An Australian shepherd offers a triple dose of wow: inquisitive minds, natural athleticism, and stunning good looks. Pet parents with ‘Aussies,’ as they’re affectionately called, are frequently in awe over their capabilities, as these zestful doggos excel at practically everything. This is why Australian shepherd mixes are often desired by many people, as they have a lot to offer: High levels of intelligence and strategic thinking mean they thrive with consistent positive reinforcement training.Exuberant energy and a willingness to try new experiences as long as their active pet parents are right beside them.Bountiful curiosity and a strong work ethic that just beg for daily diverse enrichment activities. Keep in mind that not every Australian shepherd mixed dog is exactly the same, so before your heart goes pitty-pat over a certain look, take time to investigate breeders. luna the border aussie sitting on dock Credit: Courtesy of hi.itsme.luna / Instagram Research Breeders Carefully for Australian Shepherd Mix Breed Dogs Patrick Singletary, DVM, owns Good Dog Veterinary Care in Marietta, Ga. He says the first hybrid dog breed was created in 1989. “The purpose of this breeding was to take the disposition of a Labrador and mix it with the hypoallergenic nature of a poodle to prevent allergy flare ups for a woman who needed the assistance of a guide dog,” he says. You know the breed now as the wildly popular Labradoodle. But with high demand comes great concern. “Dog breeding has passed down ‘bad’ genes and traits, because breeders have overbred certain lines … to obtain better traits for certain goals and desires,” Singletary says. This means troublesome areas might be overlooked, and lead to health issues for your new pup. You should research mixed dog breeders for at least a few months to be sure they’re not part of a backyard breeder operation or puppy mill. Also, consult a veterinarian to understand the health issues for both pup parents. For example, although Australian shepherds usually have a lifespan of 12–15 years, they also have some heritable diseases, such as eye problems and lymphoma, and often develop hip dysplasia. After all, you want to enjoy any one of these adorable Aussie mixes for a long time! Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix) luna the aussiedoodle looking up at camera birdie the aussiepoo sitting on wooden chair Left: Credit: Courtesy of luna_the_miniaussiedoodle / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of birdie_the_aussiepoo / Instagram Similar to the Labradoodle, an Aussiedoodle might present less reactive traits for people with allergies—although there still could be some shedding twice a year. This cuddly, affectionate, and devoted Australian shepherd mix offers a lot of get up and go and oodles of family love, but both parents are super smart, so be prepared for regular training and playtime to ensure she’s living her best life. Ausky (Australian Shepherd Husky Mix) Ausky with Aussie markings and Husky eyes Ausky with Husky face and Aussie coat Left: Credit: Courtesy of Koda_and_cream / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of Kenai_pup / Instagram If you don’t want any Ausky talkback, cover your ears. The woofs, huffs, whimpers, and howls of the witty Siberian husky are just a few ways he’ll get his point across. But even though he’s a talkative pup, runners and hikers will appreciate the tremendous energy this trail companion provides. Here’s another pup who benefits from daily mental stimulation—like teaching him to talk with buttons! Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever Mix) luny the aussiedor mix with lab face and aussie coloring aussiedoor sitting on beach Left: Credit: Courtesy of luny.aussiedor / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of otis_the_aussiedor / Instagram Task-oriented dogs such as Labs and Aussies can be your best buddies in the wilderness. Retriever genes might provide hunters a faithful Aussiedor with sharp field skills, and camping is the perfect activity for this ruff-and-ready Aussie mix. He might even help set up the tent! An Australian shepherd Lab mix responds well to cues and has a terrific sense of adventure. German Australian Shepherd (German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd Mix) Australian German Shepherd, more Aussie brindle Australian German Shepherd, more German Shepherd Left: Credit: Courtesy of Cc dogz / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of Odinthegermanaussie / Instagram You’re already familiar with the exceptional skills German shepherds have as search and rescue dogs and K-9 officers. A German Australian shepherd mix contributes intense focus and keen intelligence to careers like these, too. He’ll also display one-on-one loyalty with his favorite human that’s hard to beat—a canine partner who will value your life as much as you do his. Border Aussie (Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix) luna the border aussie sitting on dock border collie australian shepherd mix Left: Credit: Courtesy of hi.itsme.luna / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of pacificnorthwoofs / Instagram The combination of these two brilliant herding breeds means this dog might be able to direct traffic, do your taxes, and bake a soufflé at the same time! Border collies exceed an Aussie’s work ethic by a factor of five, so an experienced dog owner is the perfect pet parent for this attentive, high-energy, and loyal mix, especially in intelligence work. Texas Heeler (Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix) two blue heeler australian shepherd mixes looking out window Australian shepherd texas heeler mix with aussie markings Left: Credit: Courtesy of pheebs.and.piperoni / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of kovuthevandog / Instagram A Texas heeler is a crossbreed of an Australian shepherd and an Australian cattle dog (who’s sometimes called a blue heeler). Lightning fast and never lazy, this attractive offspring of two exceptional herding dogs shines with consistent training. Because they’re such good problem solvers, stock up on puzzle games, otherwise they’ll probably disassemble your laptop. Auggie (Corgi and Australian Shepherd Mix) Australian shepherd corgi mix wearing bowtie aussie corgi mix looking up in grass Left: Credit: Courtesy of pandatheauggie / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of shasegawa92 / Instagram Paired with another dynamic duo herding lineage, the Auggie will round up every creature, pooch or human, at the dog park! Whether your doggo has a Pembroke Welsh corgi or a Cardigan Welsh corgi parent, expect hilarious antics, high-energy sass, sparky personalities, and more than a few nuzzly couch snuggles with a corgi Aussie mix. RELATED: 13 Corgi Butts That Will Drive You Absolutely Nuts Australian Retriever (Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix) Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and pointed muzzle Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and boxy muzzle Left: Credit: Courtesy of murphandmogs / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of pinchofpepper / Instagram This crossbreed, featuring a Golden retriever parent, will likely be in a kaleidoscope of coat colors and textures. Why? First, there are actually three types of golden retrievers. Second, an Aussie’s myriad merle patterns often look like a Jackson Pollock painting anyway. One thing is certain: you’ll have a tender-hearted, vibrant pooch yearning for attention and numerous activities. Aussie Beagle or Sheagle (Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix) australian shepherd beagle mix chevysheagle beagle australian shepherd mix Left: Credit: Courtesy of chevysheagle / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of opalsmodernlife / Instagram Well, well, well, who’s this little cutie-pie? Often the hybrid of a miniature Australian shepherd and a beagle, a sheagle is a delightful playmate, scampering after all family members big and small. Tap into her herding-hound instincts with specific mind training pursuits and many bits of fun, like this easy DIY snuffle mat. Shepnees (Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix) the pyrenees sisters two dogs with aussie markings and great pyrenees bodies hereiswinston australian shepherd great pyrenees mix Left: Credit: Courtesy of the_pyrenees_sisters / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of hereswinston / Instagram Who’s the pretty girl? Obviously the shepnees! Blowing up Instagram with dashing good looks, the Great Pyrenees is truly a kind and gentle big dog, so it’s quite possible that disposition (and size!) might be inherited by this Australian shepherd mix. Imagine, the energy and intelligence of an Aussie melding with such a floofy sweetheart wanting only to love us? We’ll take one of every shade, please!

