The blue German Shepherd mix is a cross between an Australian cattle dog of “blue” hue and a German Shepherd. Mixed-breed dogs can take on traits from either parent. The hybrid may resemble a mixture of the two breeds, or strongly favor one parent over the other. Since both breeds are members of the American Kennel Club’s herding group, you can bet that their offspring will instinctively move livestock.
Australian cattle dog
Crossing a dingo, dalmatian and collie and what do you get? Over a few generations, the result was the Australian Cattle Dog, arguably the finest of all cattle dogs. Originally known as the Australian heeler, it is also referred to as the Queensland heeler, blue or red heeler, depending on the dog’s colouration. The AKC color standard for the blue version of the heel calls for “blue, blue-speckled or blue-speckled, with or without other markings.” The blue player can get tan points on the head and legs. At maturity, male blue-arms stand between 18 and 20 inches at the point of the shoulders, while females are slightly smaller at 17 to 19 inches. The general impression is that of a solid, well-built working dog. And like a German Shepherd, the Blue Cap had ripped ears above his broad skull.
German shepherd
Mature German Shepherds stand between 24 and 26 inches at the shoulder, with females being slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches. The length of the dog must exceed its height. The German Shepherd must have a strong and balanced “noble” head. While the most common coloration is a light shade of brown with a black saddle and mask, any color but white is permitted in the breed standard. This does not mean that white shepherds do not exist, but they are not allowed to appear in AKC conformation classes.
ACD/German Shepherd Cross Temperament
The Australian Cattle Dog and German Shepherd are both exceptionally intelligent and energetic canines. All breeds require strong and firm leadership from their person. If you’re lucky, your hybrid dog will depend more on the German Shepherd’s exercise needs, which are great, not the Australian Cattle Dog, which are formidable. With either of them, you can’t go wrong with mental stimulation. Because both breeds are so good with older children, your cross can make a wonderful family pet, but he’s probably too tough for younger children.
ACD/German Cross Training
With German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs enjoying knowledge as much as a prophet sponge, training your crossbreed should be relatively easy. These dogs need jobs. They are not trained canine dogs. If these dogs do not receive the proper, good training and amount of exercise required, expect either breed to find an outlet of their own for their minds and energies–an outlet they are not likely to appreciate. If you are a novice dog owner, you are probably better off with another type of dog. In the hands of an experienced dog owner familiar with solid, working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd mix can shine.
