Oh, what’s that pawrodable puppy? Is it a Rottweiler? Umm, no, but it does have some Rottie blood. I see another dog’s traits. A Border Collie? No! An Australian Shepherd!
That’s right!
So, is this the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix?
Yes, it is.
Congratulations, you have some fine knowledge in figuring out dog breeds. Did you expect to see this unique combination?
Yeah, me neither.
We’re blessed with so many crossbreed dogs, from Golden Retriever and German Shepherd mixes, to Husky and Pitbull cross puppies. But, people don’t really talk about Aussie mixes, do they?
No worries – that’s why we have PupVine… the best source for all dogs, purebred and hybrid!
Today, I’m about to show you that unusual mixes create some of the most wonderful crossbreed dogs.
I’m gonna let you in on a secret as to what Aussie Rotties look like, what their temperament is like, whether they’re healthy dogs, if it’s hard to train them, etc.
What Is The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
Photo from: @skippydoothedog
It’s exactly what the name says it is: a crossbreed puppy of two purebred dogs!
When it comes to crossbreeding dogs, there’s something you should know. Not all crossbreed dogs are designer dogs. Usually, crossbreeding means accidental breeding, and the result are mutt puppies.
It’s not rare for puppies to come from two or more breeds.
However, designer dogs are something different. They’re a combination of two purebred breeds put together on purpose.
Although designer dogs don’t have a breed standard, and it is hard to predict what they’re like, they’re still better than mutts.
With designer dogs, you know the puppy will inherit traits from one or the other side, or even both. Mutts are a mashup of lots of different breeds.
We can say with every right that designer dogs are almost becoming equal with purebred doggos.
The future will definitely bring plenty of new knowledge on creating the ideal crossbreed. For now, we can rely on the parent breeds, and make conclusions based on previous specimens of the designer dog breed.
Where Does The Aussie Rottie Mix Come From?
Photo from: @devampake2011
Unfortunately, it’s not certain where Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix pups come from. We can’t find a date in history when these hybrids first appeared, and we don’t even know who the first Aussie Rottie was.
Still, we can assume that the crossing of the two breeds began some thirty years ago when creating designer dogs took its toll.
The good news is that we’re certain of the origin of the two parent breeds.
The Australian Shepherd’s Origin
Their name says differently, but these dogs aren’t from Australia.
Believe it or not, Aussie Shepherds are actually from the States!
This dog breed was first introduced in the 1800s. Australian Shepherds carry different bloodlines. They come from Pyrenean Shepherds and Border Collies.
The combination was first made when the Basques reached Australia. During one of the trips back to the States, they brought Shepherd puppies that became known as Australian Shepherds.
The breed was polished to perfection in the States, but the name ‘Australian Shepherd’ remained.
Today, Aussies are incredible family dogs that care a lot about their family members, especially when they take them on long walks or to play ball together.
The Rottweiler’s Origin
Rottweilers are dogs that are purposely bred to be of great assistance to humans. This breed was also known as the butcher’s dog because it was used to guard, herd, and escort cattle to the market.
Their role as cattle dogs ended roughly in the 1800s when they became service dogs for police forces.
Rottweilers have always been dogs with high energy levels, capable of performing any given task with high success.
However, Rotties aren’t only excellent working canines. They’re great family dogs that put their family’s needs before anything else.
What Does The Australian Shepherd Rottie Mix Look Like?
Photo from: @skippydoothedog
You won’t see two identical Aussie Rotties in the dog park. In fact, you may not see the same Aussie Rotties in one litter.
It’s always the same deal with crossbreed dogs: you never know which parent they’ll take after.
That’s why we can talk about two types of Aussie Rotties: the ones that look more like Aussies, and the ones that look more like Rotties.
Aussie Rotties That Look More Like Aussies
This pooch got the face of an Aussie as well as the coat of an Aussie.
Puppies that will take after the Australian side of the family will fashion a longer muzzle, a permanent smile stuck on their face, floppy ears, and a body covered in long hair.
When it comes to coat colors, these doggos usually come in red and merle.
The Red Aussie Rottie is actually light or deep brown, with tan shades. However, they’re quite rare because their color is a result of mixing recessive genes. This coat color is inherited from Aussie red-tri doggos.
