Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mixes are energetic pups. Known as Aussie Collies, Border Aussies, or simply Aussie or Borders, they are a mixed breed dog of a Border Collie and an Australian Shepherd – both working dogs, with herding ancestries. The Border Aussie is best suited for families with older children who love active days out and long walks.
Borders are energetic and make the perfect companion. Dog owners can expect theirs to have a gorgeous double coat that comes in a huge variety of colors.
As this crossbreed designer dog sheds throughout the year, Borders are not suitable if you suffer from allergies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Photos of Border Aussies
What is a Border Aussie?
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd is a crossbreed of a Border Collie and an Australian Shepherd – both herding group breeds of shepherds.
Surprisingly, the Australian Shepherd comes from Europe (near the Pyrenees Mountains). They were brought to Australia in the early 1800s by the English who then later refined these Pyrenean shepherds into the modern-day Australian Shepherd.
The Border Collie’s history is a lot more complicated. They can be traced back to Britain when they were invaded by the Romans and then invaded by the Vikings. The cross between the Roman and Viking canines produced a breed with agile herding instincts that could work in the rocky highlands of Scotland. Many of the Border Collies today can be traced back to a dog that was born in 1893 called Old Hemp.
When you cross these two herding dogs you get a people-orientated mix that is calm and kind, playful and bouncy.
Many regard the Border Aussie as the perfect family dog.
But they are designer dogs that need lots of grooming and exercise – 2 hours of walking each day will tire this mixed breed out. Their long coats have a tendency to get tangled, so brushing your Aussie at least twice a week will keep them looking their best.
You should expect to pay around $600-800 for a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix puppy.
Border Aussie Appearance
Border Aussies can look like either of their ancestral parents – it is a potluck depending on what genes the pup inherits.
Both have similar bodies. They are well-balanced, agile with a muscular and slim athletic body. (Related read: Most athletic dog breeds)
So, it is very likely they will look similar to both.
Border Aussies’ eyes can either be almond or oval-shaped and will be brown or green. In both parents, it is common that each eye can have different colors. This is called heterochromia, and can also occur in Borders.
Border Aussie Height and Weight
Aussie is a medium-sized dog.
- Their weight can range from 35-60lb.
- They can stand from 18-23 inches tall.
Females will generally be smaller than males.
Coat and Colors
Border Collies have 17 official colors including black, blue, blue merle, brindle, red, red merle, sable, white and black, white ticked, and many more! They can also have a variety of markings, like tan points, white markings, and brindle points.
The Australian Shepherd has four official colors – black, blue merle, red and red merle. They can also have tan points, white markings, or both.
So Borders can have any of these colors or even a color combination.
Even though their general appearance may be unpredictable, a Borders’ coat is something you can rely on. They will have a thick, double-coat with medium-length fur. They can have a bit of feathering on their tail and legs too.
The Aussie will shed all year round and will have a major blowout twice a year during shedding seasons.
Border Aussie Personality and Temperament
Both of the Borders’ parents were bred to be working dogs, meaning they are full of energy and life.
So it is safe to say their mix will be the same.
It is not possible to predict the exact temperament of the Aussie as they can inherit temperaments from either or even both of their shepherds herding dogs’ parents.
However, with the correct socialization and training, they will be a well-behaved and happy pooch.
Borders have a loyal and eager-to-please personality, making for a very loving and friendly companion.
With this Aussie crossbreed, you will have a very playful pup that loves to run around and play. Sometimes they can be a little bit mischievous.
Being a very loving mixed breed, they are family-orientated and will thrive just being in your company.
This mix is normally quiet and calm, but when they are vocal they are trying to tell you something important is happening.
The Border Aussie can suffer from separation anxiety, so it is best not to leave them alone for too long. If you have to go out for more than a couple of hours, take them for a long walk before and give them a couple of their favorite toys. This will stop destructive behavior.
Borders are not territorial and are generally good with other dogs and pets being in their house, but socialization is required and you should introduce them to other pets gradually.
