The Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix, also known as the Aussie Pit or Pitbull Aussie mix, is a popular crossbreed dog that blends the backgrounds and characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Australian Shepherd. This hybrid dog combines the loyalty and affection of the Pitbull with the intelligence and agility of the Australian Shepherd, making the Pitbull Aussie mix a versatile canine companion.
As demand rises for hybrid dogs, the Pitbull Australian Shepherd cross provides the best of both breeds in one dog. This medium to large-sized crossbreed has an athletic build, high energy levels, and an outgoing, people-oriented personality. The Pitbull Aussie mix thrives when given sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation.
This article provides an in-depth look at the origin, appearance, temperament, health, care, and ownership requirements of Aussie Pit hybrid dogs. Discover why this energetic, intelligent, and loyal crossbreed makes an ideal active family companion.
The History and Origins of the Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix
To better understand the Pitbull Aussie mix dog, it helps to examine the background of both its parent breeds.
The American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the British Isles in the 1800s, where breeders crossed bulldogs and terriers to develop a muscular, athletic working dog used for bull baiting and dog fighting. When these blood sports were outlawed in the 1830s, Pitbull-type dogs were brought to North America and used as all-purpose farm dogs and family companions.
Over time, the Pitbull was refined into the breed we know today – a medium-sized, short-coated dog prized for its stability, loyalty, intelligence and trainability. Pitbulls remain popular as therapy dogs, service dogs, K9 workers and athletic canine partners.
The Australian Shepherd
Despite its name, the energetic Australian Shepherd was actually developed in the western United States in the 19th century. Aussie Shepherds worked alongside cowboys and shepherds, herding livestock with great agility across vast ranch lands.
Valued for their high energy levels, intelligence and willingness to work, Australian Shepherds became associated with rodeos and the cowboy lifestyle. Today, this medium-sized breed with the distinctive merle coat pattern is popular with active families and owners who can meet their need for daily mental and physical stimulation.
The Rise of the Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix
As interest grew in crossbreeding purebred dogs, breeders began crossing American Pit Bull Terriers and Australian Shepherds in the 1990s or early 2000s. The offspring blended the affectionate devotion and loyalty of the Pitbull with the tireless energy and trainability of the Aussie.
Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes, sometimes called Aussie Pits or Pitbull Aussies, inherited some of the best qualities of both parent breeds. These hybrid dogs deliver an outgoing, lively and adventuresome spirit along with a strong eagerness to please their owners.
Today, the Pitbull Aussie mix has grown into one of the most popular crossbreed canines among active individuals and families looking for an energetic, fun-loving dog. Let’s look closer at their typical physical traits.
Appearance and Physical Characteristics
The Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix shows characteristics of both parent breeds in its size, coat, colors and features. Since crossbreed dogs exhibit greater variability than purebreds, appearance can vary from dog to dog.
Size, Height and Weight
- Height ranges from 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder
- Weight typically ranges from 30 to 65 pounds
- Males tend to be taller and heavier than females
The Pitbull Aussie is a medium to large dog, with a muscular, athletic build. Size depends on whether the crossbreed takes after the stockier Pitbull or the leaner Australian Shepherd parent.
Coat and Markings
- Short, smooth coat like the Pitbull or medium-length coat of the Aussie
- Common coat colors include black, brown, white, tan, cream, red, blue merle and red merle
- Distinctive merle patterning comes from the Australian Shepherd lineage
- Amount of shedding can vary from low to moderate
The Pitbull Aussie mix can inherit the short-haired coat of the Pitbull or the thicker double-layer coat of the Australian Shepherd. Grooming needs vary based on coat length and thickness.
Facial Features
- Triangular, medium-sized head like the Pitbull
- Half-pricked or folded ears (rose ears)
- Almond-shaped, medium-sized eyes in brown, blue or hazel
- Black nose and muscular jaws
The head of the Aussie Pit often resembles the broader Pitbull, while facial markings reflect merle patterns from the Australian Shepherd side.
Tail
- Long, slightly curled over the back like the Pitbull
- May be docked short on some pups
The Pitbull Aussie cross usually has a long tail carried in a slight curl rather than a bobbed tail seen on some Aussies. Docking has declined but may still occur with some breeders.
Now that we’ve covered the physical traits of the Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix, let’s explore their personality and temperament.