An Australian shepherd offers a triple dose of wow: inquisitive minds, natural athleticism, and stunning good looks. Pet parents with ‘Aussies,’ as they’re affectionately called, are frequently in awe over their capabilities, as these zestful doggos excel at practically everything.

This is why Australian shepherd mixes are often desired by many people, as they have a lot to offer:

High levels of intelligence and strategic thinking mean they thrive with consistent positive reinforcement training.Exuberant energy and a willingness to try new experiences as long as their active pet parents are right beside them.Bountiful curiosity and a strong work ethic that just beg for daily diverse enrichment activities.

Keep in mind that not every Australian shepherd mixed dog is exactly the same, so before your heart goes pitty-pat over a certain look, take time to investigate breeders.

luna the border aussie sitting on dock   Credit: Courtesy of hi.itsme.luna / Instagram 

Research Breeders Carefully for Australian Shepherd Mix Breed Dogs

Patrick Singletary, DVM, owns Good Dog Veterinary Care in Marietta, Ga. He says the first hybrid dog breed was created in 1989. “The purpose of this breeding was to take the disposition of a Labrador and mix it with the hypoallergenic nature of a poodle to prevent allergy flare ups for a woman who needed the assistance of a guide dog,” he says. You know the breed now as the wildly popular Labradoodle.

But with high demand comes great concern. “Dog breeding has passed down ‘bad’ genes and traits, because breeders have overbred certain lines … to obtain better traits for certain goals and desires,” Singletary says. This means troublesome areas might be overlooked, and lead to health issues for your new pup.

You should research mixed dog breeders for at least a few months to be sure they’re not part of a backyard breeder operation or puppy mill. Also, consult a veterinarian to understand the health issues for both pup parents. For example, although Australian shepherds usually have a lifespan of 12–15 years, they also have some heritable diseases, such as eye problems and lymphoma, and often develop hip dysplasia.

After all, you want to enjoy any one of these adorable Aussie mixes for a long time!

Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix)

   luna the aussiedoodle looking up at camera         birdie the aussiepoo sitting on wooden chair       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of luna_the_miniaussiedoodle / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of birdie_the_aussiepoo / Instagram

Similar to the Labradoodle, an Aussiedoodle might present less reactive traits for people with allergies—although there still could be some shedding twice a year. This cuddly, affectionate, and devoted Australian shepherd mix offers a lot of get up and go and oodles of family love, but both parents are super smart, so be prepared for regular training and playtime to ensure she’s living her best life.

Ausky (Australian Shepherd Husky Mix)

   Ausky with Aussie markings and Husky eyes         Ausky with Husky face and Aussie coat       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of Koda_and_cream / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of Kenai_pup / Instagram

If you don’t want any Ausky talkback, cover your ears. The woofs, huffs, whimpers, and howls of the witty Siberian husky are just a few ways he’ll get his point across. But even though he’s a talkative pup, runners and hikers will appreciate the tremendous energy this trail companion provides. Here’s another pup who benefits from daily mental stimulation—like teaching him to talk with buttons!

Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever Mix)

   luny the aussiedor mix with lab face and aussie coloring         aussiedoor sitting on beach       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of luny.aussiedor / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of otis_the_aussiedor / Instagram

Task-oriented dogs such as Labs and Aussies can be your best buddies in the wilderness. Retriever genes might provide hunters a faithful Aussiedor with sharp field skills, and camping is the perfect activity for this ruff-and-ready Aussie mix. He might even help set up the tent! An Australian shepherd Lab mix responds well to cues and has a terrific sense of adventure.

German Australian Shepherd (German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd Mix)

   Australian German Shepherd, more Aussie brindle         Australian German Shepherd, more German Shepherd       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of Cc dogz / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of Odinthegermanaussie / Instagram

You’re already familiar with the exceptional skills German shepherds have as search and rescue dogs and K-9 officers. A German Australian shepherd mix contributes intense focus and keen intelligence to careers like these, too. He’ll also display one-on-one loyalty with his favorite human that’s hard to beat—a canine partner who will value your life as much as you do his.

Border Aussie (Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix)

   luna the border aussie sitting on dock         border collie australian shepherd mix       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of hi.itsme.luna / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of pacificnorthwoofs / Instagram

The combination of these two brilliant herding breeds means this dog might be able to direct traffic, do your taxes, and bake a soufflé at the same time! Border collies exceed an Aussie’s work ethic by a factor of five, so an experienced dog owner is the perfect pet parent for this attentive, high-energy, and loyal mix, especially in intelligence work.

Texas Heeler (Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix)

   two blue heeler australian shepherd mixes looking out window         Australian shepherd texas heeler mix with aussie markings       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of pheebs.and.piperoni / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of kovuthevandog / Instagram

A Texas heeler is a crossbreed of an Australian shepherd and an Australian cattle dog (who’s sometimes called a blue heeler). Lightning fast and never lazy, this attractive offspring of two exceptional herding dogs shines with consistent training. Because they’re such good problem solvers, stock up on puzzle games, otherwise they’ll probably disassemble your laptop.