Aussie Rotties can also inherit other Aussie coat colors!
The merle coat option is a combination of white, gray, tan, and black. The eyes can develop different colors – a condition known as heterochromia.
Still, merle genes are also quite questionable because they can be linked to numerous health concerns.
Blue merle Aussies are quite famous, so there’s an explanation for merle Aussie Rotties.
Rottie Aussies That Look More Like Rotties
Imagine a Rottweiler’s head stuck on a small body. Yup, those are Rottie Aussies that look more like Rotties.
These doggos will have the Rottie’s face, with a short and blocky muzzle, and a shorter coat.
Out of all Rottweiler colors, black and tan is the standard one, so you can expect these pups to be more common in the same shade.
Usually, the whole body has a black/gray base, while tan or brown markings are present on certain points on the body. You’ll notice tan points above their eyes as two dots, on their cheeks, chest, tail, legs, and around their mane.
The markings can variate in intensity, but they’re not allowed to be present anywhere else other than the mentioned parts of the body.
How Big Will A Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix Get?
Photo from: @devampake2011
Let’s clear up one thing: the Aussie Rottie is not one of those designer dogs made to be small and cute. This is a combination of two high-quality dogs that belong to a large group of dogs. Expecting a tiny pooch from such parents would be ridiculous.
Even though no hybrid has a breed standard like purebred dogs, a certain pattern repeats, especially if the hybrid has been around for a while.
There will always be some exceptions to the rule, but we’ve noticed that Aussie Rotties usually grow to a specific size.
An average Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix should weigh between 50 and 130 pounds. They usually stand tall at 15 to 20 inches at the withers.
Of course, the size depends on the genes. Still, Aussie Rotties usually take after Rottweilers when we talk about their size.
An average Rottweiler should weigh up to 130 pounds, and stand tall up to 27 inches at the withers.
Australian Shepherds are a bit smaller than that. These doggos usually weigh up to 60 pounds, and their maximum height is around 23 inches.
This is the usual size that Aussie Rotties feature. Of course, the size may go up or down depending on the parents. If you breed with miniature Rottweilers, then you can expect smaller puppies.
In case your little pooch leans more on the Aussie side, you can help yourself with a useful Aussie growth chart to help you figure out how your pup grows.
I want to turn your attention to something that’s important, but not a lot of people talk about it. It’s feeding your dog the right way and letting it grow. Never stunt a dog’s growth! If you can’t deal with a large dog, then don’t get one.
Aussie Rotties can be quite big. They serve as working dogs or even guard dogs. You can’t expect them to be small and cute forever. Allow normal growth at all costs.
Character: What’s An Aussie Rottie Really Like?
Photo form: @archiethesullivan
I can’t say that Aussie Rotties are the best dogs ever, but they’re certainly pretty close to it.
Don’t you love when they breed two incredibly good breeds together? The end result will always be a kind and well-mannered pooch.
Aussie Rotties are very proud of being loyal companions. They’re not overprotective, but they’re true-hearted, and don’t let anyone hurt their family members.
You may think the Aussie Rottie is a bit distant, but they’re only looking over everything, making sure it’s all good.
I can’t really mention any bad traits that these dogs have because they’re pretty close to perfection. You’ll notice their lovely temperament the moment you meet one of these little rascals.
How To Train A Rottweiler Aussie Shepherd Mix?
Photo from: @thor.thunder_dog
Dog training is something that most new dog owners are scared of. Everyone thinks that it’s something incredibly hard and impossible to manage if you’re not a professional dog trainer.
But, I’m here to prove to you that you’re not supposed to be scared of training, especially if you have a crossbreed of two spectacular dog breeds.
The Australian Shepherd is one of the smartest pooches, ranked in 42nd place. But, Rotties are something special!
They’re the 9th most intelligent dog breed in the canine kingdom! The cross between these two can only be a little canine genius.
When it comes to obedience training or even potty training, persistence, supported with positive reinforcement, is the way to go.
Every dog loves to be praised after doing something the right way. Whether it’s treats or tummy rubs, you’ll figure out what your dog likes. Just keep them focused on your lessons, and don’t let their mind drift away.
