The Aussiedoodle, also called the Aussiepoo, is a popular cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. Fans of the breed love these pups for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and striking appearance. Typically, the Aussiepoo inherits the Poodle’s allergy-friendly coat, which is low-shedding and comes in various colors. As with any hypoallergenic dog breed, the possibility of shedding and allergic reactions to those with sensitivities is still possible. Aussiedoodles come in several sizes — toy, mini, and standard — depending on the Poodle parent used in the breeding.
The Aussiedoodle temperament is characterized by a playful, friendly, and active personality. Because of their intelligence and adaptability, they learn quickly and are highly trainable. They are often described as curious and eager to please, making them great companions suitable for various dog sports and activities. However, they are energetic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Aussiedoodles are considered high-maintenance due to their high energy levels and the required upkeep on their coats. They may not be the ideal breed choice for novice or first-time pet parents.
Aussiedoodle characteristics
- Height: Mini: 12-18 inches | Standard: 18-23 inches
- Weight: Mini: 15-35 pounds | Standard: 40-70 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Coat and color variation
Aussiedoodle coats can range from straight to wavy or curly, often influenced by the Poodle parent’s genes. Furthermore, they are usually hypoallergenic and low-shedding, making Aussiedoodles appealing to allergy-sensitive owners. Their color spectrum is equally impressive, showcasing black, white, cream, gray, brown, apricot, and red. Some display merle patterns, inherited from the Australian Shepherd parent, featuring a marbled mix of colors with unique, often blue or bi-colored, eyes. Other common patterns include parti (two-tone), phantom (tan markings similar to a Doberman), and solid colors.
Physical features and appearance
Size and build
Full grown Aussiedoodles come in various sizes, dictated by whether the Poodle parent was standard, miniature, or toy.
- Miniature Aussiedoodles: Typically weigh 15-30 pounds and stand 12-18 inches tall.
- Standard Aussiedoodles: Larger, weighing 40-70 pounds and reaching heights of 18-24 inches.
- Build: Athletic with a medium, sturdy frame.
Coat colors and texture
- .Coat: Wavy, curly, or straight; often low-shedding and hypoallergenic.
- Colors: Wide range including merle, parti, phantom, solid, and bi-colored.
Coat texture
- Straight: Resembling the Australian Shepherd, sleek and less prone to tangling.
- Wavy: A mix of Australian Shepherd and Poodle traits; soft, flowing waves that are easier to manage.
- Curly: Similar to the Poodle’s tight curls, requiring more maintenance to prevent matting.
Facial features
- Eyes: Can be brown, blue, green, or even heterochromatic (two different colors)
- Head Shape: Medium-sized and well-proportioned, slightly rounded skull.
- Muzzle: Medium length, tapering slightly toward the nose. Occasionally features lighter or darker shading depending on coat color.
- Ears: Floppy, soft, and moderately sized.
How big does an Aussiedoodle get?
The size of a full-grown Aussiedoodle can vary widely depending on the size of their Poodle parent (toy, miniature, or standard). Toy Aussiedoodles are the smallest, typically weighing 10-20 pounds and standing around 10-12 inches at the shoulder. They are a result of breeding a Toy Poodle with a smaller Australian Shepherd. Miniature Aussiedoodles are slightly larger, weighing 15-35 pounds and standing 12-18 inches tall. These are bred from a Miniature Poodle and an Australian Shepherd. The largest variation is the Standard Aussiedoodle, which weighs between 40-70 pounds and stands 19-24 inches tall at the shoulder, coming from a Standard Poodle parent.
Aussiedoodle temperament
Aussiedoodles are known for their friendly, intelligent, and outgoing temperament. They inherit the Australian Shepherd’s energetic and playful nature combined with the Poodle’s sharp intelligence and eagerness to please. This combination makes them highly trainable and responsive to commands, excelling in activities like obedience, agility, and even therapy work. Aussiedoodles are social dogs that thrive on human interaction and often form strong bonds with their families. They are great with children and other pets, showcasing a gentle and patient demeanor when well-socialized. However, their high energy levels and intelligence mean they require ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors.
