Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix: Info, Pictures, FAQs & More (2024)

If you’re looking to add a new member to your family, look no further than the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix.

These impressive-looking dogs bring together traits of two beloved herding dog breeds: the German Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd.

Because of this, you can expect them to be one of the most active dog breeds that thrive in the company of large families.

Whether you are considering adding this dog to your family or simply a dog lover who is curious about this fascinating mixed breed, this article will give you everything you need to know about the German Australian Shepherds.

What Is an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix?

The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix is also known as the German Australian Shepherd or the Aussie German Shepherd mix. The name says it all — it’s a hybrid breed that combines two of the canine world’s most popular herders: the German Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd.

Its parent dogs are highly popular on their own, but the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix isn’t quite as well-known because most people would prefer to get purebred dogs.

With two shepherd breeds as its parent breeds, you can expect the Australian Shepherd GSD mix to retain many of the characteristics of this breed category: easy to train, smart, sharp, agile, energetic, obedient, and loyal.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Australian Shepherd

There is still so much to learn about the German Australian Shepherd. It comes with many unique and interesting traits that have yet to be known by the many canine fanciers.

Here are just some curious, little-known facts about this beautiful hybrid that you should know!

1. They have herding tendencies

As a mix of two shepherd breeds, you can expect Aussie German Shepherds to have a natural urge to herd. If they aren’t working as farmhands, they may just try to herd little kids gently!

2. They make excellent service dogs

With their loyal temperament, agile physicality, and high trainability, the German Australian Shepherd mix has all the potential to assist people with special needs or disabilities.

Although they may look intimidating at first, they are always on the lookout to help others.

3. They have a luscious double coat

The thick fur of Australian German Shepherds makes them particularly suited to cooler climates. Those who live in warmer parts of the world may need to think twice before getting one of these dogs.

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Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Origin and History

Unfortunately, not much is known about the origins of the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix.

But one can imagine that the breed was stumbled upon by chance, and now some people have been intentionally producing them because of their excellent qualities.

While we can’t say exactly when the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix breed started, we do know a lot about their parent breeds!

The standard German Shepherd is one of the most well-loved dog breeds today.

German Shepherds are bred mainly for their courage and their watchdog instincts, which is why they are often chosen as police dogs, military dogs, or guard dogs.

Meanwhile, the protective Australian Shepherd is not actually from Australia — it’s descended from European herding dogs and the go-to companion of American cowboys.

Today, Australian Shepherds continue to herd cattle in Western America and work as therapy dogs!

With this information regarding the parental history of the German Australian Shepherd, we’re sure to have a better idea of their overall disposition.

In the future, the origin of this cross will surely become clearer. Until then, we can only really rely on what we know about their parents’ history.

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Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Appearance

As a hybrid, it’s hard to determine precisely what an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppy will look like, but the genetic roulette is all part of the fun.

They could have pointed ears like a German Shepherd dog or floppy ears like an Australian Shepherd. They could also have a naturally bobbed tail like the Aussie Shepherd.

In general, they have a thick double coat, long or flat, that comes in a variety of colors such as black, brown, tan, red, gray, white, red merle, blue merle, or any combination of these. Like German Shepherds, this dog’s coat could subtly change color over time.

Their heads tend to be large, with dark eyes that are alert and curious and long and pointed muzzles. Their bodies tend to be long and lean — made for herding, sports, agility, and all-around adventure.

Watch this video of a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix to see them in action:

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Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

In general, full-grown German Australian Shepherds tend to be 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 45 to 80 pounds. Of course, this is highly dependent on the height and weight of their dam and sire.

They could end up on the bigger side like a German Shepherd dog or medium-sized like an Australian Shepherd.

If a toy Australian Shepherd or a dwarf German Shepherd is used for breeding, the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix will be smaller in size, too.

Whether it is medium or large-sized, you can expect Australian German Shepherd mix puppies to be fully grown at around 12 to 18 months, though their weight also depends on their diet and the amount of exercise they get.

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Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Temperament and Personality

As a mix of two herding group breeds, the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix falls squarely within that category as well.

By nature, this crossbreed tends to herd other animals, including their human owners. When harnessed correctly, this instinct can come in handy in so many ways, making Aussie German mix dogs an ideal working dog.

As a shepherd dog, the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix ranks high in both intelligence and obedience, making them easy to train. If you are a dedicated and eager handler, your German Australian Shepherd mix can learn many things.

Another critical characteristic of Aussie German Shepherds is their loyalty to family and watchdog nature. This means they can initially be wary of strangers.

As cautious as they can be when you meet them, once you’ve earned their trust, the Australian German Shepherd mix can become a gentle and loving member of the family.

As an intelligent and energetic dog, the German Australian Shepherd requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation. These dogs thrive best when they are faced with tasks that challenge them.

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Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

Depending on the size of your Aussie German Shepherd mix, we can estimate their life expectancy to be anywhere from 7 to 15 years. You can extend their life further by giving them proper care.

That being said, Australian German Shepherd mix dogs may also inherit some of the health problems of their parent dogs.

