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Australian Shepherd Lab Mix is a cross of an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever, also known as Aussiedor or Aussie Lab Mix. It’s a medium-size dog at about 22 to 25 inches tall, weighing between 40 to 80 pounds. The Aussie Lab Mix lifespan is around 9 to 12 years.
The Aussiedor is a highly intelligent working dog with impeccable retrieving and herding capabilities. For those looking for a genteel family dog, you won’t be disappointed. This hybrid has plenty of loyalty and love to share.
Let’s learn more about this beautiful mix, shall we?
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What is an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?
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A fairly new breed, there is is little information regarding the history and origin of the Aussiedor.
This 2nd generation mix is the result of two purebreds with their own rich historical roots. Years of careful breeding have established desirable traits for those who lead an active lifestyle, have children or desire a furry companion that will never leave their side.
It’s important to note that since the Aussiedor is a hybrid, there is no telling how traits will transpire within a litter of puppies. It’s impossible to know how it will look or act.
We know that a purebred dog comes from a distinguished group of dogs that share a similar appearance and temperament.
Therefore, the only way to get some sort of insight into the potential of an Australian Shepherd Lab mix pup would be to take a close look at the purebred backgrounds of the parents.
A good starting point is to research the profiles of the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever.
Other Names The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Dog Is Known By
- Aussiedor
- Labrador And Australian Shepherd Mix
- Aussie Sheprador
- Australian Sheprador
- Lab Aussie Mix
Australian Shepherd: Guaranteed to get the job done
Australian Shepherd
Attentive, energetic and striking to look at, the Australian Shepherd is one of those goody-two-shoe breeds living to please their master.
The herding instinct is their most defining characteristic, which can lead to dominant, protective behavior. This can make them act shy and reserved towards strangers; but it’s nothing that can’t be toned down by early socialization training.
In fact, you’ll really see this breed’s capabilities blossom with training. They are extremely smart and persevere when a task is presented to them.
In turn, mental and physical stimulation is a must for the Aussie Shep to reach peak contentment, calling for an owner with the time and matching energy level to provide an active lifestyle.
These dogs thrive on human companionship, so be prepared to be followed around or share your bed with a furry cuddle bug!
Alas, this breed is also known to experience separation anxiety, so hide those leather shoes when stepping out without your dog!
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 60 lbs (18 to 27 kg) and reaches a height of 20 to 22 in (51 to 58 cm). It has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
This dog is favored for its unconventional color patterns that can sometimes render the eyes to be two different colors. Coat colors can be black, black tricolor, red tricolor, blue merle or red merle. The coat is thick and sheds year round.
This is a strong breed with good health. Some health issues associated with them include hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Which other Breeds Mix with Australian Shepherds?
- Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd + Poodle)
- Australian Retriever (Australian Shepherd + Golden Retriever)
- Aussalier (Australian Shepherd + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Labrador Retriever: Everyone’s best friend
Labrador Retriever
How could anyone resist that face?
The Labrador Retriever is a big lover who wants to be friends with everyone. This characteristic sets her apart from the shy Aussie Shep. The Lab will run up to strangers, tail wagging and ready to lick a hand.
The lovable personality of this breed makes it a popular family dog in North America and the UK. She does fantastic around children and other pets.
Since this is also a working dog bred for hunting and retrieving, you can count on the Lab to be energetic. She needs her daily walk or play time out in a big, fenced in yard. As a retriever, she loves to swim!
Also known for intelligence, this dog is easy to train and craves the stimulation. Without proper activity, destructive behavior can take root. Thwart bad habits with early behavioral training.
This dog exhibits a more modest palette of coat colors than the Aussie Shep that includes black, chocolate and yellow. Its coat is thick and sheds heavily.
The Labrador Retriever weighs from 63 to 79 lbs (29 to 36 kg) and reaches a height of 22 to 24 in (57 to 62 cm). They have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
This breed is generally healthy, although they can suffer from joint problems, obesity and cancer.
Which other Breeds Mix with Labrador Retriever
- Labradoodle (Labrador + Poodle)
- Bassador (Basset Hound + Labrador)
- Afador (Afghan Hound + Labrador)
- Sheprador (German Shepherd + Labrador)
The Aussiedor Appearance is a Brilliant Surprise
What we can glean from this hybrid is that it can pose quite the surprise when it comes to appearance, especially with coat color and texture.
Given the melange of color mixes provided by the Aussie Shep and the solid coloring of the Labrador, the most common color patterns seen in Aussiedors include black, brown, black and brown mix, light brown/dark yellow, chocolate and brindle.
Grooming will have to be a priority for this dog. Since both parents are heavy shedders with thick fur, it’s safe to say that this will probably be the case for the Australian Shepherd Labrador mix.
Stay on top of all that hair by brushing your dog weekly. If she has inherited the longer hair of the Aussie Shep, it doesn’t hurt to take her to the groomer regularly to avoid matting.
A mid to large sized dog, the Aussiedor is best suited for a house with enough yard space to get plenty of exercise.
As mentioned above the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 lbs (22 to 36 kg) and reach 22 to 25 inches (56 to 64 cm) in height.
Expect a Playful Personality & Hardworking Demeanor
The Aussiedor has strong genes on its side when it comes to temperament, but it will take a commitment by the owner, socialization, and training to shape good behavior.
The Labrador is a big ol’ lover, contributing friendly genes that make the Australian Shepherd Lab mix a pleasing addition to any family.
The Australian Shepherd is also recognized as a loving family dog, particularly around children. Herding genes mean protectiveness, so this is something to watch for with an Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. Separation anxiety can be a factor.
Nonetheless, these genes make a great therapy dog and both parent breeds are known to excel in these working roles.
