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Overview
Breed Group: | Hunting and herding |
Weight: | 25-60 pounds |
Height: | 13-23 inches |
Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
Coat: | Mid-Length to long, double coat |
Shedding Level: | Med-High, especially in spring and fall |
Temperament: | Loyal, affectionate, active |
Good with Kids? | Yes |
Good with Dogs? | Yes |
Good with Cats? | Can be with early socialization |
Exercise Needed: | 1-2 hours per day |
Mental Stimulation Needed: | Lots |
Trainability: | Medium-High, can be stubborn |
The Australian Shepherd Beagle mix is a spunky, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn dog that does not lack personality! Their small to medium size makes them pretty adaptable, but they will struggle in a cramped apartment lifestyle without daily enrichment and exercise.
While Aussie Beagle mixes are incredibly sweet and great for families with kids, they require a dedicated owner that can give consistent training. They are high-energy and intelligent, coming from both herding and hunting dog backgrounds, and they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to be healthy and well-behaved members of the family.
Let’s dive into the history, characteristics, requirements, health concerns, and ideal owners of the Australian Shepherd Beagle mix. Keep in mind that mixed-breed dogs will always vary in both looks and temperament, but we can deduce a lot about the dogs from examining their parent breeds.
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Table of Contents Show
History of the Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix
Aussie Beagle mixes likely arose in popularity over the last few decades with a trend that is now known as the “designer dog” craze. It’s likely that Australian Beagle mixes have happened accidentally over the several centuries both breeds existed in America. However, they likely didn’t begin being bred intentionally until recently, when the mix of popular breeds became commonplace.
The Australian Shepherd and the Beagle share many traits, but also differ in many ways.
What Does the Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix Look Like?
For dogs that have parents that are different breeds, it can be difficult to predict exactly what the puppies will look like. We often think of genetics as 50% of the mother and 50% of the father, but this is not the case most of the time. Genetics can vary wildly, and puppies can look like the mother, the father, or any mixture of both.
Australian Shepherd Beagle mix puppies are no exception. Even within the same litter, puppies may not even resemble each other. While we cannot predict exactly what puppies will look like, we can make guesses based on the breeds of their parents.
Parent Breed Characteristics
The Australian Shepherd is often seen with merle, tri-color, or bi-color markings in black, grey, red, and white. They are typically fluffy, with long snouts and ears high on the head. The ears typically stand up about halfway, and then “break” forward or to the side for a rose ear. Breed standard in Aussies calls for a docked or natural bobtail.
Beagles, however, have a smooth but dense double coat. They often have the distinct Beagle “saddle” marking, easily identified by the back of the dog having mostly black. all Beagles also have a white tip on their tail, bred into the breed to help hunters keep an eye on their packs in tall grass.
Tri-color, bluetick markings, and bi-color Beagles in colors like black, tan, white, black, red, and even lemon are all common as well. In fact, their breed standard simply states “any hound color,” giving them the classic hound dog appearance most of us know. Beagles have long snouts to help with sniffing and ears that sit low on their head and droop.
Size and Weight of the Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix
The average size and weight of an Australian Shepherd and Beagle mix is about 20-60 pounds. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, weighing 35-65 pounds, while Beagles are smaller, weighing 20-30 pounds. As a result, the size of an Australian Shepherd and Beagle mix can vary greatly, depending on the proportions of each breed in the mix. Overall, these dogs are medium to large in size and typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds as adults.
Coat Length and Color
Aussie Beagle mixes vary in color and markings. Beagle and Australian Shepherds both have very distinctive markings or colorings, and the combination of the breeds can result in some fascinating combinations.
With so many color combinations and choices in the parents’ breeds, Australian Shepherd Beagle mixes are bound to have a variety of looks! Most often, the mixes showcase multiple colors and patterns of their parents.
Eyes
Australian Shepherd Beagle mixes often have the large brown or hazel eyes given by their Beagle heritage. They also tend her the dark rings around their eyes that are typically attributed to the Beagle.