Personality and behavior traits
- Intelligent: Highly smart and quick to learn new commands and tricks.
- Energetic: Requires regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
- Playful: Loves games, fetch, and interactive play with family members.
- Affectionate: Forms strong bonds with their owners and thrives on attention
- .Social: Friendly and outgoing, enjoys meeting new people and pets.
- Gentle: Typically patient and kind, especially with children.
- Adaptable: Fits well into different living situations, from apartments (with proper exercise) to large homes.
- Emotionally Intuitive: Sensitive to their owner’s moods, often offering comfort when needed.
- Boredom Prone: Needs mental stimulation; may become destructive without enough exercise or engagement.
- Loyal: Devoted to their family, often shadowing their favorite person around the house.
Pros and cons of an Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles have many appealing qualities, but they also come with challenges that potential owners should consider. On the plus side, they are intelligent, affectionate, and highly trainable, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and active individuals. Their friendly and playful nature, combined with their generally low-shedding and hypoallergenic coats, makes them a great choice for households with allergies. They are also social and get along well with children and other pets.
Prospective pet parents should know that Aussiedoodles require a significant commitment of time and energy. Their high intelligence and energy levels mean they need regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Grooming can also be demanding, particularly for those with curly coats that require frequent brushing and trims. Additionally, their need for companionship means they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Overall, Aussiedoodles are loving, versatile dogs but thrive best with attentive, active owners who can meet their needs.
Training and socialization
Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are crucial due to their intelligence and potential stubbornness. Of course, their intelligence allows them to pick up commands quickly, so early training is key to establishing good behavior from the start. Use praise, treats, and affection to reward desired behavior. Aussiedoodles respond well to positive reinforcement, and this approach will keep them motivated and engaged.
Training tips:
- Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial in training. Use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion. This helps your Aussiedoodle understand what is expected of them.
- Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Aussiedoodles are intelligent but can lose interest if training sessions are too long or repetitive. Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and engage with varied activities.
- Mental Stimulation: Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games into their routine to challenge their mind. A bored Aussiedoodle can become restless or destructive. Once basic obedience is established, teach more advanced commands or tricks. Their intelligence makes them excellent candidates for agility training, fetch, or scent games.
Aussiedoodle care
As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Australian Shepherd Poodle mix’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
How much exercise does an Aussiedoodle need?
A couple of walks every day, totaling around 45 minutes, should do the trick to keep your Aussiedoodle happy and healthy. However, due to their remarkable intelligence, it’s of great benefit to incorporate obedience tasks into the exercise mix to keep them interested and mentally stimulated.
Aussiedoodle grooming needs
The Aussiedoodle’s coat comes in an array of colors, patterns, and textures depending on their genetic makeup. The coats usually incorporate a mix of black, white, gray, and brown and are typically somewhere between medium and long in terms of length. It is often described as soft to the touch and wavy. Like other Poodle mixes, they don’t typically shed much and are usually considered hypoallergenic. Remember that this does not mean they do not cause allergies, only that they’re less likely to do so.
How to groom an Aussiedoodle
- Brushing: Brush 2-3 times a week (daily for curly coats) to prevent tangles and matting. Use a slicker brush and a metal comb for thorough grooming.
- Bathing: Bathe every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to maintain coat health.
- Trimming: Trim the coat every 6-8 weeks to keep it manageable. Focus on areas prone to matting, like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
- Ear Cleaning: Check ears weekly for dirt or wax buildup. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner to avoid infections.
- Nail Clipping: Trim nails every 3-4 weeks or when you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder to prevent overgrowth.
- Teeth Brushing: Brush teeth 2-3 times a week using dog-safe toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene. Never use human toothpaste as it is toxic for dogs!
- Eye Care: Wipe around the eyes as needed with a damp cloth to remove tear stains or debris.
Check for skin issues
- Inspect Regularly: As you groom, check their skin for any signs of irritation, redness, or bumps. If you notice anything unusual, consult a vet.