Training 101 for Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
To quell slight aggression that can arise from “protecting the flock” or anxiety from owner dependency, training is recommended for the Aussiedor, starting as a puppy.
The ease of trainability is high, as this mix has an impressive IQ and loves a good mental or physical challenge to get those juices flowing.
Positive reinforcement will keep her motivated to please and socialization will help soften herding instincts when it comes to the presence of strangers and other pets.
Check out this video that showcases some vital techniques used to train an Australian Shepherd Labrador mix.
This is Not the Dog for Couch Potatoes
As we mentioned before, this dog comes from athletic stock. With high energy parents, it’s safe to say that the Aussiedor will need plenty of exercises to stay in peak physical condition.
Since these dogs are smart and active, it will take more than the usual “let her out in the backyard for 15 minutes between Netflix shows” routine.
You will need to challenge her because if not, she will challenge your belongings to a game of bite and chew.
Spend an hour each day playing fetch, frisbee or going for a long walk. Labradors are known to be phenomenal swimmers, which could mean the same for your Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. If you have a pool, make a splash to burn off extra energy.
For rainy days, keep interactive toys handy, such as doggie puzzles, that work the brain.
Aussidors Have a Big Appetite
This breed is not one to miss a meal. They have a big appetite, but also have a tendency to pack on the pounds, so keep meals on a schedule.
Opt for calorie-dense dry dog food that is high in protein. Feed your adult Aussiedor 3 to 4 cups of food per day, divided into 2 meals.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Has a Lifespan of 9 to 12 Years
Have you heard about hybrid vigor? This is the belief that hybrids tend to be harder than the purebred parents due to a broader gene pool.
Whether that’s true or not, the Aussiedor is known to be tenacious overall, as long as a clean diet and exercise is adhered to.
Of course, as with any species of animal, there are a handful of health issues to stay informed about. The Aussiedor can inherit genes that give it a proclivity towards diseases that are common of the parents’ breeds.
Potential Aussiedor health issues
When shopping for a crossbreed, the best way to get a clue about litter health is to look at the parents’ medical history. You should always be prepared to ask breeders questions about health issues and they should be able to provide clearances from the vet.
These are the most common Australian Shepherd Labrador mix health issues to be aware of.
- Elbow dysplasia: Growth abnormalities in the elbow causing painful mobility.
- Hip dysplasia: Abnormalities in the hips that are painful and hinder mobility.
- Muscular dystrophy: A disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle.
- Collie eye anomaly: An inherited disease that aggravates the bilateral eye and can cause blindness.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: Degeneration of the retina that can cause vision loss.
- Cataracts: An opacity in the eye lens that impairs vision.
- Bloat: When gas causes the stomach to be distended, putting pressure on the diaphragm.
How to Find Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies For Sale
Now that you’ve got a solid handle on what this breed is all about, you might be prepping Google for a search on Aussiedor breeders. After all, it’s two of the best breeds combined into one. Not to mention how adorable they look!
Please oh please beware of puppy mills, though! With the designer dog craze only getting crazier, it’s imperative to not leave any stones upturned during your hunt for the perfect puppy.
Take your time, do your research and don’t choose the easy way out all because you want a puppy right away. Supporting puppy mills doesn’t benefit you or the puppy.
Not only do these puppies and their parents live in deplorable conditions, but you won’t know what type of health condition or dog temperament you’re puppy will end up with. With puppy mill dogs, puppy health is known to be poor.
Do you have a pencil ready? Write down the following tips and keep them close to your heart when seeking out Aussiedor puppies for sale.
Remember: good breeders should be dog lovers
Breeding dogs is something that takes passion and love. Doesn’t it make sense that a breeder will love her puppies and want to do everything to ensure they go to loving forever homes?
Unfortunately, there are those few slime balls looking to bag a quick buck by exploiting the innocent.
Here are 4 signs to look out for:
- A breeder should be an open book. They’ll be willing to answer any questions you have- and you should definitely do your research and come prepared with questions. You can ask who the parents are, inquire about medical histories and where/how they grew up.
- Never make an online transaction. Ask to visit the location where the puppies were born and live. If a breeder declines, take it as a red flag and shop elsewhere. What do they have to hide?
- We all want a bargain when buying, but when it comes to puppies, it’s better to pay a little bit more. Puppy mill breeders will want to hustle fast, offering transactions that can be made online and charging cheaper prices than the average. Do your research on what the average cost is. For Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, a well-bred puppy will cost anywhere from $400 to $800.
- Beware of breeders that make guarantees. For instance, if a breeder claims that their Aussiedor puppies will grow to a certain height or act a specific way, move on to the next one. Remember, no one can make predictions on how a hybrid will turn out. It’s unethical for a breeder to make any promises.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Rescue & Adoption
If the price of an Aussiedor puppy is too expensive for you, there’s always the option to adopt. Not only will you find affordable dogs, but you’ll have one grateful pooch on your hands. There’s nothing quite as pure as the love of a rescue!
Here are some helpful sources to locate Australian Shepherd Lab Mix for adoption.
Conclusion: Is The Aussiedor Breed Right For You?
There is so much to appreciate about this beautiful crossbreed. With the protective and loyal tendencies of the Australian Shepherd mixed with the outgoing and friendly characteristics of the Labrador Retriever, it’s a genetic jackpot!
You will not be able to predict how an Australian Shepherd Labrador mix will look or act, but it’s discernible that they do well with families that have children.
High energy means that they thrive in a house with a fenced in yard as opposed to a tiny apartment. This breed needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
They can inherit traits that make them shy towards other dogs or so dependent on the owner that separate anxiety occurs. Training and socialization is the key to banishing any behavioral issues.
All in all, if you’re the active type looking for a loyal companion, the Aussiedor just might be the breed for you.
What do you think about the Australian Shepherd Labrador mix? Tell us in the comments!
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