22-35 lbs
11-19"
United States
The Aussimo is a hybrid cross between the Australian Cattle Dog and the American Eskimo Dog. Medium in size, the Aussimo has long, soft fur and can be seen in blue, blue mottled, red mottled and red speckled colors. Dogs of the breed are very smart and inquisitive, with a desire to investigate. While the Aussimo is wary of strangers, he is protective, loving and affectionate with those he knows, making him typically good with children and other animals. With a high level of intelligence and desire to please, the Aussimo does well in obedience trials and enjoys working. Dogs of the breed require sufficient physical and mental exercise or can become hyperactive and high strung.
The hybrid called the Aussimo is a new breed that does not have a detailed history. However, the two breeds that combine to make the Aussimo have long histories. Research exists suggesting that the Australian Cattle Dog is the result of some blue-merle Highland Collies that were crossed with Dingoes in 1840 by a man named Hall; these dogs were known as Hall’s heelers. Other research points to a man named George Elliott as being responsible for crossing the Dingo and blue merle Collie. Two brothers (Jack and Harry Bagust) worked on improving the breed; it is thought that they crossed a female with a Dalmatian and then with a Black and Tan Kelpie, which is a Sheepdog. The resulting dog is an ancestor of the Australian Cattle Dog we know today. The breed was once known as the Queensland Blue Heeler and later known as the Australian Heeler, before being called the Australian Cattle Dog. The dog now known as the American Eskimo comes from the Keeshond, which originally was seen in a variety of colors. White Keeshonds became excluded from the breed standard, as did Pomeranians that weighed more than eight pounds. It is thought that these dogs were kept as pets by workers in Europe; eventually these dogs were brought to the United States. In the 1920’s the dogs became known as the American Spitz and they became popular with circus performers. After World War I the dogs became known as the American Eskimo.
Most of the Aussimo’s appearance is inherited from the Australian Cattle Dog. A medium sized dog, the body of the Aussimo is typically sturdy, muscular and compact, presenting the appearance of both strength and agility. The skull is broad and the cheeks are muscled. The Aussimo has pricked ears set widely apart that are small to medium in size and eyes that are oval and dark. The neck and shoulders of the Aussimo are strong and the forelegs are straight. The feet of the Aussimo are round and arched and include small yet sturdy toes and nails. The fur of dogs of this breed is typically long and soft.
Maintenance of your Aussimo will be moderate, requiring weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush so that you may remove any dead hairs. In the case of the Australian Cattle Dog, bathing should only occur as necessary, which may be once or twice annually, while the American Eskimo should be bathed monthly. How often you bathe your Aussimo will be dependent upon the coat that he inherits. Basic care that is necessary for all dogs is also important, to include trimming his nails as necessary and keeping his ears clean and dry. In addition, you will want to brush his teeth regularly to ensure his overall dental health. The Aussimo is considered to be easy to train; training should start when your dog first comes home. Socialization is also important so that your Aussimo will be comfortable around other people and animals. Providing challenging activities for your Aussimo will help him to avoid becoming bored; this is key to ensuring he does not partake in destructive behaviors.
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Most Aussimos are good with children as well as with other animals. While an Aussimo will typically be reserved and wary of strangers, he makes friends once he is introduced and has the opportunity to spend time with them. Dogs of the breed are very intelligent and easy to train, helped by their willingness to please; often they rank high when participating in obedience trials. The Aussimo is usually curious and will enjoy investigating, as well as working. If an Aussimo is not able to get enough mental and physical exercise it may lead to his becoming hyperactive and high-strung, resulting in their spinning in circles.
Your Aussimo will require a significant amount of physical and mental exercise on a daily basis. Activities like fetching, tugging, running and walking will allow your Aussimo to expend some energy and keep busy. Both the American Eskimo and the Australian Cattle Dog enjoy working, and it is likely that your Aussimo will benefit from work as well. He might enjoy participating in obedience trials or different challenges. While an Aussimo can do well in an apartment if provided with the opportunity for daily exercise, a fenced in yard is ideal for dogs of the breed.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/05/2017, edited: 12/09/2021
More articles by Darlene Stott
I would like to know how to cross breed to make an aussimo dog. Does the femal have to be an Eskie or the male?
