In recent years, there has been a growing interest in mixing two distinct purebred dogs together to create something that combines the good qualities of each parent breed.
Designer dogs, as they are called, are like the novelty of having two dogs in one. They are believed to be healthier than purebreds because of the wider genetic pool that decreases the occurrence of common health issues common in a particular breed.
Because of the Australian Shepherd’s good-natured temperament, they have been crossed with other breeds to create something unique, such as the Aussie German Shepherd, or the Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd Mix, which is a cross between the Blue Heeler and the Aussie Shepherd.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look into the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix and see how they are different from their parent breeds and find out if this is the right mixed breed for you.
Table of Contents
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix: Breed overview
The Rottweiler Aussie Mix is an active and smart mixed breed that has only been around for a couple of years. Below is a brief description of what to expect from the Aussie Rottie Mix.
| Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix info | |
| Other Names | Aussie Rottie, Aussie Rottweiler Mix, Rottweiler Australian Shepherd |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 50 – 120 pounds |
| Height | 20 – 25 inches |
| Coat Colors | Black, Tan, White, Red, Gray, Cream, Merle |
| Child Friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate – High |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 9 – 12 years |
| Puppy Costs | $1,000 – $2,000 |
What is an Aussie Rottie Mix?
The Aussie Rottie Mix, or the Australian Rottweiler, is a designer dog that is a cross between the good-natured Australian Shepherd and the confident Rottweiler.
Rottweiler Aussie Mix: Parent breeds
The Rottweiler Aussie being a hybrid of two different breeds would likely have a mixture of both parents’ qualities. A brief knowledge about each parent breed will give us a clue as to how the Rottweiler Aussie will turn out.
The Australian Shepherd is one of the preferred herding breeds in the United States. They are medium-sized dogs with a strong herding instinct that is prized for their attentiveness and work ethic.
Because of their energetic and playful nature, novice dog owners may have a hard time keeping up with this breed.
Aussie Shepherds have a double coat that is straight to wavy and comes in black, red, and blue or red merle.
The Rottweiler is a herding breed as well with a muscular and blocky body with a massive head and strong, square-shaped muzzles. Their imposing figure belies a playful and silly nature, but stands out as being a calm and courageous protector.
Rotties have a short to medium double coat that is black in color with rust-colored markings. They move in a trotting manner that is powered by their well-muscled hindquarters.
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Australian Shepherd origin
Australian Shepherds are believed to have descended from the Pyrenean Shepherds of the Basque country between Spain and France. In the early 19th century, when Basque herders emigrated to Australia, they crossed these sheepdogs with Collies and Border Collies.
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Later on, these crossbreeds eventually made their way into California where they were further developed into what we now know as the modern Australian Shepherd. They were primarily used in herding livestock and became a regular in rodeo circuits in the western US.
In the 1990s, the American Kennel Club (AKC) finally recognized the breed, and in succeeding years became one of the more popular dog breeds in the US.
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Rottweiler history
Rottweilers have been around since the time of the ancient Roman Empire. They were used mainly as herders and accompanied the Roman army in their conquests. It was in the town of Rottweil in Germany that they earned the reputation of being the “butcher’s dog” that protected the butcher’s property from bandits.
During the First World War, interest in the breed was revived when they were used as police and draught dogs, which eventually led to the establishment of several Rottweiler clubs in Germany. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1931, and in recent times has become one of the most registered dog breeds in the US.
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Australian Shepherd vs Rottweiler
The main difference between an Australian Shepherd and a Rottweiler is their size. Rottweilers are taller and heavier with a stocky appearance. Rottweilers also have a tendency to drool more because of their loose upper lips as opposed to the thinner-lipped Aussie Shepherd.
The Australian Shepherd is also considered a herding dog while the Rottweiler is classified as a working dog that can excel in a range of responsibilities other than herding.
Aussie Rottweiler Mix physical appearance
The Aussie and Rottweiler Mix does not have a standard appearance because each parent breed can be more dominant than the other.
Some would have the lengthier and wavier coat of the Aussie Shepherd and some would acquire the shorter mane of the Rottweiler.
In most cases, the Aussie Rottweiler Mix will resemble the parent which has the same coat color and pattern as the offspring.
