Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix dogs combine the active nature of Australian Shepherds with the guarding, intimidating nature of American Pit Bull Terriers.

An active family or a farm are the best environments for the Shepherd Pitbull. Australian Pit Bull Terriers are young but rapidly growing in popularity among those seeking companion pets.

Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix – A Brief Overview

What Are the Characteristics of Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mixes?

Mixed-breed dogs have physical characteristics from their parents. Shepherd Pitbull mixes are no exception. Pitbulls are likely to be less intimidating than Australian Shepherds, and their physical appearance resembles Pitbulls.

Similar to Australian Shepherds, it is likely to possess a double coat. It is expected to have medium-length skin with this coat type. In contrast, its skin may be shorter, like the American Pit Bull Terrier. 

The heterochromia eye anomaly is likely present in the Shepherd Pitbull mix. Shepherd Pitbull mix ears should be triangular and forward-folded, regardless of the breed. You will find that the Aussie Pitbull is muscular in the hindquarters and has a long snout, as it does in both parent breeds.

Must Read: Pit Bulls With Blue Eyes: Health, Care, & Tips

History of Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix

The Aussie Pit has little history available. They may have been bred relatively recently, even though they are born of two popular breeds. Crossbreeding dogs was increasingly popular in the U.S. during the 1990s or early 2000s.

Here we’ll examine the histories, characteristics, temperaments, and popularity of Australian Shepherds and American Pit Bull Terriers to discover more about their history.

Australian Shepherd History

It is a misnomer to refer to the breed as Australian because it was bred in California. The species is created by crossbreeding sheepdogs from New Zealand and Australia. In addition to Basque shepherds, those dogs may have Pyrenean sheepdog ancestors.

It is thought that the ancestry of the Australian Shepherd dates to a period of Spanish colonization in North America during the 16th century. The Australian Shepherd had virtually no reputation outside the farming industry for a century. These dogs were popular among farmers because of their powerful herding instincts.

Many U.S. farms, they still serve as herding dogs. However, these dogs are also popular family pets due to their hardiness.

Are Australian Shepherds Popular in the U.S.?

Many Australian Shepherds reside in the United States and are popular herders. They rank high on the list of active breeds, such as Border Collies. They are described as working dogs because their primary instincts and roles are farming.

Australia Shepherds ranked 12th on the list of most popular dogs in 2021.

Why Are Australian Shepherd Dogs a Good Choice?

Australian Shepherds are ideal for families with large yards or those working on farms actively. Because they have double coats, they can handle harsh weather, so you don’t need to worry about them when it’s cold!

As a result of this boredom, they may engage in destructive behaviors to distract themselves outside of this environment.

Older people don’t need as much physical activity and exercise as young adults. Therefore, family activities are necessary for them. Keep them away from young children due to their herding history.

What Are the Origins of Australian Shepherds?

The Australian Shepherd originated in the United States in the 19th century to replace introduced shepherding dogs. A combination of Australian and New Zealand sheepdogs was used.

Given that Australian Shepherds are brilliant dogs, it isn’t surprising they make great show dogs.

Must Read: Pitbull Yorkie Mix: Everything You Need to Know

What Was the First Cross-Breeding of the Australian Shepherd?

Australian Shepherds’ energetic, active, and loving nature make them a popular crossbreed. These traits are used to boost the activity level of a breed and for aesthetic purposes (they make pretty puppies!).

The Australian Shepherd was first crossbred in the early 1990s when American crossbreeding became popular.

Crossbreeds of Australian Shepherds include:

• Labrador Retriever/Australian Shepherd Mix (Aussie Retriever)
• Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix (Auggie)
• A mix of Australian Shepherds and Huskies (Ausky)
• German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix (Australian German Shepherd)
• Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix (Border Aussie)

History of the Pitbull

The Pitbull was an unfortunate breed with a regrettable history between 1845 and 1860. English White Terriers and Old English Bulldogs are the two parent breeds that gave rise to the Pitbull Terrier in 18th and early 19th century England.

Due to blood sports becoming popular during this time, the Pitbull Terrier (or simply Pitbull) became popular for this purpose. There were also dog fights and bullbaiting – where Pitbulls and other terrier breeds, like Boxers, were forced to outrun bulls.

The ‘ game ‘ ends if the cow expires, or the Pitbull kills itself. Several blood sports, such as bull baiting that Pitbull Terriers participated in, were banned by the British Government in 1835. The popularity of Pitbulls among Englishmen declined almost immediately as a result.

As early as 1845, Pitbulls came to the United States and were again used as fighting dogs. The U.S. legalized dogfighting until 1976! The United Kennel Club recognized the Pit Bull Terrier for its distinction of American Pit Bull Terrier, and it could soon be found among many modern American families.

Pit Bulls continue to be unrecognized by the American Kennel Club due to their violent history, leading to bite and mauling incidents. Several American cities have banned owning American Pit Bull Terriers because of this.

