INTRODUCTION

The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix is a mixed breed dog – a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever dog breeds. Medium-sized, energetic and loyal, these puppies inherit some striking traits from both of their parents. Australian Shepherd-Labrador mixes are also called Aussiedors, Australian Shepradors, Aussie Shepradors, Aussie Labs, and Shepradors. Despite their unfortunate designer breed status, you can find these mixed breed dogs in breed-specific shelters and rescues, so adopt away. These athletic, alert puppies are best suited for level 2 dog parents, so some dog breeding experience is needed. These puppies do not do well with house bodies. They like active people and would like their humans to put their mixed breed intelligence to work. Give them a job to do and watch them excel.

HIGHLIGHTS

Australian Shepherd-Labrador mixes are mixed breed dogs. They are not pure breeds like their parents Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever. The main colors of Australian Shepherd-Labrador mixes are brown, cream, black, tan and brindle. They are often a mixture of any of these colors. Generally, these dogs are not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit. Mixed Australian Shepherds can be very tolerant of children, but like all dogs, they must be supervised when around youngsters. They may try to herd young children thinking they are part of their flock. Australian Labrador Shepherds get along well with other dogs, but it is important to socialize puppies. This gets them used to other dogs as well as people, although they are also affectionate with strangers. These puppies like to be active during the day. If they get bored, they can become destructive. They enjoy activities such as Frisbee, swimming, hiking, and walking. If you need a running buddy, the Aussie Shepherd Lab could be your new trainer.

HISTORY

The Australian Shepherd-Lab mix dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders began intentionally mixing Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers in the late 1990s, probably in North America. The progenitor of the mix, the Labrador Retriever, came from Newfoundland, where he worked alongside fishermen. Today they are great companions and guide dogs, and often work as drug-sniffing dogs. They need to have work and are happiest when they are active. The Australian Shepherd sire of the mix actually hails from the United States. They were originally bred to herd livestock and need to stay active. They are also happiest when they have a job to do. The Australian Shepherd/Labrador mix was created to be an excellent working dog. Mixing two breeds also minimizes the health problems that often plague pure breeds, as they tend to be inbred. Breeders continued to create Australian Shepherd/Labrador mixes as the demand for mixed breed puppies increased. Although the Australian Shepherd Labrador mix began as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the puppy for you. Check local shelters, look for Australian Shepherd Lab mix rescues or check with breed-specific Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help rehome mixed breed dogs. Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes are not recognized by the American Kennel Club; however, they may be registered with: American Canine Hybrid Club – ACHCDog Registry of America Club – ACHCDesigner Dogs Kennel Club – DDKCInternational Designer Canine Registry – IDCR.