INTRODUCTION

The Bossie is a mongrel dog, a cross between the Boston Terrier and Australian Shepherd breeds. Medium sized, energetic and loyal, these puppies inherit some of the best qualities of their two parents. The Bossie, also spelled Baussie, is an ideal puppy. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these mixed-breed dogs in breed-specific shelters and rescues, so remember to adopt. These adorable pups make a great addition to a large family or single-person household. Just make sure they get plenty of attention and exercise. They should not be left alone in a yard because they can feel neglected and become edgy and destructive. Read on to find out if this is the right dog for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bossies are mixed breed dogs. They are not pure breeds like their parents Boston Terrier and Australian Shepherd. The main colors of Bossies are black, red or brown, and white. They are rarely solid and usually have two or three colors mixed together. They tend to have short coats and are not considered a good choice for allergy sufferers. There are also Bossies with longer coats. If they acquire the coat of their Aussie parent, they may require more brushing. Bossies are prone to weight gain and have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one to two hours of exercise a day. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior. These dogs are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they can also be stubborn and forget training as quickly as they learn it. For an energetic and consistent owner, their loyalty will go a long way with positive reinforcement. Bossies are best suited for families with older children. The Bossie is a herding dog, and if the Australian Shepherd DNA is strong, they can herd children or other pets. However, once properly trained, Bossies make wonderful companions for families with children.

HISTORY

The Bossie mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders began intentionally mixing Boston Terriers and Australian Shepherds in the late 1990s, probably in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize the health problems faced by many purebreds. They continued to create Bossies as the demand for puppies increased. Although the Bossie 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 breed for you. Check local shelters, look for Bossie rescues, or check with breed-specific Australian Shepherd and Boston Terrier rescues, as they often take in and help re-home these puppies. Bossies are recognized by:ACHC = American Canine Hybrid ClubDRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.