What Is the Pitbull Dog’s Popularity in the U.S.?

Because Pit Bulls are legal in many American cities, they are often considered mysterious – a dog everyone owns but nobody talks about! Population statistics have been scarce since the AKC has not recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier.

However, some reports indicate that American Pit Bull Terriers comprise 20% of America’s strong dogs.

Do Pitbulls Make Good Pets?

It is only suitable for people capable of handling the size and power of an American Pit Bull Terrier. Therefore, they aren’t recommended for older people or those who aren’t confident about their walking abilities. Dog owners who aren’t used to owning pets shouldn’t use them as well.

Also, they exhibit destructive behavior and separation anxiety, so they aren’t suitable for apartments.

It is also important to realize that American Pit Bull Terriers make lovely companion dogs despite all this. Besides being an ideal companion for those active individuals, Pit Bulls enjoy interacting with people.

How Did Pitbulls Come About?

Old English Bulldogs and White English Terriers were crossed to create Pitbulls around the turn of the 19th century. The dogs were initially bred for fighting and bull-baiting until 1835 when it was outlawed. The American Pit Bull Terrier was born a decade later in the United States.

Must Read: The Italian Daniff Dog – 10 Things You Should Know

When Did We First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?

Several people have turned to crossbreeding to circumvent Pitbull ownership legislation. This has led to a variety of Pitbull mixes over the years. Here are a few examples:

• Pitbull Great Pyrenees Mix 
• Pitbull Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix 
• Pitbull Catahoula Mix 
• Pitbull Jack Russell Terrier Mix
• Pitbull Beagle Mix 

What is the importance of a dog’s temperament to your family?

Researching the dogs you are considering acquiring is one of the most essential steps in your research.

Choosing a dog that matches the temperament of your family. A highly active dog is ideal for a family that loves hiking or being outdoors.

Alternatively, if you live primarily at home, you’d want a dog you’ll enjoy having around. To ensure your dog feels included in activities and is living in the right environment for its breed, you should choose a dog that matches your family’s speed.

The Temperament of the Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix

Shepherd Pitbull mixes share the personality traits of their parents, just like any other designer breed. In addition to playfulness, Aussie Pitbulls are inherited from Australian Shepherds, but your Aussie Pitbull may also have a hyperactive streak from the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Shepherd Pitbull mixes are generally very loyal and loving dogs that love to give attention to their owners. The Aussie Pit might show affection toward you and your family, although it won’t be a lapdog.

Is The Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix Friendly?

Shepherd Pitbull mixes are sometimes aggressive toward strangers, which is unfortunate for some. A consistent training program should be implemented soon to address this issue.

Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix: Is it Easy to Train?

Shepherd Pitbulls may behave more stubbornly than other dogs regarding training because they are born with persistent genes. Additionally, Aussie Pits can inherit the traits of their Shepherd parents, such as hyperactivity and distraction.

The use of positive reinforcement is best started right away for your Shepherd Pitbull (even if you are an experienced dog owner). When your Aussie Pit learns right from wrong early on, you’ve done your part to instill the rules.

What Is the Maximum Weight of a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix?

The weight of an Australian Shepherd Pitbull usually ranges from 30 to 85 pounds.

What Is the Maximum Height of a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix?

Pitbull Australian Shepherd mixes typically reach 7 to 9 inches.

Similar-Sized Breeds

The Shepherd Pitbull resembles a few other breeds. Among them are:

• Border Collie
• English Bulldog
• Chow Chow
• English Shepherd

Does the Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix Shed?

There are two types of coats for the Aussie Pit, a short, dense coat that sheds less or a medium-length, long coat that sheds more. You should brush your Shepherd Pitbull every week.

How Much Exercise Does A Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix Require?

Shepherd Pitbulls have physical attributes that require constant exercise. The Aussie Pit may be the perfect running or hiking buddy for you!

How Long Can a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix Live?

An Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix lives between 10 and 16 years on average.

Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix Health Conditions?

• Dysplastic hips (inflammation of hip joints)
• Cerebellar Ataxia (an inherited brain disorder)
• Cataracts (Eye disease)
• (Neurological condition) Epilepsy
• Elbow Dysplasia (inflammation of elbow joints)

Where Can You Find Pitbull-Australian Shepherd Mixes?

Check with an animal shelter or veterinarian clinic before searching for an Aussie Pit puppy for sale.

Aussie Pit Bulls are often adopted due to accidental matings or their owners place them for adoption. 

What is the price of a Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix puppy?

Aussie Pits cost about $700 to $3000 on average! A Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix adoption costs at least twice as much!

If you still want one, look for a reputable breeder rather than puppy mills.

Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix: Is it Right for You?

If you are looking for a healthy, active dog that can simultaneously be an outdoor adventure buddy and a cuddle buddy, the Pitbull Australian Shepherd may be for you!

If you are still determining whether or not the Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix would be the right choice for you, read our other breed guides to learn more about different breeds.