The eyes of an Aussie Rottie Mix are almond-shaped and typically brown in color but may also be green, blue, or hazel, with some developing heterochromia or different colors on each eye.
Ears hang forward and are triangular in shape.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix size and height
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that can reach a height of 20 to 23 inches.
The Rottweiler, on the other and, is a large dog with a height ranging from 22 to 27 inches.
This would make the Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix size on the larger side compared to the Aussie Shepherd.
| Height | |
| Males | 22 – 25 inches |
| Females | 20 – 23 inches |
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix weight
A full grown Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix will reach his full height at around one year of age but may continue to increase in weight and chest size until his second year. As with most large breeds, males tend to be taller and heavier than females.
| Weight | |
| Males | 70 – 120 pounds |
| Females | 50 – 100 pounds |
Mini Aussie Rottweiler Mix
Mini Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a cross between a Mini Australian Shepherd and a Rottweiler.
The Mini Australian Shepherd is a separate breed from the Australian Shepherd that stands from 13 to 18 inches at the shoulder and weighs 20 to 40 pounds. He has the same physical characteristics as his full-sized cousin except he has less volume of fur and more variety in eye color and coat patterns.
The Mini Aussie Rottie Mix stands at around 15 to 20 inches and weighs between 30 to 80 pounds.
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Rottie Aussie Mix coat colors and types
Australian Shepherd Mixed with Rottweiler will either acquire the coat color and pattern of a particular parent, or it can be a combination of both.
Possible coat colors are black with tan markings, or they can be all-black or red. If the offspring is Aussie Shepherd dominant, then the coat can have merle patterns.
Blue merle Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
Blue merle Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix presents with a base coat of gray with irregular splotches and patches of black. Tan markings may be present around the side of the face, eyebrows, and legs, as well as, white patches on the body.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix personality
Rottie and Aussie Mix is a smart and loyal breed who loves the company and attention of his family. They have a nice mix of the Australian Shepherd’s friendliness with the confidence and courage of the Rottweiler.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix temperament
Due to their herding instincts, the Australian Shepherd Mix with Rottweiler is expected to be pretty active with lots of energy to burn.
This makes them unsuitable for newbie dog owners who might find it a handful to care for such a dog. Aussie Rotties also respond well to owners who would give them proper direction since they need to be kept busy to prevent boredom.
Do Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix make great family pets?
Rottweiler and Aussie Mix is ideal for active families with older children. Since they have a tendency to nip ankles, smaller kids need to be adult supervised while playing.
They also get along well with other pets they grew up with but may show aloofness and even mild aggression towards strange pets and other people.
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Are Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler Mix aggressive dogs?
Australian Shepherd Mix Rottweiler has a strong herding instinct that makes them prone to nipping or chasing. This does not necessarily mean they are aggressive.
Dogs with a strong prey drive usually have this habit, but with early training and the use of positive reinforcements, this can be corrected.
And, while it is true that a Rottweiler has an imposing look, which an Aussie Rottie can inherit, aggressive behaviors are usually the result of improper care and neglect on the part of the owner that did not provide the necessary training and adequate attention for their canine companion.
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Aussie Rottweiler training
Rottweiler Mix Australian Shepherd must be socialized and trained for obedience as early as 7 weeks old. Getting them used to different people and situations at an early age will produce a well-balanced dog later in life.
The age between 7 weeks and 4 months old is the ideal period to inculcate good behavior in your Aussie Rottie.
During training, employ a reward-based training method by giving them treats and praises every time a task is completed. This would motivate them to follow a command and repeat the desired behavior.
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Aussie Rottie exercise requirement
Australian Shepherd Mixed with a Rottweiler requires at least two (2) hours of exercise daily. It is ideal to take them for a walk or a run twice daily. A good run will burn off any excess energy.
When going for a run with your furry friends, be sure to use a rope dog leash so you have full control of your pup. Rope dog leash helps keep you and your K9 friends safe while hiking, jogging, walking, or training.
Alternatively, you or your Aussie Rottie can go for a slow walk around the neighborhood.
Many Aussie Rottweiler Mix owners will also allow their furry friends to roam freely in their backyard or patio. We highly recommend this because it gives your Aussie Rottie Mix the opportunity to explore and sniff their surroundings as well as to walk, run, or jump at their own pace.
