Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Traits, Characteristics and Care

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix is a hybrid designer dog that combines an intelligent working dog with a courageous terrier. This first generation crossbreed is the offspring of the Australian Shepherd and the Pitbull. There are several dogs known as Pitbull Terriers including the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Mini Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix will weigh around 60lbs and stand up to 24 inches tall. They are active, loyal dogs that thrive in working homes with plenty of positive reinforcement training. Today we’ll share the best homes for this loyal, loud, bold and clever breed. And give you top tips for adopting, raising and caring for your Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix puppy to help them become the perfect family pet.

Contents

• What is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix?
• Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix history
• Coats, colors and grooming
• Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix size
• Is this an aggressive breed?
• Training, socialization and exercise
• Are Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix dogs good family pets?
• Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies

What is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

This is a designer dog that combines two intelligent breeds with strong working histories. The Pitbull Terrier and the Australian Shepherd. They are medium sized dogs with a broad build and tenacious attitude. They bond firmly with their family members, and do best when they can stick by their owner’s side all day long.

Where Does the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Come From?

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact origins of the Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix. We do know that they’re a relatively new mixed breed. They’re part of the designer dog craze that’s been around since the early 1990s. The best way to learn about this hybrid dog is to look at the history of both parents.

The Australian Shepherd’s history begins in the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains. In the early 1800s these faithful herding dogs accompanied the Basques when they immigrated to the wide-open spaces of Australia. They were crossbred with other dogs, like Border Collies.

When the Basques left Australia and set sail for California, once again, their dogs made the journey with them. California ranchers assumed these dogs were an Australian breed. This is how they got their misleading name.

The Pitbull’s brutal history begins in early 19th century Great Britain. They were bred from Old English Bulldogs for the purpose of the blood sport known as bull baiting. In 1835 when the British Parliament enacted the Cruelty to Animals Act, this cruel sport was prohibited. They became popular pets and guarding companions.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Appearance

You can expect your Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix to be a medium-sized dog with a sturdy physique. They will have floppy ears, and a solid build with a deep muscular chest.

A broad skull, pronounced cheeks, well-defined jaw, and dark, wide-set eyes that sit low in the head are prominent features your mix might inherit.

How Big Are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes?

Slightly longer than tall, the Australian Shepherd stands from 18 to 23 inches and weighs between 40 and 65 pounds. Strong and muscular for his size, the Pitbull stands from 17 to 19 inches and weighs between 40 and 70 pounds.

Your hybrid puppy will therefore be anywhere from 17 to 23 inches in height when fully grown, and weigh up to 70lbs.

Coat Colors

There are a huge range of potential colors and patterns that an Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix might inherit. They are likely to be patterned or marked rather than solid in color, and can even inherit the distinctive merle pattern if they are a second or third generation.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Grooming

Brush the Australian Shepherd’s waterproof, double-layer coat once a week, to prevent tangles. This breed is a notorious shedder. During shedding season he’ll require more frequent grooming sessions. Use an undercoat rake every two or three days to remove excess hair.

The Pitbull’s short, glossy coat is easy to keep looking trim, and only needs brushing one a week. Your mix is likely to need brushing at least twice a week to stay in good condition.

Are They Hypoallergenic?

This is a high shedding mixed breed, that will leave a trail of dander and fur around your home most of the year round. Even with regular grooming! Sadly, this is not a good choice for those that suffer from dog allergies.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Temperament

This is a dog with a strong work ethic. Boredom can quickly lead to destructive behavior. Their irrepressible urge to herd or bait may also pose a problem if you have young children or other pets. A highly intelligent breed, they make an excellent watchdog and excel in service roles.

They thrive on human companionship. However, their tireless exuberance and need to be around people can be a lot to handle for inexperienced or inactive owners. Despite a lot of bad press and being banned in many places, the Pitbull mix is known to be loyal, loving, and full of fun.

This mix can be territorial and overprotective, as well as prone to digging and chewing. They can also become destructive if left without companionship for long periods.

Are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Dogs Aggressive?

