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Discover everything about Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador)
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
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At a glance
Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
As a crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador, the Aussiedor is not subject to official breeding regulations, which means buyers must carefully verify the health of the parent dogs themselves. This breed carries a dual risk for hip dysplasia (HD), as well as the MDR1 gene defect common in Aussies and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) found in Labradors. Without certified genetic tests for both parents, purchasing this designer breed carries a significant health risk.
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Height
48–61 cm
Weight
20–36 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Medium length, dense, undercoat present
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- Varied
- including black
- blue
- brown
- fawn
- red
- more
- hard
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador), choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) right for you?
The Aussiedor is an energetic genetic grab bag—a mix of a quick-reacting Hütehund (herding dog) and a people-oriented Apportierhund (retriever), combining the work ethic of both worlds. You aren't buying a predictable operating system here, but rather a surprise box derived from two specialized working lines.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily dummy training or mental stimulation—both parent breeds are working dogs that quickly become frustrated without a real job to do.
- You have a fenced-in yard and live in a more rural area where he can fully unleash his immense need for movement.
- You can confidently handle it if the territorial heritage of the Aussie kicks in and he doesn't greet every stranger with open arms.
- Ideally, you already have dog experience and are flexible enough to adapt to the personality that ultimately emerges based on his genetics.
Less ideal if:
- You are buying him for the 'everybody's darling' guarantee of a Labrador—the Hütehund heritage often brings along watchfulness and skepticism toward strangers.
- You are looking for an uncomplicated companion you can easily leave alone for hours after a short walk.
- You live in a busy city environment where constant visual stimuli can completely overwhelm the nervous system of a half-herding dog.
The real vibes check
With an Aussiedor, you are buying a surprise egg made of two completely different operating systems: he may want to embrace the world like a retriever or try to control it like an Aussie. If you are ready to train the dog you actually end up with—rather than just the one you hoped for—you will gain an incredibly intelligent partner.
Breed Profile
The Aussiedor is a versatile and friendly mixed breed that results from crossing an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever. This combination combines the intelligence and eagerness to work of the Australian Shepherd with the balanced and social nature of the Labrador. The Aussiedor has an athletic and well-proportioned body that allows for both agility and endurance. Its coat is usually medium-length, dense, and weather-resistant, often with an appealing pattern influenced by both parent breeds. Characteristic of the Aussiedor is its high willingness to learn and adaptability, making it excellent as a family dog, everyday companion, or an active sport and working dog. As with many mixed breeds, temperament and appearance can vary, but the Aussiedor stands out for its friendly, loyal, and energetic nature.
- Height
- 48 - 58 cm (Female), 53 - 61 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 32 kg (Female), 25 - 36 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 13 years
- Character
- Intelligent, Energetic, Friendly
- Coat
- Medium length, dense, undercoat present
- Coat Color
- Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more; hard, dense, medium-length
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
History
The history of the Aussiedor begins in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when breeders combined the positive traits of the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever. The goal was to create a versatile family and working dog that combines the intelligence and work ethic of the Australian Shepherd with the friendliness and adaptability of the Labrador. The Aussiedor became especially popular in North America and Australia, where it is valued as a loyal companion, therapy dog, and versatile sports partner. Although it does not yet have official breed recognition, the Aussiedor is gaining popularity due to its balanced temperament and eagerness to learn.
Original Use
The Aussiedor is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever and was bred as a family and companion dog.
Origin
USA
Date
2000
Character & Temperament
The Aussiedor, a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador, combines the best qualities of both breeds. He is an extremely intelligent and eager-to-learn dog who quickly forms a close bond with his family through his friendly and balanced nature. Like the Labrador, he loves spending time with people and is especially child-friendly and playful. His drive to work and high motivation make him an ideal companion for various activities such as retrieving, scent work, or agility. He benefits from the pronounced work enthusiasm of the Australian Shepherd and the cooperative nature of the Labrador. The Aussiedor requires both physical and mental exercise to remain balanced and content. Without sufficient activity, he can become restless or destructive. Thanks to his intelligence and willingness to learn, the Aussiedor is easy to train but requires consistent and loving leadership. He is generally friendly towards strangers but also shows a certain protective behavior that can be well controlled. His prey drive is moderately developed, which is why early training in recall and impulse control is important. Overall, the Aussiedor is a versatile, loyal, and active family dog who is suitable both as a sporty partner and as a loving companion.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Aussiedor: The Aussiedor combines the intelligence and eagerness to work of the Australian Shepherd with the friendliness and willingness to learn of the Labrador. This mix makes him an energetic but also very affectionate companion who excels both as a family dog and in dog sports.
