The Border Aussie is a crossbreed between two beloved herding dogs: the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd. As a relatively new mix, Border Aussies don’t have a fixed appearance or personality, but looking at their parent breeds gives a good idea of what to expect.
What You Can Expect from a Border Aussie
Both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. When combined, you can expect a medium-sized dog (weighing between 30 and 65 pounds) with a sharp mind and tons of energy. Border Aussies inherit strong instincts from their working-dog lineage, so they’ll need plenty of opportunities to stay active and use their smarts.
Caring for a Border Aussie
Since Border Aussies come from two hardworking breeds, they need a “job” to stay happy and healthy. That doesn’t necessarily mean farm work; it could be anything that involves both mental and physical exercise. Expect to provide them with about 1–2 hours of activity daily.
These dogs are friendly and can get along well with people of all ages and even other pets if properly trained and socialized. Without direction, their herding instincts might kick in, leading them to herd children or other animals. They might also be a bit shy around strangers and prone to barking if not trained early on.
Grooming isn’t too demanding for Border Aussies. Their thick, weather-resistant coat only needs brushing once or twice a week, though, during shedding seasons (typically spring and fall), more frequent brushing may be needed to keep shedding in check.
Health Concerns for Border Aussies
Border Aussies tend to live long, healthy lives, with a typical lifespan of 12–15 years. However, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. Some common ones include:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis. It can range from mild to severe, with treatment options like physical therapy or surgery in extreme cases.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This condition affects the eyes, eventually leading to blindness. While there’s no cure, dogs with PRA can still enjoy life with the help of caring owners.
- Deafness: Especially common in dogs with merle coats, deafness can affect one or both ears. Despite this, deaf dogs can live full, happy lives with proper training and care.
- Epilepsy: This brain condition causes seizures and is managed with lifelong medication.
- Multidrug Resistance Mutation (MDR1): Some Border Aussies may have a genetic mutation making them sensitive to certain medications. This can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to test for this condition.
Feeding a Border Aussie
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding a Border Aussie. Their diet should be based on factors like their age, weight, lifestyle, and health, so it’s important to consult your vet to create a meal plan. Because of their high energy levels, they might benefit from performance-based dog food.
As a rule, puppies need puppy food, adults need adult food, and senior dogs should be on senior food. Make sure to divide meals into two portions a day for adults, and three for puppies. Engaging their active brains with interactive feeders or puzzles during mealtimes can be a fun way to keep them occupied.
Behavior and Training for Border Aussies
Border Aussies are loyal, hard-working, and eager to learn. They’re happiest when they have a task or some sort of mental stimulation. Without it, they may become bored and resort to unwanted behaviors like chewing, herding, or barking.
Socialization is key for Border Aussies. Introducing them to different animals, people, and environments during their first few months of life can help them grow into well-rounded adults. And while they require consistent training, Border Aussies are fast learners who respond well to positive reinforcement.
Fun Activities for Border Aussies
Given their energetic nature, Border Aussies enjoy activities that challenge both their minds and bodies. Some fun activities include:
- Walking or hiking
- Jogging
- Agility training
- Herding trials
- Flyball and frisbee games
- Obedience training
These activities help channel their high energy into productive outlets, preventing boredom and anxiety.
Grooming Tips for Border Aussies
Border Aussies have a double coat designed to handle various weather conditions, which means it’s fairly low-maintenance but sheds seasonally. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough, but during shedding seasons, you might need to brush them more frequently.
- Skin Care: Regular grooming keeps their skin healthy by removing debris that can get trapped in their coat. Be mindful not to over-bathe them, as it can strip their skin of natural oils.
- Coat Care: A good de-shedding tool can help manage the extra fur during shedding periods.
- Eye Care: Watch for signs of eye issues, such as discharge or irritation, as both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are prone to eye problems.
- Ear Care: Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a vet-approved cleaner, especially if you notice redness or discomfort.
Nutrition and Supplements for Border Aussies
If your Border Aussie is eating a well-balanced, vet-approved diet, they shouldn’t need extra supplements. However, certain health conditions may require prescription diets or supplements. Always talk to your vet before adding anything new to your diet.
Conclusion
Border Aussies are highly intelligent, active, and loyal dogs that thrive when given both mental and physical challenges. With the right care, training, and nutrition, they make wonderful companions for active families. Whether you’re engaging them in agility training, taking them on a long hike, or just playing fetch in the backyard, Border Aussies will love every minute as long as they get the attention and exercise they need.