While the Australian Shepherd and the Pitbull can be loving and loyal to their family, both of these breeds can have a tendency to be aggressive. The Australian Shepherd can show aggression to strangers, while the Pitbull’s is directed toward other dogs.

This doesn’t mean that all Australian Shepherd Pitbull mixes will be antagonistic. Early socialization that exposes them to a wide variety of people and other dogs is the best way to ensure your puppy will grow up to be a confident and well-behaved adult.

Training Your Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix

All dogs need early socialization and training that uses positive reinforcement. Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix dogs are very intelligent and eager-to-please, and this can make training easy for some. However, their physical strength and exuberance means they will benefit from puppy training classes.

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix is energetic, athletic and needs lots of daily exercise. Leaving them to run around a yard isn’t enough. This is a people-oriented dog who loves walking, running, and playing with their family. Canine events such as obedience, herding, and agility would also be enjoyable.

How Long Do Australian Shepherds and Pitbulls Live?

The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the Pitbull from 12 to 16 years. You can therefore expect your cross bred puppy to live at least into their mid teens.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Health

Luckily for the Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix, both parents are fairly hardy breeds. That being said, there are still some health concerns to be aware of.

Both breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and eye diseases, including cataracts. Collie eye anomaly has been found in the Australian Shepherd, as has epilepsy. Pitbulls should be tested for the genetic brain disorder cerebellar ataxia, which appears between the ages of 3 and 5.

Feeding An Active Mixed Breed Dog

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix should be fed a high-quality puppy or dog food. As both parents are prone to becoming overweight, calories and treats should be closely monitored.

Do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes Make Good Family Dogs?

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix will make a wonderful dog for an active family. This is a very lively and exuberant animal who will need plenty of space and exercise. First-time dog owners and those who have other pets or young children should probably consider a different breed.

Pros and Cons of Getting an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Cons:

   

• Prone to be destructive if bored or left alone too much
• Herding tendency makes them ill-suited for homes with other pets or young children
• Can be aggressive to other dogs and strangers
• Requires lots of exercise

Pros:

• A generally healthy breed
• Great companion for active people
• An intelligent and trainable breed
• Loyal, loving, and fun

Rescuing an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Rescue dogs have often already been trained and socialized. You’ll also have a good idea of the dog’s appearance and temperament. Best of all, you’ll be giving an older dog a second chance.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppies

As mixed breed dogs continue to become more popular, it becomes easier to find breeders. However, not all of them will provide the same level of care to their stock. Seek out a reputable breeder who allows you to visit the puppy’s parents and can provide health testing certification for them. This step-by-step guide will take you through all the stages of finding a puppy.

Choosing a dog like the Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix requires a huge commitment to training and socialization. Our training guides will be a big help. And here are some breed specific products to check out:

• Best Toys for Pitbulls
• Best Brushes for Australian Shepherds

Similar Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes and Breeds

• Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
• German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix
• Pitbull Lab Mix
• Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Rescues

If you would like to add an Australian Shepherd or Pitbull rescue organization to this list, please do so in the comments below.

• Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline
• Ontario Aussie Rescue
• Australian Shepherd Rescue
• Sweet Shepherd Rescue Australia
• Loveabull Rescue Society
• Pit Bull Rescue Central
• All Bullie Rescue
• Staffy and Bully Breed Rescue

Is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Right For Me?

If you spend a lot of time outdoors and are looking for a constant companion to take for long hikes, the Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix would make an excellent choice. These dogs are best suited to older children or adult only homes, that have lots of time and enthusiasm for positive reinforcement training.

Leave us a comment to let us know how it goes!

References and Resources

• Duffy et al. “Breed differences in canine aggression.” Applied Animal Behavior Science. 2008.
• Weissl et al. “Disease Progression and Treatment Response of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Australian Shepherd Dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2011.
• Olby et al. “Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration in Adult American Staffordshire Terriers,” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2008
• Mellersh et al. “Identification of mutations in HSF4 in dogs of three different breeds with hereditary cataracts.” Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006.