Aussietare
Hybrid Breed Description
The Aussietare is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Bull Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an Aussietare. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced, athletic breed of medium size with remarkable agility and endurance. Males typically stand between twenty and twenty-three inches at the shoulder, while females measure eighteen to twenty-one inches tall. Their weight generally ranges from forty to sixty-five pounds for males and thirty-five to fifty-five pounds for females. This breed exhibits a solid, muscular build with a level topline and a broad, deep chest with well-sprung ribs. Their body length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks is slightly greater than their height at withers, creating a slightly rectangular silhouette. The Australian Shepherd's distinctive head features a moderately long, slightly rounded topskull with a well-defined stop. Their almond-shaped eyes are highly expressive and can be brown, blue, amber, or any combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. The breed's triangular ears are set high on the head and at attention break forward or to the side. Their most striking feature is undoubtedly their coat, which consists of a medium-length double coat with a dense undercoat and a weather-resistant outer layer that can be straight to slightly wavy. The coat displays remarkable color variety, including blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, all with or without white markings and tan points. Australian Shepherds possess a smooth, free, effortless gait that demonstrates their herding heritage. Their necks are strong and well-arched, flowing smoothly into muscular shoulders. The tail is customarily docked or naturally bobbed, though length varies. The breed's overall appearance conveys strength, stamina, and the agility necessary for working livestock across varied terrain, all while maintaining an elegant and balanced structure that makes them instantly recognizable.
Key Characteristics
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent, energetic dogs with strong herding instincts and an intense desire to work. These dogs rank among the smartest breeds, capable of learning complex commands quickly and routinely outsmarting their owners if not properly challenged. They are extremely loyal to their families, often forming particularly strong bonds with one person, which has earned them the nickname velcro dogs. While affectionate and playful with family members, Aussies tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers, displaying protective instincts toward their people and property. This wariness requires early socialization to prevent excessive guardedness. The breed's boundless energy and active mind demand substantial physical and mental stimulation daily. Without adequate exercise and engagement, Australian Shepherds can become destructive, developing problematic behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, or herding inappropriate targets like children or vehicles. They thrive when given jobs to do and excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, herding trials, and flyball. Their problem-solving abilities mean they enjoy figuring things out and view challenges as rewards unto themselves. Aussies are often described as having a strong work ethic combined with a playful, sometimes mischievous personality. Training an Australian Shepherd requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement methods, as they can be sensitive souls despite their tough exterior. They respond poorly to harsh corrections and thrive with reward-based training. While generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized, their herding instincts may cause them to nip at heels or attempt to herd family members. Australian Shepherds need confident, active owners who can provide structure, leadership, and plenty of daily activity to channel their intelligence and energy appropriately.
Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, though they are predisposed to several hereditary conditions that potential owners should understand. Eye problems represent the most common health concerns in the breed, including hereditary cataracts that can develop as early as one to two years of age and may progress to painful glaucoma requiring surgical intervention. Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual vision loss typically beginning in mature adults, while collie eye anomaly and persistent pupillary membranes can also affect the breed. Regular eye examinations by veterinary ophthalmologists are essential for early detection. Orthopedic issues include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, both hereditary conditions affecting joint formation that can lead to arthritis and chronic pain as dogs age. While not as prevalent as in some larger breeds, these conditions occur frequently enough to warrant screening through radiographic evaluation. Responsible breeders test breeding stock to reduce incidence. Australian Shepherds are also one of the breeds most affected by the MDR1 gene mutation, with roughly half carrying at least one copy. This mutation causes extreme sensitivity to certain common medications including ivermectin, making genetic testing crucial before administering drugs. Other health concerns include epilepsy, hypothyroidism which is the most commonly reported autoimmune disease in the breed, and various cancers including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Merle-to-merle breeding can produce double merle offspring with serious vision and hearing defects, making ethical breeding practices essential. Natural bob-tailed dogs should not be bred together due to potential spinal defects in offspring. Maintaining appropriate weight through diet and exercise helps prevent or manage many conditions, while regular veterinary checkups enable early detection and treatment of emerging health issues.
