Border-Aussie

Border Aussie Traits and Health Conditions

If you’re looking for the canine equivalent of a double-shot espresso, the Border Aussie is the one for you. This breed is a mix of two of the most intelligent dog breeds around – Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. 

Border Collies are known for their extremely high level of intelligence, herding skills and laser-sharp focus, and Australian Shepherds are known for their athleticism and keen problem-solving abilities. Combined, you’ve got a dog, and by a dog we mean super-dog, that’s ready to take on any challenge—whether it's herding sheep, running an agility course, or just trying to catch that elusive squirrel in the backyard. 

This is a newly developed breed, bred to create an intelligent, playful, and energetic companion for active dog owners. The breeders definitely succeeded in that! 

Traits

If you’re wondering if Border Aussies got the best of both worlds when it comes to personality, you’re right. They are energetic, and intelligent and come with a life-long subscription of entertainment.

They also have very strong herding instincts which they’ve got as a gift from their parents. Due to this, they may even try to herd small kids, other pets and even adults at times. They’ve got a nickname as well – ‘Velcro Dogs’. You see how Velcro tends to stick all the time, you’ll find something similar with a Border Aussie at home. Just that, you can detach a Velcro by pulling it apart. Here, on the other hand, you may find it difficult to even detach them from yourself while going for a shower at times. (3)

Other traits of Border Aussies include sociability, alertness, protectiveness, adaptability and sensitivity. They wouldn’t really mind another dog in the family.

Common Health Conditions

Overall, Border Aussies are a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. But, just like any other dog breed, they are prone to certain medical illnesses and conditions during their lifetime as well. Below are the two most commonly seen medical conditions in them -

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia – A genetic condition induced by deformity of the hip during the growth stage. It can also lead to a degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis. Common signs here include – (1)

The average cost of surgery for hip dysplasia can range from $3,500 per hip to $7,000 depending on the dog's condition, size, age, overall health, etc. (4)

MDR1

Multidrug-resistant mutation or MDR1 – A genetic variant that allows drugs and toxins to build up and cross into the brain. Dogs with this condition are at a high risk of severe complications after receiving certain medicinal dosages. It can even be fatal in some cases. The signs here include – (1)

Approximately three of every four collies and half of all Australian Shepherds in the United States have the mutant MDR1 gene. (2)

Are Border Aussies Good Dogs?

If by good you mean loyal, hard-working, lively and sociable, Border Aussies are more than just good dogs. But if by good you mean they will not disturb you while you’re working then they might score a little less there.

If they’re not given attention and adequate physical and mental stimulation during the day, they may engage in unwanted behaviors like herding, chewing or barking. 1-2 hours of good physical exercise during the day and lots of affection later and they’ll be good. (3)

What Do Border Aussies Look Like?

They are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 30 to 60 pounds and stand about 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. They come with a strong and muscular build. They have a dense double coat of medium length that can be straight or slightly wavy. You can get one in black, white, blue merle, red merle, or tricolor (black, white, and tan) and choose from different patterns like spots, speckles, and patches.

Their almond-shaped eyes can be blue, brown or both (one of each, heterochromia). They are paired with medium-sized ears that are either erect or semi-erect, often with a slight fold or tip at the top. The expressive face of theirs comes with a well-defined muzzle as well.

This entire muscular and striking appearance is complemented by a graceful and fluid gait, showcasing their agility and coordination.

(we know we could have just shown you a picture, but it always feels better to describe the beauty of a charming dog)

Do Border Aussies Need a Lot of Exercise?

With high levels of energy and intelligence, comes a need for a good amount of physical and mental stability. A Border Aussie will need around 1-2 hours of mental and physical stimulation every day. A lack of the same can result in bad behaviors in them as they look for ways to spend all the energy built up. (1)

Are Border Aussies East to Train?

With the intelligence levels of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, Border Aussies will surely not take a lot of time to understand commands. They are meant to be working dogs. Hence, the eagerness to work and follow orders is ingrained in them. With proper technique, patience and lots of treats, you may even be able to train them on how to use a men’s urinal. (3)

Are Border Aussies Cuddly?

Their first preference will always be to get up and play given the amount of energy and willingness to work. Having said that, they wouldn’t mind a good cuddling session as a reward for training and a good way to rest after a play session. After all, being affectionate is also one of their strong traits.

Common Border Aussie Behavioral Issues

The strong herding instincts of Border Aussies can become a problem at times. What happens when you leave a dog in an open field for a long time? They’ll start digging. That’s because digging is a natural instinct in all dogs. Similarly, for Border Aussies, herding is a natural instinct. You’ll see them trying to herd young kids by nipping at their heels at times.(2)
Other behavioral issues include excessive barking and running around erratically in the absence of enough physical and mental stimulation. (3)

Are Border Aussies Smart?

Is Usain Bolt fast? Rhetorical question, right? So is ‘Are Border Aussies Smart.’ But just to justify their smartness, a Border Collie named Chaser holds a record for understanding and recalling around 1000 proper nouns. For comparison, an average dog can do up to 160. Australian Shepherds are also not far back in the list of the smartest dog breeds around.

With a genetic lottery like this, Border Aussies ought to be highly intelligent and smart!

Sources