Updated 27-06-2023

Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Characteristics, Facts & Traits

When the Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever breeds are crossed, you get the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, a hybrid of the two. This litter of pups is a mix of the best features from both of its parents: active, loyal, and medium in size. This type of dog is also known as an "Aussiedor," "Aussie Labs," "Aussiedors," "Aussies," "Aussie Labs," and "Shepradors," among other names.

As a level two dog owner, you'll need to have some previous expertise with canines. Homebodies have a hard time with these pups. They are drawn to persons who are physically active and are eager to put the brains of their mixed breeds to good use. Give them a task to complete and watch them soar to new heights.

To learn everything there is to know about Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes, read on!

Highlights

  • Mixed breed dogs are Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes. Like their Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever parents, they're not purebreds.
  • Brown, cream, black, tan, and brindle are the primary colours of Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes. Most of the time, they're a mash-up of many of these hues.
  • If you have a severe allergy, it is best to avoid these pets. They have a lot of hair to lose.
  • Labrador Retriever/Australian Shepherd Mix Mixes, like other dogs, should be supervised with children, but they can be quite forgiving. It's possible that they'll try to herd little children as if they were part of the flock.
  • Australian Shepherd Labs can get along with other dogs, but it's crucial to socialise puppies as soon as they're old enough. Affectionate toward strangers, they are also used to other canines and people.
  • These pups are active all day long. In the event that they become bored, they could turn into dangerous individuals. Among their favourite pastimes is frisbee, but they also enjoy swimming, hiking, and simply walking. If you're looking for a running buddy, consider the Aussie Shepherd Lab.

 

Characteristics

Social Appearance 

Adaptability

A little dog isn't inherently better for an apartment than a larger one, contrary to popular opinion. Many tiny dogs are simply too energetic and yappy to live in a high-rise apartment. There are several attributes that make a good apartment dog: low activity, serenity indoors, and politeness toward other neighbours are among them. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.

Sensitivity Level

A strong rebuke may slide right off the back of certain dogs, but simply a filthy glance might frighten them. It's easier for dogs with low sensitivity to handle a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more demanding owner, as well as an inconsistent or varied routine. Playing in a garage band, having small children, or living a hectic lifestyle are all signs that you might fit into this category. Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.

Intensity

As long as you don't instruct them not to strain on the leash, you'll find that vigorous dogs conduct all of their activities with tremendous vigour: they eat and drink with large mouthfuls, and even strain on the leash (unless you teach them not to). It's unlikely that these dynamos would be a good choice for a family with young children or an old or fragile member because of their high training requirements. On the other hand, a low-vigor dog has a more muted attitude toward life.

Potential for Playfulness

Some dogs never grow out of their puppyhood and are always looking for a game to play. Playful dogs are adorable, but how many games of fetch or tag do you plan on playing each day, especially if you have children or other dogs that can serve as playmates.

Personality Appearance

Intelligence

Sheepdogs, which were intended to herd animals and require a high level of intelligence and attention, need mental exercise just as much as dogs raised to gallop all day do. A lack of mental stimulation might lead to a child creating their own work usually with activities you find objectionable, like digging or biting on a stick. Obedience training and interactive dog toys, as well as dog sports and occupations like agility and search and rescue, are wonderful ways to keep a dog's brain engaged.

Energy Level

Dogs with a lot of energy are continuously on the lookout for something to do. A canine job, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding animals requires a lot of stamina; these dogs were originally designed for that purpose. These animals require a lot of movement and mental stimulation, and they're more prone to jump, play, and explore any new sights and smells.

Dozing all day is the preferred mode of activity for dogs with low levels of energy. Consider your own level of energy and lifestyle when choosing a dog breed, and think about whether you'll find a feisty, energetic dog exhilarating or irritating.

Easy To Train

Dogs that are easy to train are better at quickly creating an association between a cue (such as "sit"), an action (such as sitting), and a reward (such as a treat). Other dogs require more time, patience, and repetition to learn.

A "What's in it for me?" mentality is common in many breeds, therefore if you want them to desire to comply with your commands you'll need to employ rewards and games.

Family Affection Level

Affectionate With Family

Even if they've been nurtured by the same person since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others bond strongly with one person and are indifferent to others; and yet others shower the entire family with affection. A dog's level of affection isn't solely determined by its breed; dogs who were reared in a household with other people are more likely to be affectionate toward them.