What Awaits You
The Aussiedor is an intelligent and active dog that combines the best qualities of the Australian Shepherd and Labrador. He is friendly, eager to learn, and is excellent as a family and companion dog. Due to his high work drive, the Aussiedor requires meaningful activity and sufficient exercise. He is versatile, from a sporty companion to a loyal partner in everyday life.
Housing & Care
Aussiedores are friendly and intelligent dogs that combine the social openness of the Labrador with the vigilance of the German Shepherd. They are very family-oriented and well-suited for households with children, and due to their balanced nature, they also get along well with other pets if socialized early. Aussiedores require a lot of mental and physical exercise, which is why they should ideally be kept in houses with gardens or in rural areas. They are also happy in the city if enough time is planned for walks and activities. Their people-oriented and loyal nature makes them reliable companions who appreciate a lot of attention and shared activities.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Aussiedor combines the eagerness to learn and willingness to work of the Labrador and German Shepherd, making him an extremely trainable and versatile companion. He loves to be challenged, both physically and mentally, and benefits from varied activities such as retrieving games, obedience, or agility. It is important to maintain a balanced mix of activity and rest periods to avoid overstrain and obsessive behaviors. The Aussiedor has a natural drive to work, which should be channeled through consistent but loving training. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are central aspects of education, as well as early socialization and building a strong bond between dog and owner. Positive, reward-based training not only promotes motivation but also strengthens trust and cooperation. Overall, the Aussiedor requires time, patience, and commitment, but rewards his owner with intelligence, versatility, and a balanced temperament that makes him a loyal and active family member.
Nutrition & Care
The Aussiedor, a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador, requires a balanced diet that supports both its active and muscular physique. High-quality, protein-rich food is important to promote energy and health. Be careful to avoid overweight, as the Aussiedor tends to be enthusiastic about food. The Aussiedor's coat is usually dense with a light undercoat, which protects it well from the cold. Regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, helps keep the coat healthy and reduces hair loss in the house. Especially during the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, more intensive brushing is recommended. The Aussiedor adapts well to the Central European climate. Its coat protects against the cold, but in high temperatures, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
As a crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd and a Labrador, the Aussiedor is not subject to official breeding regulations, which means buyers must carefully verify the health of the parent dogs themselves. This breed carries a dual risk for hip dysplasia (HD), as well as the MDR1 gene defect common in Aussies and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) found in Labradors. Without certified genetic tests for both parents, purchasing this designer breed carries a significant health risk.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, appropriate exercise, and by informing your vet early on about potential drug intolerances, most of these dogs stay fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes tested and pay attention to genetic drug compatibility as well as safe color pairings to minimize health risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador)
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
Im Alltag und Familienleben wird der Aussiedor von vielen Haltern als ein extrem loyaler, verschmuster und menschenbezogener Begleiter beschrieben. Seine Anhänglichkeit und die oft gezeigte Kinderfreundlichkeit machen ihn theoretisch zu einem tollen Familienhund. Viele Familien schätzen seine verspielte Art und die Begeisterung, mit der er sich an gemeinsamen Aktivitäten beteiligt.
Allerdings weisen erfahrene Besitzer in Foren immer wieder darauf hin, dass die Kombination aus dem energiegeladenen Australian Shepherd und dem dynamischen Labrador ein hohes Aktivitätsniveau mit sich bringt. Der Alltag mit einem Aussiedor erfordert viel Zeit für Beschäftigung, da die Hunde sowohl körperlich als auch geistig ausgelastet werden wollen. Fehlt diese Auslastung, neigen manche Vertreter dazu, im Haus unruhig zu werden, Gegenstände zu beknabbern oder sogar Frust durch intensives Graben und Zerstören von Liegeplätzen abzubauen.