However, the Australian Shepherd heritage may shine through uniquely! Heterochromia, or the phenomenon characterized by having eyes of two different colors, is fairly common in Australian Shepherds. this sometimes comes through in their Australian shepherd Beagle mix puppies!
Temperament and Training of the Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix
Spunky, playful, and affectionate, Aussie Beagle mixes are active and friendly dogs that are great family pets. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so they require dedicated owners that will give them lots of early socialization and lifelong training.
Understanding Hunting and Herding Instincts
Australian Shepherd Beagle mix dogs have both hunting and herding instincts. Herding instincts can become an issue with family members and other pets if the dog is not given a healthy way to work its body and mind.
Hunting instincts drive dogs to track a scent, and Beagles have been bred for hunting for centuries. They are known as “foot hounds,” meaning that they were easily followed by hunters on foot. This is great for pet Beagle owners because it’s not uncommon to have to chase down a Beagle on a scent!
Aussie Beagle mixes need to be on a leash or safely contained at all times. This keeps them from chasing animals or other scents into dangerous situations!
The Training of Aussie Beagle Mixes
Both Beagles and Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence and working prowess. Their mixed puppies are no exception. Aussie Beagle mix puppies are often sent to pet family homes, and for experienced pet owners, they can be easy to train.
Aussie Beagle mixes are known to be stubborn, so an owner experienced with dogs enough to effectively harness their drive and potential is vital. Owners can also opt for help from professional trainers.
Both parent breeds can be especially sensitive to harsh punishments, so training should utilize positive reinforcement tactics for the best results. Australian Shepherd Beagle mixes can be trained as great family pets or working dogs, but owners should expect to dedicate many hours a week over the dog’s lifetime to keep them happy and healthy.
Social Skills Come From Their Parents
Like all puppies, Aussie Beagle mixes need lots of early socialization, however, it is especially important when the breeds mixed are considered. The parents’ breeds differ in social skills, and as a result, the mixed puppies may differ as well.
Australian Shepherds are excellent for herding livestock in the fields, but over many decades they have been bred as companions as well. Frequently somewhat shy and reserved, Aussies are affectionate with family but can have a “stranger danger” attitude when it comes to protecting their families.
Beagles are known for alert barking, but often move on to friendship quickly after a short introduction. They can be sensitive to harsh punishments and loud noises, especially as young puppies.
The offspring of these differing parent breeds means that the puppies can take on almost any trait. Some Aussie Beagle mix dogs will be robust, loud, and friendly like their Beagle parent. some may be shy, reserved yet calculating like their Australian Shepherd heritage. Adaptability is always important in raising mixed breeds.
Daily Requirements of the Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix
Like all dogs, Australian Beagle mix dogs need daily attention to fulfilling their needs. Basic needs included things like food, exercise, water, and love. But to truly help your Aussie Beagle mix reach its full potential, let’s look at what their specific needs may be.
Exercise
Australian Shepherds were bred for herding livestock for hours on end every day. Beagles were bred to hunt down small but fast prey like rabbits or squirrels. what do both of these activities require?
Lots of exercise and endurance! But not only physical exercise. these tasks also require a lot of calculation, and mental agility needs to work out too!
Physical Exercise
Australian Beagle mixes are going to need enough exercise to fulfill their body’s needs every day. This is usually about 60-90 minutes a day. Young puppies and senior dogs may need less or more, depending on their development and their bodies. However, almost every Aussie Beagle mix is going to need at least a long walk or two every day.
Mental Exercise
Trying to figure out how to get 40 sheep into a pen when there is only one or two of you is not an easy task. In fact, I don’t think most humans would be up to the challenge! But this is what Australian Shepherds were bred to do all day, and Beagles used their brain to track scents for miles through wooded terrain. The brainpower needed for these tasks deserves to be given a healthy outlet in pet dogs.
