The Australian Cattle Dog Rottweiler mix is a new designer dog breed that combines the blockier head and black and tan markings of the Rottweiler, with the coat ticking and work drive of the Australian Shepherd for an industrious cattle dog and vigilant watchdog.
The Cattle Dog Rottweiler Mix
Bred from the Australian cattle dog (previously known as the Blue Heeler, Australian Heeler, or Queensland Heeler) and Rottweiler, the cattle dog Rottweiler mix is also called the “Blueweiler” after the Blue Heeler.
No one quite knows why breeders crossed these two breeds, but we can assume the purpose was to create a more efficient farm dog that also offers protection for the family.
Breed History
The Australian cattle dog (Originally referred to as the Australian Heeler) is related to the Australian Dingo.
Bred to herd cattle, the cattle dog is an agile, cunningly clever, and resilient dog that must have a job or athletic calling to thrive properly.
The Rottweiler is a German breed descended from the Roman mastiff – a sturdy dog that physically resembles the Rottweiler we know today.
The Roman Army used the Rottweiler-like Mastiffs to guard their herds as they traveled on foot.
Rottweilers began their careers as police and personal protection dogs once cattle cars became the primary mode of moving cattle.
Appearance
While breeders are still refining the Australian Cattle Dog Rottweiler as a breed, certain distinguishing features stand out in first-generation pups.
- A blocky Rottweiler shaped head.
- Tan points that resemble those of the Rottweiler.
- An intense gaze like that of the cattle dog.
- Folded or semi-folded ears resembling those of the Rottweiler
- Patches of ticked hair.
- Medium-set eyes with an intense gaze.
- A sturdy body like that of the Rottweiler, but with a slender torso
- A thick short to medium-length double coat.
The Cattle Rottweiler dog can vary in size, standing between twenty-two and twenty-five inches tall and weighing between forty-five to eighty pounds.
Most Blueweiler puppies carry a combination of the Rottweiler’s black and tan markings with the cattle dog’s ticking interspersed.
The Rottweiler Mix Personality
A new dog breed’s personality is difficult to tell so soon after the development of the species, but so far, dominant traits seen in the early offspring include:
- A calm disposition.
- A strong work ethic.
- Deep-seated herding instincts.
- Suspicion of strangers.
- Loyalty.
- A dominant personality.
The Australian cattle dog Rottweiler mix is a robust dog with a hardwired instinct for herding and the protective nature inherent to the cattle dog and the Rottweiler.
A hardworking mixed breed, this dog demands an active family and a job whenever possible.
The Australian Shepherd is not a big barker and tends to bark only when excited due to provocation or play.
Likewise, the Rottweiler is a quiet dog that tends to bark only in defense of family, property, and self.
A mix of these two breeds, the Australian cattle dog Rottweiler seldom barks without good reason.
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler must have an active family or live in a working environment to thrive.
The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler’s exceptional intelligence and high energy level mean they must stay busy or succumb to depression or destructive behavior.
The Australian Shepherd and the Rottweiler tend to be lone wanderers, but they can happily live with other similar-sized dogs with early socialization.
The same concept seems to be true for human companionship, too. The Australian Shepherd Rottweiler tends to attach to one specific person with whom they bond fiercely.
Having such a strong bond with one family member can be troublesome, however, as it can lead to possessive jealousy and aggression (even against other family members).
To avoid this, multiple family members should take part in feeding, playing with, petting, bathing, walking, and training the dog, too!
Trainability
The Australian cattle dog Rottweiler is not a breed for the first-time dog owner as they demand a confident handler who is consistent and experienced in handling working dogs.
Proper training is also crucial to the Australian cattle dog Rottweiler mix since they need an owner willing to continue a lifetime of obedience training with a firm yet cheerful hand.
Without training, this pup is prone to ankle nipping and herding and can become possessive over family members.
Socialization is equally important to the cattle dog Rottweiler mixed breed because both parent breeds can be naturally aloof and suspicious of strangers.
Early exposure to strangers and other animals plays a significant role in socialization.
This hybrid dog is not a good match for households with small children or small pets, though their heel-nipping and herding behavior and the high prey drive of both contributing breeds.
Health
The offspring of the Australian cattle dog Rottweiler can be at risk for a variety of heritable conditions because both parent breeds are susceptible to various health concerns, including:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Increased susceptibility to infection.
- Multidrug resistance
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Uterine disease
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloating
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
- Hypothyroidism
- Sub Aortic Stenosis
- Patellar luxation
- Glaucoma
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Bladder crystals and kidney stones
- Pelger-Huet Anomaly
- Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
- Deafness
- Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- Persistent Pupillary Membrane
Conclusion / Summary
The Australian cattle dog Rottweiler mix is a strong, agile, and determined working dog that excels in herding and guarding.
Although not for the novice, this mixed breed makes the perfect companion for a cattle rancher, farmer, or otherwise active family.
