Australian ShepherdClose relative
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AI-generated imageAussiedor
Health grade C- Shoulder height48–61 cm
- Weight20–36 kg
- Life expectancy10–13 yrs
- Puppy price1,800–3,000 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Aussiedor is an energetic genetic grab bag—a mix of a quick-reacting herding dog and a people-oriented 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.
- Health grade C: In the Aussiedor, there are several breed-typical issues such as hip dysplasia (HD), degenerative myelopathy, and the MDR1 defect (drug sensitivity), but progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts also play a role.
- 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 are buying him for the 'everybody's darling' guarantee of a Labrador—the herding dog heritage often brings along watchfulness and skepticism toward strangers.
Self-check
Would the Aussiedor really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Aussiedor fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Similar Breeds
Labrador RetrieverClose relative
LabradoodleSimilar profile
Border CollieSame size & energy
Golden RetrieverSame size & energy
Is the Aussiedor right for you?
At a glance
Aussiedor overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Shoulder height
48–61 cm
Weight
20–36 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Medium length, dense, undercoat present
- Origin: USA
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Aussiedor, 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 →Colors & coat
What colors does the Aussiedor come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Aussiedor — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Blue
Green
Odd-eyed
Partial (split eye)
Coat type
Illustrative imageShort
Illustrative imageMedium
Smooth
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- 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 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 unites 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.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 48 - 58 cm (Female), 53 - 61 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 32 kg (Female), 25 - 36 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 13 yrs
- 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 €
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.
| 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
Aussiedors are friendly and intelligent dogs that combine both the social openness of the Labrador and the vigilance of the Australian Shepherd. They are very family-oriented and well-suited for households with children, getting along well with other pets thanks to their balanced nature if socialized early. Aussiedors require plenty of mental and physical exercise, which is why they are ideally kept in homes with a garden or in rural areas. They can also be happy in the city if sufficient time is scheduled for walks and activities. Their people-oriented and loyal nature makes them dependable companions who appreciate plenty 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 Australian 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 & hereditary diseases
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
In the Aussiedor, there are several breed-typical issues such as hip dysplasia (HD), degenerative myelopathy, and the MDR1 defect (drug sensitivity), but progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts also play a role. A responsible breeder therefore specifically has their breeding animals tested for these conditions. Before purchasing a puppy, have the breeder show you the relevant documentation: both parents need an HD screening result of HD A–B and an unaffected (clear) cataract screening. For genetic tests for degenerative myelopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, and the MDR1 defect (drug sensitivity), a carrier status is only acceptable if the respective mating partner is proven to be clear.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
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
Responsible breeders test parent animals in advance for hip dysplasia (HD), cataracts, as well as genetically for degenerative myelopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, and the MDR1 gene defect.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
7
Risks tracked
0
Recommended standard
7
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
We sort tests into three tiers — from the core standard to a fully exemplary program.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Aussiedor cost?
A Aussiedor costs around ~€190 per month (€100 – €360, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,510 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11.5 years) it comes to about ~€29,460.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€190 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€190
In the first year
~€5,510
Across the dog's life
~€29,460
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,800 – €3,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full 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
Owner experiences
Many owners value the Aussiedor as a very cuddly, loyal, and attentive companion that wants to be part of every outing.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners value the Aussiedor as a very cuddly, loyal, and attentive companion that wants to be part of every outing. Its open, playful nature makes it popular with many families. It is often described as a dog with a bit more energy than a typical Labrador, but, at best, more balanced than a purebred Australian Shepherd.
At the same time, owner accounts point out that this close bond can tip over in daily life. These dogs often tend to follow their people everywhere and constantly demand physical contact or attention. Alone time has to be trained very carefully from puppyhood, or some dogs are prone to strong separation stress or frustration. The mix is also often only partly suited to busy city environments, since all the stimulation can quickly overwhelm more sensitive dogs.
Sources:mit-tier.detag24.dedogorama.app
Dog communities regularly stress that the Aussiedor is a genetic grab bag.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Dog communities regularly stress that the Aussiedor is a genetic grab bag. Some dogs show the Labrador's easygoing, friendly nature, while in others the Australian Shepherd's herding drive and guarding potential come through strongly. Owners therefore report again and again that learning to settle and to control its impulses from puppyhood is both the most important and the hardest training task. If a young Aussiedor is given too much activity, it quickly tends to get overexcited or chew destructively.
Owners also describe situations where the combination of prey drive and reactivity to moving things, such as joggers or cyclists, calls for firm, consistent intervention. When the Aussie side comes through, these dogs are often suspicious of visitors and tend to take it upon themselves to guard the house and family. Many owners therefore stress that this dog doesn't simply raise itself; it needs clear leadership and experienced guidance.
Aussiedor owners almost always describe a highly engaged partner for sports, retrieving games, and brain work, one that enjoys working to…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Aussiedor owners almost always describe a highly engaged partner for sports, retrieving games, and brain work, one that enjoys working together thanks to its strong eagerness to learn. Among owners, however, there is broad agreement that you need to look closely at the dog's background and the parent dogs before getting one.
Because this is a cross without uniform breed-club standards, experienced owners urge caution when choosing a breeder. Especially with the sought-after merle color variants, owners regularly warn against using parent dogs without prior genetic testing (for example, to rule out merle-to-merle pairings). Owners also point out that the typical inherited issues of both parent breeds, such as joint problems or sensitivity to stimuli, need to be kept in mind, which is why a healthy mix is by no means automatically guaranteed.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Aussiedor the right dog for me?
The Aussiedor 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 live?
The average life expectancy of a Aussiedor 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 need?
Aussiedor grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Aussiedor good for families with children?
The Aussiedor can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Aussiedor come in?
The Aussiedor comes in these colors: Black, Brown, Yellow, Red, Blue merle, Red merle, Tricolor, Bicolor. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Are you a Aussiedor breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Aussiedor.