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If you’re hoping to adopt or purchase a pup to give it a new home but aren’t looking for a purebred dog, then you might want to consider the German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix. However, this relatively new breed isn’t easy to come by, likely because they haven’t been around as long as other dog breeds but make no mistake; this designer dog breed is worth the wait. In this article, we discuss their appearance and temperament if you ever consider one for your home.
What is the German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix?
As mentioned above, the German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix is a relatively new breed compared to its parents, the German Shepherd and the Australian Kelpie. Because of its parents, these dogs can grow between medium to large in size and are for their loyalty, friendliness, and intelligence. However, many people often confuse the Kelpie with the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, or the Australian Cattle Dog, but they’re completely different.
This great dog is capable of herding and droving cattle over long distances with little to no guidance, making them an indispensable pet on farms. If you’re looking for a new best friend, then having this dog, or at least its offspring, can be a wonderful experience but first be sure to learn about them below.
History of the German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix
Because these dogs are still new to the dog world, not much is known about them yet but we do know a lot about their parents, which we share below.
Australian Kelpie
Named after the Celtic water spirits, and the descendants of the English Collie, Australian Kelpies have always been bred for their herding prowess. As one of the leading sheepdogs, they’ve been used around the Australian outback since the late 19th century. For many years, it was believed that these dogs were also part Dingo but in 2019, genetic testing proved that they had no Dingo DNA.
Because of the uncertainty behind their history, Australian Kelpies aren’t recognized to be a breed of their own by the Australian Kennel Club (AKC). Fortunately, they are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club where they are allowed to compete in official events. Moreover, the AKC allows these dogs to compete in Sheep Herding Trials as Herding Dogs.
German Shepherd
On the other hand, the German Shepherd has been around since the 1850s; they have since maintained a reputation as a no-nonsense herding breed with the personality of a strict nanny. It is adept at protecting its flock from predators and may seem like a barking authoritarian at times. By 1908, the German Shepherd Dog became a recognized breed by the AKC and has been highly celebrated ever since.
During WWII, the breed’s name was changed to “Alsatian”, named after a region in France — while people still appreciated and loved the breed, it needed to cut ties with its German background as a result of Adolf Hitler’s fondness for the breed. Today, the names are still used interchangeably but most people know this breed as the German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix Appearance
Because this mixed breed is a combination of the Australian Kelpie and the German Shepherd, you can expect its offspring to look like the perfect blend of their parents. As such, they will weigh between 25 to 90 pounds and will stand around 15 to 26 inches tall depending on the more dominant genes. It can come in the slender and thinner build like its Kelpie parent or it can get a more robust and muscular body like the German Shepherd, which carries plenty of power.
While there may be some variety between the height, size, and weight of these mixed-breed dogs, you can expect to get a dog that’s more like a smaller German Shepherd than a bigger Kelpie. Australian Kelpie German Shepherd puppies will usually reach a weight over 50 pounds and pack some leg power but won’t be as strong as the German Shepherd. Moreover, the Australian Kelpie and the German Shepherd both have a double coat that comes in similar colors such as black and tan, black, fawn and tan, and red and tan.
German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix Temperament
These pups come with the natural aptitude for organizing sheep thanks to their parents, and are so good at their job that they practically need no training to turn them into working dogs. This surprisingly good-natured breed is patient with kids but they shouldn’t get bored mentally or physically; they tend to bark and dig to get attention. Fortunately, they will quickly pick up on training and can learn commands easily.
In terms of exercise, they will enjoy all forms of exercise so be sure to give them plenty of time to go out and play fetch, tug-of-war, and others while taking them out for walks. While they’re generally friendly and intensely loyal to their families, these dogs are wary of new people so they will need some time before warming up to them.
German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix Care
When caring for your Australian Kelpie German Shepherd mix, it’s best to feed it high-quality dry food that’s rich in protein such as beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb. When it comes to the discussion of grooming, their thick double coat won’t need grooming often but they will molt during springtime so be prepared to brush them daily to keep them comfortable and your home clean. If you’re looking for training tips, just make sure to keep them busy both physically and mentally; make sure they learn basic commands at a young age to ensure that they’ll be easier to teach as they grow older.
German Shepherd Australian Kelpie Mix Health Problems
Like all dogs, the Australian Kelpie GSD mix will come with a few health conditions that they may inherit from their parents. Below are a few health issues that these dogs may face.
- Cerebellar abiotrophy
- Cryptorchidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Luxating patella
If you get an older dog, the risks may be higher but you may find it reassuring to know that you’re making their last years as happy and comfortable as possible.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there are irresponsible owners who dump their pets even if they have the best dog, which means they’ll end up in a shelter somewhere. If you’re interested in getting one of these dogs, be sure to look into rescue groups or look for reputable dog breeders who can ensure the health of your new puppy. As a dog owner, it’s up to you to ensure that you’re the right match; if you’re looking for a couch potato, these are not the right dogs to get.
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