Is A Border Aussie A Good Family Dog?
Borders will thrive in a family with older children.
They love to herd and chase small animals and children, so they will likely chase and nip at children’s ankles. This is not a sign of aggression – they are just doing what comes instinctively to them.
The Aussie’s instinct to herd can be trained out but it is something to be aware of if you have a home with young kids.
How to Train a Border Aussie
Dog training comes easy with this mix thanks to both shepherds parent’s eager-to-please personality.
Having a Border Collie as a parent means they are also likely to be very intelligent.
Do not use punishment as a training method for your Aussie, as this has been seen to cause even more issues. It can lead to anxious and aggressive behaviors, which is not best for you or your fluffy friend. The best way to train yours is by positive reinforcement – give them rewards when they follow your command and when they stop any unwanted behavior.
One problematic behavior that the Aussie is prone to, is herding people and children. This can be stopped by distracting them with something else. Teach them the commands, ‘get in your bed’ or ‘get your toy’ and use them when they start showing herding behaviors.
Socialization is also very important with this mix breed, be sure to introduce your Borders to a wide range of people, children, and other pets. This is especially important when they are young pups if you have a household with kids and pets.
When you introduce them to new experiences and situations, give them praise and encouragement to show them it’s a positive experience.
Borders also need mental stimulation, otherwise, they will get frustrated and bored – a regular game of tug-of-war or test their intelligence with a puzzle feeder!
Caring for a Border Aussie
This crossbreed is definitely a pet that the whole family will enjoy. They will thrive in big homes with a big family. As Border Aussies can suffer from separation anxiety, having a bigger family means there will be someone around to keep them company.
They will need a lot of exercise, as the Aussie has an endless supply of energy.
Being a breed that has a lot of energy, they need space to run around in. They are not suited for apartment life – they much prefer a large backyard to play in.
The Borders shaggy-like fur can make it difficult for owners when it comes to grooming, so it’s best to keep that in mind.
Border Aussie Exercise Requirements
Having a lot of energy means they have to burn it off, otherwise that energy will be used to chew.
The Aussie is not a breed that is happy to snuggle up with you and watch TV.
Borders should get at least 2 hours of exercise, if not more.
You could take your pooch out for two-hour-long walks each day, or even jogging with you.
When you do take them out for walks, keep them on a leash until you are 100% sure they will come back when you call. Remember they are shepherds at heart and will chase whatever takes their fancy.
Your Aussie will also enjoy a number of different dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions.
Border Aussie Grooming and Shedding
Borders are a fairly clean dog, they won’t need regular baths unless they have rolled in something they should not have.
But they do need a lot of brushing.
Their medium-long shaggy coat will need brushing at least twice a week. This will need to be increased to around 4 times a week during the shedding season.
Borders also need to have their nails clipped and ears checked to prevent ear infections.
Border Aussie Feeding and Diet
When it comes to what type of dog food to give your Border Collie Aussie Shepherd mix, you’ll have an easy time of it. They will happily eat most types including dry or wet food.
Considering that they are shepherds, they will need more protein and calories in their diet – you can get specifically formulated dog foods for worker breeds.
Whatever you choose to feed your Aussie, just make sure they are getting the right nutrients. This includes the correct amount of protein, dietary fats, minerals, and vitamins.
How much do you feed yours is not an exact science as it depends on their weight and activity levels. If they weigh on the lower end, they will need around 1.5 cups a day or 2.5 cups if they are on the heavier side.
Border Aussie Known Health Problems
- They are most prone to eye disorders such as Collie Eye Anomaly. This can be inherited from both parent breeds and prevents the retina from developing correctly.
- Borders also prone to progressive retinal atrophy.
- Finally, they have been known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. This is where the joints are malformed and cause pain and lameness.
With planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on!
Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit.
PetPlan covers injury and disease in every adult tooth — not just the canines.