This is great because it helps keep them physically fit, get their necessary steps in for the day, expend their excess energy, and overall, it’s is good for their mental health.
If you do allow your Rottie Aussie Mix to roam freely in your backyard, make sure your yard is fully fenced to keep your fur babies safe.
We are aware that some towns or counties have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If you’re in this situation, don’t fret! A great alternative would be to install a wireless dog fence which will also keep your K9 companions safe.
Also known as the invisible doggy fence, many canine owners prefer the wireless dog fence because it is flexible and can adapt to any and all types of terrains including hilly, mountainous, and flat grassy terrains.
If you do allow your furry family members to roam freely in your backyard throughout the day, we highly recommend that you also install an automatic doggy door. With an electronic dog door, your pups can head outside to your backyard and come back into the house all on their own.
What’s great about the electronic doggy door is that it is programmable and you can customize curfew hours. This way, your furry family members can enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air and sun during the day while staying safe indoors at night.
So whether you work from home or at the office, your K9 friends can now head outside and come back into the house on their own without having you to open and close the door behind them every time.
Overall, the Aussie Rottie do well when given a task to perform, like herding, obedience training, or tracking since they are workers at heart. They want nothing more than to please their family and giving them a job provides them with a sense of purpose.
Rottweiler and Australian Shepherd Mix grooming and cleaning
Since the Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix sheds moderately throughout the year, they need to be brushed at least 2 to 3 times weekly to remove their loose hairs. Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix also shed more heavily during the spring and summer.
Therefore, you’ll want to use a medium slicker brush or a hand glove to control their shedding. During the heavy shedding seasons, we highly recommend using a a FURminator de-shedding tool which not only controls shedding but also will make it easier to remove tangles and keep their coat shiny and clean.
Due to their medium to large size, you will find more loose fur on your sofa, furniture, carpet, floor, and upholstery. If you find the amount of fur on your furniture and carpet annoying especially during the heavy shedding seasons, we highly recommend that you invest in a powerful vacuum cleaner.
We recommend using the Miele Vacuum Cleaner because it is quiet and can seamlessly vacuum between between carpet and hardwood floor. We’ve been using this vacuum cleaner for more than 5 years now and we love its durability. Our two dogs love it too and aren’t bothered by it when we start vacuuming.
Bathing frequency depends on the length of the coat of your Aussie Rottie.
Those with longer coats tend to have a water-repellant coat that only needs bathing every few months, while those who inherited the Rottweiler coat may need monthly washing. In between full baths, you can wipe the coat with mild doggie wipes to keep the coat clean.
The ears and the eyes should also be checked regularly and wiped clean with a soft and moist cloth to remove any discharge or wax accumulation.
For proper dental care, it’s best to brush your Aussie Rottweiler’s teeth daily. However, we know that this can be impossible especially when we have a busy schedule. Thus, you can also brush their teeth 2 to 3 times a week.
When brushing your Aussie Rottie’s teeth, be sure to use a dog toothpaste that contains an enzymatic formula with a non-foaming agent. To get your pooch to cooperate when brushing his teeth, you’ll want to find a toothpaste that is highly palatable with either a poultry, beef, or vanilla flavor.
The enzymatic formula in the toothpaste helps to reduce and loosen the buildup of plaque and tartar and keep the gum and health clean and healthy. The non-foaming agent in the toothpaste ensures that it is safe to swallow and there’s no need to rinse.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep your Rottie Aussie’s nails short. Long nails can affect your pup’s walking and gait. If your Aussie Rottweiler is sensitive to the clipping sound, try using a dog nail grinder for a more pleasant experience. Dog nail grinders features a whisper quiet motor with a precise diamond drum bit grinder.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Bathing | 1x a month. |
| Brushing | 3x a week. |
| Teeth Brushing | 2 – 3x a week. |
| Ear Cleaning | 1 – 2x a week. |
| Nail Clipping | As needed. |
Are Rottweiler Mix with Australian Shepherd hypoallergenic?
No, Rottweiler Mix with Australian Shepherd is not hypoallergenic. Dander and dried saliva can stick to their loose hairs, especially those with long hairs, and all of this can trigger an allergic reaction in those who are sensitive to dust.
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Do Rottweiler Mixed with Australian Shepherd shed?
Yes, Rottweiler Mixed with Australian Shepherd do shed throughout the year, especially more so during the fall and spring months when he is replacing his old coats.