I must warn you to socialize this hybrid in time. No dog is born aggressive, but people often have prejudices about Rottweilers.
While Rotties aren’t dangerous at all, I still recommend that you socialize their mixes, so people won’t talk about how you have a scary dog just because it’s a Rottie mix.
Puppies are a lot like children. They know only what you teach them. If a poor breeder decides to ignore socialization lessons, and let his puppies behave the way they want, they will be completely unsocialized.
Such dogs will grow up to be scared of every unknown sound, situation, animal, and human. They’re not fit for life in a community, and they desperately need re-socialization. Don’t let that happen to your Aussie Rottie mix.
Are Australian Shepherd Rottweilers Good Family Dogs?
Photo from: @skippydoothedog
I know what you’re thinking: Umm, Rottweilers can be tough, so the answer must be “no”.
Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. Rottweilers only have bad publicity because some bad people decided to make them look bad. The truth is a whole lot different.
Chihuahuas can be aggressive. Dachshunds show signs of aggression, too! And, Rotties can be sweet and kind. Of course, Rotties can show signs of aggression, but that’s because they weren’t trained the right way… not because they’re Rottweilers.
Size and appearance have nothing to do with behavior. How many times have you seen a giant dog with the sweetest heart ever? Gentle giants are real. Even though Rotties aren’t giant dogs, they’re still gentle.
When it comes to the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix, the breeds that are used to create this hybrid dog are both loveable creatures.
Rottweilers are great with kids, and so are Aussie Shepherds. Generally speaking, they’re incredible family additions, and I see no reason why you shouldn’t adopt their cross puppy.
The Aussie Shepherd and the Rottweiler are both curious and brave. They love exploring their surroundings, Also, they’re highly active, and need entertainment all the time.
This would be the ideal dog for an active family.
Still, I’d pay extra attention to obedience control since their play drive and prey drive can collide. Aussies are herding dogs, and
Rotties are hardworking service canines. These doggos know when it’s time to play, and when they’re supposed to work. Don’t let them forget that!
What Health Problems Are Aussie Rotties Prone To?
Photo from: @archiethesullivan
There’s no living being that’s not prone to certain health issues. Some dogs are healthier than others, but even they can suffer.
It’s a completely wrong opinion to avoid adopting a dog just because he might get ill and die. I get that you’re scared of losing your best friend, but you don’t have to be.
There are lots of dogs out there that had zero health problems throughout their life, and chances that your Aussie Rottie mix will be a healthy pup are extremely high.
Now, I’m not saying your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix puppy will grow up to have some of the listed health conditions.
The list of the following diseases is just something that might occur, but they don’t have to.
When it comes to crossbreed pups, they can either be quite ill or quite healthy. When dogs are extremely healthy and they inherit those improved, pawmazing traits from their parents, they’re considered to have hybrid vigor.
So, yes… you can definitely say our Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix has hybrid vigor.
Let’s see what this hybrid vigor is prone to.
Hip Dysplasia
Sadly, hip dysplasia is a condition that strikes lots of dogs, especially if they’re big and active. The Aussie Rottie mix is precisely that – an active dog that just won’t stop.
But, once the first signs of this illness occur, your pooch will need to slow down.
Hip dysplasia is actually a genetic condition that can be inherited from both sides of the family. This problem represents an abnormal growth of the dog’s hips. It is when the socket and the ball of the hip joints don’t grow equally.
The condition will severely affect your dog’s mobility. Fido will start to limp on one or both legs, and you’ll notice he’s not as active as before.
Hip dysplasia requires an operation, but it’s pricey, and not many dog owners opt for it. Instead, they choose medications that are supposed to ease the pain.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Since the Rottweiler and the Australian Shepherd are both highly likely to develop cardiovascular problems, you can say their mixed-breed puppies will go into the same basket.
Cardiovascular illnesses are numerous, but Aussie Rotties are usually susceptible to cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).
Your DVM will recommend an operation if possible, but usually, your dog will be put on medication for the rest of his life if he is diagnosed with any cardiovascular issue.
Eye Diseases
The Aussie Rottweiler mix is highly susceptible to eye problems.
Fortunately, these problems can be prevented if you pick a puppy from a reputable breeder. Such breeders make sure that they test parents and puppies for hereditary conditions, including eye problems.
