Australian Retriever Puppies for Sale
About the Australian Retriever
The Australian Retriever crosses the Australian Shepherd with the Golden Retriever, blending herding intelligence with the Golden's famously gentle, sociable nature. These medium-to-large dogs usually have feathered double coats in gold, red, black, or merle, and a soft, friendly expression. They tend to be affectionate, trainable, and eager to please, making them well-rounded family companions that enjoy exercise, retrieving games, and time with their people. The Golden's easygoing temperament often tempers the Aussie's intensity, though these are still active dogs that need daily work. Regular grooming and awareness of both breeds' joint and cancer risks are important considerations.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
Exercise needsHigher than most
Energy levelHigher than most
TrainabilityDefining trait
Grooming effortHigher than most
SheddingHigher than most
BarkingLower than most
Apartment fitLower than most
Good with childrenDefining trait
Good with other dogsDefining trait
First-time ownersHigher than most
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Where this breed shines
- Gentle, friendly temperament excellent with families
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Sociable with children and other pets
Things to consider
- Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Feathered double coat sheds and needs grooming
- Both parent lines carry joint and cancer risks
History
The Australian Retriever is a modern designer cross uniting a herding breed with a sporting retriever, developed for a friendly, versatile family dog. It has no formal recognition and appears as a first-generation hybrid. The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland as a gundog, while the Australian Shepherd is an American herding breed.
Temperament
These dogs are typically friendly, devoted, and highly trainable, combining the Golden's warmth with the Aussie's alert focus. They tend to be excellent with children and other pets and love being included in family life. Their intelligence and energy mean they do best with regular exercise and mental engagement.
Questions to ask a Australian Retriever breeder
- Have the parents had hip, elbow, heart, and eye clearances?
- What is the cancer and longevity history in the Golden line?
- Is the Aussie parent tested for MDR1 drug sensitivity?
Health considerations to discuss
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Common in both parents; request orthopedic evaluations.
Cancer. Golden Retrievers have elevated cancer rates; ask about family history and longevity.
Progressive retinal atrophy. Both parents can carry inherited eye disease; request eye clearances.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: AKC – Australian Shepherd · AKC – Golden Retriever — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Australian Retriever litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Australian Retriever puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Australian Retriever listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How much do Australian Retriever puppies cost?
Listed puppies currently range from $250 to $950. Each breeder sets their own price, which varies with the puppy's age, lineage, and location.
How can I tell if a Australian Retriever breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.