Okay, so she's not a GSP...

My mom just brought home Abbey, a rescue of unknown breeding.  The previous owner was told that Abbey's mother was a Lab/St. Bernard cross and the father was a Mastiff.  I just don't see it--not to mention that there sure aren't a whole lot of Mastiff's cruising around the Twin Cities.  Just doesn't seem very likely for an accidental breeding. 

Take a look and let me know what you think.  I definitely see the Lab, and I'm also guessing Australian Shephard.  ???

I have no idea either, but what a beautiful expressive face, just look at those eyes; they say alot!  Love her well.

I know you are seriously asking for input...BUT my only thought was ...what a beautiful dog

Renee'

I am thinking Bernese Mountain dog/ Lab??

Rebecca -- I wouldn't make a guess based solely on size -- look at the difference between small GSPs like Gail's (Bravepoint) Terra or Beth's (Moose1) Tundra and then look at larger ones like Marie's Rocky. We know 5 Berners in the neighbourhood, and they range from one who is shorter than Bo, to one that is the size of our local Great White Pyrenee and St. Bernard. (He's a monster!)

I always assumed Aussie's were lighter in colour. Just goes to show what I know about dogs (which is admittedly, VERY little).  I always defer to people with more knowledge than me and humbly bow out of the contest.

I was excited today when I took Tundra to the vet and she is now a wopping 35 pounds. YIPEEE! Maybe I will get that 1/2 inch out of her I am looking for yet. I was told her lines tend to be late bloomers. We will see!

PS. now that rebecca mentions it I could see Aussie in there. Very possible!

My husband's uncle has a few red Aussies.  Until then, I had never seen that color variation before.  Here's a picture of one (not his!):

Not that the breeding really matters, but I thought I'd check and see what you all thought...  If nothing else, it's a fun guessing game. 

The woman at the rescue suggested Abbey might be part Border Collie, but I'd think Aussie would be more likely given the coloring.  A number of people have suggested Rottie/Dob as well...

I'll meet Abbey this Wednesday.  My mom said that she's very calm, gentle and quiet.  Needs a bit of work on obedience, but is essentially a loveable cuddlebug.  She never even made it up onto their website. 

Yeah--I have no idea where they got Mastiff from.  They're a pretty distinct looking breed.

Both of my sisters graduated from CU.  Those sweatshirts used to be the annual Christmas gift!    They both live in Lafayette now.  Westminster sounds really familar--is that close by?

Oh, you're just up the road then!

My sister Maureen graduated in 99.  Kate was in 03, I believe.  Unbelievable campus.  My sister Maureen used to take her lab rescue to class with her.  Apparently, lots of students did.  I would have loved to have had a dog in college, but dogs weren't allowed in the campus buildings at the University of Wisconsin, and that's just too long to be locked up in a small college apartment...

I agree it is an Aussie mix. I had a red female Aussie and the markings are very similar.  Also, Border Collies come in red too. So it is very likely that she could be half and half. Some people cross the breeds intentionally. I have a Border Collie and the hair coat is very similar. We use Border Collies on sheep and have had several in the past. They are great dogs. I'm not as fond of Aussies though. She is cute as a button though.    Maybe she will start trying to herd something and that will give you a clue.  My Border Collie use to herd my little cousins back in her younger days.