The Aussiedoodle, also known as Aussiepoo and Aussiepoodle is not a purebred dog but a recently developed and very sought-after breed of designer dogs. This hybrid is the result of a cross between an Australian Shepherd (Aussie) and a Poodle; they come in three sizes and many different coat colors.
Besides their good looks, these dogs have inherited significant brain power from their parenting breeds and, on top of being super cute, are also very smart! This trait makes them very easy to train and a great choice for inexperienced and experienced owners alike.
In this article, we will tell you more about this highly popular crossbreed and, hopefully, help you decide if this amazing dog is the right choice for you!
What Is An Aussiedoodle?
The Aussiedoodle is an extremely cute and intelligent designer dog breed created by crossing an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle.
Being a crossbreed, the Aussiedoodle’s physical traits can vary quite a bit, and no two pups are exactly alike even if they come from the same litter.
Although Aussiedoodles are created by crossing a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Poodle, they are considered hybrids and as such are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
They are, however, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.
Physical Appearance
What Is An Aussiedoodle’s Size, Height, & Weight?
The Aussiedoodle size will greatly depend on the size of the parent Poodle and what side of the family he takes after.
Generally, this is a medium-sized breed with an average weight between 25 and 70 pounds. When it comes to height, an average full-grown Aussiedoodle can be anywhere from 12 to 24 inches tall.
How Big Do Aussiedoodles Get?
The size of the Poodle parent will determine how big an adult Aussiedoodle will be. Keeping that in mind, your pooch can fall under any of the following categories:
- Standard Aussiedoodle: 19 to 24 inches tall and weighs 40 to 70 pounds
- Miniature Aussiedoodle: 12 to 19 inches tall and weighs 15 to 35 pounds
- Tiny Aussiedoodle: 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 6 to 12 pounds
While this breed comes in all three sizes, the standard Aussiedoodles are the most common. This is mainly because both the standard Poodle and the Australian Shepherd females can produce a healthy litter.
The mini and tiny Aussiedoodles have a Poodle for a father and an Australian Shepherd for a mother since female Poodles are too small to carry and give birth to puppies without complications.
What Age Does An Aussiedoodle Stop Growing?
Standard and miniature Aussiedoodles reach their maximum size and stop growing around 12 months of age. With that being said, tiny Aussiedoodles have less to grow and can reach their full size when they are eight months old.
Considering that Aussiedoodles come in different sizes, their development will differ in terms of time.
While they may stop growing at that time, it may take longer for an Aussiedoodle to fill out completely and reach its ideal weight.
What Is A Mini Aussiedoodle?
As its name suggests, a mini or miniature Aussiedoodle is a cross between a miniature Poodle and an Australian Shepherd.
Appearance wise, mini Aussiedoodles weigh less and are a bit smaller, but they still have the same character and temperament traits this designer breed is loved for (more on this in our Temperament section!).
Do Aussiedoodles Come In Different Coat Colors?
Unlike other dog breeds, Aussiedoodles can sport a variety of patterns and color combinations. The most commonly seen coat colors are:
- Black and white
- Red and white
- Chocolate and white
- Blue merle
- Black and tan
- Red merle
- Cream
- Tricolor
- Cinnamon merle
- Red sable
- Silver
- Chocolate
Temperament
While no two Aussiedoodles look the same, most of them have inherited the best character traits from their parent breeds, the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd. Thus, it’s not a surprise that this hybrid is one of the most popular and sought-after designer dogs such as Labradoodle and Teacup Maltipoo.
How Intelligent Are Aussiedoodles?
As far as intelligence goes, the Aussiedoodle is the equivalent of a canine Einstein and is one of the smartest dog breeds!
Much of this brain power comes from its parents, the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, which make it the second smartest dog breed that excels when it comes to obedience and working.
Thanks to their high intelligence and perception, Aussiedoodles have the ability to react and adapt according to your needs so much that sometimes it feels like they are reading your mind.
And while having a smart dog has its perks, it also comes with certain disadvantages such as destructive chewing caused by boredom.
Besides keeping your dog physically exercised, you will also have to mentally stimulate his brain to keep him healthy and happy. Thus, it can be very useful if you provide your pooch with lots of interactive toys and puzzles that will challenge his brain and reward him with mental stimulation when you aren’t around.
