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There are many different mixes of dog breeds that you can find nowadays. One of the more popular ones is the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix, also known as the Aussie Rottie mix.
Designer dog breeds are increasing in popularity, especially when the parent breeds are as popular as the Australian Shepherd and the Rottweiler.
So, what is an Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix like? And why are they becoming so popular?
If you are interested in this dog breed, then read on to learn all there is to know about them! Their history, what they were bred for, physical appearance and size, colors, temperament, and any other frequently asked questions about this dog breed will be answered.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Is A Aussie Rottie Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a hybrid dog breed made by crossing the Australian Shepherd and the Rottweiler. These mixed breeds are also referred to as “designer dogs” that occur from deliberate mating.
This is also why they are not considered “mutts.”
This crossbreed can take personality and physical traits from both its parent breeds. However, on average, they tend to be a medium to large-sized dog breed with a thick, double coat.
The Aussie Rottie is intelligent and needs plenty of mental stimulation. They are active and love to play fetch or go for a run. They are also very loyal and protective of their family.
This is an excellent breed for families or individuals looking for an active and loving dog.
History Of The Aussie Rottweiler Mix
The history of mixed breeds like the Aussie Rottie is not so clear. There is no proof of documentation of when they were created or who first bred them.
However, we can get some insight from the history of each parent breed.
Australian Shepherd History
The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog breed originally bred in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. The original Australian Shepherd was actually called the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Basque Shepherds brought these dogs to Australia and then to the United States in the 1800s. The Australian Shepherds were mainly used on farms and ranches to help with herding sheep and cattle.
Today they are still used as herding dogs but also as service dogs, rescue dogs, guide dogs, and even police work.
The Australian Shepherd is known for its high energy, loyalty, and intelligence.
Rottweiler History
The Rottweiler is an ancient breed, possibly dating back before Christianity. The Rottweiler’s forebears are said to have migrated from Asia Minor, with the Alani people moving west into Europe.
The Alani were a nomadic people who traveled with their herds of sheep and cattle. They eventually settled in Germany, and their dogs were used to protect the herds from predators and thieves.
Over time, the Rottweiler became the official dog of Rottweil, Germany. It was used for various activities, including herding, guarding, and transporting. In the 19th century, the Rottweiler was introduced to America, where it became a popular working dog.
Today, the Rottweiler is still used as a working dog in many parts of the world and is also a popular pet.
What Was The Aussie Rottweiler Mix Bred For?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a designer dog bred for companionship. There is no specific reason this mix was bred other than that both parent breeds are popular and have excellent temperaments.
So when you take two popular and loved dog breeds, it’s no surprise that the Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler mix is becoming a popular choice for dog owners.
Let’s look at why people love this mixed breed so much.
Quick Summary Table Of The Aussie Rottie
| Price | $1000 – $2000. |
| Height | 20 – 25 inches. |
| Weight | 50 – 130 pounds. |
| Colors | black and tan, black and rust, and black and mahogany, blue, red, and merle. |
| Eye Color | brown, dark brown, blue, amber, and hazel. |
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years. |
| Trainability | Intelligent and eager to please. Can be stubborn at times. Moderately easy to train. |
| Activity Level | Highly active. |
| Shedding | Heavy to moderate shedding. |
| Temperament | Protective, intelligent, loyal, affectionate, social. |
| Best Households | Active households, families, and people with prior canine experience. |
Aussie Rottie Dog Appearance & Build
The Aussie Rotties are a medium to large-sized dog breed with a thick, double coat. They can take on physical traits from both parent breeds but are typically a mix of the two.
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix usually has the head and face of an Australian Shepherd with the body and build of a Rottweiler. They have a strong, muscular body with a long tail.
However, as with all crossbreeds, their appearance and build come down to which parent they take after most. Therefore, there is no guarantee of what they will look like.
You can have Aussie dominant, Rottweiler dominant, or even mixes of the two. This gives the Rottweiler Australian Shepherd mix a variety of appearances and builds.
