How long does a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).

Is a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix easy to train?

Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix

A German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Australian Shepherd. Most grow into large dogs of 45–80 lb and live 10–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight45–80 lbcan be 40–90 lb

Height20–24 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–12 years

SizeLarge

How big does a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix45–80 lb

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 20–24 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

High

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Australian Shepherd very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. The Australian Shepherd as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix	Australian Shepherd
Weight	50–90 lb	45–80 lb	40–65 lb
Height	22–26 in	20–24 in	18–23 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	10–12 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	high	high	moderate
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Herding	mixed	Herding

Questions about the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix get?: Most grow to 45–80 pounds and 20–24 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 40–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).
Does a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.