Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Facts

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix

1. The Australian Shepherd Crossed with Pitbull is prone to destructiveness. It is a dog that may destroy your curtains and furniture if you leave it alone for a long time. This is because it needs constant play and exercise since it has a high level of energy.

The same thing goes if it gets too boring and the owners are too lazy or too busy to play with it. You should have it properly trained, or you should play and exercise with your Australian Pitbull regularly. Some people are not getting the Pitbull Crossed with Australian Shepherd as a pet because it can be unusually aggressive towards other animals and especially to strangers.

If you did not train your dog to be more sociable around people and other animals, it would exercise its aggression and alpha dominance all the time. You should also be a tough owner if you want to make it follow you.

2. The Pitbull Crossed with the Australian Shepherd also has a very high herding tendency. This makes it highly unsuitable for homes with pets or very young kids. It can chase your kids and pounce on them. It can chase any moving object, like toys, and it may even chase cars and moving vehicles. Thus, you need to provide adequate training for this dog if you do not want it to cause trouble.

The high level of energy that the Pitbull Crossed with the Australian Shepherd has will always make it want to walk, run, and play active physical games with you for a long time. You should, therefore, either train your dog to become less active or go out and exercise with your dog at the same time. If you are a couch potato, then you have to change yourself if you decide to have this dog.

3. Another problem with this dog is that it might develop a lower resistance than both its Australian Shepherd and Pitbull parents. All breeds could come out stronger than the parents. However, there is also an equal chance that the mixed breed combines both parents’ diseases. Thus, it is important that you purchase your dog from a breeder that is licensed and one that can reasonably offer a guarantee that your dog is free from diseases.

If you are too unlucky when it comes to choosing an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix puppy, then you might encounter a dog with a great tendency towards hip dysplasia and eye diseases such as cataracts. Both Australian Shepherd and Pitbull parents carry the Merle gene.

This gene is especially associated with vision and hearing defects in animals. Moreover, there is the Collie eye anomaly and epilepsy that both Pitbulls and Australian Shepherds suffer from. There is also cerebellar ataxia, which is a genetic disorder of the brain that may show up as early as three years old.

This is mainly coming from the Pitbull parent. All of these diseases need a lot of money to cure and manage.

Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd Mix

When selecting the best dog food for an Australian Shepherd mix, it’s important to consider their unique energy levels and nutritional requirements. Opt for a high-quality formula that features real meat, balanced with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids for coat health and overall well-being. Here are the top dog food choices curated to meet the specific needs of your Australian Shepherd mix, ensuring a well-rounded and nutritious diet for optimal health.

Other Australian Shepherd Mixes

It’s not the right pup for you, but do you have your heart set on an Australian Shepherd mix? Check out the top Australian Shepherd mixes in America:

1. Blue Heeler + Australian Shepherd Mix
2. Poodle + Australian Shepherd Mix
3. Lab + Australian Shepherd Mix
4. Husky + Australian Shepherd Mix
5. German Shepherd + Australian Shepherd Mix
6. Corgi + Australian Shepherd Mix
7. Golden Retriever + Australian Shepherd Mix
8. Bernese Mountain Dog + Australian Shepherd Mix

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix

• The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix is an ideal family pet because it is naturally sweet and loving. It is friendly to its human owner and the rest of the family. The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix is highly energetic and playful. It is affectionate to young children on the condition that you give the puppy adequate training first. The Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix is a very good and loyal guardian of the owner’s property. This is because of the nature of the Australian Shepherd parent to protect its owner’s herd of sheep.
• Another reason why you should own an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix is that it is an independent dog. As long as you train it properly and as long as you remain a dominant and strong-willed owner, your Aussie Pitbull can get along well with you and with other dogs. With proper training, you can make one very fun and loyal pet like your Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix. This dog is intelligent, so training should be relatively easy. You can easily train it without any hassle as long as you dominate it. Moreover, you can easily hire a good trainer for puppies and even for your young Australian Pitbull. A Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix is really a dog that can help you in your herding activities. If you have a farm filled with animals like sheep or goats, this dog can easily help you watch the herd. In fact, this has been its Australian Shepherd parent’s main role since the 1800s.
• The Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix is also very helpful to your exercise. It has a high level of energy so it can always encourage you to walk, run, jog, and play energetic activities. This can give you the best solution to your inactivity and laziness. If you are a couch potato, your Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix will surely turn you into a fitness enthusiast. Manageable size is one of the best qualities of the Pitbull Australian Shepherd. This dog is neither too big nor too small. You can easily find it if it gets lost, and it is not scary to the neighbors. It is also not troublesome in case it runs around the house. If you have a big dog, it can easily knock over vases and other things.

Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix

Weight	Standard: 22 – 75 lbs
Height	Standard: 14 inches to 23 inches
Coat Type	Double-layer
Coat Color	Red, Black, Brown, White, Gray, Two colors, Tricolor
Amount of Shedding	Moderate to Heavy
Temperament	Loving but aggressive and protective
Life Expectancy	10-16 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Kids Friendly	Yes but needs supervision with very young children
New Owners Friendly	Yes but needs a dominant and confident owner
Barking	Yes (especially at night)
Breed Recognition	DRA
Group of Breed	Working, Sporting

What is interesting about the Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix is that they respond well when you train them using positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is all about praising your dog and giving it treats whenever it obeys your command, or it does something right.

Basically, the Aussie Pitbull is a sweet, loving and friendly dog especially to the owner and his family. However, it tends to be aggressive to anyone who is unfamiliar. This is because of the territorial nature of its Australian Shepherd and Pitbull parents. The solution to this is to help it socialize while it is still a puppy. This should help your dog be able to get along well with new people and new animals.

Still, one should not forget that the natural temperament of the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix is a general tendency towards aggression. Thus, you need to make sure that your children are safe with it. Never introduce this dog to babies or very young children as the dog might engage in rough play with them. You can prevent unnecessary accidents by training the dog as early as you can and by keeping it at a safe distance away from the child. Your dog still needs to get familiar with small children in your family in order to recognize them better.

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppies For Sale

Before you decide to purchase Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix puppies from an unknown seller, make sure that you should be able to get them from a well-known breeder of Pitbull mix and Australian shepherd mixes. As time goes by, mixed breed dogs are getting more and more popular. Thus, it is much easier now to find reputable breeders compared to ten years ago.

The problem is that not all breeders provide the same standards of care and maintenance to the puppies. Some stocks such as those coming from puppy mills and pet stores are not good breeds. The best breeders are those who allow you to see and visit the parents of the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix puppies. They can also confidently provide you with standard health testing certification.

The most important thing is to ask for feedback from past customers. Online stores are sometimes more reliable because they post feedback from previous clients. However, it is best to contact these clients to verify the truth of their feedback. It is also best to seek out an expert on Aussie Pitbulls and ask him which breeders are the most reliable.

Below is a list of Australian Pitbull breeders:

1. Lancaster Puppies in Narvon, PA
2. Greenfield Puppies in Narvon, PA

Grooming Your Australian Shepherd Mixed With Pitbull

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix has a double-layer coat that is waterproof. You should brush it every week at least in order to prevent tangles. In fact, this breed is notorious for its heavy shedding of fur. The thick coat of the Australian Shepherd Pitbull is something that will need regular grooming. Otherwise, prepare your vacuum cleaner to keep your floors clean of fur.

There is usually a shedding season, and during this time, your dog should have more frequent sessions of grooming. The Pitbull parent has a short coat that is glossy and easy to maintain by trimming. In order to take good care of your Australian Pitbull, you need a weekly brushing using a brush with soft bristles.

Pitbull Mixed With Australian Shepherd Health Problems

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix has a life span that may be as long as its parents or even much longer. With the Australian shepherd’s life span that reaches up to 15 years and the Pitbull parent’s maximum lifespan of 16 years, one can see that the Aussie Pitbull is a lucky mix between two hardy breeds. Nonetheless, some health concerns should be addressed.

Here are some major concerns that may occur in the lifetime of a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye diseases that include cataracts
• Hearing problems
• Vision problems
• Collie eye anomaly
• Epilepsy
• Cerebellar ataxia, an inherited brain disorder

Here are the minor health concerns that may or may not occur in your Australian Pitbull:

1. Overweight
2. Heart disease, including congenital heart problems
3. Allergies
4. Skin Irritations
5. Bloating
6. Autoimmune diseases
7. Cancer and tumors

If you see your dog suffering from any of the above concerns, you should seek a veterinarian as soon as possible. Problems not remedied early will certainly get worse. A proper and balanced diet may also be key to perfect health.

