Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

22-31 kg

Height

45-55 cm

Lifespan

10-16 years

Jump To

About the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix is a charming and energetic breed that loves affection and has plenty to give back in return. It’s as happy playing and going for walks as it is cuddling with its owner on the couch, and will always be faithfully by your side.

We’ve laid out the top tips and key information you’ll need to get to know this lovable pooch and to see if the Aussie Pit could be your new best friend.

australian shepherd pit bull mix dog breed photo 3

australian shepherd pit bull mix dog breed photo 2

australian shepherd pit bull mix dog breed photo 1

australian shepherd pit bull mix dog breed photo 4

What is the history & origin of the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

As with most mixed-breed dogs the origins of the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix, or Aussie Pit for short, are unclear.

This mixed breed has probably existed for a long time as a result of cross-breeding in the wild, but it’s thought that they were first intentionally bred in the United States in the 1990s.

The best way to understand the lineage of a mixed-breed dog is to learn about their parent breeds, which in this case are two purebred dogs, the Australian Shepherd and the Pitbull.

The Pitbull name is used to refer to a number of different breeds including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

These breeds all originated in England and the name Pitbull came about as they were used for bull-baiting. Once this sport became illegal they became herding and hunting dogs.

Australian Shepherds are sheep-herding dogs that, despite their name, were originally bred in Spain and France. They were then taken to the United States, via Australia, which is where the breed was popularized for being faithful herding dogs.

What is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix breed?

As a hybrid breed the Aussie Pit Mix varies a lot in appearance and how each new puppy will look is difficult to predict. They typically have a short coat, muscular build, brown or black eyes, and floppy ears.

Blue merle and red merle are two of the most common coat colourings and they will usually have a combination of colours rather than one, solid colour.

This handsome breed isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club but it is acknowledged by the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Who is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix best for?

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix has lots of energy and does best with active owners who are happy to take them on vigorous, daily walks. They’re intelligent dogs who are protective and loyal to their families and owners.

They make very good family dogs as they love to snuggle and play, and they’re also very alert meaning they’re ideal for owners that are looking for a watchdog.

Although they thrive in large houses with big backyards they are also suitable for people who live in more condensed, urban settings as long as they still get enough exercise.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Grooming & Shedding

How much grooming your Australian Shepherd Pit Mix needs, and how often it will shed, depends on which parent breed it has inherited its coat from.

If its coat is more similar to its Australian Shepherd parent then it will need to be brushed a few times a week to stop it from becoming tangled and matted and to prevent excessive shedding.

If the Pitbull genes are more prominent then its coat will be shorter and will only need to be brushed weekly. It will also shed less if it takes after the Pitbull more than the Australian Shepherd.

You’ll need to regularly clean your Aussie Pit’s eyes to minimise the risk of them developing eye infections, which they can be prone to.

Do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes bark a lot?

As with other mixed-breed dogs, it is hard to predict the exact behavioural traits an Aussie Pit will inherit. Pitbulls don’t tend to bark a great deal but Australian Shepherds are known to be pretty vocal.

The chances are that your Aussie Pit puppy will have a moderate tendency to bark, especially when encountering strangers or other dogs, but if it’s trained and socialized early then this can be controlled to some extent and hopefully won’t turn into an overly problematic trait.

What is the average weight & height of an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix dog?

The Australian Shepherd Pit Bull Mix is a medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 22kg and 31kg. Their height is usually between 45cm and 55cm.

Are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes easy to train?

The Australian Shepherd Pit Bull Mix is an intelligent dog that responds well to training. The best methods are ones that include reward-based sessions with lots of positive reinforcement.

Both parent breeds are known to have a tendency to behave aggressively around other dogs and animals, so early socialization is vital to make sure you raise a happy, friendly, well-balanced dog.

How do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Aussie Pitbull Mix is a high-energy pooch that’s very loyal, intelligent and alert. It usually retains the herding instincts of its Australian Shepherd and Pitbull parents, so can have a tendency to chase and herd other animals and small children.

If they’re socialized early then they can get on well with other pets but they’re usually more suited to being the only dog in the home, as they are sometimes prone to aggressivity around other canines.

Overall though, the Aussie Pitbull Mix is a charming and affectionate dog that will always be by your side and it loves to be involved in everything that its owner does.

Does the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix have any common health issues?

The Aussie Pit Mix is generally a healthy dog but like all other designer dog breeds, it is prone to some health issues that are common in its parents’ breeds, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. They are susceptible to conditions such as:

Epilepsy – a condition where the dog experiences uncontrollable twitching and brain seizures. It can be treated with medication and therapy.
Hip Dysplasia – where the dog’s thigh bone does not fit snugly into the hip joint and the symptoms include limping and pain. This condition can eventually lead to arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia – where there is a different growth rate in the three bones of the dog’s elbow which can cause the joint to become lax and painful.
Bloat – where there is a build-up of pressure in the stomach that can be caused by the dog eating too much or too quickly. It can be life-threatening and must be treated immediately.

What is the lifespan of an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

The life expectancy of the Australian Shepherd Pit Bull Mix dog breed is 10 to 16 years. This is pretty long for a dog of their size and if you provide them with the right diet, plenty of activity and lots of love your pooch will be by your side for many years to come!

How much does an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix need to be fed?

The amount your Aussie Pit Mix needs to eat will vary depending on their weight, size and metabolism but generally, they require a decent amount of food due to their high activity levels.

Stick to a high-quality, dry, dog food and consult a vet to make sure you’re feeding them the right amount.

How much can you expect to pay for an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix in Australia?

The prices for an Aussie Pitbull Mix vary considerably between breeders, and the costs range from $400 all way up to $2,500. Whatever price you pay, make sure you’re certain that you’re getting your puppy from a reputable breeder and that you avoid puppy mills.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix FAQs

Is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix can be a great dog for first-time owners, as long as you can commit to daily walks and training them properly when they’re young.

Do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes suffer from separation anxiety?

Aussie Pits are very prone to separation anxiety as they really don’t like being left alone for long periods of time. If they are, they can display destructive behaviours in the house, and you’ll need to make sure that they aren’t frequently left on their own.

Are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes hypoallergenic dogs?

The Aussie Pit is not a hypoallergenic dog as its coat is often high-shedding. If it has more of a Pitbull coat then it won’t shed as much, but will still leave a fair bit of fur and dander around the house.

Will an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix need professional grooming?

Aussie Pits shouldn’t need professional grooming as long as you make sure to brush them regularly and bathe them when they’re dirty. It’s fairly common for them to have a double-coat, which shouldn’t be clipped, and so you should be able to groom them yourself.