Hi everyone,
I'm considering adopting a mixed breed puppy that's part Australian Shepherd and part Doberman. I've done some research on each breed individually, but I haven't been able to find much information on how well they would mix together as a family dog.
My husband and I have two young children, so it's important to us that our future dog is friendly, loyal, and good with kids. We're also looking for a dog that will be relatively easy to train and won't have too many health issues in the future.
From what I've read, both breeds are intelligent and active, which is great because we enjoy spending time outdoors and going for walks. However, I'm a little worried that the combination of the two breeds might result in a dog with a high prey drive, since Dobermans were originally bred for hunting and Australian Shepherds are known for their herding instincts.
Overall, we're looking for some insight from dog owners who have experience with either breed, or who have owned a mixed breed with similar characteristics. Do you think an Australian Shepherd/Doberman mix would make a good family dog, or should we consider a different breed?
Thanks for your help!

Hello,
I don't have any experience with Australian Shepherds or Dobermans, but I can share a bit about my experience with mixed breed dogs. My dog is a mixed breed with four different dog breeds, and he's turned out to be an amazing family dog.
Mixed breed dogs can get the best traits from both breeds, and it sounds like an Australian Shepherd/Doberman mix could create a unique, loyal, and loving family dog. At the same time, mixed breed dogs can also inherit undesirable traits such as aggression or high prey drive, so it's important to meet your potential new pup and get to know their personality before adopting them.
With two young children, a family dog is a great idea, and choosing the right breed and individual dog is critical. To ensure the pup is the right fit for your family, consider spending some time with them before taking them home, and work with a certified dog trainer from the beginning to help with socialization and training.
I believe that an Australian Shepherd/Doberman mix could make an excellent family dog, but there are a lot of factors to consider before welcoming one into your home. Wishing you the best of luck with your decision, and I hope you find the perfect addition to your family soon!