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is instantly recognizable by its distinctive egg-shaped head, which appears completely filled when viewed from the front with no stop between the skull and muzzle. This unique head curves gently downward from the top of the skull to the tip of the black nose, creating the breed's signature profile. The eyes are small, triangular, and deeply set, appearing dark and keen, while the ears are naturally erect, pointed, and set close together high on the head. This combination creates an alert, determined expression that epitomizes the breed's character. The head should be strong and deep but not coarse, with powerful jaws and a complete scissors bite. Bull Terriers are medium-sized, strongly built dogs with no specific height or weight restrictions in the breed standard, though they should give the impression of maximum substance for their size. Standard Bull Terriers typically stand twenty-one to twenty-two inches tall and weigh fifty to seventy pounds, though some individuals may be larger. The body is well-rounded with marked spring of rib, a deep chest, and a short, strong back with a slight arch over the loin. Their muscular neck is long and slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to head. The shoulders are strong and muscular, while forearms are straight and robust with oval bone. The hindquarters display well-developed thighs and strong, parallel hocks. The breed's coat is short, flat, and harsh to the touch with a fine gloss, lying close to the body. Bull Terriers come in two color varieties: white, which may have markings on the head but should be pure white elsewhere, and colored, which includes any color other than white or any color with white markings. Brindle is preferred among colored dogs, though black, red, fawn, and tricolor are also seen. Their movement is smooth and athletic, demonstrating power and agility. The tail is set low, short, and carried horizontally, thick at the root and tapering to a point. Despite their muscular, rugby-player build, Bull Terriers maintain a balanced, agile appearance suited to their original purpose.
Key Characteristics
Bull Terriers are playful, affectionate, and famously comical dogs often described as clowns of the dog world. They possess larger-than-life personalities that are mischievous yet endearing, with goofy antics that keep their families entertained. These dogs are intensely loyal and form deep bonds with their people, craving human companionship and attention. They thrive on interaction and can become destructive or develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Bull Terriers are often called the kid in a dog suit due to their exuberant, childlike enthusiasm for life and their genuine love of play. Despite their tough appearance, Bull Terriers are generally sweet-natured and gentle with family members, showing particular patience with children when properly socialized. However, their strong-willed and sometimes stubborn nature requires consistent, patient training using positive reinforcement methods. They are highly intelligent and capable of learning complex commands, but they can be independent thinkers who need to be convinced training is worthwhile. Early socialization is absolutely critical, as Bull Terriers can be territorial and may show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs, particularly those of the same sex. With people, they tend to be friendly once introductions are made, though they make excellent watchdogs who will alert to strangers. Bull Terriers have high energy levels requiring substantial daily exercise through walks, play sessions, and dog sports like agility, obedience, and weight pulling. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can become bored and engage in destructive behaviors. They have strong jaws and a tendency to chew, so homes should be puppy-proofed even for adult dogs. Their sensitivity means they respond poorly to harsh corrections, preferring reward-based training. Bull Terriers need experienced, active owners who can provide firm but gentle leadership, plenty of exercise, and the attention these devoted dogs crave to thrive as family companions.
Bull Terriers have a lifespan of twelve to thirteen years and while generally healthy, they are predisposed to several breed-specific health conditions. Deafness is particularly prevalent, especially in white Bull Terriers where approximately eighteen percent are born deaf in one or both ears. Hearing should be tested early using brainstem auditory evoked response testing, as affected dogs require special training accommodations. The condition is hereditary and linked to coat color genetics, making responsible breeding practices essential. Kidney disease represents a serious concern in Bull Terriers. Hereditary nephritis and polycystic kidney disease can lead to progressive renal failure, often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. These conditions typically manifest in young dogs and are genetically inherited. Cardiac issues including mitral valve dysplasia and aortic stenosis are also common, potentially leading to congestive heart failure. Regular veterinary monitoring can help detect early signs of heart disease, though these congenital defects have no cure and require lifelong management. Lethal acrodermatitis is a fatal genetic disorder unique to Bull Terriers, caused by zinc metabolism defects. Affected puppies show poor growth, skin lesions, and immunodeficiency, rarely surviving past two years. Orthopedic problems include patellar luxation where the kneecap dislocates causing pain and lameness, and both hip and elbow dysplasia leading to arthritis. Eye problems such as hereditary cataracts and primary lens luxation can cause vision impairment or blindness. Skin allergies are common, particularly in white dogs, causing itching and inflammation. Obesity is a significant concern as Bull Terriers love food and can easily become overweight, exacerbating joint and heart problems. Regular exercise, portion control, routine veterinary care including eye exams, and genetic testing of breeding stock help manage these health risks and ensure Bull Terriers live full, healthy lives.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Aussietare may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Australian Shepherd and Bull Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.