While you may not have acres of woods or dozens of sheep at your disposal, there are plenty of ways you can use enrichment to exercise your dog’s mind. Slow feeders, puzzle games, training sessions, and long outdoor walks in new areas can all require your dog to work parts of its brain. Mental exercise is important in confident and healthy dogs.
Importance of Engaging Exercise
A common myth that is perpetuated among owners of high-energy dogs is the “backyard” myth. Many dog owners think that having a large, fenced-in, and secure backyard is enough to give their dogs the exercise they need. While yes, a backyard helps to have a safe space to exercise, it is not nearly enough!
Dogs like the Beagle Australian Shepherd mix require both mental and physical exercise. The same boring backyard day after day after day will quickly grow tiresome for these intelligent and spunky dogs. With nothing new to smell or see, they may turn to destructive and undesirable behaviors to get your attention.
Combat this by being involved in your dog’s playtime! fetch, frisbee, and flirt poles are all great ways to exercise your dog in your own backyard. Walks, hikes, and other adventures help keep your dog socialized, comfortable and entertained by the sights and smell of new environments.
Nutrition
The Aussie Beagle mix is a medium-sized, high-energy dog. They often weigh anywhere from 20-60 pounds and this wide range results in a wide variety of nutrition requirements. beagles especially are prone to overeating and obesity, so food should be monitored rather than free-feeding.
The dogs should be on high-quality food that is formulated for high-energy dogs. Food should also be age-appropriate, as the nutrition needs of a Beagle Australian Shepherd mix will change throughout its life.
How Healthy are Australian Shepherd Beagle Mixes?
Beagle Australian shepherd mix dogs are typically healthy dogs. Most are “first generation” mixes, meaning that their parents are one purebred Beagle and one purebred Australian Shepherd. Though unconfirmed, many believe that first-generation crossbreeds are the healthiest version of the cross. There are a few health issues to be aware of, however.
Lifespan
Because of its mixed breed dog status, the Beagle Aussie mix has very few studies done on its lifespan. However, we can look at the parent breeds and average dog life span to give an educated guess.
Both Australian Shepherds and Beagles are estimated to live about 10-15 years. Given that the average lifespan of a medium-sized dog is 10-13 years, we can conclude that most Beagle Aussie mixes will live anywhere from 12-15 years!
Minor Health Concerns
All dogs can develop minor health issues through aging, improper nutrition, or other events. Beagle Aussie mix dogs have some chronic issues that are common in both their parent breeds.
Arthritis
Many dogs of all breeds may develop arthritis over their life, especially in their senior years. Arthritis can develop from a genetic predisposition, improper nutrition, or can be caused by other health issues.
Beagles and Australian shepherds both have long histories of arthritis. You can help by making sure your dog is getting proper nutrition and exercise throughout their life and having regular vet check-ups to catch issues early. Daily glucosamine chews also help with overall joint health.
Allergies
Allergies are common in both Australian Shepherd and Beagle parent breeds. Symptoms of allergies include itchiness, flaky skin, or redness. Allergies can be caused by something in the air, like pollen, or something in their food/treats, like a chicken allergy.
Extreme allergic reactions may require a vet visit, especially if the Beagle Aussie mix in question is having trouble breathing. For minor allergic reactions or daily environmental allergy issues can be treated with Benadryl in most dogs.
Eye Issues
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Beagle breed clubs of America suggest an ophthalmologist evaluation of all breeding dogs. Glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy are common in both parent breeds. Australian shepherds also have a history of eye malformations in their bloodlines. Ensure your dog is regularly having its eyes checked to catch any issues early
Major Congenital Health Issues
In addition to minor and opportunistic diseases and disorders, some health concerns are such a trend in their breed that they should be tested for before breeding. these are the most common chronic health disorders found in both Beagles and Australian Shepherds.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball joint of the back leg doesn’t properly fit in the “cup” shape of the pelvis joint. Over time, the nerveless cartilage protecting the sensitive bones wears down. when the bones touch, it can cause extreme pain in the dog.
