Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix???

Question

I was wondering if anyone has one or knows anything about them... I was considering gettting one because I want a loyal, energetic, smart dog that I could use for agility and different activities.........

Answer 1

I own a Border and fostered a Border/Aussie mix. I also trial in various agility venues (NADAC, USDAA, AKC, CPE) By breed, Border Collies tend to be serious work-aholics. Aussies, on the other hand love to work, but also have a more playful side to them. Both can be obsessive/compulsive, and require a long term committment to loads of exercise. I see more variance in Aussies when it comes to being speed demons. Borders on the whole are speed demons and prefer to go as fast as possible, sometimes foregoing their own safety in the process.

As my BC was my first dog to show, I can definitely say that they are a very tough breed to start with. I would compare it to learning drivers ed on a porche. Although very frustrating at times, my dog has made me be a better handler from the start. When I've had trouble handling his speed, we have been very frustrated until my skills improve to match his blazing speed. I had to master (and I'm still improving) working him from a distance and getting the accuracy we need to qualify (something my friends envy me for). Qualifying runs are to greatest high because they are so fast - Image running a course at the rate of 6 yards a second-that's smokin' fast! But also image not having control of the porche at 100 miles an hour - it's a train wreck. You get used to some great highs but a whole lot more lows. BCs are not high Qing dogs.

As for getting a mix, know what activities you'd like to do and see the restriction on participation due to being a mixed breed. Some venues do not allow them to play. Lots of Borders and Aussies end up in rescue because owners cannot handle their energy, drive and need for brain stimulation. There are volumes of sites that have articles about Aussies and Border Collies. Do your research before you decide if you are a suitable owner for this type of high calabour athlete.

Answer 2

Do a google search on the breed. They were bred for hearding livestock. They are VERY high energy dogs. They like to work.They need lots of exercise or else they will get board and start causing trouble. Are you an active person? They excel at agility and flyball. They do not make good apartment dogs. Also check out your local animal shelter. You would be surprised at how many purebred dogs are there because people dont do their research before getting a dog...ending up with a bad match. Each breed also has a rescue org. Please consider adopting before buying one from a petstore or breeder.

Answer 3

These are excellent breeds for these activities.But bear in mind that if you want to compete someday in AKC sanctioned matches and shows you will need a purebred and registered dog.However,I show dogs in many differant areas and yet I also have a couple of cross breed dogs.A border collie x heeler(australian cattle dog) and a corgi x australian sheepdog.They are very energetic and very smart.You have to be sure to offer physical and mental stimulation or the dog will "outwit" you and think up its own activities(many you wont welcome!) Also these breeds also mature a little slower, so the puppy behavours( chewing and tearing things up when bored) will not be outgrown as early as some other breeds.Be sure they dont have time and energy in excess to get bored!

Answer 4

They are wonderful with charming personalities. They are also VERY high energy and very intelligent. These dogs must have a job to do. Make sure you're serious about training and agility competitions. They love it, and they also need it or they can become destructive and a pain. Their smarts and energy will get them into trouble if not channeled. I manage a no-kill shelter and we get alot of this breed specifically for the reasons I've mentioned. People don't realize they must have training and a job.

Answer 5

If you want loyal,energetic,smart, and you want an agility dog, both of them are right up your alley. Just be sure you have the time,room, and patience for them. Yes, they are energetic and smart, so if you don't give them something to do, they will find something to do, usually not good. These dogs have to have jobs to do or they get bored and anxious pretty quickly. Also, be prepared for them wanting to "herd" you. They might want to nip at your heels at first. Proper training and stimulation will take care of that.

Answer 6

Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are EXCELLENT dogs! They do shed a lot, though. These dogs are very playful, but beware, they are both HERDING dogs, which means they will chase you if you run and might nip your ankles. But DO NOT take these few tips as a downer; they are very energetic and playful and love frizbees and playing "fetch". These dog are also very loyal and will follow the person who treats and plays with him/her the most.

Answer 7

I would think that mix would have everything you're looking for, and then some!! Definitely intelligent...both those breeds are very smart dogs as well as agile.

Answer 8

Get either one or the other . large dogs take about 2 years to grow up and can be quite naughty and destructive during this period. A pure bred will be more intelligent and true to it's breed. Both breeds need lots of space.

Answer 9

Hi, I saw your post. I'm not sure where you live but I have two border collie mixes that are absolutely beautiful If you are interested. Both are female and were rescued as puppies. If interested please e-mail me at [e-mail]