Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Breed Guide

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.

Who are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix need?

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 Mix bark much?

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.

Do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix bite?

Pitbulls have a reputation in the canine world for being one of the most likely dogs to bite. Although this may be a little unfair there is certainly some truth to this.

However, as the Aussie Pitbull Mix is also descended from the Australian Shepherd biting is not something that's usually a big issue. Like most other dogs they will nip and play-bite when young but through proper training, this should cease in adulthood.

What is the temperament & personality of a Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

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

How much training does a Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

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 a 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 should you feed a Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

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.

What is the price of a 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.