Auggie (Corgi and Australian Shepherd Mix)

   Australian shepherd corgi mix wearing bowtie         aussie corgi mix looking up in grass       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of pandatheauggie / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of shasegawa92 / Instagram

Paired with another dynamic duo herding lineage, the Auggie will round up every creature, pooch or human, at the dog park! Whether your doggo has a Pembroke Welsh corgi or a Cardigan Welsh corgi parent, expect hilarious antics, high-energy sass, sparky personalities, and more than a few nuzzly couch snuggles with a corgi Aussie mix.

RELATED: 13 Corgi Butts That Will Drive You Absolutely Nuts

Australian Retriever (Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix)

   Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and pointed muzzle         Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and boxy muzzle       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of murphandmogs / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of pinchofpepper / Instagram

This crossbreed, featuring a Golden retriever parent, will likely be in a kaleidoscope of coat colors and textures. Why? First, there are actually three types of golden retrievers. Second, an Aussie’s myriad merle patterns often look like a Jackson Pollock painting anyway. One thing is certain: you’ll have a tender-hearted, vibrant pooch yearning for attention and numerous activities.

Aussie Beagle or Sheagle (Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix)

   australian shepherd beagle mix chevysheagle         beagle australian shepherd mix       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of chevysheagle / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of opalsmodernlife / Instagram

Well, well, well, who’s this little cutie-pie? Often the hybrid of a miniature Australian shepherd and a beagle, a sheagle is a delightful playmate, scampering after all family members big and small. Tap into her herding-hound instincts with specific mind training pursuits and many bits of fun, like this easy DIY snuffle mat.

Shepnees (Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix)

   the pyrenees sisters two dogs with aussie markings and great pyrenees bodies         hereiswinston australian shepherd great pyrenees mix       

Left: Credit: Courtesy of the_pyrenees_sisters / Instagram Right: Credit: Courtesy of hereswinston / Instagram

Who’s the pretty girl? Obviously the shepnees! Blowing up Instagram with dashing good looks, the Great Pyrenees is truly a kind and gentle big dog, so it’s quite possible that disposition (and size!) might be inherited by this Australian shepherd mix. Imagine, the energy and intelligence of an Aussie melding with such a floofy sweetheart wanting only to love us? We’ll take one of every shade, please!

luna the border aussie sitting on dock Credit: Courtesy of hi.itsme.luna / Instagram

luna the border aussie sitting on dock

Credit: Courtesy of hi.itsme.luna / Instagram

  luna the aussiedoodle looking up at camera         birdie the aussiepoo sitting on wooden chair      

 luna the aussiedoodle looking up at camera         birdie the aussiepoo sitting on wooden chair     

luna the aussiedoodle looking up at camera    

birdie the aussiepoo sitting on wooden chair    

luna the aussiedoodle looking up at camera

luna the aussiedoodle looking up at camera

birdie the aussiepoo sitting on wooden chair

birdie the aussiepoo sitting on wooden chair

Left: Credit: Courtesy of luna_the_miniaussiedoodle / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of birdie_the_aussiepoo / Instagram

  Ausky with Aussie markings and Husky eyes         Ausky with Husky face and Aussie coat      

 Ausky with Aussie markings and Husky eyes         Ausky with Husky face and Aussie coat     

Ausky with Aussie markings and Husky eyes    

Ausky with Husky face and Aussie coat    

Ausky with Aussie markings and Husky eyes

Ausky with Aussie markings and Husky eyes

Ausky with Husky face and Aussie coat

Ausky with Husky face and Aussie coat

Left: Credit: Courtesy of Koda_and_cream / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of Kenai_pup / Instagram

  luny the aussiedor mix with lab face and aussie coloring         aussiedoor sitting on beach      

 luny the aussiedor mix with lab face and aussie coloring         aussiedoor sitting on beach     

luny the aussiedor mix with lab face and aussie coloring    

aussiedoor sitting on beach    

luny the aussiedor mix with lab face and aussie coloring

luny the aussiedor mix with lab face and aussie coloring

aussiedoor sitting on beach

aussiedoor sitting on beach

Left: Credit: Courtesy of luny.aussiedor / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of otis_the_aussiedor / Instagram

