The Aussie Pit is a unique designer breed like no other. This hybrid combines the best of the Australian Shepherd and the Pitbull dog breeds into one awesome pooch.
In general, Aussie Pits are energetic dogs that love to play. These dogs are witty, loyal, and super affectionate. But is this hybrid dog the right one for you?
In this guide, we’ll tackle the most important things about the Australian Shepherd and Pitbull mix. Here, you’ll know all about their appearance, health, temperament, and more. After reading this guide, you will know if this hybrid is the one for you!
What Is an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix, also known as the Aussie Pit, is a designer dog breed. This mix is the cross between an Australian Shepherd and any of the Pitbull dog breeds. Because of its energetic and loyal nature, this pup is perfect for many families and different lifestyles.
Aussie Pit is also called the Shepherd Pitbull mix, Australian Shepherd Pit mix, and Pitbull Australian Shepherd.
They are a result of mixing the Australian Shepherd with the American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier. The litter of any of these combinations is considered an Aussie Pit mix.
Born from strong and smart breeds, the Aussie Pit is an athletic pooch with wits to match. This pup is quick to learn but can be naughty at times.
Aussie Pits are perfect for households with big backyards or spacious rooms due to their size and energy level. However, they can still thrive in apartment living once in a while.
In terms of registration, this designer dog is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it can be registered in other kennel clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Aussie Pit Come From?
The Pitbull Australian Shepherd mix likely existed centuries ago as a result of natural breeding. However, the intentional breeding of these dogs only began a few years back.
Unfortunately, there’s not enough evidence to pinpoint where and when these hybrids originated. But many expert breeders believe that this designer dog breed was created somewhere in North America in the 1990s.
What we know for sure is that the Aussie Pit mix comes from breeds with long histories. For starters, the Australian Shepherd is a breed developed by Basque people from Spain and France. These dogs are known as the best and most faithful herding dogs.
Meanwhile, Pitbulls are a bit broader. The Pitbull is a family of dogs that dates back to the early 1800s.
They were originally bred for bull-baiting and dogfighting. However, Pitbull breeds later developed as companion breeds.
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does an Aussie Pit Look Like?
The Aussie Pit is a medium to large dog that looks part Australian Shepherd and part Pitbull. This hybrid dog usually comes in combinations of colors and rarely in solid coats.
Some of the most common coat colors of the Aussie Pit include blue merle and red merle. On some occasions, this hybrid can also have a cream base coat with brown markings.
In terms of build, the Aussie Pits have noticeably dense muscles. Their stance is well-balanced, and their gait is similar to their parent breeds.
Aussie Pits typically sport short coats that sit close to the body. Their noses are often brown or black, and their eyes can be dark brown or black. A pair of floppy ears is also a common feature in this mixed breed dog.
The muzzle on the Australian Pitbull mix is well-proportioned to its skull. Its top line is straight, and its tail usually curves upwards.
Overall, the Aussie Pit is a handsome pooch. It has a cheerful face that looks inviting rather than intimidating.
However, it is important to know that not all Aussie Pits look alike. The physical looks will always be unique for every individual dog.
READ NEXT: Pitbull Colors: 23 Coat Color Variations Explained (With Pictures)
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Aussie Pits Get?
The Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix falls in a pretty wide range in terms of size. On average, these hybrids grow to about 17 to 20 inches in height. Weight-wise, they typically weigh between 30 and 85 pounds when fully grown.
For reference, the Australian Shepherd stands at around 17 to 23 inches in height and weighs 40 to 60 pounds. Meanwhile, most Pitbulls are 16 to 21 inches in height and weigh 35 to 65 pounds.
It is common for this hybrid to be roughly the same size as its parents. Usually, they will reach their full-grown size when they are around 18 to 24 months old.
One of the factors that affect the size of an Aussie pit is its gender. Male Aussie Pits are usually a bit taller and heavier than their female counterparts.
The specific breed of the Pitbull parent also plays a role in the size of an Aussie Pitbull mix.
Larger Pitbull breeds, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier, are likely to have bigger offspring.
If you want a good estimate on how big your pooch will be, try looking at the size of its parents. There’s a pretty good chance your dog’s size will be in the same ballpark.