Ein weiterer oft genannter Aspekt im Alltag ist das Thema Ruhe. Viele Halter berichten, dass Aussiedor-Welpen und -Junghunde erst mühsam lernen müssen, zu entspannen. Ohne klare Ruhezeiten und manchmal auch räumliche Begrenzung (wie eine Hundebox) neigen die Hunde dazu, völlig zu überdrehen. Zudem ist der Aussiedor kein Hund, der einfach nur nebenherläuft, sondern er fordert aktive Aufmerksamkeit und Konsequenz im täglichen Zusammenleben.
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
In Erziehungsfragen beschreiben Halter den Aussiedor als ein zweischneidiges Schwert: Einerseits bringt er durch den Labrador oft einen ausgeprägten „Will to Please“ mit, lernt extrem schnell und lässt sich über Futter oder Spielzeug hervorragend motivieren. Andererseits schlägt bei vielen Mischlingen der eigenständige Charakter des Australian Shepherds durch. Das bedeutet, dass die Hunde Kommandos und Situationen gerne hinterfragen und bei mangelnder Führung eigene Entscheidungen treffen.
Ein häufig diskutiertes Problem in Foren ist die Reaktivität an der Leine sowie ein ausgeprägtes Schutz- oder Misstrauensverhalten gegenüber Fremden. Während der Labrador meist jeden Menschen freundlich begrüßen möchte, neigt der Aussie-Anteil dazu, Fremde oder Besuch im eigenen Zuhause skeptisch zu beäugen, zu verbellen oder gar zu stellen. Halter berichten, dass hier von Anfang an eine sehr konsequente, aber liebevolle Führung und ein intensives Training zur Impulskontrolle nötig sind, damit das Verhalten nicht in Aggression oder extremes Kläffen umschlägt.
Auch das Thema Jagd- und Hütetrieb darf nicht unterschätzt werden. Viele Besitzer berichten, dass ihre Aussiedors auf Bewegungsreize wie rennende Kinder, Jogger, Fahrräder oder Wild stark reagieren. Ein frühzeitiges Antijagdtraining und das gezielte Umlenken dieser Reize (beispielsweise durch Apportier- oder Nasenarbeit) sind laut Erfahrungsberichten essenziell, um den Hund im Alltag kontrollierbar zu halten.
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
Beim Thema Gesundheit und Genetik herrscht unter Haltern und Züchtern eine rege Diskussion. Da es sich beim Aussiedor um eine sogenannte Hybridhunderasse (Designer-Dog) handelt, die nicht von den großen offiziellen Verbänden wie dem VDH oder der FCI anerkannt ist, gibt es keine einheitlich kontrollierten Zuchtstandards. Viele Befürworter betonen zwar den Heterosis-Effekt, durch den Mischlinge theoretisch robuster sein sollen, doch in der Praxis warnen erfahrene Halter vor den Erbkrankheiten beider Ausgangsrassen.
Besonders im Fokus stehen dabei Gelenkerkrankungen wie Hüftdysplasie (HD) und Ellenbogendysplasie (ED), die sowohl beim Labrador als auch beim Australian Shepherd vorkommen können. Halter berichten immer wieder, wie wichtig es ist, dass die Elterntiere vor der Verpaarung nachweislich geröntgt wurden. Auch Augenerkrankungen (wie Katarakte oder unregelmäßige Linsen) sind ein wiederkehrendes Thema in den Foren, weshalb Welpenkäufer dringend dazu angehalten werden, auf entsprechende augenärztliche Untersuchungen der Elterntiere zu bestehen.
Ein weiteres genetisches Risiko ist der MDR1-Gendefekt, der vom Australian Shepherd vererbt werden kann und zu einer gefährlichen Überempfindlichkeit gegenüber bestimmten Medikamenten führt. Verantwortungsvolle Halter weisen darauf hin, dass ein Gentest beim Aussiedor absolute Pflicht sein sollte, um im tiermedizinischen Behandlungsfall kein Risiko einzugehen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador)
Is a Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) the right dog for me?
The Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) live?
The average life expectancy of a Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) is 10-13 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) need?
Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) good for families with children?
The Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd x Labrador) can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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