Temperament, Personality and Behavior
The Pitbull Aussie hybrid brings together the devotion and steadfastness of the Pitbull with the liveliness and trainability of the Australian Shepherd. Proper socialization and training is key to shaping their behavior.
Affectionate
The Pitbull side of this crossbreed makes them highly attached and loyal to their human families. Aussie Pits shower affection on their owners and often maintain some puppy-like behaviors throughout adulthood.
Energetic
With the high activity needs of both parent breeds, the Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix needs 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise and play daily. Without adequate outlets for their energy, these dogs may become bored and destructive.
Intelligent and Trainable
This crossbreed tends to be focused, attentive and highly responsive to training, thanks to the intelligence inherited from both the Pitbull and the Australian Shepherd. Positive reinforcement brings out their eagerness to please.
Protective
The Pitbull Aussie mix may display some guarding behaviors and wariness around strangers, but this can be tempered through early socialization. Obedience training is essential to prevent overprotective tendencies.
Exuberant
Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes love to play and romp. Their lively, boisterous nature may overwhelm timid children or smaller pets. Supervision is recommended, especially when raised with very young kids.
Overall, this devoted hybrid dog thrives when given sufficient daily exercise, training and quality time with their beloved humans. Next, let’s go over some of the health considerations for Aussie Pits.
Health and Care Requirements
Like all crossbreeds, the Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix may inherit certain health issues from one or both of the parent breeds. Reputable breeders screen breeding dogs to minimize these risks.
Common Health Issues
- Hip dysplasia – Malformation of hip joints
- Elbow dysplasia – Abnormal development of elbow joints
- Allergies – Environmental or food allergies resulting in skin irritation
- Hypothyroidism – Underactive thyroid gland
- Eye problems – Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation – Dislocated kneecap
- Deafness – Congenital deafness linked to some merle coat colors
Responsible breeders screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, deafness and thyroid problems to avoid passing these on.
Routine Veterinary Care
- Annual veterinary exams to monitor overall health
- Regular parasite prevention and heartworm medication
- Annual bloodwork, urine and fecal testing
- Vaccinations including rabies, parvo, distemper and adenovirus
- Dental care including brushing and professional cleaning
- Eye exams to check for inherited eye diseases
- Skin allergy management if needed
Maintaining preventative healthcare and wellness exams helps avoid costly issues later on. Now let’s look at some care and maintenance tips for Aussie Pit owners.
Grooming, Feeding and General Care
- Brushing 2 to 3 times a week to control shedding and keep coat healthy
- Bathing every 4 to 8 weeks or as needed using gentle dog shampoo
- Nail trimming every 2 to 3 weeks to avoid overgrowth and cracking
- Ear cleaning weekly to prevent infections; avoid inserting cotton swabs
- Dental care through tooth brushing and approved chewing toys
High quality diet rich in animal protein
- 2 to 3 cups daily for a 50 lb. Aussie Pit
- Split into two meals for puppies under 6 months old
- Avoid overfeeding as Pitbull Aussies are prone to weight gain
The Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix has modest grooming needs but does require plenty of exercise and activity. Training and socialization from a young age helps them become well-adjusted canine citizens. Let’s go over some tips for shaping puppy behavior.
The Importance of Training and Socialization
Early training and socialization helps set good behavior patterns with any dog, especially active, intelligent crossbreeds like the Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix.
Obedience Training
- Begin basic obedience as early as 8 weeks old
- Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior
- Work on mastering cues like sit, stay, down, come, heel and leave it
- Attend organized obedience classes for socialization opportunities
Structure and consistency are key when working with Aussie Pit pups. Their eagerness to please makes them highly trainable.
Socialization
- Socialize extensively with people and other dogs starting at 6 weeks old
- Arrange controlled meetings with new people of all ages and backgrounds
- Set up play sessions with neighbor dogs you know are vaccinated
- Visit novel environments like parks, stores, traffic areas and crowds
- Avoid dog parks until fully vaccinated due to disease risks
Frequent positive exposures during the critical socialization window between 6 and 14 weeks old prevents fearfulness and reactivity issues.