RELATED: Australian Shepherds Weight: Growth Curve and Average Weights
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Temperament: Are Aussie Pits Good Family Dogs?
In general, the Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix is a good family dog. This friendly dog is intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. In a way, this hybrid is everything you can ask for in a family companion!
However, this mix is better off with certain families over others. Due to their high exercise demands, the Aussie Pit may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners or seniors.
That said, if you can tolerate a super playful dog that can be stubborn at times, the Aussie Pit may be the dog for you. These hybrids do best in spacious homes with fenced backyards.
Similarly, if your lifestyle does not require you to leave your pup alone for long hours, this mix is probably a good fit. The Aussie Pit is a notorious people-pleaser, which is why they need constant attention.
When trained at a young age, this mix can grow up to be obedient and docile. They also have the potential to be friendly to other pets as well as to young children.
Early and consistent training is a must for the Aussie Pitbull mix. Similarly, early socialization is one of the key factors to having a well-rounded pup.
If this pup is not socialized early on, it may not tolerate other pets or young kids. They may also become aggressive dogs that are stubborn all the time.
All in all, the Aussie Pit is a well-balanced dog that just needs a bit of extra effort. If you’re willing to train this pooch and be patient with it, then you can’t go wrong with this hybrid.
To give you an idea of how well-mannered this dog can be, take a look at this trained Aussie Pit mix:
Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Aussie Pits Healthy Dogs?
Aussie Pits have relatively long lives, especially for medium-sized dogs. Just like its parent breeds, this mix has an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. A well-cared-for Aussie Pit can even live up to 18 years old!
Luckily, this hybrid does not inherit any genetic health problems from its parent breeds. However, there are still a couple of health concerns to be aware of. Some of these issues can be life-threatening if left untreated, so beware!
Here are some of the common health problems of the Aussie Pitbull mix:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia is the scientific term for a misaligned ball-and-socket joint. This condition can occur near the pelvis of a dog (hip dysplasia) or on the elbows (elbow dysplasia). Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause deterioration in posture and painful movement.
- Cataracts: The Aussie Pit mix is prone to many eye issues, the most common being cataracts. A dog with a cataract will have a clouded vision that worsens over time. If left untreated, cataracts will eventually result in total blindness.
- Epilepsy: Both Australian Shepherds and Pitbull dog breeds are not epileptic breeds; however, the Aussie Pit mix can still develop epilepsy. This condition is characterized by unpredictable seizures and random twitching. Fortunately, epilepsy can be managed through therapy and medication.
- Bloat: Gastric dilation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. This condition occurs when pressure builds up in a dog’s stomach. Bloat is usually caused by overeating or eating too quickly.
Aside from these health problems, Aussie Pits can also suffer poor vision and hearing. However, these issues are linked to the merle gene and not exclusive to the Aussie Pitbull mix.
Although quite uncommon, collie eye anomaly (CEA) is another eye condition to keep in mind.
On rare occasions, an Aussie Pit may inherit this disease from its Australian Shepherd parent breed.
That said, it is always recommended to get an Aussie Pit mix from reputable sources only. These can be reputable breeders and trusted shelters and rescues. Never buy from backyard breeders, and avoid puppy mills at all costs!
RELATED: How Long Do Pitbulls Live? Average Lifespan & Causes of Death
How to Take Care of Your Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix
For the most part, the Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix is not a demanding pooch to take care of.
As with purebred dogs and other hybrids, you just need to keep three things in check at all times, and this pooch is all set!
These three things are diet, grooming, and exercise. Once you’ve nailed the bare minimum in these areas, you’ll surely have a gorgeous and healthy pooch. Let’s have a look at these key areas in more detail.
Food and Diet
The Aussie Pit mix is a medium-sized dog with a high energy level. This pooch can burn a lot of calories even if it is a couch potato at times!
That said, the Aussie Pit needs the right kind of nutrition to support its active lifestyle and proper growth.
Usually, the best food to give your Aussie Pit mix will depend on its age. The safe bet is to stick with high-protein dry dog food.