Australian Shepherd Crossed With Pitbull Dog Food Requirements

Usually, diet is done for every dog depending on its dietary requirements and its current circumstances. It is a fact that most dogs in the United States are overweight. The Australian Shepherd Mix has a tendency to become overweight because its Pitbull parent is one dog that overeats if not watched.

Moreover, the Australian Pitbull should have health supplements that contain large amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin as well as fish oil. These nutrients are preventive of hip and elbow dysplasia.

Overfeeding any dog, mixed or pure breed, is not a good idea at all. You should avoid doing this as this can make your Australian Pitbull prone to health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. The key is to give it high-quality dog food. Both parents tend to get overweight from unmonitored overeating, so this breed should be adequately monitored during every meal.

Another problem with the Australian Pitbull is that it may go really hungry at times and it can steal food from the kitchen. Thus, you need to train the dog or feed it adequately with the right amount and type of dog food. If you allow it to sneak food out of the kitchen, then it can put on weight fast, and it might become prone to many diseases associated with being overweight.

Suggestions for Dog Food for Australian Pitbull

• Royal Canin Medium Breed Puppy Formula

This food is perfect for medium-sized dogs with extremely high energy. This formula is specially created with the proper kibble size as well as shape. Royal Canin has an excellent feeding recommendation chart for every range of weight and size of the dog. Always ask your breeder about the size and weight of your Australian Pitbull puppy so that you will know its correct daily dosage of Royal Canin.

• Purina Pro Plan Focus Large Breed Puppy Formula

This is an excellent choice for dog food for a large-breed puppy. Purina Pro Plan contains a wide range of nutrients fit for the healthy growth of the puppy. Antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids are the best choices for your Australian Pitbull puppy, especially for its brain development. High-fiber peas help promote a healthy digestive system as well as satiety.

• Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food

This is a natural and balanced meal for your Australian Pitbull. This is basically the diet that your dog may find in the wild except that this one is well refined. It is also formulated with highly digestible fats and proteins that can promote muscle growth and weight regulation. Taste of the Wild contained fruits, vegetables, and roasted meats of lamb, boar, salmon, bison and many more. It has antioxidants, and it is considered cost-effective according to many reviews.

• Gorilla Max Protein Muscle Supplement for Dogs

Gorilla Max is a health supplement designed to build powerful muscle. Formulated by Bully Max, a famous dog vitamin maker, Gorilla Max is excellent for your Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix. Based on reviews, Gorilla Max gave impressive results such as noticeable muscle growth in only 2 to 3 weeks. Overall, customers say that this dog formula is a good value for your money.

Taking care of your pup’s health is the top priority of every dog owner. Each bowl should be full of tasty food coming from the highest quality brands. If you have just welcomed a pup to your family, you want them to eat nothing but the best puppy food brands. You can always add some of the Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement into your shopping cart. Older dogs need different nutrition, so take a look at our list of the best senior dry dog food.

Don’t consider purchasing from the worst dry dog food, as they’re not famous for their quality. Based on the size of your pet, there are also various options with dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. You can always look up to the biggest gourmands among the dogs and opt for the best dry dog food brands for Pugs, these pups usually can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to see if your vet agrees with changing your pup’s diet.

Best Supplement for Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Selecting the best supplement for an Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix involves addressing the unique needs of this energetic and muscular breed combination. Consider supplements that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, given the potential for joint issues in both breeds. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, like fish oil, can contribute to skin and coat health, addressing the Australian Shepherd’s lush coat and the Pitbull’s short coat.

Pitbull Crossed With Australian Shepherd Exercise Requirements

A Pitbull Crossed With Australian Shepherd needs high energy exercise. The dog wants to move because it takes after its Australian Shepherd parent. This parent would guard the herd of sheep the whole day. Thus, you should take your Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix for a long walk or hike. This should keep their energy at a minimum.

This exercise is very important in taming their aggressive personality. Once you tame their energy levels, you can expect a more docile companion. Long walks and hikes can be useful in burning off their aggressive tendencies. Just be careful not to tie them outside or to leave them outside when you have to go somewhere. Leaving them alone will turn them into more aggressive dogs.

The Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix got its energy from both parents. In fact, the Pitbull parent basically needs good agility and muscular strength. In the same way, the Australian Shepherd parent needs high-energy activities such as running and Frisbee. Therefore, exercises for the Aussie Pitbull must be very energetic ones.

Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix Training

The Australian Pitbull is an intelligent dog that is a bit of a challenge when it comes to training. If the owner or trainer is not a strong-willed and confident person, the Australian Pitbull will take the alpha position all the time. In order to train this mixed breed efficiently, what you need is to break the sessions into several short ones in order to elicit a higher attention span from the dog.

The Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix has a prey drive that is high enough to chase any object that moves fast. You have to manage this properly using positive reinforcement. Thus, you should never fail to praise your dog whenever she obeys you or does well.

The Australian Pitbull will always love a physical challenge so it will need much exercise during its training sessions. Moreover, since it can be hostile to other dogs, you need to give it time for proper socialization with other dogs by taking your Aussie Pitbull to the park. It needs to be around a lot of dogs and people too.

Training classes will be the best option for the Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix. The training classes will reduce the destructiveness of this mixed breed. The Aussie Pitbull can be prone to chewing and digging just like its Pitbull parent. It can also be overprotective or extremely territorial just like its Australian Shepherd parent. Thus, training will hopefully reduce the lack of control of this dog.

Pitbull Australian Shepherds And Families

The Aussie Pitbull makes a good family dog and is a wonderful pet for an active family. In fact, this dog is a very active and highly exuberant animal that will demand a lot of space and plenty of exercise. This breed loves family activities that involve running or playing something.

However, first-time dog owners should be strong-willed and confident enough when handling this breed. Those who have other pets or very young children should also try to avoid buying this mixed breed if possible.

Nonetheless, the Pitbull Australian Shepherd is still primarily a dog that is loving to the family that owns it. This dog works alongside cowboys and their families. The American Kennel Club has recognized the popularity of the Aussie Pitbull since 1993 although the dog has been a good ally of the cowboy since the 1800s.

(FAQs) about Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes:

What is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?

An Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix is a crossbreed resulting from the mating of an Australian Shepherd with a Pitbull. This mix combines the distinct traits of both parent breeds.

What is the size and appearance of Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes?

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes are typically medium to large-sized dogs with a strong and athletic build. They may inherit the Australian Shepherd’s coat colors and markings, along with the Pitbull’s muscular physique.

What is the temperament of Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes?

These mixes are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature. They may exhibit a protective instinct, combining the Australian Shepherd’s herding instincts with the Pitbull’s affectionate demeanor.

How much exercise do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes need?

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes are highly active and require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities are crucial for their well-being.

Are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes good with children and other pets?

When properly socialized, Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes can be excellent family pets. They are generally good with children and may get along with other pets, showcasing their adaptable and friendly nature.

What is the grooming routine for Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes?

Grooming requirements depend on the coat type inherited from both parent breeds. Regular brushing, occasional baths, and attention to ear cleaning are essential for their overall well-being.

Do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes have specific health concerns?

They may inherit health issues from both Australian Shepherds and Pitbulls. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for preventive care, and potential concerns may include hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions.

How trainable are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes?

Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes are generally intelligent and trainable, often excelling in obedience training. Positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and early socialization contribute to their well-behaved nature.

What is the lifespan of Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes?

The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes is typically around 10 to 14 years, with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention.

What are some considerations for potential Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix owners?

Prospective owners should be prepared for an energetic and loyal companion. Understanding the needs of both parent breeds, including exercise requirements, grooming, and potential health issues, is crucial for providing a happy and suitable home for an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix.

References:

1. Turnova, Evelina Hrckova, et al. “A Novel Mutation in the TYRP1 Gene Associated with Brown Coat Colour in the Australian Shepherd Dog Breed.” Animal Genetics, vol. 48, no. 5, 12 May 2017, pp. 626–626., doi:10.1111/age.12563.
2. Harnarayan, Patrick, et al. “Pit Bull Attack Causing Limb Threatening Vascular Trauma —A Case Series.” International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, vol. 42, 8 Dec. 2018, pp. 133–137., doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.11.061.
3. Coile, D. Caroline. Pit Bulls for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2002.
4. Schwartz, Charlotte. Australian Shepherd. Kennel Club Books, 2009.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_bull
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Shepherd