Crate Training
- Introduce the crate slowly and make it comfortable with bedding and toys
- Use as a safe, den-like sleeping space and for confinement when unsupervised
- Crate puppies no longer than 2 hours at a time to avoid accidents
- Reward calm behavior in the crate to prevent negative associations
Proper crate training provides Aussie Pits with their own space while preventing destructive behavior when alone. Next, let’s discuss this breed’s substantial exercise requirements.
Exercise Needs and Activity Requirements
As a cross between two energetic working breeds, the Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix needs vigorous daily activity to stay happy and healthy.
Exercise Duration and Type
- 60 minutes daily of exercise split into two sessions
- High-intensity activities like running, hiking, swimming and organized dog sports
- Interactive play including chasing games, retrieving, tug-of-war and hide-and-seek
- Both mental and physical stimulation is essential
Pitbull Aussie mixes excel at activities that engage their natural herding, chasing and retrieving instincts. They thrive when given an outlet for their energy.
Potential Sports and Activities
- Agility training
- Flyball
- Dock diving
- Frisbee catching
- Herding trials
- Obedience competitions
- Canicross running
- Trick training
If under-exercised, Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes may become frustrated and destructive. They need focused, strenuous activity daily. Now let’s go over some adoption and ownership considerations.
Adopting and Owning a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix
Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes can make wonderful family companions for active households able to provide adequate exercise, training and attention. Here are some keys to successful adoption and ownership.
Choosing a Puppy or Rescue
- Seek out responsible breeders who health test breeding stock
- Adopt from a shelter or Aussie/Pitbull specific rescue group
- Meet both parents whenever possible to assess temperament
- Evaluate energy level, drive and sensitivity to strangers
- Select a confident, friendly puppy or dog
Take time selecting an Aussie Pit with a personality that matches your lifestyle. An anxious or hyper-reactive dog may not thrive in a chaotic household.
Time Commitment
- Daily exercise and playtime
- Regular training reinforcement
- Grooming every 1 to 2 weeks
- Patience with a mouthy, energetic adolescent dog
- Activities that meet mental and physical needs
Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes demand a considerable time investment. Make sure your schedule allows for adequate care, training and socialization.
Expenses
- Adoption fees range from $50 to $500
- Initial puppy supplies usually cost $500 to $1000+
- Annual costs for food, medical care and supplies run ~$1000 to $1500
While less costly than many purebreds, Aussie Pits are not a low budget breed. Make sure you can accommodate routine and emergency vet expenses.
With their endearing people-focused personality, athleticism and trainability, Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes can be wonderful active companions when properly exercised, socialized and cared for by committed owners.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Despite their rising popularity, some common myths and stereotypes still persist about Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes. But what do the facts say?
Myth: They are inherently aggressive dogs
Fact: With proper training and socialization from an early age, Pitbull Aussie mixes display no unusual aggression. Their temperament depends on breeding, environment and handling.
Myth: They have health issues due to being “mutts”
Fact: Crossbreeding increases genetic diversity and health. Reputable breeders screen for issues common to each parent breed. Overall they are not less healthy.
Myth: They have high exercise needs
Fact: This is true! Aussie Pits do need at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity. They require committed owners able to provide adequate exercise.
Myth: They are stubborn and untrainable
Fact: This intelligent hybrid aims to please. With motivation and consistent, positive training methods, the Pitbull Aussie mix can excel in obedience, agility and working roles.
Don’t let myths about crossbreeds stop you from considering an Aussie Pit. Take time to research facts and find a dog with the right temperament for your lifestyle.
Conclusion: An Affectionate, Fun-Loving Hybrid Companion
For individuals and families seeking a loyal, energetic canine companion, the Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix has much to offer. This popular crossbreed brings together some of the best traits of its Pitbull and Aussie parents to create an intelligent, people-focused dog eager to be part of family adventures.
With their athleticism, trainability, and affectionate nature, Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes can make ideal hiking and jogging partners. Their protective loyalty bonds them closely to “their” humans. Early training and socialization helps them become well-mannered canine citizens.
Providing adequate daily physical and mental exercise is key to preventing problem behaviors in this energetic hybrid dog. Committed owners willing to meet the Aussie Pit’s needs will gain a fun-loving, adventure-seeking companion for many years to come.
Looking to add an Aussie Pit to your home? Seek out reputable breeders or rescues who can match you with the right dog for your experience level and lifestyle. With appropriate care, training and outlets for their enthusiasm, the loyal Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix can become an ideal active family dog.