Kid-Friendly

Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, aren't always family-friendly.

Dog Friendly

Friendliness toward dogs and a human's friendliness are two distinct concepts. It's not uncommon for dogs to attack or try to dominate each other, even if they're known as "lovebugs" by their owners. It's not just a matter of what kind of dog you have. At six to eight weeks of age, puppies should have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother, and they are more likely to have good social skills.

Physical Appearance

Amount of Shedding

Having a dog in the house means having to deal with dog hair on your clothes and in your home. However, breeds differ substantially in terms of shedding. Some dogs shed all year long, while others "blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. Pick a breed that sheds less or lower your requirements if cleanliness is important to you. You can get excellent de-shedding equipment to assist keep your house a little cleaner.

Drooling Potential

You may find yourself covered in slobbery splotches and ropes of slobber when a drool-prone dog comes to say hello. Drooling dogs may not be the best choice for individuals who care more about cleanliness than others who don't mind a little drool.

Easy To Groom

Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, cutting, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance.. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, think about hiring someone else to do it for you instead.

Exercise Needs

Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.

These breeds may put on weight if they don't get enough exercise, and their pent-up energy may manifest itself in behaviours you don't appreciate, including barking, chewing, and digging. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, may want to consider a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise.

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed

Weight

40 to 80 pounds

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Height

22 to 25 inches

History 

The Aussiedor is a brand-new hybrid dog breed with no documented ancestry. However, the two dog breeds that make up the Aussiedor have a long and rich history. Australian Shepherds were bred in the United States to herd livestock. People who worked with dogs named them after the country in which their ancestors had lived before they came to the United States, giving them the name "Australian Shepherd." The term "Australian Shepherd" is derived from this fact.

After appearing in rodeos and movies in the 1950s, the breed's popularity skyrocketed. As a ranch dog, guide dog, therapy dog, drug detector, and search and rescue dog, the Australian Shepherd is in high demand. The Labrador Retriever is a descendant of the Newfoundland dog breed that first appeared in the province of Newfoundland. The first Labrador Retrievers were black and medium-sized, and they were excellent at bringing back meat and game. They were adept swimmers who excelled in their native frigid waters, where they chased fishing nets and towed tiny boats.

Dog taxes in Newfoundland caused the breed's demise, but many dogs were exported to England in the early 1800s, where they continued to be bred. The American Kennel Club officially approved the Labrador Retriever breed in 1917. The Labrador Retriever, as a breed, excels at sniffing out illegal substances and working as a service animal.

Personality and Temperament

When it comes to its family, this dog is devoted. They have a strong sense of duty to their people, are kind and kind to children, and are pleasant to those they know well. Some Australian Shepherd Lab mixes are more likely to be wary of strangers, while others are more likely to be more Lab-like.

Generally speaking, they have a more laid-back demeanor than a Labrador Retriever. There is nothing unique about this hybrid of Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever because they are both high-energy breeds. To keep them occupied, they require a lot of physical activity and a lot of things to play with.

If you have one of these dogs, you don't have to worry about them becoming tired from playing and running around for hours on end. Additionally, they're great at dog sports like flyball, agility, and more. Although they aren't known for their excessive barking, they will let their owners know if someone is approaching the house or if they're having fun.

Keep in mind that these dogs, like the Australian Shepherd, can sometimes exhibit herding instincts and attempt to manage or control tiny children or animals as a result. However, they are extremely intelligent and can be taught out of these bad habits. Fortunately.

Care

Maintaining a dog's health is essential for seasoned pet owners. Many of the bumps in the road we encounter with our first pets can be smoothed out by establishing grooming, feeding and exercise routines.

Taking care of an Australian Labrador's physical requirements might be a challenge. However, if you have a system in place and are willing to put in the effort, your dog will be a success.

Health

A mixed breed between an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever is susceptible to many of the same health issues that both breeds suffer. Even though most dogs are typically healthy, some may be at risk for a variety of ailments. As a result, regular veterinary examinations are essential.

The following are some of the more prevalent health issues that Australian Shepherd Labs.

Hip dysplasia 

Overbreeding causes hip and elbow dysplasia in many purebred dogs.

Obesity

Overeating is a problem for the Labrador Retriever, which can lead to weight gain.

Epilepsy

Seizures can occur as a result of the Australian's epilepsy, which can cause seizures.

