Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix
The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Australian Shepherd and the Pitbull. They are also called a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix. This dog will probably be a very sweet and even tempered dog. The temperament of the Australian Shepherd should help offset the Pit. Although it might have a pretty high energy level and try to herd everything that it can. If properly socialized there is no reason why this should not make a great companion.They should be good with the family and other pets - if properly socialized! Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the brindle or other iterations.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix puppy, if they have any Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix History
All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Pitbull History:
So, pitbulls in general have kind of a complex background and no one's entirely sure what to do with it. There are three major breeds of pits:
American Pitbull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
They are all working dogs that hail from the same ancestors. They are known to come from the terrier group and were originally bred for baiting bulls. Their stocky, low profile makes them stand out as dogs that would be good for aggressive hunting.
Australian Shepherd History:
Despite it’s name, the Australian Shepherd, often known simply as the "Aussie", is a medium-sized breed of dog that was, developed on ranches in the Western United States during the 1800’s. They were bred to be rough and tough herding dogs that could work extremely hard.Awesome videos of Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix puppies
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
Australian Shepherd
Height: 20-24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55 - 75 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
American Pitbull Terrier
Height: 17 - 19 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 85 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 15 years
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Personality
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Temperament
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. The Australian Shepherd Pit Mix is an alert,friendly dog with a high prey drive and a high herding strength. They are content, friendly and kind dogs to have around. They will get along well with children and other pets and are patient and kind. They will make a fine watch dog as they will bark if someone is coming around. They might have an aggressive prey drive so this should try and be contained. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are vital for all dogs. He is intelligent so training should be moderately easy. He should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving him alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. He wants to be with the “pack.”
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Australian Shepherd mixed with the Pitbull might be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems, among others.
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
The Australian Shepherd will shed a lot. The Australian Shepherd has a thick double coat and will need to be groomed pretty regularly if the Mix takes after him. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! They might be an easier keeper in this department if they take after the Pit. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
This is a higher energy dog and is not good for someone that is a couch potato. The Australian Shepherd was bred to herd all day and might try to move everything it sees. Be prepared to take them for long walks, hikes, and to keep their energy level as low as possible. If you are worried about their temperament, the best way to tame their aggression and to tame their energy is by simply burning it off of them. A tired dog is a good dog. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. Also, never leave them outside when you are not home.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.