Austi-Pap
Hybrid Breed Description
The Austi-Pap is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Papillon. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an Austi-Pap. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized herding breed exhibiting an athletic and well-balanced build. Males typically stand between twenty and twenty-three inches at the shoulder, while females measure eighteen to twenty-one inches tall. Weight ranges from approximately thirty-five to seventy pounds, with males generally being larger and heavier than their female counterparts. These dogs possess a sturdy frame with moderate bone structure and a solid, muscular body that reflects their working heritage. The breed displays a level topline when standing naturally, with a deep chest featuring well-sprung ribs and a moderately sloping croup. Their head is clean and proportionate to the body, with a slightly rounded skull and a muzzle that tapers gradually to a rounded tip. One of the breed's most distinctive features is its beautiful double coat, which consists of a dense undercoat and a medium-length outer coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. The coat is shorter and smooth on the face and ears, while the backs of the legs display moderate feathering and the britches are moderately full. Males typically exhibit a more pronounced mane around the neck than females. Australian Shepherds are renowned for their striking and variable coat patterns, with breed standards recognizing four primary color variations: blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red. Each of these colors can appear with or without white markings and tan points. The merle patterns create a unique marbled appearance, and it's often said that no two Australian Shepherds share identical coat patterns. Their expressive, almond-shaped eyes are one of the breed's most captivating features and may be brown, blue, amber, or any combination thereof, including marbling and flecks. The ears are triangular, of moderate size, and set high on the head, breaking forward or slightly to the side when the dog is at attention. Their tails may be naturally bobbed or full length, though historically many have been docked. The overall impression is of a dog that combines elegance with athleticism, presenting a medium-sized herding dog with a smooth, effortless gait and striking appearance.
Key Characteristics
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic dogs with a strong work ethic deeply rooted in their herding heritage. These dogs are renowned for their problem-solving abilities and quick learning capacity, often mastering new commands and tasks with remarkable speed. However, this intelligence comes with the need for substantial mental stimulation, as bored Australian Shepherds can become destructive or develop undesirable behaviors. They possess an innate desire to have a job or purpose, and even companion dogs that have never seen livestock often display strong herding instincts, sometimes attempting to herd children, other pets, or even vehicles. Their breeding as working dogs means they thrive when given tasks to perform, whether that's competitive dog sports, training exercises, or simply regular interactive play with their families. The breed's temperament reflects a wonderful combination of loyalty, protectiveness, and affection toward their family members. Australian Shepherds form incredibly strong bonds with their owners and prefer to be involved in all family activities. They are often described as "velcro dogs" due to their tendency to stay close to their favored people. While typically friendly and outgoing, many Australian Shepherds exhibit a reserved or cautious demeanor around strangers, which is a normal characteristic of the breed rather than a fault. This natural wariness, combined with their alertness and protective instincts, makes them excellent watchdogs who will bark to alert their family of unusual activity. With proper socialization from an early age, they can learn to distinguish between genuine threats and normal everyday occurrences. These dogs have exceptional energy levels and require significant daily exercise to maintain both physical and mental well-being. A simple walk around the block is rarely sufficient for this active breed; they need opportunities for vigorous activity such as running, hiking, swimming, or participating in dog sports like agility, herding trials, or obedience competitions. Australian Shepherds are generally excellent with children and make wonderful family companions, though their herding instincts may lead them to nip at heels or attempt to control movement. They typically get along well with other pets when properly socialized, though their natural chase drive can be strong. Despite their sometimes intense working drive, Australian Shepherds are also capable of being calm and affectionate companions when their exercise needs are met, happy to relax alongside their family after an active day.
Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy and hardy breed with a life expectancy of around twelve to fifteen years, though like all purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions. One of the most significant concerns in the breed is the MDR1 gene mutation, which affects approximately half of all Australian Shepherds. Dogs carrying even one copy of this mutation can experience severe and potentially fatal reactions to certain common medications, including ivermectin and other drugs used in heartworm preventatives, anesthesia, and pain management. Fortunately, a simple DNA test can identify whether a dog carries this mutation, allowing veterinarians to avoid problematic medications and choose safe alternatives. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are also prevalent in the breed, with both conditions involving malformation of the joints that can lead to arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility as the dog ages. Responsible breeding practices with proper health screening can help reduce the incidence of these orthopedic issues. Eye problems represent another major health concern for Australian Shepherds, with hereditary cataracts being the most common ocular condition in the breed. These cataracts can develop as early as one to two years of age and may progress to cause significant vision impairment or blindness, though many affected dogs adapt well to vision loss. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, while less common than cataracts, is another inherited eye disease that leads to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Other eye conditions that may affect the breed include Collie Eye Anomaly and various types of iris abnormalities. Regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended to catch these conditions early, and genetic testing is available for some forms of eye disease. Additional health concerns in the breed include epilepsy, which typically presents as idiopathic seizures with no identifiable underlying cause, and autoimmune thyroiditis, the most common autoimmune disease reported in Australian Shepherds. Hypothyroidism resulting from thyroid disease is treatable with inexpensive daily medication, though affected dogs should not be bred. The breed is also predisposed to certain types of cancer, particularly lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Dental disease is common, as it is in many breeds, and regular dental care is important for overall health. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings on their breeding dogs and can provide documentation of clear test results for conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and the MDR1 mutation. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing appropriate exercise, and scheduling regular veterinary checkups are essential components of preventive care for this active and intelligent breed.