But when you are at home, you can use that great intellect to your advantage and design tasks that will keep your Aussiedoodle mentally stimulated and entertained. You can teach your dog to stay busy by picking up mail or newspapers and carrying dirty laundry or groceries.
Are Aussiedoodles Trainable?
Yes! Aussiedoodles are highly trainable because they are willing to learn and will understand even complex commands after just a few repetitions.
Due to this fact, this hybrid breed is a great option for inexperienced owners, and training an Aussiedoodle will prove more of a pleasure than a challenge. If you have never owned a dog before, training any dog can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you will soon realize that Aussiedoodles are people-pleasers and your pooch will excel at any task you give him.
When it comes to training, use only positive reinforcement techniques, showing your dog a command and then rewarding him with treats, praise, or play.
Although very smart, your dog may not be up for training 100 percent of the time, which can result in him ignoring your command. Your dog may not feel up for training because he may be tired, stubborn, or more into play. If this happens, never yell or physically punish your dog! This is completely counterproductive and may cause a dog to resent or be afraid of you.
When frustrated, take a deep breath and start with positive reinforcements again! It is also key to set a training routine and stick to that schedule every day.
Note, you should start potty training your Aussiedoodle the day you bring him home since they comprehend commands and training even as young as eight weeks old. Otherwise, you may end up dealing with a headstrong pooch who is too smart for his own good!
Are Aussiedoodles Working Dogs?
The Aussiedoodle is an excellent working dog and gets his incredible work ethic from both sets of parents.
While it is well known that Australian Shepherds excel at herding cattle; a lot of people don’t know that Poodles were used as water retrievers for duck hunting and have a strong urge to work too.
Due to this heritage, Aussiedoodles love performing tasks that help them stay mentally stimulated and physically active. Generally, since they are easy to train, you can get your dog to do just about anything from bringing in newspapers to collecting toys after your children.
As long as you have the imagination to come up with creative tasks, your Aussiedoodle will be only too happy to help and please you.
Most Aussiedoodles have a really strong herding instinct, which can be a problem if you don’t own any cattle. It’s not uncommon for these dogs to try to round up children, other pets, or your guests by encircling them and nipping at their ankles.
This sort of behavior can’t be tolerated in a pet and you need to stop your dog from nipping from the start. At the first sign of this behavior, give your dog a command to sit, stay, come, or distract him in any other way.
As with all other things, your Aussiedoodle will quickly realize that this is undesirable behavior and stop doing it.
Are Aussiedoodles Aggressive?
An Aussiedoodle should never be aggressive towards people or other pets. Both Australian Shepherds and Poodles aren’t aggressive breeds, so there is no reason for an Aussiedoodle to be aggressive if it was properly socialized and taken care of since birth.
Note, some Aussiedoodles can nip your ankles, which is the result of a very strong herding instinct rather than a sign of aggressive behavior.
Are Aussiedoodles Barkers?
Aussiedoodles typically don’t bark a lot, but once they start, they may forget how to stop and tend to be very loud. Properly training them is important so that you don't inadvertently train them to be barkers.
If you have a large property then excessive and loud barking may not be a concern especially if you are looking for a guard dog but if not can be a real nuisance. This isn’t to say that it will be impossible to quiet your dog down, but it is something to consider if you live in an apartment and have neighbors close by.
Are Aussiedoodles Affectionate?
Aussiedoodles have an extremely affectionate nature, which makes them very devoted to their owners.
The nice thing about this crossbreed is that it doesn’t discriminate between the people it knows and strangers, and so they are very friendly and affectionate with everyone.
These dogs form strong and close bonds with their family and will likely have one or two favorite people, but will continue to shower everyone else with love and affection nonetheless.
This, however, doesn’t mean that you aren’t the center of your dog’s world (although it can be hard seeing your pooch snuggling with guests he sees for the first time)!
Do Aussiedoodles Crave Attention?
Due to their Poodle heritage, Aussiedoodles crave constant attention, which isn’t such a bad trait to have in a dog. And for being the center of your world and attention, your Aussiedoodle will reward you with tons of love, cuddles, and affection in turn.
Having an attention-seeking dog is a lot of fun while you are cuddling and kissing, but it can also be a double-edged sword. It’s not uncommon for Aussiedoodles to whine, head but, or paw at their owners, which can be cute when it happens the first couple of times, but not so much when it becomes a constant behavior.
