German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix

The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix is a mixed Dog Breed between the German Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd. It is sometimes known as the German Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd Australian Cattle Dog mix. This is going to be an extremely intelligent dog as it combines two extremely intelligent dogs according to this list.

While we really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd mixed with Australian Shepherd puppy. That is, if they have any for sale. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible.

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Here are some pictures of the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix

German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix History

Here is a brief history of both the Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd. Being that this is a mixed breed dog, there isn’t a lot of history to it. However, we go more in depth to the history of both breeds.

As his name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany, where he was created in the nineteenth century primarily by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog that could be used for military and police work. The result was a dog that encompassed striking good looks, intelligence and versatility. World War I put a dent in the breed’s burgeoning popularity because the dogs were associated with the enemy. German Shepherds braved artillery fire, land mines and tanks to supply German soldiers in the trenches with deliveries of food and other necessities. After the war, movies featuring Rin Tin Tin and fellow German Shepherd Strongheart brought the breed back into favor. American audiences loved them. For a time, the German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the United States.

Now one would think this is a dog from Australia, but in fact it is an American born purebred. It was first developed to work and as a herding dog for livestock. There were a lot of Aussies who worked on those those ranches and likely used Australian dogs in the breeding like collies and shepherd like dogs. In the 19th century breeders wanted to create an intelligent, hard-working and adaptable dog with excellent herding abilities. With the increased interest in Westerns and cowboys shows and rodeos the breed also became more popular but was not recognized by the AKC until 1993.

Today the Australian Shepherd is still intelligent, energetic, protective and dominant. They need a strong firm leader and like most dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Early socialization is one of the best things you can do for any young dog! He is loyal but wary of strangers. He makes a great working dog still but is also a good family dog.

Awesome videos of German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix puppies

German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Height: 18 - 23 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 65 lb.
Lifespan: 13-15 years

GERMAN SHEPHERD
Height: 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 75 - 95 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years

German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Personality

The German Australian Shepherd makes a great pet and is a caring, dedicated family dog. Like the Shepherd, he can be aloof or wary of strangers and he can be protective of his home and family. He is extremely intelligent, brave, energetic and alert. They need to be with their family and don’t do well being left alone at all. If you have one, please make them a member of your pack.

German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder

will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Australian Shepherd mixed with German Shepherd might be prone to the following: Bloat, Degenerative Myelopathy, EPI, epilepsy, deafness, cancer, joint dysplasia, allergies, OCD, eye problems, hypothyroidism and drug sensitivity

Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.

German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Care

They are going to shed a lot and are going to need lots of exercise. Both of the parent breeds are heavy shedders and very energetic dogs. So make sure that you can fit long walks and hikes into your daily routine. Be prepared to brush them a couple of times a week and have a good vacuum at your disposal to clean up the floors. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Feeding

A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.