If you wish to prepare homemade meals for your dog, you should stick with white meat and vegetables. Peas, such as green peas and English peas, are fantastic for your pooch. You can throw this on your pup’s plate every mealtime or give it as tasty treats!
Cleaning and Grooming
Grooming is an area that requires a bit more effort for an Aussie Pitbull dog. Due to its double-layered medium-length coat, this hybrid is a notorious shedder!
Luckily, brushing its coat three to four times a week is enough to keep shedding manageable.
Aside from shedding, you should also watch out for tear stains on your Aussie Pit. Make sure to clean the area near your pup’s eyes once in a while. Doing so will minimize its risk of developing nasty eye infections.
If you’re going on a long walk with your pooch, it is recommended to apply dog sunscreen to it. This way, your pet will stay healthy even under harsh sunlight. A trip to the groomer three to four times a year is also a good idea for the Aussie Pit.
Training and Exercise
Training and exercising the Aussie Pitbull hybrid can be a really demanding task. Because of their high energy levels, Aussie Pitbulls need constant mental stimulation and exercise.
In terms of training, the Aussie Pit responds best to positive reinforcement training. This is a training scheme where you give your dog treats or praise whenever it follows your command. Luckily, this intelligent dog is quick to get a hang of this!
It is also a good idea to teach your Australian Pitbull mix new tricks now and again. This way, its brain also gets a good amount of challenge.
An exercise session that lasts at least one to two hours each day is enough to keep this pet healthy and happy.
How Much Does an Aussie Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The Aussie Pitbull mix is a reasonably priced designer dog breed. For just around $300 to $1,800, you can already bring home your very own Aussie Pit from a reputable breeder!
What’s even better is that the adoption fee for this hybrid is even cheaper. At just $100 to $300, the adoption fee for this pooch is an absolute steal.
However, the cost of owning an Aussie Pit goes beyond the price of the pooch itself. It is best to consider the miscellaneous expenses and recurring costs of owning this type of dog.
Here’s a list of all the miscellaneous expenses for an Australian Pitbull mix:
| Type of Expense | Price Range |
| Dog Carrier | $60 – $120 |
| Dog Bed | $30 – $50 |
| Dog Collar and Leash | $10 – $20 |
| Chew Toys | $5 – $15 |
| Dog Shampoo | $15 – $25 |
| Toothbrush and Toothpaste | $5 – $20 |
| Grooming Brush | $15 – $30 |
| Nail Clippers | $5 – $15 |
| Microchipping | $15 – $30 |
| Neutering/Spaying | $100 – $150 |
| Vaccine Puppy Shots | $150 – $350 |
| Total Initial Cost | $410 – $825 |
As you can see, you need to shell out around $410 to $825 for the initial expenses for your dog. However, most breeders and rescues usually give some of these items for free.
In terms of the recurring cost, expect to spend $100 to $200 for your pup’s monthly needs. This cost covers the essentials, such as dog food, vitamins, treats, and pet insurance coverage.
If you want to learn more about the cost of owning an Aussie Pitbull mix, our article on the cost of owning a Pitbull might come in handy. Make sure to give it a read!
Places to Find Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
While the Aussie Pit mix is becoming more and more popular in the pet industry, there’s not a lot of breeders dedicated to this mix yet. That said, it can be pretty challenging to find the best sources for this pooch.
However, you don’t lose hope just yet, because this guide is here to help! Listed below are some of the best places to find Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies. Regardless if you’re looking to buy or adopt, you’ll find the best sources here!
Here are some breeders where you can find Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies for sale:
- Monster Bully Kennels (MBK) – MBK is one of the best Pitbull breeders in Oregon. Some dogs from this breeder starred in magazine covers and news articles! Give them a call to see if they have Pitbull mixes, such as the Aussie Pit.
- EverReady Australian Shepherds – This Wisconsin-based breeder specializes in the Australian Shepherd breed. This is home to a handful of AKC-recognized champion bloodline Australian Shepherd dogs. Check out their listings once in a while to see if they have an Aussie Pit mix in there!
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a website that aims to make pet shopping accessible to all. This platform hosts listings from reputable breeders from all over the country. Check out their website from time to time for an Aussie Pit hybrid.