Here are some of the common health problems that they may be prone to:

• Bloat: Inherited from its German Shepherd parent, the German Australian Shepherd mix is prone to bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This isn’t just a simple case of gas filling the stomach. With GDV, gas build-up causes the dog’s stomach to twist, leading to severe complications and even death.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition among dogs and could be inherited from the Australian Shepherd parent. This condition happens when the joints are inflamed, leading to stiffness and pain. Eventually, the cartilage in their joints breaks down, causing their bones to rub together painfully.
• Epilepsy: This neurological condition is characterized by recurring seizures. It is caused by a structural abnormality in the brain and is managed by anti-epileptic drugs (AED).
• Hip Dysplasia: This condition leads to a loosening of the hip joints, causing pain and dysfunction in the limbs. Hip dysplasia is primarily hereditary, but it can also be caused by rapid weight gain and growth. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent this.
• Cataracts: Cataracts are the cloudy film that forms on top of the eye. Usually, they don’t affect a dog’s vision if it doesn’t cover the majority of the eye. However, if it progresses, it can lead to visual impairment.

If you want your dog to remain healthy, provide them with routine veterinary visits so they can be diagnosed early on.

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How to Take Care of Your German Australian Shepherd Mix

When you bring a German Australian Shepherd mix into your life, you must be committed to its unique needs as a crossbreed.

This means feeding your dog an adequate diet, maintaining their coat and hygiene, and making sure they get the right exercise.

Let me guide you through the basics of caring for a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix.

Food and Diet

The good news is that neither Australian Shepherds nor German Shepherds are picky eaters, so you can expect the Australian and German Shepherd mix to be the same.

Consult your vet for the best possible high-quality dog food, whether wet or dry.

Most commercial dog food brands recommended by vets are already nutritionally balanced, so you don’t have to think about giving them additional supplements.

You can also mix vegetables, fruits, and grains into their meals for flavor and as a vitamin source.

Apples, bananas, spinach, broccoli, carrots, rice, brown rice, and quinoa are some examples of dog-safe foods you can add to their diet. Make sure you are feeding your German Australian Shepherd an amount appropriate to their size.

Working dogs like the Aussie German Shepherd mix will likely need to consume more calories than house dogs, especially if they’re on the bigger end of the size spectrum. Keep this in mind when selecting their dog food.

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Cleaning and Grooming

The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix has a medium-length double coat just like its German Shepherd parent.

This type of coat requires a moderate amount of grooming and comes with seasonal shedding. During their shedding period, their coats need to be brushed almost daily to eliminate the loose strands from their undercoat.

Outside of their shedding season, brushing can be reduced to once or twice a week. Bathing can be done once a week or once every two weeks, and getting them trimmed at the groomers can be done every month.

Training and Exercise

If there’s any breed that can learn more than just the basic commands, it’s the Australian German Shepherd mix. Bringing together the intelligence, energy level, and physicality of its parent breeds, this hybrid is ripe for training.

As with other dogs, you will need to dedicate a certain amount of time each day to train your Aussie German Shepherd mix. When your dog learns even basic obedience commands, it will be easier to handle and care for.

Teaching your dog basic commands and functions isn’t just for practicality’s sake. The brains of Australian German Shepherd mix dogs crave the mental stimulation that learning brings.

Of course, mental stimulation is just half the story. The German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd mix also needs to burn off its energy physically. A daily walk is especially important for this breed.

Because of their size and herding nature, German Australian Shepherd puppies do best if given wide-open spaces where they can run and roam free, whether that’s an agility course, nature trail, or park.

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How Much Does a German Australian Shepherd Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

German Australian Shepherd mix dogs are quite affordable. You can expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 for this mixed breed.

Of course, the final price will still depend on the breeder and the lineage of its parents. Some puppies might cost up to $2,000, depending on where you get them.

Nevertheless, their cost is cheaper than the price of a purebred German Shepherd and almost similar to that of an Australian Shepherd.

Aside from the puppy price, you also need to factor in the cost of your dog’s basic necessities, like food, dog beds, and veterinary visits.

Here’s a complete list of all the initial needs of your Australian German Shepherd mix puppy:

These expenses are estimated based on the size of your dog. Since Australian German Shepherd mix dogs vary in size from medium to large, I’ve listed down the estimates considering both sizes.

These estimates could also be affected by your dog’s general health and your own lifestyle.

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Places to Find German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Australian German Shepherd mix dogs are not quite as popular as other mixed breeds, so it may be challenging to find a reputable breeder for these dogs.

One way to get a lead on an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppy is to browse puppy advertising sites. Many breeders and dog owners across the country post their available litters on these websites.

Here are some places you might want to check out to get a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix:

• PuppySpot – This website advertises puppies from a wide range of breeds — including many designer and hybrid breeds. The platform is run by a team of dog lovers who make sure that listed puppies go into loving homes. You will find a number of Aussie German mix puppies here if you browse regularly.
• PuppyFinder – This platform has a wide range of breeds and mixed breeds for sale so you have a good chance of finding a German Australian Shepherd mix puppy. They even have a page dedicated to the mixed breed. Listings aren’t always available, but you can check back regularly to see if a puppy is waiting for you.
• Greenfield Puppies – This website allows you to view puppies based on your budget and preferred breed, making it easier to search their pages for your ideal puppy. Breeders who post on this site are vetted by their team, so you can be assured that you’re getting a happy, healthy, ethically bred pup.