Both the United States Australian Shepherd Association and the National Beagle Club call for a hip evaluation before breeding prospective pairs. Responsible breeders do not breed dogs that show any sign of hip dysplasia so that the puppies are not pre-disposed for the disorder.
Epilepsy
Seizures are scary for any pet owner. While sometimes seizures are a one-time thing caused by a high fever or an outside force, some dogs have genetic disorders that cause frequent and recurring seizures.
Epilepsy is probably the most well-known and common disorder that causes repeated seizures. Unfortunately for Beagle Aussie mix dogs, neurological disorder is prevalent in both breeds. Most epileptic dogs start to show signs between 6 months and 3 years of age.
Hyperthyroidism
A dog suffering from hyperthyroidism is lethargic, reluctant to exercise, likely gained weight or loss of fur recently, and may have dry or scaly skin. They may also have behavioral changes caused by the discomfort they feel.
Hyperthyroidism is common in both Beagles and Australian Shepherds, so all Beagle Aussie mix dogs should be monitored for these symptoms closely. Aussie Beagle mix breeder programs should also always perform a thyroid panel for both parents as the parent breed clubs suggest.
The Ideal Owners of an Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix
While all dogs deserve their ideal owner, we’re happy just knowing that owners love their dogs enough to care about their needs1 that being said, there are needs to be met for Beagle Aussie dogs that owners should be able to provide.
Active and Dedicated Owners
Beagle Aussie mix dogs require at least 1-2 hours a day of engaging and exhausting exercise, not to mention plenty of mental exercise and training. Beagle Aussie mix dogs should not be trained in a laid-back way, as they may get bored and destructive.
They require owners that are dedicated to using positive reinforcement methods and learning how to harness their dog’s drive and motivators. They also need to be committed enough to give their dogs the physical and mental exercise needed for these high-energy dogs.
Kids and Other Pets
Beagle Aussie mix dogs are great with kids! Like all dogs, they should never be left alone with children, and children should be taught how to respect the dog’s boundaries. They are affectionate, lovable, and great for active families with older kids!
Australian Shepherd Beagle mixes should be closely monitored around smaller animals like cats, rabbits, or hamsters. Their herding and hunting instincts often create a strong prey drive, and one wrong move can end in disaster. It’s best to keep small animals away from dogs.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Beagle Aussie Mix?
Anyone with allergies to pet hair or dander should not choose the Aussie Beagle mix! they are high-shedding dogs, especially in the spring and winter times. They also require a bit of daily brushing and grooming, which can be difficult for people that are trying to avoid extra fur.
People that are gone long hours every day should also look into other breeds. Australian Shepherd Beagle mixes enjoy being around their people as much as possible.
Finding an Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix
A Responsibly Bred Puppy
If you need an Australian Shepherd Beagle mix puppy, be sure that you are choosing a puppy from a responsible breeder that health tests parents, raises them in a healthy way, and begins socialization with the puppies. The price for puppies is anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per puppy, but the price does not equal quality.
Shelters and Rescues
Many different kinds of dogs end up in shelters and rescues, often due to no fault of their own! Unexpected health issues, death in the family, and homelessness are all reasons that people give up their dogs, and none of these reasons means the dog is “damaged goods,” despite the popular myth!
Rescues are often breed-specific, but often also bring in mixed versions of their breeds. So if you’re looking at adopting a Beagle Aussie mix, you can try both Beagle and Australian Shepherd rescues.
Reach out to your local shelter to find an Aussie Beagle mix. While you may not find exactly what you’re looking for, there are likely many mixed-breed dogs that would love to go home with you!
Conclusion
The Australian Shepherd Beagle mix is a playful, spunky, and excitable dog. Great for active kids and individuals, Aussie Beagle mixes are a great crossbreed option for families and experienced pet owners.