Bloat 

After eating, a dog is taken outside and given a chance to run around for a time before developing bloat. If left untreated, this ailment can be fatal. They will then perform an operation to remove the stomach twist, which will be performed by the veterinarians.

OCD 

Inflammation occurs when the damaged cartilage separates from the bone beneath it, which is called OCD.

Cataracts and PRA

PRA is a normal part of ageing. A painless method of going blind is available.

Recommended Health Test

  1. Eye 
  2. Hip 
  3. Elbow 
  4. Blood Test 
  5. Skin Scraping 
  6. X-Rays 
  7. Physical Examination

Nutrition

Labrador retriever-friendly dog food should be fed to Australian shepherd mix dogs. Their owners' leftovers can be fed to them as well. Mix Dogs of the Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever breeds should be fed a diet rich in nutrients that are essential to their health.

In order to keep them in good health, you must feed them the right foods. Small animals and birds are reported to be prey for some Australian Shepherd Lab mix dogs that are raised on farmland. In addition to meat and vegetables, they are omnivores who enjoy chicken and lamb.

Grooming

Grooming and shedding are the greatest drawbacks of this magnificent breed. The Aussiedor is no different from Australian Shepherds and Labradors in that they both shed a lot.

If you have a dog, be prepared for a lot of shedding throughout the year, even in the spring and fall.

If you have a Shepherd Lab mix, brushing should be done at least once per week, and ideally twice per day when shearing is in full swing.

If your dog has the longer hair of an Aussie, brushing and blowing out their coat on a regular basis will help minimise the excessive shedding. A damp towel can also be used to remove any superfluous fur from shorter coats.

Exercise

Dogs like the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever were designed to work hard and be energetic all day. Expect to walk your Australian Shepherd at least one hour a day to keep them fit. Labradors may be kept engaged for long periods of time if they are given the correct toys. A fenced-in yard may be the best place for your Aussiedor to play fetch or chase after children.

An Australian Shepherd Lab mix that doesn't get enough exercise could develop destructive or other "bad" habits, especially if they're left alone at home for long periods of time. Increase the amount of exercise your Aussiedor gets to see if that improves their undesirable behaviours.

Training

The intelligence and want to please of both Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers make training them a breeze. Learning simple instructions, entertaining stunts, and even running an agility course may all be accomplished with your Aussiedor's help.

As a result of the breed's intellect, you may encounter some stubbornness while training it. Be prepared to deal with a dog who thinks they're in charge and isn't afraid to show it. This concoction was inspired by a love of good food. This is an excellent way to educate your dog to perform basic commands by using their favourite food (chicken, red meat, turkey). As soon as possible, you'll want to begin training them.

Children and Other Pets

For families with older children, Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes are ideal pets. As with any dogs, they should be closely monitored with children even if they seem to tolerate them well. If they see tiny children, they may try to herd them, as if they were part of their flock.

Constantly teach youngsters how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and small children to avoid any biting or ear or tail pulling on the side of either party. Teaching your child not to get too close to a dog while it's eating is an important lesson. No dog should ever be left alone with a child, and this cannot be stressed enough.

Dogs of the Australian Shepherd Labrador variety can get along with other dogs, although it is vital to socialise puppies. Although they might be affectionate to strangers, this helps them get acquainted to other dogs and people. When puppies are introduced to other dogs, they learn how to behave and how to greet them.

Puppies

There are numerous puppy mills out there selling Aussiedors, so make sure you obtain your dog from a reliable breeder. According to where you get your puppy, the price can vary greatly! Puppies that come from a breeder can cost as much as $1000, whereas rescues can cost $100-500. Before you buy a puppy from a breeder, do your homework and inquire about the health of the parents.

Dog breeds related to Aussiedors

Labrador Retriever

The gregarious and loving nature of these dogs, one of the two breeds utilised to create the Aussiedor, is a key component of the breed's endearing character. Australians can come in a wide range of colours as evidenced by the fact that they are available in black, brown, and yellow. As for herding tendencies, though, they don't have them like the Aussiedor.

Australian Shepherd

There are two sizes available for these dogs: standard and mini. However, they have a tendency to be a little wary of strangers compared to the Aussiedor.

Goldador

The Labrador Retriever is the parent of these pups, which are a new breed of dog. Also, they're medium-sized canines with a lot of brains and a lot of love. This breed has a lower shedding rate than Aussiedor.