Aside from these sources, you can also check out our list of top German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd breeders to see if they breed German Australian Shepherd puppies.

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On another note, you may have a better chance of finding German Australian Shepherds at a rescue since many of them carry mixed breed dogs. This can also save you some money as shelter dogs tend to be less expensive.

If you are considering taking the adoption route, here are some rescues and shelters you can look into for a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix:

• Big Cypress German Shepherd Rescue – This Florida-based rescue specializes in saving German Shepherds, though sometimes they may have some German Shepherd mixes. If you aren’t fully ready to commit, you can also choose to foster any of their rescues temporarily as they wait for their forever homes.
• German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California – This group rescues German Shepherds and their mixes in the Northern California area, saving them from life-threatening situations and providing assistance to owners who can no longer take care of them.
• Lone Star Aussie Rescue – Based in Texas, this organization fosters and rehomes the Australian Shepherd breed within the state. While most of their dogs are purebred Aussies, they will occasionally have Aussie mixes and possibly an Australian German Shepherd mix.

You may also try contacting the organizations listed in our top German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd rescues because they often save mixes as well.

Whether you decide on buying from a breeder or rescuing a puppy from a shelter, it’s best to make sure that they’ve had the necessary veterinary health checks when you get them.

It’s also best to purchase your dog’s basic needs before you bring them home. Stocking up on their food, preparing their bed and crate, and having toys ready for them will help them adjust to their new homes with more ease.

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Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix

Before you decide on bringing an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix into your home, it’s important to consider all the benefits and drawbacks that come with owning such a dog.

These are just some of the advantages that come with owning a German Australian Shepherd mix:

• Smart and trainable: German Australian Shepherds are intelligent dogs that get their smarts from both parents. If there’s any dog that can learn the basic commands and more, it’s this one. If you’re looking for a dog that you can train to be part of dog shows or agility competitions, you might have found your perfect match.
• Good working dogs: The Aussie German mix has the brains, the confidence, and the focus to perform various jobs that help humans. More importantly, giving them tasks will help them focus their energies on something productive rather than destructive. The Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix loves having a job to do, whether that’s as a therapy dog, a service dog for people with disabilities, or as a member of the K-9 corps.
• Protective by nature: If you’re looking for a good family dog that will keep your home secure, you’ll find one in the Aussie German mix. They are alert to strangers, intelligent enough to stay focused and learn about what they should be protecting, and have good instincts for danger.
• Loyal companions: Once you earn the trust of the German Australian Shepherd mix, you’ll never lose it. This breed may be wary of strangers but are incredibly affectionate with humans they consider family. Bonding with the dog through training, play, and quality time can strengthen your bond with them and ensure their loyalty in the long run.

Of course, you also have to consider the cons of having an Aussie German Shepherd mix:

• High maintenance coat: Their double coat requires more careful maintenance than other dog breeds. Owners of this breed can expect to spend more time and money on grooming. They also go through periods where they shed heavily, so they are not ideal for people with allergies that can be exacerbated by dog hair.
• Aloof to strangers: The watchdog nature of the Australian German Shepherd mix is a double-edged sword. While they make excellent guard dogs, they aren’t exactly the warmest or most extroverted breed out there. If you spend a lot of time with different groups of people, you might need to give your pet time to adjust to them before they warm up.
• Needs a lot of exercise: If you live a more sedentary lifestyle, this dog’s exercise requirements might come as a shock to you. You’ll definitely be forced to move more if you’re taking care of an Aussie German Shepherd mix. Without adequate physical activity, they might gain weight at an unhealthy level or turn to unwanted and destructive behaviors.

Now that you’ve gone through the pros and cons of owning an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix, you have a better picture of what it’s like to have this dog and whether or not it will fit your lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are German Australian Shepherd Mixes Aggressive?

German Australian Shepherds may be alert and watchful but not naturally aggressive. On the contrary, they are warm and affectionate to those who have earned their trust.

However, like German Shepherds, they may tend to be a bit aloof and introverted when it comes to strangers. Socializing them early on is important in raising a well-rounded dog.

Are German Australian Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?

German Australian Shepherd mix dogs are not hypoallergenic. Because of their thick double coats, these dogs do shed and are not suited to those who have sensitivities to allergens.

Do Australian German Shepherd Mixes Shed?

German Australian Shepherd mix dogs shed seasonally around once or twice a year. During this time, they may shed heavily and require more brushing. When they aren’t shedding, though, they’ll only need minimal grooming.

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Final Thoughts: Is a German Australian Shepherd the Right Dog for You?

You might say that the German Australian Shepherd mix is the perfect blend of both its amazing parent breeds.

Combining the courage and intelligence of the German Shepherd and the work ethic of the Australian Shepherd, it will be difficult for you to find another mixed breed that will make a better working dog.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a guard dog that strikes a good balance of intelligence, affection, and confidence, you’ll find it in the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix.

Any other information we missed about the German Australian Shepherd mix? Comment it down below!