In order to prevent more puppies from having the same problems, dogs with eye conditions shouldn’t be bred further.
One of the most common eye issues with Aussie Rotties is canine cataracts.
The dog’s eye will become cloudy, and the condition may lead to blindness if not treated.
Other frequent eye conditions that strike these hybrid pups are PRA, colobomas, ectropion, and Collie eye anomaly.
Cancer
Whether we like to hear it or not, canine cancer does exist, and it takes away many beloved furry friends.
As for our Aussie Rottie, he’s also highly likely to catch this horrible condition.
Usually, Aussie Rotties get diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma. Both are fatal if not treated.
Hyperthyroidism
Canine friends usually get diagnosed with hypothyroidism. However, the Rottie Aussie is more likely to suffer from hyperthyroidism. This large dog is highly active, but sometimes they develop a slower metabolism.
Numerous problems with the dog’s thyroid gland will occur, and your poor pup might even get thyroid cancer.
Take your dog to see the vet at the first sign of decreased activity or significant change in his weight.
How To Take Care Of Your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
Photo from: @archiethesullivan
Taking care of a dog doesn’t only mean feeding him the right food and taking him to the vet. Daily exercises, grooming, and socializing are more important than you think. Dogs are living beings. They have needs, including emotional ones.
You feed your dog’s body with great foods and helpful exercises. You should also feed his soul with human interactions and by satisfying his demands.
Exercise Needs
The Aussie Rottie isn’t a dog for a small, crowded apartment. I’m sorry to break your heart, but you shouldn’t get this crossbreed pup if you don’t have a spacious home with a secured back yard.
There are several reasons behind this.
For starters, Aussie Rotties can grow up to be quite big dogs, and big dogs usually need to exercise daily. For example, this cross needs at least an hour of strenuous exercise every day.
This includes daily walks, playing fetch, running together, or playing some fun games.
Besides physical exercises, don’t forget about mental workouts. This can be achieved by getting your dog lots of puzzle toys to make him think harder about how to get the delicious treat hiding in that toy.
Grooming Tips
The Australian Shepherd and the Rottweiler are dogs with completely different coat types. That’s why their puppies can surprise you and fashion any coat type coming from their parents.
Hence, the different approaches to grooming an Aussie Rottie.
Rottweilers usually feature a short and sleek hairstyle, with the exception of a long-haired Rottie – a more uncommon type. Aussie Shepherds shed only once a year because of their medium-length coat.
During the shedding season, the Aussie will shed all the dead hair, and that’s it. He’ll be good for the rest of the year.
Shedding throughout the year is controlled with both parent breeds. Some have even gone as far as to question the Rottweiler’s hypoallergenic status. But, there’s no way that a Rottie is hypoallergenic.
They shed, but it’s not something to be scared of.
Even though the amount of grooming you’ll need to provide to your Aussie Rottie will depend on which parent it takes after, you can expect a pretty low-maintenance dog. He’s not as low-maintenance as some dogs on this list, but still…
If your Aussie Rottie has more Aussie blood, he’ll need weekly brushing only. Bathing should be done only when it’s absolutely necessary. On the other hand, if this mix is more like a Rottweiler, then he’ll need weekly brushing and bathing.
Always use sensitive dog shampoos that won’t irritate your dog’s skin, and go ahead and spend an extra few bucks on good brushes. For a pup that looks like a Rottie, here are some good brush choices.
Dietary Needs
When it comes to feeding arrangements, the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix is pretty high-maintenance.
You can either make meals at home for your pup or buy the finest dog food on the market.
There’s nothing wrong with home-cooked meals for your pup. A lot of dog breeds enjoy homemade meals or even a raw diet, i.e., the Cane Corso. A good thing about homemade dog meals is that you can control what goes inside your dog’s meal.
You can add lean meat, gizzards, fruits, veggies, and even some helpful grains. There won’t be any fillers that provide nothing but empty calories.
However, homemade meals are a bit expensive. They take time to prepare, and they can go bad fast if not stored properly.
Store-bought food can be an exciting meal for your Aussie Rottie if you know what to buy. A pup that comes from fairly large breeds needs lots of proteins to grow up nicely and keep his engines running.
Always pick food that is rich in protein from real animal meat, i.e., freshly-caught salmon, pasture-raised lamb, free-range chicken, etc.
If a recipe is supported with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from superfoods – even better!
We have discussed food for Rotties earlier, so you might want to catch up on your reading.
How much food to give will depend on which parent your dog resembles more. Here’s where feeding charts come to help. If your Aussie Rottie is more of an Aussie, then you’ll find this Aussie feeding chart helpful.
Any question, doubt, or change of plan should be discussed with your vet.
How Much Do Aussie Rotties Cost?
Photo from: @thor.thunder_dog
Crossbreed puppies are usually less expensive, especially if it comes to rare mixes that don’t usually go well together. The
Aussie Rottie mix is definitely a surprise. Still, its price won’t shock you like with other hybrids, i.e., Maltipoos.
On average, an Aussie Rottie will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. This depends on the breeder, the quality of the parent breeds, and the level of commitment a breeder puts into breeding and raising these pups.
Their price is very similar to the Rottie’s price, which is usually around $1,500 or more.
But, the initial purchase price isn’t the one that should worry you. When you get a dog as a family member, you must always be prepared for unexpected costs and monthly bills.
The first year is always the hardest one. Not only are you getting used to the fact that you have a dog, but your budget also needs some time to understand what’s going on.
Before the puppy gets home, you’ll need to prep your home with a lot of useful items, such as a good dog bed, food bowls, grooming tools, toys, and, of course, dog food. Amazon is your ideal starting point for puppy shopping.
Besides the material part of expenses, there’s another major chunk of money that goes away, but you don’t necessarily see it.
I’m talking about vet bills. Taking your dog for regular checkups will make you spend and save money, too.
How’s that?
With regular checkups, you can discover medical conditions in time, and save money on expensive treatments and medications.
Better safe than sorry!
All in all, you’ll need around $2,000 or more for annual expenses. This price depends on what kind of dog food you’re buying, along with treats, dog toys, other accessories, etc.
What’s The Average Lifespan Of An Aussie Rottie?
Photo from: @archiethesullivan
Aussie and Rottie parents don’t share the same life expectancy. One of the parents lives longer than the other. So, how long should their Aussie Rottie puppies live?
The Aussie parent is expected to live from 12 to 15 years. The Rottweiler parent usually lives eight to 10 years. The Aussie Rottie is blessed to inherit the Aussie’s lifespan.
These hybrid pups could live from 11 to 15 years. That’s quite impressive compared to the Rottie parent.
If you take good care of your crossbreed dog, and do your best to prevent the most common health problems, you can expect him to live up to his maximum.
Reliable Australian Shepherd And Rottweiler Breeders
It’s always difficult to find a good breeder who focuses only on crossbreed dogs. Some even go as far as to say that crossbreed dogs don’t need professional breeders. But, they couldn’t be more wrong!
Hybrid dogs, mixed breed pups, and crossbreed doggos surely need someone responsible to breed and raise them the right way.
For the past thirty years, breeding mixed-breed dogs has become quite popular. Since the Aussie Rottie is an unusual mix, you will definitely have some issues finding the best breeder, not to mention the best pup.
I believe the future will bring lots of great Aussie Rottie breeders, but for now, all we can do is rely on purebred Aussie and Rottie breeders. Maybe some of them would be brave enough to mix an Aussie with a Rottie, or vice versa.
Check out PupVine’s finest Aussie and Rottie breeders down below:
Rottweiler breeders in California
Rottweiler breeders in Georgia
Rottweiler breeders in Florida
Rottweiler breeders in Ontario
Australian Shepherd breeders in Texas
Australian Shepherd breeders in Ontario
Final Words
So, how do you like our Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix? It’s definitely not something you’re used to.
I always like getting to know new hybrid dog breeds. I believe they’re definitely the future of the pet world. All dogs matter – being purebred or not is not important at all.
This is the best example of how two incredible purebred parents can create an equally pawmazing new breed.
Just wait until the Aussie Rottie mix becomes one of the most popular crossbreed dogs ever. Just wait…
Read Next: Rottweiler Pitbull Mix: Can This Giant Be A Good Pet?