  Australian German Shepherd, more Aussie brindle         Australian German Shepherd, more German Shepherd      

 Australian German Shepherd, more Aussie brindle         Australian German Shepherd, more German Shepherd     

Australian German Shepherd, more Aussie brindle    

Australian German Shepherd, more German Shepherd    

Australian German Shepherd, more Aussie brindle

Australian German Shepherd, more Aussie brindle

Australian German Shepherd, more German Shepherd

Australian German Shepherd, more German Shepherd

Left: Credit: Courtesy of Cc dogz / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of Odinthegermanaussie / Instagram

  luna the border aussie sitting on dock         border collie australian shepherd mix      

 luna the border aussie sitting on dock         border collie australian shepherd mix     

luna the border aussie sitting on dock    

border collie australian shepherd mix    

luna the border aussie sitting on dock

border collie australian shepherd mix

border collie australian shepherd mix

Left: Credit: Courtesy of hi.itsme.luna / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of pacificnorthwoofs / Instagram

  two blue heeler australian shepherd mixes looking out window         Australian shepherd texas heeler mix with aussie markings      

 two blue heeler australian shepherd mixes looking out window         Australian shepherd texas heeler mix with aussie markings     

two blue heeler australian shepherd mixes looking out window    

Australian shepherd texas heeler mix with aussie markings    

two blue heeler australian shepherd mixes looking out window

two blue heeler australian shepherd mixes looking out window

Australian shepherd texas heeler mix with aussie markings

Australian shepherd texas heeler mix with aussie markings

Left: Credit: Courtesy of pheebs.and.piperoni / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of kovuthevandog / Instagram

  Australian shepherd corgi mix wearing bowtie         aussie corgi mix looking up in grass      

 Australian shepherd corgi mix wearing bowtie         aussie corgi mix looking up in grass     

Australian shepherd corgi mix wearing bowtie    

aussie corgi mix looking up in grass    

Australian shepherd corgi mix wearing bowtie

Australian shepherd corgi mix wearing bowtie

aussie corgi mix looking up in grass

aussie corgi mix looking up in grass

Left: Credit: Courtesy of pandatheauggie / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of shasegawa92 / Instagram

  Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and pointed muzzle         Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and boxy muzzle      

 Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and pointed muzzle         Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and boxy muzzle     

Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and pointed muzzle    

Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and boxy muzzle    

Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and pointed muzzle

Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and pointed muzzle

Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and boxy muzzle

Golden Aussie with Aussie coloring and boxy muzzle

Left: Credit: Courtesy of murphandmogs / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of pinchofpepper / Instagram

  australian shepherd beagle mix chevysheagle         beagle australian shepherd mix      

 australian shepherd beagle mix chevysheagle         beagle australian shepherd mix     

australian shepherd beagle mix chevysheagle    

beagle australian shepherd mix    

australian shepherd beagle mix chevysheagle

australian shepherd beagle mix chevysheagle

beagle australian shepherd mix

beagle australian shepherd mix

Left: Credit: Courtesy of chevysheagle / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of opalsmodernlife / Instagram

  the pyrenees sisters two dogs with aussie markings and great pyrenees bodies         hereiswinston australian shepherd great pyrenees mix      

 the pyrenees sisters two dogs with aussie markings and great pyrenees bodies         hereiswinston australian shepherd great pyrenees mix     

the pyrenees sisters two dogs with aussie markings and great pyrenees bodies    

hereiswinston australian shepherd great pyrenees mix    

the pyrenees sisters two dogs with aussie markings and great pyrenees bodies

the pyrenees sisters two dogs with aussie markings and great pyrenees bodies

hereiswinston australian shepherd great pyrenees mix

hereiswinston australian shepherd great pyrenees mix

Left: Credit: Courtesy of the_pyrenees_sisters / Instagram

Right: Credit: Courtesy of hereswinston / Instagram