Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix

The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Australian Shepherd and the Rottweiler. These are obviously very different dogs with different personalities and sizes. The Australian Shepherd was bred to herd and work all day, so it is going to be a higher energy dog. Is it more like the Australian Shepherd or the Rottweiler? Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the brindle or other iterations.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppies for sale.

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Here are some pictures of the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix

Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Rottweiler History:

It is believed that the Rottweiler has evolved from and was bred from Roman cattle dogs. These cattle dogs had accompanied the herds through Germany following in the wake of the Roman armies right after the time of Christ. The Legion of the Roman Empire set up camp on the bank of the river Neckar in the Wurtemberg area of Germany. This little region grew into a little town with small villas that had roofs made of red tiles and the area became known as ‘das Rote Wil.’ The red roof tiles gave it the first half of its name ‘rot, while the second half came from the name for villa. These combined make the name ‘Rottweil’ and we now call the breed by that name.

This is an old, diverse dog, it has been used as a hunting, herding and protection dog. They needed to guard the herd at night and they needed to keep the cattle together and to herd them. They were also used for bear hunting and to protect the money that the people got from selling the cattle.

Australian Shepherd History:

The Australian Shepherd has a rather vague past and lineage. For this reason, it’s name is a bit misleading. The Aussie was actually called the following prior to it’s current name - Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd. There are a lot of folks who think that the breed originated from the Basque region in Spain where they were used by shepherds. The thought is that those shepherds emigrated to the West Coast of the United States via Australia and brought their dogs with them. While the origins aren’t totally agreed upon, there is agreement that it developed in western North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One theory as to where they got their name is that they were named for the imported sheep that they herded.

The Australian Shepherd isn’t as affected by altitude as much as other herding breeds so it became a well known and loved sheep herder in the Rocky Mountains. The original breeders were Ranchers in Boulder, Colorado, who then began to sell and distribute the dogs all over the West.

Back when dogs such as this were used primarily as working stock, shepherds were much more interested in dogs' working abilities than their appearance. As a result, over time, shepherds interbred dogs that they believed would produce better workers for the given climate and landscape. The landscape played a large role in how the dogs looked, In the eastern U.S., terrain and weather conditions were similar to that of Europe. Europe is where most of those breeds came from, so the existing breeds and their offspring worked well there.

However, different dogs were needed In the American West, as the conditions were much different from the East. Spanish flocks of sheep, known as the Churra were introduced for food. The shepherds brought over Spanish dogs that proved capable for their job in the wild and dangerous territory. These dogs were highly valued for their ability to herd and protect from predators on the open range. Selective breeding for many generations focused on aspects of the dog that enabled it to function as an effective stockdog in the American West. It had to handle severe weather; have plenty of speed, athleticism, energy, and endurance; and be intelligent, flexible, and independent; while remaining obedient.

Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Size and Weight

Australian Shepherd

Height: 18 - 23 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 35 - 75 lb.

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Rottweiler

Height: 22 - 27 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 77 - 130 lb.

Lifespan: 8 - 10 years

Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Personality

Trying to predict the personality traits of hybrid dog isn’t always that easy to do. Sometimes the mix takes more from one of the parent breeds than the other. However, the Aussies are known and bred to work and keep things moving. Inheriting the Australian Shepherd-like friendliness, these dogs are highly affectionate to their family members.They also display friendliness towards kids as well as other pets. The best thing you can do for any puppy or young dog is to socialize it as well as possible. This can’t be stressed enough as socialization is extremely important. This is an alert, curious, and very intelligent, lively, fun-loving dog. They can become depressed if they don't get the right amount of attention as they really like to be a part of the family.

Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Dalmatian mixed with the Poodle might be prone to Eye problems, hip dysplasia, skin problems, tail problems.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

They will probably shed a lot. The Australian Shepherd is a medium haired dog but it sheds like crazy and will “blow” their coats once a year. They are also heavy shedders the rest of the year. The Rottweiler is not necessarily a heavy shedder. They will of course still need brushed, they just won’t be as intense as others. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog.

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Feeding

A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.