months, 1 week ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

We are looking to adopt a puppy Border Aussie. Are they high super high energy? Do they do well with young kids, other pets such as cats and dogs and do they like going to the beach and swimming? I want to know more about this breed before adopting.

Answer
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Question - New pet
Question

What type of job can you give your border collie if you don't live on a farm, but in a residential area instead?

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd