Aussieweiler Dog Breed

The Aussieweiler, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' exact origin; while an Australian Shepherd mixed with Rottweiler has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Rottweiler-Australian Shepherd mix likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These athletic, intelligent, task-oriented hybrids are best suited as pets for active families, or in a working and/or guardian capacity.

A few Australian Shepherd-Rottweiler mix facts: they're large-sized, averaging 24 inches at the shoulders in height and 80 pounds in weight; they have short- to medium-length, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning an Australian Shepherd-Rottie mix:

An Aussie-Rottweiler mix is the offspring of two breeds that, plainly speaking, need constant activity. And these hybrids are physically built for it: they're big and athletic, and based on inherited traits, very strong too. These dogs' coats can be full and thick like the Aussie's, or short and smooth like the Rottie's (or most likely, somewhere in between). The coats come in a few colors including black, red, and blue (usually in multi-colored patterns), and often have white markings.

One important quality of the Aussieweiler is with its work ethic--which can be almost overbearing. The Aussie is a world-class herding breed, and the Rottie was originally developed to drive and guard cattle; this means both parent breeds have an instinctive need for control--so an Aussieweiler will try to run the entire show if allowed! Owners will need to display firm, consistent leadership starting when these dogs are puppies. Anyone not willing to give their Aussieweiler thorough training like this will need to find another breed.

This "bold" activity level means these hybrids won't be at all comfortable in apartments--and they'll need a lot of outdoor exercise on a daily basis if they're to remain calm and well-balanced.

Active, intelligent, friendly, protective, and at times dominant, the Australian Shepherd-Rottweiler mix temperament is one of control and enthusiasm. These hybrids will be extremely affectionate and playful with family members, and they'll be loyal to and protective of them. Aussieweilers are known to be controlling and bossy, so they'll need owners willing to play the role of the "alpha" in the dogs' lives. Aussieweilers will get along great with kids, and they socialize pretty well with other pets too, but their high prey drives mean they might chase smaller pets. They may, like the Rottweiler, also try to dominate other dogs (especially those of the same sex). Owners say it's best if an Aussieweiler grows up alongside any children or other pets, so they learn to be accustomed to each other.

Aussie-Rottie mixes are extremely smart, so they can respond very well to training--but on the off-chance that they're not in the mood to learn, teaching them commands or tasks will be useless. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And an Aussieweiler will have excellent watchdog skills. These confident, alert, protective hybrids are sure to bark at and investigate unknown sights or sounds--and chances are they're capable of neutralizing potential threats like intruders too.

An Aussieweiler, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, various allergies, and assorted eye issues. Larger, deeper-chested Aussie-Rottie mixes can also be prone to gastric torsion (bloat) if allowed to eat their food too quickly. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is 10-13 years.