This designer dog needs a lot of attention and would be the happiest spending all day, every day interacting with its owner.
If not given enough attention throughout the day, the Aussiedoodle can become depressed, destructive, develop separation anxiety, or a host of other behavioral issues.
Do Aussiedoodles Make Good Companion Dogs?
Yes! Aussiedoodles make excellent companions and get along with people of all ages, including small children. They tend to bond with their family for life, so before you bring one home, make sure that you are ready for a long-term relationship with a pooch.
Furthermore, they are also very accepting of other pets and won’t object to having company as long as you give them the same amount of affection and attention as before.
Do Aussiedoodles Like To Cuddle?
These fluffy dogs are notorious cuddlers and will seize any opportunity to snuggle with their people or get an extra petting session. Your Aussiedoodle will likely try to jump on your lap from time to time but will also be satisfied to lie next to you on the sofa and be petted all day long.
They are also great fans of sleeping and cuddling with their owners, which isn’t a bad thing on cold days, but it can become a problem if your pooch decides to steal all the covers!
Can Aussiedoodles Be Left Alone?
As a very people-oriented, smart, and affectionate breed, most Aussiedoodles want to have company at all hours of the day.
While they can be left alone for a short amount of time, they don’t like being alone and shouldn’t be left for longer periods of time. This designer dog thrives in homes in which there is someone to keep him company at all times.
How Loyal Are Aussiedoodles?
The Aussiedoodle is an extremely loyal breed that forms a strong and long-lasting connection with its people.
While at times it may seem that your pooch has deserted you and is eager to spend more time with your guests than you, don’t confuse the breed’s friendly nature with the lack of loyalty. When push comes to shove, you can rest assured that your Aussiedoodle will be there with you, every step of the way.
Living Conditions
Where Should An Aussiedoodle Live: Indoors Or Outdoors?
If you live in an apartment and plan to keep your Aussiedoodle inside most of the time, you should consider another breed. This highly energetic designer dog can be confined to an apartment living only if you are willing to take it outside for vigorous walks a few times a day.
Spending the majority of its time indoors will make your Aussiedoodle bored, destructive, or depressed because he won’t be getting enough exercise or physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
However, you can keep your dog active and content by taking him on longer walks in the mornings and evenings and playing [1] with him several times a day. Additionally, you can take your pooch for a jog or a bike ride to help him stay in shape and get rid of excess energy.
While this may seem way too complicated, it can work with a bit of commitment and dedication from your part. And you can always consider hiring a professional dog walker who will know what to do to keep your Aussiedoodle exercised and content when you can’t.
Living in a house with a large fenced backyard would be so much easier if you are thinking of getting an Aussiedoodle as your pet. This way you won’t have to plan daily walks and exercises for your pooch, and he will have all that space to run, play, and explore.
Note, even if you have a backyard, your Aussiedoodle should live indoors with you and not be confined to a kennel when you don’t want him to run around your backyard.
Are Aussiedoodles A Good Fit For Kids In The House?
If you have kids, of any age, or are planning to have them in the near future, the Aussiedoodle will be the right fit for your family.
This crossbreed gets along with children and will enjoy having someone to play and run around with. Furthermore, these dogs bask in the attention they receive and will become fast friends with any child that knows how to treat a dog nicely and with respect.
And considering that Aussiedoodles aren’t aggressive, this breed a perfect choice if you want to introduce your child to the joys of living with a dog from an early age.
However, stay vigilant whenever small kids are around since Aussiedoodles are energetic and excitable and can topple a child during play.
Are Aussiedoodles A Good Fit For Homes With Other Pets?
Due to their friendly and adaptable nature, Aussiedoodles are also a great choice if you already have pets in your home.
An Aussiedoodle will get along with other pets if they are introduced slowly in a controlled setting, and early socialization will help that everything goes smoothly. It is best to introduce your Aussiedoodle to other pets while he is still small, and don’t forget to give the same amount of affection and attention to all of your pets.
This designer dog also gets along well with cats, as long as they are properly introduced [2] and your kitty isn’t overly afraid of dogs.
And if all goes well, your Aussiedoodle may even try to herd your other pets if they are on the small side!
How Much Exercise Does An Aussiedoodle Need?
Aussiedoodles have relatively high energy levels, so plenty of exercise every day is a must for this breed. You should aim for at least 90 minutes of walking every day and ideally be able to take your dog for vigorous activity such as jogging or cycling.
