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Aussietare Hybrid Description

Hybrid Description

The Aussietare is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Bull Terrier. The best way to determine the temperment of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues.

Australian Shepherd Breed Description - Cross #1

For many years, Aussies have been valued by stockmen for their versatility and trainability. They have a similar look to the popular English Shepherd and Border Collie breeds. While they continue to work as stockdogs and compete in herding trials, the breed has earned recognition in other roles due to their trainability and eagerness to please, and are highly regarded for their skills in obedience. Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive, and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at dog sports such as dog agility, flyball, and frisbee. They are also highly successful search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide, service, and therapy dogs.

Behavior

Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive - they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train.

This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. The coat is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Health

Many diagnostic tests are available for concerned Aussie owners to check the overall health of an Aussie. Also, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has an extensive database to track results and provide statistics for the following concerns: hips, elbows, heart, patellar luxation (knees), and thyroid (autoimmune) disease. The OFA database also includes the results for eye exams performed by a Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) veterinarian, but only if the owner of the Aussie submits the results. This database is a great resource to investigate the lineage and related health of the progenitors of some dogs, at least regarding hip ratings.

Many tests have been developed by, or are processed at, laboratories to check for the 11 health concerns that plague the Australian shepherd breed. Some of those labs are Optigen, Animal Health Trust, Endocrine Diagnostic Center, Animal Health Laboratory, Washington State University Veterinary Clinic, Vet DNA Center, and HealthGene. These labs might perform one or many of the tests that have been developed.

Tests or evaluations have been developed for:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation (knees)
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Thyroid (Autoimmune)
Congenital Cardiac (heart)
Multi Drug Resistance Gene (MDR1)
Hereditary Cataracts (HSF4)
Pelger Huet Anomaly
Coat Color (red carrier/red factored)
Dilute Gene Carrier

DNA testing to either certify parentage (CP) or to verify parentage (VP) for Australian shepherds is also another test that can be performed and as of January 2010 all adults producing a litter will be required to be DNA tested to allow a breeder to register a litter with the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA).

Bull Terrier Breed Description - Cross #2

The Bull Terrier's most recognizable feature is its head, described as 'egg shaped' when viewed from the front, the top of the skull is almost flat from ear to ear. Profile curves gently downwards from top of skull to tip of nose which should be black and bent downwards at tip. Nostrils are well developed and under-jaw deep and strong snout. The unique triangle-shaped eyes are small, dark, and deep-set. The body is full and round, while the shoulders are robust and very muscular and the tail is carried horizontally. They are generally white in color, walk with a jaunty gait, and are popularly known as the 'gladiator of the canine race'.

Behavior

Bull Terriers are known to be courageous and active. They enjoy being around people but are strong willed and thus require an assertive owner; as such the Bull Terrier is not recommended for households with small children if the owner is a first time Bull Terrier owner. Bull Terriers need the companionship of their owners and should not be kept outside in a kennel. Bull Terriers can be both independent and stubborn and for this reason are not considered suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. A firm hand and an assertive demeanour are essential if the Bull Terrier is not to run riot. They are protective of their family, although comprehensive socialization at an early age will prevent them from becoming over-protective and neurotic.

When it comes to other animals, caution should be advised. Bull Terriers have a strong prey instinct and, like any strong dog breed, can cause injury or death to people or other animals, especially cats. That said, puppies brought up with cats and other animals get on well with the animals they know; however, they can never be completely trusted with other animals. Uncastrated males often do not get along with other male dogs. Males and females however can live together happily, and two females can also be a good combination with care and supervision. Introducing a Bull Terrier of the same sex as the dog in residence is considered unwise, and some Bull Terriers won't countenance other dogs of either sex.

This breed adapts well to life as a house dog but does not like to be left alone and requires plenty of exercise. Weekly brushing is required.

Health

Prone to slipped patella (dislocation of the kneecaps), heart defects, kidney failure and skin and flea allergies. Prone to suffer from a zinc deficiency, which can cause death. Gains weight easily. Do not overfeed. White Bull Terriers are prone to deafness.

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