INTRODUCTION

The Australian Shepherd Pit Bull Mix is a mixed dog, a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Pit Bull dog breeds. Energetic, loyal and quick to learn new things, these puppies inherit some of the best traits of their two parents. Australian Shepherd-Pit Bull mixes are sometimes also called Australian Shepherd-Pit Bull mixes or Aussie Pits. Despite their unfortunate designer breed status, you can find these mixed breed dogs at breed-specific shelters and rescues, so remember to adopt. These adorable pups make excellent family dogs for large homes, though they can thrive in smaller urban settings with active owners. If you want a playful dog that is both a snuggle buddy and an alert system, the Austrian shepherd pit bull mix may be the right dog for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Australian Shepherd Pit Bull Mix is a mixed breed dog. They are not pure breeds like their Australian Shepherd or Pit Bull parents. The main colors of the Aussie Pits are blue merle, black, red merle and cream. Sometimes their coat is solid and sometimes they have a mixture of colors. Australian Shepherd and Pit Bull mixes are not necessarily allergy friendly. Luckily, their coat is very easy to brush. One good brushing a week will suffice. Be prepared to have their coats blown out with the change of seasons. Aussie Pits tend to take up a lot of attention and energy, so they may prefer to be the only pet in the house. They have a high energy level. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour to hour-long walk a day, with some active play sessions and shorter walks. They can become destructive if they get bored. Aussie Pits tend to be very playful, and it is important that children learn how to approach and play properly with a larger dog. Young children can accidentally hurt themselves during rough play. Always supervise playtime.

HISTORY

Australian Shepherd and Pit Bull mixes have probably existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders began intentionally mixing Australian Shepherds and Pit Bulls in the late 1990s, probably in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to combine the trainable and loyal personality traits of a Pit Bull with the intelligence and coat of an Australian Shepherd. They continued to create Aussie Pits as the demand for mixed breed puppies increased. Although the Australian Shepherd/Pit Bull mixed breed started out as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check local shelters, look for Australian Shepherd Pit Bull Mixed rescues, or check with breed-specific Australian Shepherd or Pit Bull rescues, as they often take in mixed breed dogs and find them homes.