Not all providers cover hereditary conditions linked to breed. PetPlan does.
How Long Does A Border Aussie Live?
A healthy Border Aussie can live up to 15 years.
Border Aussie Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 18-23 inches |
| Weight: | 35-60lb |
| Lifespan: | 13-15 years |
| Coat: | Medium-long double coat |
| Color: | Various colors, including: black, white, blue merle, and gray |
| Do They Shed: | Yes |
| Temperament: | Kind, playful, energetic, and loving |
| Intelligence: | Very intelligent |
| Socialization: | Good with other dogs, socialization is still needed though |
| Destructive Behavior: | Will chew on things when bored and lonely |
| People Skills: | Good with strangers |
| Good with Children: | Great with kids, will herd and nip at young children |
| Activity Levels: | Very active, will need around 2 hours of exercise a day |
Summary
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is a family dog.
They thrive off being in a loving home with their family members.
Being able to go out for long walks during the day and cuddling up with the kids on the couch in the evening is all they want.
Border Aussies will need a lot of attention when it comes to grooming. Regular brushing is needed throughout the year and even more when they are going through shedding season.
The Border Aussie is a bundle of energy, meaning they need a lot of exercise.
Border Aussie FAQ
How big do Border Aussies get?
A puppy is considered full-grown when they reach 12 to 15 months of age. Depending on their parents’ size, they have an average height of 18 to 23 inches and can weigh 30 to 65 pounds.
Do Border Aussies shed a lot?
Yes, they do. Although their appearance is unpredictable, their medium-to long-length double coat is something you can rely on for certainty. And the Aussie sheds its medium-to long-length hair quite a bit. Also, they blow their coat twice a year during the shedding season – spring and fall. Expect to notice that there is a lot of hair on your couch and chairs while you’re walking around your home. If you’re not prepared to clean up hair all the time, you can get your Borders’ hair clipped short or keep your dog outdoors. Expect to have to brush your Aussies hair at least four times a week.
More Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Mixes
Want a Border Collie mix or Australian Shepherd mix but aren’t keen on the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:
Thank you this really helped me! 🙂
Thank you, I have had my female Border Aussie for 5 years. A previous golden retriever owner she was quite a change! So intelligent and energetic. Most of what I read in the article confirmed what we had been already discovering together. I am glad to know they are a popular recognized crossbreed.
I think my Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix dog is suffering from separation anxiety. He is 9 months old. We got him to keep my husband company during the day (he was retired, I still work full time). A couple of months after we got him my husband had a stroke, was in skilled nursing/rehab for 4 months. He came home for 2 weeks, I was home with him, he then passed away. I was home for another 2.5 weeks then back to work. So now Walker is back to being by himself every day. Tonight I took him for his nightly walk. I stopped to tie my shoe and he slipped out of his harness. He won’t listen to me so I started walking, he caught up, when I tried to out his harness back on. He growled and bit me. He has started doing this whenever I try to get him to do something he does not want to do. I don’t know what to do. I admit I am not a good dog trainer but seeing aggressive behavior concerns me. Any ideas?
We currently have a Border Collie/ Aussie Shepard cross. Our second one. Super smart and obedient. Live to run and play. Real people pleaser dogs. Quick learners and get along well with everything and everyone they meet. They do require ALOT of exercise to keep them calmer and happy. Living on a farm allows the dogs to burn off excess energy. We have always had high energy and smart dogs but the Aussie Collie out does them all.
Where did you get your dog? We have an aussie border rescue & our adult daughter would like to get one. We were so excited to learn this was an actual breed. Our boy is the best dog of all time. He’s energetic, loyal, sweet, gets along with all other animals, and so eager to please. We have had him for 3 years now.
Where did you get your dog? We have an aussie border rescue & our adult daughter would like to get one. We were so excited to learn this was an actual breed. Our boy is the best dog of all time. He’s energetic, loyal, sweet, gets along with all other animals, and so eager to please. We have had him for 3 years now.