Pyrenees Aussie Shepherd Dog Breed

The Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Great Pyrenees mixed with Australian Shepherd has probably existed naturally for a long time--presumably with ranchers needing a dog that could both guard and herd livestock--no breeder or breed club has claimed this hybrid's creation. Regardless, these energetic, intelligent, independent dogs are great both in a working capacity and as pets for active families--but they'll need a lot of training and socialization.

A few facts about the Australian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees mix: they're large- to giant-sized, averaging 25 inches at the shoulders in height and 90 pounds in weight; they have medium-length, thick, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Great Pyrenees-Aussie Shepherd mix:

Some important Great Pyrenees-Australian Shepherd mix info: these hybrids are the offspring of two breeds that are both intelligent, energetic, hardworking, and--because of their histories working with livestock--they're often quite controlling. Physically, Pyrenees-Aussie mixes are big, sometimes reaching 100 pounds or more. Their all-weather coats come in a few different colors (usually in multi-colored patterns); the coats will practically always include some white (inherited from the all-white Great Pyrenees), along with black, red, tan, and both blue and red merle patterns inherited from the Aussie Shepherd. These hybrids' coats will not be hypoallergenic, as they shed moderately (and profusely during the spring and fall shedding seasons).

Another dominant Pyrenees-Aussie Shepherd mix characteristic is their potentially strong herding instincts--which means they'll impulsively try to "control" moving objects like people, animals, bicyclists, etc., by nipping or lightly snapping at them. This instinct can be "trained out" of the dogs--but owners will need to begin the training during puppyhood. One effective method, experts say, is leash training, whereby the puppy is made to walk beside or behind you on the leash instead of being allowed to lead or "tug" on it. This, in the dog's mind, established you as the leader, and will make training easier as the dog matures.

Pyrenees-Aussie Shepherds are also very energetic, and will need outdoor exercise on a daily basis. These dogs are best suited to living in homes with large, securely fenced yards.

Friendly, intelligent, hardworking, energetic, protective, and at times stubborn and controlling, the Great Pyrenees-Australian Shepherd mix temperament is one of activity and love. These hybrids will be affectionate with their family members, and will usually be protective of them. They do, however, often have strong herding instincts that will need to be addressed when they're puppies. That said, Pyrenees-Aussie Shepherd mixes normally socialize well with kids and other pets--but it's best, owners say, if these dogs grow up alongside any children or other pets so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: these hybrids are very intelligent and resourceful, and can respond well to training--but their potentiall stubbornness means they might need a few repetitions when leaning commands or tasks. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And the Great Pyrenees-Aussie Shepherd mix has excellent watchdog skills. These hybrids are alert, confident, and vocal, and are likely to bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds--and they probably will have the physical capabilities to neutralize potential threats like intruders as well.

The Great Pyrenees-Aussie Shepherd mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and/or elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, various allergies, cataracts, and sensitivity to certain drugs and anesthesia. Larger, deeper-chested dogs can also be prone to gastric torsion (or bloat), particularly if they're allowed to "wolf" their food. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can ask their own veterinarians to do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is 11-14 years.