Border Aussie Dog Breed

As a Border Collie-Australian Shepherd hybrid, the Border Aussie is not an official member of any breed category, but for all intents and purposes, these dogs are in the Herding Group. Though this crossbreed's exact origins are unknown, the Border Aussie has possibly existed for many years, and was developed by farmers as a livestock handler. With that in mind, Border Aussies are excellent farm dogs; they also make good family companions, but will need a great deal of space in which to move.

A few facts about the Border Aussie: dogs of this breed are medium- to large-sized, with medium- to long-haired, double-layered, wavy or curly coats. Some advantages and drawbacks to owning this crossbreed:

PROS:

• Intelligent
• Excellent work ethic
• Easily trained
• Socializes well with other pets
• Low barking tendency
• Good with children and family
• Affectionate and cheerful
• Fairly good watchdog abilities
• Active and athletic
• Good health
• Adaptable to cold climates

CONS:

• High exercise requirements
• Sheds often
• Not suitable for apartment life
• Can be expensive to purchase
• Instinctively attempts to "herd" moving objects--children, bicyclists, etc.
• Due to size and energy, may be dangerous around small children/toddlers/infants

The Border Aussie, as a medium- to large-sized herding crossbreed, is an intelligent, active animal that is happiest chasing other animals across a field or solving problems. Structurally, dogs of this breed are well-balanced, with broad chests, slim (but muscular) legs, and a long, normally bushy tail; a majority of Border Aussies seem to favor their Border Collie parents in appearance.

So one bit of Border Collie-Australian Shepherd mix info is absolute: dogs of this breed will try to herd any- and everything! A family gathered in their living room may find that their Border Aussie has instinctively blocked the doorway in an attempt to keep everyone in the "pen." These crossbred dogs are typically cheerful and fun-loving, so their herding instincts will never turn aggressive. Also of note: some Border Aussies are born with heterochromia iridis in which they display two differently-colored eyes, such as one blue and one green.

As expected, Border Aussies are active and energetic, and will need plenty of exercise. And even after an entire day spent playing fetch in the yard, a dog of this breed will likely be ready for more!

Active, intelligent, cheerful, task-oriented, and at times a bit dominant, the Australian Shepherd-Border Collie mix temperament is one of enthusiasm and action. Because of their herding dog parents, Border Aussies are typically busybody animals, and are happy to be so. Dogs of this breed have kind personalities, and they socialize well with kids and other pets, but their herding instinct is strong--so much so that they may try to physically control moving objects. This is not done out of aggression or bossiness, they're just doing what comes naturally to them. Canine experts suggest using positive obedience training methods (when the dog is a puppy, if possible) to minimize these herding tendencies.

Speaking of training: these intelligent dogs learn pretty quickly. They are best at learning tricks and commands that require activity; one important lesson for Border Aussies, the experts say, is learning boundaries--otherwise their herding instincts take over and they'll go places they're not allowed. Positive, consistent training methods work best.

As to watchdog abilities, opinions are mixed about these animals. They don't bark too much, so some say that their reserved natures make them poor guardians--but many owners attest that they are protective and loyal, and will typically confront a perceived threat. The Border Aussie's watchdog skills, then, probably depend on the individual dog.

Border Aussies are healthy, hardy dogs, due in part to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the best health qualities from its parent breeds). Even so, dogs of this breed can suffer ailments including

• epilepsy
• hip dysplasia
• eye issues like Collie eye anomaly, Progressive Retinal Apathy (PRA), and lens luxation.