Australian Retriever

The Australian Retriever dog, a crossbreed of the Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever, combines intelligence and friendliness in one lovable package. Known for their loyalty and outgoing nature, these medium to large-sized dogs make excellent companions for families and individuals alike. With their striking appearance and moderate grooming needs, Australian Retrievers are cherished for their affectionate demeanor and adaptability to various lifestyles.
Breed Group

Breed Group

Mixed Breed

Height

Height

18-23 inches

Weight

Weight

40-60 pounds

Life Span

Life Span

10-15 years

Average Cost

Average Cost

$800-$1500

Color

Color

Golden, Black, and Chocolate

AKC Group

AKC Group

Not Recognized

All About Breed

Read about the Aussie and Golden retriever mix, the Australian Retriever, and explore its characteristics to find out if it will make the right pet for you:

In This Article
Australian Retriever History/Origin

Australian Retriever History/Origin

The Australian Retriever came to be in the late 20th century when breeders combined the Australian Shepherd and the Golden Retriever. These two breeds are known for their smarts and friendliness, so combining them was a great idea.

The Australian Shepherd is an American breed known for its intelligence and herding abilities. The Golden Retriever, originally from Scotland, is cherished for its gentle temperament and proficiency in fetching objects.

By mixing these breeds, people hoped to create a dog that had the best qualities of both: smart, friendly, and good with families. Though it’s a newer mixed breed compared to others, the Australian Retriever has quickly become a favorite among dog lovers.

Each Australian Retriever can have a mix of traits from its parents, but what stays the same is its reputation for being a wonderful family pet. Whether it’s playing outside or cuddling up indoors, this breed brings joy and companionship to its owners.

  1. Australian ShepherdAustralian Shepherd- Source: AKC.org
  2. Golden RetrieverGolden Retriever- Source: Unsplash
Australian Retriever Personality

Australian Retriever Personality

The Australian Retriever’s delightful blend of traits makes it an ideal companion. The Australian Retriever is known for its loving and loyal nature. 

These dogs form strong bonds with their human companions and are always eager to show affection. Whether it’s cuddling up on the couch or accompanying you on walks, they thrive on the companionship of their family members.

  • Temperament

Friendly and outgoing, Australian Retrievers are social creatures that enjoy meeting new people and animals. Their welcoming demeanor makes them a joy to be around and ensures they get along well in various social settings.

Their friendly nature also makes them excellent therapy dogs, providing comfort and companionship to those in need.

Personality-Selective Socializer

With their protective instincts and unwavering loyalty, Australian Retrievers make excellent guardians of the home. They are devoted to their families and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. However, it’s essential to provide them with proper socialization from a young age to prevent any potential issues with separation anxiety.

Intelligent and eager to please, they are easy to train and enjoy learning new tricks like playing fetch. Their intelligence, coupled with their natural curiosity, means they thrive when given mental stimulation and challenges to keep their minds engaged.

Australian Retriever Physical Appearance

Australian Retriever Physical Appearance

The Australian Retriever is one of the dog breeds that boasts a well-proportioned and athletic build. They feature a muscular physique with a broad chest, deep rib cage, and sturdy legs.

  • Australian Retriever Size

Australian Retrievers typically exhibit a medium to large size, combining the sturdy build of the Australian Shepherd with the muscular frame of the Golden Retriever. Adult males typically stand between 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 17 to 21 inches. 

Dogs size-Medium

In terms of weight, males typically weigh between 50 to 60 pounds, with females ranging from 40 to 55 pounds. However, individual variation can occur based on factors such as genetics and diet.

  1. Mini Australian RetrieverMini Australian Retriever – Source: golden_aussies
  2. Australian Retriever puppiesAustralian Retriever puppies- Source: nellie_australianretriever
  • Coat Color

The exact coat color can vary from one individual to another, common hues include rich golden shades and merle patterns. Other possible coat colors may include black, chocolate, cream, red, or a combination of these colors. Additionally, Australian Retrievers may exhibit various markings such as white patches or spots, adding to their unique appearance.

Australian Retrievers typically inherit a medium-length double coat that offers protection against the elements. The outer coat is dense and water-resistant, while the undercoat provides warmth in colder climates.

  1. Chocolate and cream Australian RetrieverChocolate and cream Australian Retriever- Source: jax_the_aussie_retriever
  2. Blue Merle Australian RetrieverBlue Merle Australian Retriever – Source: nellie_australianretriever
  3. Black Australian RetrieverBlack Australian Retriever – Source: golden_aussies
  4. Golden Australian RetrieverGolden Australian Retriever – Source: golden_aussies

The texture of the coat may vary from straight to slightly wavy, depending on the influence of the parent breeds.

Australian Retriever Feed/Nutrition

Australian Retriever Feed/Nutrition

Australian Retrievers thrive on a balanced diet tailored to their needs. Opt for high-quality dog food formulated for medium to large breeds, prioritizing options with meat as the primary ingredient for essential protein.

Portion control is crucial to prevent obesity, so follow feeding guidelines and avoid overfeeding. Follow a consistent meal plan with two to three meals per day and provide access to fresh water at all times. You can also offer apples to your dog as an occasional treat, making sure to remove the seeds and core.

Consult with a veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations to ensure your Australian Retriever maintains optimal health and well-being.

Australian Retriever Health

Australian Retriever Health

Australian Retrievers, like many dog breeds, may be susceptible to certain health conditions.

  • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on its axis, potentially cutting off blood flow. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial. Prevention measures include feeding smaller, frequent meals. Avoiding vigorous exercise before and after meals is also recommended. Additionally, monitoring for signs of discomfort can help reduce the risk of GDV.
  • Cataracts: Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop in the eye lens, leading to vision impairment or blindness if untreated. Symptoms include cloudy eyes and changes in behavior. Early detection through regular veterinary eye exams is crucial. Treatment options may include topical medications, dietary supplements, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
  • Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia causes abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to lameness and discomfort. Symptoms include difficulty moving and decreased range of motion.Management strategies include weight management. Moderate exercise is also recommended. Joint supplements can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. In severe cases, surgical options such as hip replacement may be necessary.

By staying informed about these potential health concerns, owners can take proactive steps to address them. Working closely with a veterinarian is essential for providing the best possible care. This ensures Australian Retrievers lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Australian Retriever Care and Grooming

Australian Retriever Care and Grooming

Taking care of an Australian Retriever’s grooming needs is fairly straightforward.

Australian Retrievers require moderate coat maintenance, so it’s important to brush them often to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. A quick brush a few times a week, or even daily, will help keep their coat looking neat and reduce shedding in your home.

While they don’t need baths too often, giving your Australian Retriever an occasional bath with dog shampoo can help keep their coat clean and shiny.

Keep an eye on your dog’s nails and trim them every few weeks to prevent them from getting too long. Be careful not to cut too far down, as it can hurt them.

Keep an eye on your dog’s nails and trim them every few weeks to prevent them from getting too long. Be careful not to cut too far down, as it can hurt them.

Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is also very important. You can also give them dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth strong.

weekly grooming- high exercise needs of dogs. thepetworld.org

Australian Retrievers can be prone to ear infections. Check their ears regularly for any signs of redness or discharge, and clean them gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner if needed.

In addition to grooming, Australian Retrievers have high exercise needs due to their active nature. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions are essential to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Activities like fetch, hikes, or swimming will meet their exercise needs and give you a chance to use dog training tips.

Australian Retriever Rescue Groups

Australian Retriever Rescue Groups

If you’re considering adopting Australian Retriever puppies, finding an Australian Retriever breeder might be hard. However, multiple rescue groups specialize in Australian Shepherd and Golden retriever mixes:

AussieRescueSoCal.com

GoldenBondRescue.com

Australian Retriever Price

Australian Retriever Price

The typical Australian Retriever price ranges from $800 to $1500. If you’re considering purchasing an Australian Retriever, ensure you buy from reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Here are a couple of places where you might find them available for sale:

AlphaPaw.com

AmericanListed.com

Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts

  • Australian Retrievers inherit a strong work ethic from both parent breeds. This makes them ideal for various roles. They excel as therapy, service, and working dogs.
  • Australian Retrievers adapt well to different living environments, provided they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Best For

Best For

Australian Retrievers excel as family pets, therapy dogs, and companions for individuals seeking a loyal and affectionate canine companion.

Best For- Families

Top Names

Top Names

Male Australian Retriever Names Female Australian Retriever Names
Apollo Willow
Finn Stella
Baxter Ruby
Milo Piper
Rusty Nova

Pet Ratings

Is an Affenhuahua the right pet for you? Check out their ratings based on key characteristics:

Adaptability

They are not the best dogs for first-timers but not the worst as well. They are known to be friendly and easy to train, which can make them a great pick for first-timers. The downside is that they require a lot of attention and grooming, which first-time pet owners may not have the time, training, or patience for.

Friendliness

They are known for being quiet, calm dogs that make loyal and loving companions. One of the things that makes them such great pets is their behavior. They are naturally suspicious of people they don't know, but with proper socialization, they can learn to be friendly and outgoing around new people.

Health and Grooming Needs

Some breeds of dogs such as this one, are more likely to have certain health problems. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will have those diseases, but they are more likely to. If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed.

Trainability

Dogs that are easy to train learn new things quickly. They quickly learn that if they have to do something when you say a word or sound, they will get a reward. Other dogs need more time and patience to learn this. But most breeds of dog are intelligent. This means that you can use rewards and games to teach them what you want them to do.

Exercise Needs

Many people choose to get a dog based on their exercise needs. If you live an active lifestyle and are looking for a dog that can keep up with you, there are a few breeds that might be a good fit. This breed is one of them as it also requires extensive exercise and likes to stay active.

Key Takeaways

Australian Retriever Origin: A mix of Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever, known for intelligence and friendliness.

Personality Traits: Loving, loyal, friendly, outgoing; ideal companions for individuals and families.

Physical Appearance: Medium to large size, athletic build, varied coat colors, moderate grooming needs.

Gender Differences: Subtle variations in size, temperament, and energy levels between males and females.

Health Considerations: Prone to bloat, cataracts, and hip dysplasia; regular vet check-ups essential.

Care and Grooming: Regular brushing, occasional baths, nail trimming, dental care, and ear cleaning.

Best For: Families, therapy work, loyal companionship; thrive with proper care and training.

What is an Australian Retriever?

An Australian Retriever is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of an Australian Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. This mix combines the intelligence and herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd with the friendly and affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever.

What is the temperament of an Australian Retriever mix?

The temperament of an Australian Retriever mix is typically loving, loyal, and friendly. They are known for forming strong bonds with their family members and are often outgoing and sociable with both people and other animals. Australian Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train and enjoyable to be around.

Is an Australian Shepherd dog the same as a Golden Retriever?

No, an Australian Shepherd dog and a Golden Retriever are not the same breed. They are two distinct breeds with their own unique characteristics, although they share some similarities in terms of intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. However, they do share a common ancestry as both breeds originated from different parts of the world.

What is the average lifespan of an Australian Retriever?

The average lifespan of an Australian Retriever is typically between 10 to 15 years. However, individual lifespans can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care.

Frequently Asked Questions

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