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Rottie Aussie food and diet
Being an active dog breed, a Rottie Aussie needs a higher amount of protein, roughly about 25% for muscle development and repair. If you worry that you are not feeding your dog with a balanced diet, then shift to dog food that has passed the guidelines of The Association of American Feed Control Officials or AAFCO.
An average of three (3) cups of kibble food, divided into 2 servings is ideal for preventing the issue of bloat.
If you plan on preparing home-cooked food, it’s best to ask for advice from a veterinarian regarding the correct proportion of meat, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
You may be asking what kinds of treats can I give my Rottie Aussie. Fresh is always better, so you can share a small portion of your apple, or pear and even a few slices of carrots.
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Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix health issues
A designer dog such as an Australian Shepherd Rottweiler can inherit some diseases common to his parents. Learning early on what these diseases are can help you monitor for the signs and save up for veterinary bills.
An easy-to-use and affordable at-home dog DNA test kit such as the Embark Dog DNA Test Breed and Health Kit can yield accurate results of the inherited health problems of your furry family member.
Here are six (6) possible health issues that Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix are most prone to:
1. Collie Eye Defect
Collie eye defect is commonly diagnosed among Australian Shepherds. It causes retinal detachment in both eyes that will eventually lead to loss of eyesight. Unfortunately, there are no early signs and the only time owners notice this condition is when their dogs are already blind. This condition is irreversible.
Early detection and diagnosis is key so be sure to bring your pooch to see the vet on a regular basis.
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2. Hypothyroidism
An endocrine disorder that is commonly diagnosed among Australian Shepherds, it is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, thereby, resulting in weight gain and thinning of fur. Hormone replacement therapy is the only way to manage the disease.
3. Hip Dysplasia
A painful condition, hip dysplasia is caused by an abnormal growth in the hip joint. The two (2) common signs you need to look for are limping and unwillingness to go up and down the stairs.
4. Von Willebrand Disease
This disease can be inherited from the Rottweiler lineage. It is a blood disorder that causes a reduced ability to clot resulting in prolonged bleeding.
5. Bloat
A serious medical condition wherein the stomach twists after a large amount of meal. This is more common among large and deep-chested dogs including Rottweilers.
6. Aortic Stenosis
This is a heart disease that causes a partial blockage of blood flow into the left side of the heart. If you notice your dog exhibiting symptoms such as struggling to breathe after exercising and is always lethargic, a trip to the veterinary clinic shouldn’t be postponed.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix lifespan
A designer dog breed that has an average life expectancy of 9 to 12 years, some even reaching up to 15 years, if well-cared for.
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Australian Shepherd Rottweiler breeders
Before buying your Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, be sure that you are doing business with a ethical and reputable breeder and not from a backyard breeder. The former is more concerned about improving the breed while the latter is all about making profit at the expense of the puppies’ health.
To help you distinguish between these two (2) types of Australian Shepherd Rottweiler breeders, here are the factors to look for:
- A responsible breeder will do extensive health tests that include DNA testing before breeding their dogs.
- The puppies from responsible breeders come with health guarantee cards.
- Responsible breeders will allow you to interact with and observe the puppies.
- Responsible breeders have websites where their affiliations, awards, and reviews are indicated.
- Buyers are allowed to visit the breeding facilities either in person or virtually.
- Some responsible breeders go through the length of having the puppies neutered/spayed unless they will be bred and microchipped before releasing them to the buyers.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppy
Are you excited to own a Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix puppy? You have to understand that being a responsible pet owner of a Rottweiler Aussie Mix puppy requires more than just playing with your fur baby.
Be aware of the basic necessities that a puppy needs so you can enjoy the company of a well-balanced Aussie Rottweiler Mix puppy.
Here are some of these things:
- A leash and a harness. Choose a harness that is made from durable materials such as leather or nylon. We recommend a harness over a neck collar because it prevents choking. Use a retractable leash because it allows Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppies more freedom to explore and at the same time, gives you control.
- Get food and water bowls that have rubber rings around the bottom so these won’t be knocked over by playful Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler Mix puppies. Be sure to replenish the water bowl with clean water at all times.
- Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix puppies need a safe and quiet place to rest. Place the doggie bed in a place where they will not be disturbed by noise and moving people while asleep.