Some alternative sources can be found in our round-up of the best Pitbull breeders and best Australian Shepherd breeders. Keep in mind that you might need to call a few breeders before finding one that breeds an Aussie Pit mix.
RELATED: 10 Best Australian Shepherd Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
If you want to bring home a rescue dog, here are some sources where you can find an Aussie Pit mix for adoption:
- New York Bully Crew – New York Bully Crew is a trusted rescue dedicated to Bully breeds. While they usually rescue and rehome purebreds, they also have mixed breeds from time to time. Make sure to give them a call.
- Australian Shepherds Furever (ASF) – ASF is a unique foster-based rescue that started as a Facebook page. Founded in 2013, ASF has over 3,000 rescued and rehomed Australian Shepherds and Australian Shepherd mixes. This one is an excellent place to find Aussie Pits!
- Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is a website where you can browse a wide selection of adoptable pets. It also has a ton of search filters that can help you find your desired pooch a bit quicker.
If you need more options, you can visit our list of the best Pitbull rescues and Australian Shepherd rescues.
Most rescues on these lists rehabilitate both purebreds and mixed-breed dogs. This means you have a pretty good chance of finding an Aussie Pit!
RELATED: 10 Best Australian Shepherd Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix
Owning an Aussie Pit mix has a handful of perks but also has a couple of downsides. Knowing some of these pros and cons helps determine whether this hybrid is a suitable pet for you. Let’s take a look at some of these pros and cons.
Here are the advantages of owning an Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix:
- Athleticism: The Aussie Pit mix is an athletic dog that does well with physical activities. This pup is a superb companion for people with an active lifestyle. Also, when appropriately trained, this hybrid can breeze through a challenging agility obstacle course in a snap.
- Highly trainable: Aussie Pit mixes tend to be people-pleasers. If you approach them correctly, you can train an Aussie Pit mix with relative ease. They are smart dogs as well!
- Not a picky eater: The Australian Shepherd mix is heaven-sent when it comes to feeding. Unlike other dogs that are picky eaters, this hybrid usually eats any food it’s given!
Here are the disadvantages of owning an Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix:
- Heavy shedder: One major drawback when owning an Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix is that it sheds pretty severely. This hybrid is not ideal for people who have allergies.
- Can be destructive: Because of their high energy levels, Aussie Pit mixes need a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. If they lack these two, these dogs can tend to be destructive.
- Separation anxiety: Surprisingly, the Aussie Pit is a clingy dog to its family. Leave it behind for a few minutes, and it will already whine or panic. Because of this, Aussie Pits do not make good guard dogs or stay-at-home dogs.
These are just some of the major benefits and drawbacks of owning an Aussie Pit hybrid. If you think the pros outweigh the cons, then that’s a telltale sign this mixed breed dog is suitable for you. Otherwise, it might be time to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Aussie Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
In general, the Aussie Pitbull is not an aggressive hybrid. These dogs may be overly playful or rambunctious at times, but they aren’t aggressive.
The only time an Aussie Pit will be aggressive is if it feels threatened or has a history of being abused.
Your Aussie Pit may also show aggression towards other animals it finds strange. However, this behavior is a consequence of their herding instinct, and it can be corrected through training.
Do Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
Yes, the Australian Shepherd Pitbull mix sheds a lot. In fact, this mix is considered a heavy shedder.
Because of this, this hybrid is not recommended for households that cannot tolerate loose dog fur or people who are sensitive to dander.
Are Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, the Aussie Pit mix is not hypoallergenic. If anything, this pup is the complete opposite!
This hybrid inherits the coat genetics of the Australian Shepherd and Pitbull dogs. As a result, this mix sheds quite often and quite heavily.
Final Thoughts: Is the Aussie Pitbull Mix the Right Dog for You?
All things considered, Aussie Pitbull mixes are great family pets. These pups bring the best of both worlds from the Australian Shepherd and the Pitbull dog breeds. However, as with other pets, the Aussie Pit is not suitable for all.
If you love to exercise, this high-energy pooch might be the ideal workout companion for you.
However, if you can’t deal with a pup that sheds heavily, look elsewhere. Other than these things, the Aussie Pit is a true charmer that fits many families!
