Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix: A Guide to the Pit Heeler

Aussie Pit (Australian Shepherd & Pitbull Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, FAQs & More

March 11, 2024

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Aussie Pit Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix Info Pictures And Facts

The Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix, also known as the Pit Heeler, is a crossbreed between the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, and the Pitbull, specifically the American Pitbull Terrier. The Pit Heeler is a unique and fascinating breed that combines the energetic nature of the Pitbull and the intelligent and hardworking Australian Cattle Dog.

The Pit Heeler is a loyal, friendly, and playful dog that can make a great companion for active and experienced owners. However, this breed is not for everyone, as it can also be stubborn, strong-willed, and challenging to train. The Pit Heeler also needs a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization to thrive and be happy.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix, including its history, appearance, temperament, health, and care. We will also answer some common questions that people have about this hybrid. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the Pit Heeler and whether it is the right dog for you.

Table of Contents

Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Pit Heeler Come From?

The Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix is a relatively new designer dog breed that was likely created in the United States sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. There is no official record of when or where the first Pit Heeler was bred, but it is assumed that it was done intentionally to combine the traits of the two parent breeds.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is a herding dog breed that originated in Australia in the 19th century. The Australian Cattle Dog was developed by crossing various breeds, such as the Dingo, the Collie, the Bull Terrier, and the Dalmatian, to create a dog that could work in the harsh and rugged terrain of the Australian outback.

The Australian Cattle Dog is known for its intelligence, stamina, and loyalty. It is also known for its distinctive blue or red speckled coat, which gives it the nickname of the Blue Heeler or the Red Heeler. The Australian Cattle Dog is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is ranked as the 55th most popular dog breed in the United States.

Pitbull

The Pitbull is not a specific breed, but a term that refers to a group of dogs that share similar characteristics, such as a muscular build, a short coat, and a strong jaw. The most common breeds that fall under the Pitbull category are the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully.

The Pitbull originated in England in the 18th and 19th centuries, where they were bred for bull-baiting and dogfighting. These cruel sports were outlawed in the 19th century, and the Pitbull was then used as a farm dog, a hunting dog, and a companion dog. The Pitbull was brought to America by immigrants, where it became popular as a working dog and a family pet.

The Pitbull is known for its courage, strength, and affection. It is also known for its controversial reputation, as it is often stereotyped as a vicious and aggressive dog. The Pitbull is not recognized by the AKC, but it is recognized by other kennel clubs, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA).

Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does a Pit Heeler Look Like?

The Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix can vary in appearance, depending on the traits it inherits from its parent breeds. However, some general features that you can expect from a Pit Heeler are:

Size: The Pit Heeler is a medium to large-sized dog, with an average height of 17 to 24 inches and an average weight of 30 to 60 pounds.
Coat: The Pit Heeler has a short, dense, and smooth coat that can come in various colors and patterns, such as blue, red, black, white, brown, brindle, or speckled.
Head: The Pit Heeler has a broad and flat head, with a medium-sized muzzle and a black nose. It has almond-shaped eyes that can be brown, blue, or heterochromatic. It has medium-sized ears that can be erect, floppy, or semi-erect.
Body: The Pit Heeler has a muscular and athletic body, with a strong neck and a deep chest. It has long and sturdy legs, with webbed feet and dewclaws. It has a long and tapered tail that can be straight or curved.

Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix Temperament: What is a Pit Heeler’s Personality Like?

The Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix can have a varied and unpredictable temperament, depending on the traits it inherits from its parent breeds. However, some general characteristics that you can expect from a Pit Heeler are:

Loyalty: The Pit Heeler is a loyal and devoted dog that will form a strong bond with its owner and family. It will protect and defend its loved ones from any threat, and will always be by their side.
Friendliness: The Pit Heeler is a friendly and sociable dog that can get along well with other dogs and people, especially if it is well-socialized from an early age. It can be a great companion for children, as it is playful, gentle, and patient with them.
Energy: The Pit Heeler is a highly energetic and active dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep it happy and healthy. It can enjoy various activities, such as running, hiking, swimming, or playing fetch, as long as it is with its owner.
Intelligence: The Pit Heeler is an intelligent and smart dog that can learn quickly and easily, especially if it is motivated by praise, treats, or toys. It can excel at various tasks, such as agility, obedience, or herding, as long as it is trained with consistency and positive reinforcement.
Stubbornness: The Pit Heeler is a stubborn and strong-willed dog that can be challenging to train and control, especially if it is not properly trained or socialized. It can also be dominant and assertive, and may try to test its owner’s authority or challenge other dogs. It needs a firm and confident owner who can establish clear rules and boundaries, and enforce them with patience and respect.

Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix Health: What are the Pit Heeler’s Health Issues?

The Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix can inherit some health issues from its parent breeds, such as:

Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint is malformed or dislocated, causing pain, inflammation, and mobility problems. It can be diagnosed by x-rays, and treated by medication, surgery, or physical therapy.
Deafness: This is a condition where the dog is partially or completely deaf, due to genetic or environmental factors. It can be diagnosed by hearing tests, and managed by training, communication, or devices.
Skin allergies: This is a condition where the dog is allergic to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, or food, causing itching, redness, or inflammation of the skin. It can be diagnosed by skin tests, and treated by medication, diet, or supplements.
Eye problems: This is a condition where the dog has various problems with its eyes, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or cherry eye, causing vision loss, irritation, or infection. It can be diagnosed by eye exams, and treated by medication, surgery, or eye drops.

To prevent or reduce these health issues, you should provide your Pit Heeler with regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control. You should also feed your Pit Heeler a high-quality and balanced diet, and keep it at a healthy weight. You should also groom your Pit Heeler regularly, and check its ears, eyes, and skin for any signs of infection or irritation.

Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix Care: How to Take Care of a Pit Heeler?

The Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix is a low-maintenance dog that does not require much grooming or care. However, some basic care tips that you should follow are:

Grooming: The Pit Heeler has a short and smooth coat that sheds moderately, and only needs occasional brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. You should also trim its nails, clean its ears, and brush its teeth regularly, to prevent any problems or infections.
Exercise: The Pit Heeler is a highly energetic and active dog that needs at least an hour of exercise every day, to keep it fit and happy. You should provide your Pit Heeler with various activities, such as running, hiking, swimming, or playing fetch, as long as it is with you. You should also provide your Pit Heeler with some mental stimulation, such as puzzles, toys, or training, to keep it challenged and entertained.
Training: The Pit Heeler is an intelligent and smart dog that can learn quickly and easily, but it can also be stubborn and strong-willed, and may need some guidance and direction. You should start training your Pit Heeler from an early age, and use positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, or toys, to motivate and reward it. You should also be consistent and firm, and establish clear rules and boundaries, and enforce them with patience and respect. You should also socialize your Pit Heeler with other dogs and people, to prevent any aggression or shyness.
Feeding: The Pit Heeler is a medium to large-sized dog that needs a high-quality and balanced diet, to meet its nutritional and energy needs. You should feed your Pit Heeler according to its age, weight, and activity level, and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding it. You should also provide your Pit Heeler with fresh water at all times, and avoid any human foods that can be harmful to it.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered everything you need to know about the Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull mix, including its history, appearance, temperament, health, and care. We also answered some common questions that people have about this hybrid. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of the Pit Heeler and whether it is the right dog for you.