Papillon
The Papillon is a delicate and elegant toy breed distinguished by its signature butterfly-like ears that give the breed its French name. These small, fine-boned dogs typically stand eight to eleven inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between five and ten pounds, though some individuals may be slightly smaller or larger. Despite their diminutive size and dainty appearance, Papillons are surprisingly sturdy and athletic for a toy breed, possessing greater strength and stamina than their fragile looks might suggest. The breed exhibits a slightly longer than tall profile when properly furnished with their characteristic ruff and leg feathering. Their small, slightly rounded head features a well-defined stop between the muzzle and skull, with dark, round, expressive eyes that convey intelligence and alertness. The muzzle is somewhat short and thin, tapering to a small black nose. The most iconic and distinctive feature of the Papillon is undoubtedly their large, erect ears that are heavily fringed with long, flowing hair, creating the appearance of butterfly wings spread open. The ear leather is relatively thin and set high on the sides of the head, carried obliquely when alert. Some members of the breed are born with dropped ears, in which case they are called Phalène, meaning "moth" in French, though both ear types are equally acceptable and may appear in the same litter. The Papillon's coat is one of its most beautiful attributes, consisting of a long, silky, straight single coat without an undercoat. This lack of undercoat means they shed less than many breeds and their coat is less prone to matting, though regular grooming is still necessary. The coat features abundant frilling on the chest, ears, backs of the legs, and a beautifully plumed tail that arches gracefully over the back. Papillons display a particolored coat pattern that is always white with patches of color. Acceptable colors for the patches include black, red, lemon, sable, tan, brown, and various combinations. A white blaze running down the center of the face is preferred but not required, and the breed standard calls for color patches that cover both ears and extend over the eyes. The overall appearance should create a striking butterfly silhouette. Their tails are set high and carried over the body, covered with long, flowing hair that creates an elegant plume. The breed moves with a quick, light, and graceful gait that reflects their refined elegance. Despite being classified as a toy breed, Papillons possess a well-balanced structure with straight forelegs, compact feet, and an overall impression of alertness and refinement combined with surprising athleticism.
Key Characteristics
Papillons are remarkably intelligent and alert dogs that consistently rank among the brightest of all toy breeds and dog breeds in general. These small companions possess keen minds that make them exceptionally trainable and eager to learn new commands, tricks, and behaviors. Their intelligence, combined with a strong desire to please their owners, makes them naturals in obedience competitions, agility trials, and various dog sports where they frequently excel despite their small size. However, this intelligence also means they require adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom, as unstimulated Papillons may develop unwanted behaviors. They are quick learners who respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, as they can be sensitive to harsh corrections or negative treatment. Their problem-solving abilities sometimes lead to mischievous behavior, as they may figure out how to open doors, access treats, or accomplish tasks in creative ways. The breed's temperament is characterized by a friendly, outgoing, and sociable nature, though individual personalities can vary. Most Papillons are happy and confident dogs who enjoy meeting new people and exploring their environment with curiosity. Despite their small stature, they often display a fearless attitude and may not recognize their own size when interacting with much larger animals, which requires supervision to prevent injury. Papillons form incredibly strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship, often following their favorite person from room to room throughout the day. This attachment can sometimes develop into separation anxiety if they are left alone for extended periods, making them best suited for households where someone is often home. They are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs, readily barking to announce visitors or unusual sounds, though proper training can help manage excessive vocalization. Papillons generally do well with children when properly socialized, though their small, delicate build means they are better suited to homes with older, gentle children who understand how to interact appropriately with a small dog. They typically get along well with other pets, including cats and other dogs, especially when raised together from a young age. Their playful nature and high energy levels mean they enjoy interactive games and activities despite their toy classification. While they need less exercise than larger breeds, they still require daily walks and playtime to expend their energy. Papillons are often described as having a big dog personality in a small dog body, combining confidence, intelligence, and athleticism with affectionate devotion to their families.
Papillons are generally a healthy and long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of fourteen to sixteen years, which is exceptional even among toy breeds. However, like all purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of. Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic issues in the breed, occurring when the kneecap slips out of its normal position in the groove of the femur. This condition can range from mild cases that cause occasional limping to severe instances requiring surgical correction. The breed's fine bone structure and small size make them more susceptible to this condition, and affected dogs may exhibit a characteristic "skipping" gait or hold up a hind leg intermittently. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye disease that causes gradual deterioration of the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and eventually blindness. While not painful, PRA significantly impacts quality of life, though many affected dogs adapt remarkably well using their other senses. DNA testing is available to identify carriers and affected dogs. Dental problems are particularly prevalent in Papillons due to their small mouth size and toy breed classification. Their tiny jaws often lead to crowding of teeth, which increases the risk of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and early tooth loss. A condition called retained puppy teeth can occur when primary teeth fail to fall out when adult teeth emerge, creating spaces where food and debris become trapped. Daily tooth brushing and regular professional dental cleanings are essential preventive measures for this breed. Von Willebrand Disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly, caused by a deficiency in von Willebrand factor. The majority of affected Papillons have Type I, which is the least severe form and may only be noticed during surgery or after injury when bleeding is prolonged. Genetic testing can identify carriers, allowing breeders to make informed decisions. Other health concerns include an open fontanelle, which is a soft spot on the skull similar to that in human infants that sometimes fails to close completely. While most Papillons' fontanelles close by nine to twelve weeks of age, in some dogs they remain partially open into adulthood, requiring protection from head trauma. Collapsing trachea is another condition seen in toy breeds where the cartilage rings of the windpipe lose rigidity, causing breathing difficulties and a characteristic honking cough. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a risk particularly in Papillon puppies and smaller adults, requiring multiple small meals throughout the day. The breed may also experience allergies, both environmental and food-related, presenting as itchy skin, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Portosystemic shunt is a congenital liver condition where blood bypasses the liver's filtration system, though it is relatively rare. Responsible breeding practices with appropriate health testing, maintaining a healthy weight, providing good dental care, and regular veterinary examinations are crucial for ensuring these delightful dogs live long, healthy lives.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Austi-Pap may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Australian Shepherd and Papillon to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.