Here are some images of different Australian Shepherd appearances:
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix (Aussie Dominant)
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix (Rottweiler Dominant)
Black and Tan Aussie Rottweiler Mix
Red Aussie Rottweiler Mix
Merle Aussie Rottweiler Mix
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Size (Weight & Height)
The average Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is between 20 – 25 inches tall and 50 – 130 pounds in weight.
This puts them in the medium to large size range for dogs. Their size will highly depend on which parent they take after most.
Whether they are Aussie or Rottweiler dominant will significantly affect how big they get. That is why they can range from 50 to 150 pounds.
In addition, a female Aussie Rottie will typically be on the smaller side, while a male will be on the larger size.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Coat Colors & Texture
An Australian Shepherd can be in various colors and patterns, including black, blue, red, tri-color, and merle.
On the other hand, the Rottweiler is primarily black with rust, tan, or mahogany markings.
When dogs breed, they pass on color genes to their offspring.
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix can be various colors from their parent breeds.
The most common colors for the Aussie Rotties come from the Rottweiler, black and tan, black and rust, and black and mahogany. However, you can also find them in blue, red, and merle colors.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Shedding & Grooming
If you’re wondering if Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes shed, the answer is yes. They have a thick, double coat that will be shed throughout the year.
Since the Rottweiler and Aussie Shepherd parents are moderate shedders, their offspring will follow suit.
This means you should expect your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix to be a moderate shedder.
They will also have two shedding seasons each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This is when they will blow their coat and shed the most.
To help manage their shedding, you must brush them regularly with a de-shedding brush. This will help remove any loose hair from their coat before it has a chance to end up on your furniture or clothing.
Many parents of this breed opt for a robot vacuum to help them stay on top of the shedding.
Also, it’s recommended to help blow out their coat during these shedding seasons.
This requires a dog blow dryer and will help eliminate a large amount of their dead or loose fur.
As for other grooming, they require the same maintenance as other dogs regarding bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning.
Are Aussie Rottie Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is not hypoallergenic. They are a moderate to heavy shedder and will require regular brushing to help manage their shedding.
This breed is not recommended for those with allergies or who are looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Ears & Tail
The Aussie Rottweiler mix usually has floppy ears that sit high on their head. However, they can have more erect ears if they take more after an Australian Shepherd parent with erect ears.
They also have a long tail that is mostly straight with a slight curve at the end.
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix ears seem like a perfect mix between Rottweiler and Aussie ears.
Some breeders will still dock tails, so an Aussie Rottie with a docked tail is possible.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Eye Color
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix has medium to large eyes that can be a variety of colors. However, the most common eye colors are brown, dark brown, blue, amber, and hazel.
Some Aussie Rotties will have one blue eye and one brown eye, called heterochromia.
Most of the time, their eyes will be a darker color taken from the Rottweiler, but there is a chance for them to have lighter-colored eyes. This is because of the Australian Shepherd’s many eye colors.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Lifespan
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This is a pretty typical lifespan for most medium to large dog breeds.
Some factors that can affect their lifespan are health conditions, diet, exercise, and environment.
If you take good care of your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix and provide them with everything they need, they will have a long and happy life.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Common Health Issues
All dogs are susceptible to hereditary health problems, and the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is no different.
Any health conditions that Australian Shepherd and Rottweilers commonly face, your Aussie Rottie may be at risk for as well.
Here are some of the most common health concerns for Aussie Rotties:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip socket doesn’t develop properly and can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
- Eye Issues: Australian Shepherds and Rottweilers are prone to eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and cherry eye. Other common eye problems can include dry eye, entropion, and ectropion.
- Heart Problems: Both Australian Shepherds and Rottweilers can be prone to heart problems such as cardiomyopathy, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus.
- Cancer: Unfortunately, cancer is also a common health concern for Australian Shepherds and Rottweilers. Some types of cancer that Australian Shepherds and Rottweilers can get include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma.
- Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much hormone and can cause weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst, and hyperactivity. This can be treated with medication.
With all this said, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are generally healthy dogs. So long as you keep up with their health check-ups and vaccinations, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Trainability & Intelligence
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a brilliant breed. They are quick learners and are very eager to please their owners.
Like both parents, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes need proper obedience training and socialization at an early age.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can become anxious, shy, or aggressive if they are not adequately trained and socialized.
Are Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes Easy To Train?
The answer is yes and no.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are intelligent dogs and therefore are quick learners. They want to please their owners and will try their best to do so.
However, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can also be stubborn at times. They can be headstrong and independent, which can make training a challenge.
But with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can be easy to train.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is an active breed. They need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Ideally, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes should get at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be in the form of walks, runs, hikes, or playtime at the dog park.
An Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix will be a great companion if you live an active lifestyle.
Make sure to give them plenty of stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their minds occupied. You can also get automatic dog ball launchers to help burn their energy.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix Temperament & Behavior
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a sociable, friendly dog that gets along with kids and adults.
However, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can be protective of their family and territory.
They make great watchdogs and will bark to alert you of strangers or intruders.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are also known to be very loyal and affectionate with their family. They will want to spend lots of time cuddling and playing with you.
Do Aussie Rottie Mixes Bark A Lot?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix can be a vocal breed. They may bark when they are excited, anxious, or scared.
It really depends on the individual dog. Some Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes may bark more than others.
An Aussie Rottie mix will likely bark more if they take after the Australian Shepherd.
However, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can be trained to bark less. You can teach your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix with positive reinforcement and patience to only bark when necessary.
Do Aussie Rottie Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Yes, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes love to cuddle! They are very affectionate and loving dogs.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes will want to spend lots of time with you. They will follow you around the house and always want to be by your side.
Are Aussie Rottie Mixes Good With Kids?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a great family dog. They are gentle, loving, and patient with kids.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can also be protective of their family.
So long as your children respect the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix and treat them well, they will get along great!
Are Aussie Rottie Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix can get along with other dogs. They are social creatures that love to play and have fun.
However, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes may be protective of their territory.
It is important to properly socialize your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix from a young age. This will help them to get along with other dogs and animals.
Are Aussie Rottie Mixes Good With Strangers?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix can be wary of strangers. They may bark and be on guard when someone new comes around.
However, Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can be trained to trust and accept strangers more. With socialization and exposure to different people, your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix will learn to relax and be less fearful.
Are Aussie Rottie Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix can do well in an apartment. They are particularly active so having space to run around is ideal.
So long as you are exercising them regularly and meet their needs for mental stimulation, the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix can happily live in an apartment.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Food & Diet
Since the Aussie Rotty is a medium to large dog, the best dog food is one that provides them with all the nutrients they need without being too high in calories.
All dogs need a nutritious diet to stay in shape and maintain their energy levels. When it comes to Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes, you want to ensure they get enough protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
This breed tends to be highly food motivated, so overeating is a common problem if they get the chance.
Just make sure you are doing your research to ensure their diet is balanced and nutritious. And you should always speak with your vet first to find the best action plan.
Rottweilers tend to have sensitive stomachs, which can be passed to their offspring. So supplementing Aussie Rotties’ food with probiotics can work wonders for them.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Price?
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a designer breed, so their price can range anywhere from $500 to $2000. The average cost for this breed is around $1000.
This price will depend on the breeder, coat color and pattern, demand for the dog, and other factors that affect rarity.
Purebred dogs are usually more expensive. However, if more people want these mixed breeds and fewer are available, the price will go up.
Expect Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix puppies to be around $1000.
Just make sure you are getting your Aussie Rottie mix from a reputable breeder.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy pups.
Where Can You Buy An Aussie Rottie Mix?
There are a few places you can buy an Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix.
The first place to look is your local animal shelter or rescue organization. They may have Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mixes up for adoption.
Another option is to find a reputable breeder in your area.
You can also check websites like:
- https://puppyfinder.com/
- https://puppies.com/
- https://www.keystonepuppies.com/
- https://marketplace.akc.org/puppies
Just make sure you do your research before purchasing from an online breeder. There are many scams out there.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a great family dog. They are intelligent, loyal, and loving.
They make great protectors and will guard their families with their life. This breed does require some exercise and training, but with the right owner, they will thrive.
Suppose you are looking for a medium to large sized dog with all the best qualities of an Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler. In that case, the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is the perfect breed for you.
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