Flea, tick, and parasite control
Keep up with flea and tick prevention treatments, especially if your Aussiedoodle spends much time outdoors. Regular grooming allows you to spot parasites early.
Early acclimation is key
Getting your Aussiedoodle accustomed to grooming procedures from a young age makes the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Handle their paws frequently, examine their mouth and ears, and reward them for good behavior during grooming sessions. This positive foundation sets the stage for stress-free veterinary exams and handling throughout their lives.
Feeding and nutrition
An ideal Aussiedoodle diet should be formulated for a medium breed with medium energy. Aussiedoodles need to stick to a healthy diet, as overeating can cause weight gain and associated health problems, especially if adequate exercise isn’t offered.
As with all dogs, the Aussiedoodle’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Aussiedoodle’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
- Adult Portions: Feed an adult Aussiedoodle based on their weight, size, and activity level. On average, a medium-sized adult (30-50 lbs) Aussiedoodle will need about 2-3 cups of dry food per day. A larger dog (50-60 lbs or more) may need 3-4 cups per day. A Mini Aussiedoodle may only need 1-1.5 cups per day.
- Adjust According to Activity Level: Highly active Aussiedoodles, especially those engaged in agility training or long runs, may need more food than less active ones. Always monitor their weight and adjust portions accordingly.
Aussiedoodle family compatibility
Aussiedoodles are known for their excellent compatibility with families, thanks to their friendly, affectionate, and social nature. They form strong bonds with their family members and are typically very loyal, making them great companions for children, adults, and even other pets. Their playful and energetic personality means they enjoy participating in family activities, whether it’s running around the yard, playing fetch, or simply lounging together. Due to their high intelligence, they can be easily trained to interact well with children, learn boundaries and how to be gentle with younger family members. Aussiedoodles thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention and affection, making them ideal for families looking for an interactive and loving dog.
However, due to their active and social nature, Aussiedoodles require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and avoid behavior issues. Families that can provide regular exercise, interactive play, and consistent training will find the Aussiedoodle a highly rewarding addition. These dogs do best in homes where they are not left alone for long periods, as they can develop separation anxiety. They also tend to be good with other pets, especially if properly socialized from a young age.
Health issues
The Aussiedoodle breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions the Australian Shepherd and Poodle face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, so it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the most common health ailments Aussiedoodles suffer from include:
- Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to malformation and instability. This can result in arthritis, pain, and difficulty in movement for affected individuals, particularly in dogs. Larger breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, and symptoms may include limping, reluctance to move, or a bunny-hop gait.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative eye disorder that leads to the gradual deterioration of the retina, resulting in vision loss. This genetic condition can affect various dog breeds, causing night blindness initially and progressing to complete blindness. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are crucial for managing the progression of PRA.
- Ivermectin sensitivity: Ivermectin sensitivity is a genetic trait more common in certain herding breeds, where the dog’s central nervous system reacts adversely to medications containing ivermectin. This sensitivity can lead to severe reactions, including tremors, disorientation, and even coma. Dog owners, especially those with susceptible breeds, must consult with veterinarians regarding safe alternatives for flea and tick control.
- Cataracts: Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to impaired vision or blindness if left untreated. While age-related cataracts are common in dogs, some breeds are genetically predisposed to developing them earlier in life. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection, and surgical intervention may be recommended to restore or maintain a dog’s vision.
Aussiedoodle rescue groups
Finding a breed-specific rescue for Aussiedoodles may be hard because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes. Here are some rescues you can try:
How much are Aussiedoodle puppies?
The price of Aussiedoodle puppies typically ranges between $2,500 and $4,500 when purchased from a reputable breeder. While some breeders may offer Aussiedoodle puppies at much lower prices, this should be considered a warning sign. Unless the puppy is coming from a verified rescue and is more affordable for that reason, avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, many backyard breeders and puppy mills exploit the popularity of this breed, selling puppies for profit without regard for humane breeding practices. This increases the risk of ending up with a puppy suffering from illnesses or hereditary conditions. If you choose to purchase an Aussiedoodle or Mini Aussiedoodles puppy, always find a reputable breeder.