- During the first few weeks of a Rottweiler Aussie Mix puppy, he is still unable to hold his urine for more than 2 hours. Hence place training pads in one area and praise him if he relieves himself at the right place.
- More importantly, medical checkups, vaccinations, and deworming schedules should not be missed. Take note that some veterinary clinics require dogs to be placed in pet carriers.
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Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix price
The average price of an Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is between $1,000 and $2,000. You can get a puppy or an adult dog at a lower cost through adoption or rescue centers for an average of $700.
Places to find Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppies for sale
It’s always the best practice to get dogs from reputable breeders. In this section, we’d like to share a list of breeders who may be crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Rottweiler.
We cannot promise you that they have Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix puppies for sale but they may know of breeders who might have available Aussie Rottie puppies for sale.
High Desert Aussies (highdesertaussies.com) located in the USA produces AKC and ASCA-registered puppies for over 26 years and could be a good place to find your next pup. You can call or email them to inquire about Aussie Rottweiler Mix puppy for sale.
For those of you in Australia, you can check out the webpage of Ellagant Australian Shepherds (ellagant.com). The breeder was awarded the #1 breeder of Australian Shepherds from 2010 to 2015.
Finding a healthy Rottweiler Aussie Mix for sale
If you are one of those dog lovers that would rather get an adult dog than a puppy, here are two (2) breeders who hopefully have Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix for sale.
You can visit the website of King Rottweilers (kingrottweilers.com) if you’re near Spokane, Washington. Reach out to the breeders and find out if there is a Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix for sale.
Searching for Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix for sale in Canada? You can visit the website of Windorff Registered Rottweilers (windorff.com). They are located in Elmwood, Ontario.
Mixed breeds with Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
If you’re also interested in learning about the nature of the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix that is crossbred with another purebred dog, this section is what that is all about.
Take note though that we cannot give you a precise description because it is pretty hard to guess how mixed dog breeds would turn out, both physically and personality-wise.
Aussie Rottweiler Lab Mix
An Australian Shepherd Lab Rottweiler Mix is a large and active dog that is best cared for by a seasoned dog owner. Having the Labrador gene, an Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Lab Mix may most likely be less stubborn and is affectionate and protective of his human family.
Mini Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Lab Mix
A Mini Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Lab may most likely be a medium-sized dog that is energetic and easy to train. Mini Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler Lab Mix may come in a mixture of colors that can range from black, white, cream, and merle.
Australian Kelpie Rottweiler Mix
An Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog that is highly intelligent and active. Mixing this breed with another equally energetic dog such as a Rottweiler, one can expect the offspring to be highly trainable that require a considerable amount of moderate to high physical activities.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Australian Shepherd Mix
There’s no doubt that mixing three (3) pedigree breeds like a German Shepherd, a Rottweiler, and an Australian Shepherd will produce offsprings that are very energetic and also tend to be domineering. Thus, only those with years of experience in handling dogs should get this mixed breed.
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Australian Shepherd Husky Rottweiler Mix
Crossbreeding three (3) working dogs, the Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and Rottweiler, will produce highly intelligent and great guard dogs for the family.
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Australian Shepherd Pitbull Rottweiler Mix
Most likely, mixing an Australian Shepherd with Pitbull Rottweiler Mix will produce large and heavy-boned offspring. You can expect the offspring to be highly protective and requires vigorous forms of physical activities.
Rottweiler Aussie Mix: Pros and Cons
Do you have what it takes to care for a Rottweiler Aussie Mix? Here is a table that summarizes what it is like to live with this active dog.
| Pros | Cons |
| Protective. | Not a good choice for first time dog owners. |
| Loyal. | Stubborn and strong-willed. |
| Playful. | Needs a significant amount of physical activities. |
| Intelligent. | Smart but hard to train. |
| If properly trained, can be a good family dog. | Needs a big space to run around. |
| Generally healthy. | Not hypoallergenic. |
Is the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix right for me?
Are you a novice dog owner? If yes, an Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix may not be a good first dog for you because this a hybrid dog that requires a firm training program.
He can also be stubborn and may act out as an alpha or a leader of the pack.
But, if you are a seasoned dog owner that loves to play endlessly with active dogs, then the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix may be a great canine companion for you.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rottweiler/
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
