Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix
The German Australian Shepherd, a crossbred offspring of the German Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd, is a medium to large-sized dog inheriting the distinctive appearance and temperamental characteristics from its parent breeds. Its muscular body has a proportionate head with triangular ears that are rounded at the tip. It has strong shoulders and thighs with round-shaped feet having hard soles. This designer dog can also have a frill or mane around its neck.
Temperament and Behavior
Known for their intelligence, alertness, and loyalty, the Australian German Shepherds are extremely devoted to their family members, spending time playing. They get along well with the kids provided they are socialized when young. As in the case of most herding dogs, they are reserved and unresponsive with strangers.
Being protective by nature, they do a great job watching and guarding their house and family. Because of their kind and loving behavior towards their family members, they are considered good family pets. However, they need confident and firm leadership and are thus not suitable for the timid or first-time owners.
Care
As a lively dog, it needs a minimum one-hour of daily activities including running, playing, and agility exercises. Keep your pet occupied and mentally stimulated by providing it with puzzle toys. Long walks are also recommended for avoiding boredom and inactivity.
Routine maintenance will ensure a shinier and healthier coat. Utilize a slicker brush to stroke its hair in the direction of its growth. This will keep dead hairs from coming on your clothes as well as furnishings. Do not bathe your pet too often as it might strip its skin of all its natural oils. Trim its nails occasionally to prevent them from growing too long. Keep its teeth and gums healthy by brushing them with a gentle toothbrush and vet-recommended toothpaste.
These dogs might be prone to common health conditions including food and contact allergies, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye disorders, as well as some other diseases affecting its parent breeds. While adopting a puppy, it is advisable that you check the health clearances of its parents from the breeder.
Training
Let your pet know that you are its leader and it should follow your commands. Enforce strict and positive training methods, but do not be too harsh. You may reward it by praising its good behavior, offering foods, or playing with toys. This will encourage your pet to listen to your commands and accept training. Obedience classes with basic commands like ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘stop’, ‘stay’, and ‘heel’ will help to correct its bad behavior.
Feeding
Keep an eye on the quality as well as the quantity of food you provide your pet. A low-calorie diet with small amounts of fat and protein is necessary to keep it in good shape. Do not offer more than 3-4 cups of dog food a day.