Without regular exercise, these dogs can quickly become hyperactive and will more than likely cause significant damage to your furniture and belongings. Thus, make sure that you are able to ensure a daily energy outlet for your dog.
The good news here is that Aussiedoodles have a good recall, so they can be allowed off-the-lead walks if trained from a young age. This means that you won’t have to run with your pooch if you aren’t up for it and he will still get a chance to run around and release all the excess energy.
Are Aussiedoodles Good Swimmers?
Aussiedoodles are excellent swimmers thanks to their Poodle parents and most of them love to take a dip in a pool, river, or lake.
Swimming is also a great way to keep your dog exercised and in great shape without exerting yourself in the process. Furthermore, this is an excellent activity for older dogs who have joint or mobility issues and will help them stay in shape or to shed a few pounds without putting strain on their hips or knees.
Health
It is a common belief that purebred crosses are healthier than other dog breeds, but things are more complicated than they appear. While some purebred hybrids are more resilient than their parenting breeds, others tend to be affected by maladies that are genetic in nature.
Despite this fact, the Aussiedoodle is considered to be a generally healthy designer dog. However, they are predisposed to certain conditions seen in their parenting breeds:
- Cushing’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Ivermectin sensitivity
- Epilepsy
- Pancreatitis
Since none of these conditions are perceptible in still growing puppies, it is impossible to predict if the Aussiedoodle will have any of them or not. Thus, it is very important to find a reputable breeder who isn’t in the business just for the money and is committed to breeding healthy dogs.
A breeder should offer you a health guarantee and produce a certification that shows that both parents have been screened for genetic health problems and deemed healthy for breeding.
Don’t trust any breeder that claims that his lines are completely healthy without showing you evidence of it! It’s never worth saving a couple of bucks buying from a less reputable breeder because you will probably end up spending way more on long-term medical expenses and vet bills.
Are Aussiedoodles Hypoallergenic?
Poodles have a reputation as being hypoallergenic, and thus, better for people who suffer from allergies. Since Aussiedoodle has some of the Poodle’s DNA, it is also promoted as a hypoallergenic dog breed.
However, allergies are caused by dander (dead skin cells) rather than a particular coat type and there is still no scientific evidence that supports the claims that some dog breeds are less allergenic than others.
While Aussiedoodles cause fewer allergy-related symptoms in some people, you should take things at face value. If you suffer from pet allergies, talk to the breeder to meet the Aussiedoodle puppy first and see how it goes.
What Is The Lifespan Of An Aussiedoodle?
If properly cared for, an Aussiedoodle can live from 10 to 13 years, which is a bit less than the average of its parenting breeds.
Getting a dog from a reputable breeder, regular vet check-ups, deworming, vaccinations, and proper nutrition are essential for your Aussiedoodle’s overall health and can prolong its life expectancy.
Care
How Do You Groom An Aussiedoodle?
Aussiedoodles can have different types of coats. Some have the straight and long hair of an Australian Shepherd, others have loose curls like Poodles, and some fall in between and sport wavy curls.
While there is no way of telling how the coat will look before the puppy is born, one thing is for sure, Aussiedoodles aren’t low maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming.
The level of grooming varies and will depend on how curly your dog’s coat is.
Daily brushing is ideal for dogs with a curly coat, like that of a Poodle, but if this isn’t possible, aim for brushing your dog every other day. Dogs with a wavy or straight coat, on the other hand, can be brushed once or twice a week.
Furthermore, if your Aussiedoodle has a curly coat, you may need to have him clipped every eight to twelve weeks. Taking your dog to a professional groomer may be the best option, but you can also invest in pet clippers and have your pooch groomed at home.
Also, you should trim your dog’s nails every four to six weeks, depending on how fast they grow. A sure sign that your pooch needs a nail trimming is if you can hear the nails clicking on your floors while he walks.
Nail trimming can be a bit scary if you haven’t done it before, and some owners never really become comfortable doing it. For starters, ask your vet or groomer to show you how it is done, and later you can decide if that is something you want to leave to professionals or not.
Cleaning your Aussiedoodle’s ears is another aspect of dog grooming that is overlooked by many owners. Use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution to clean the ear wax and dirt every 10 days or less often.
Last but not least is teeth brushing [3], which is a must for all dogs, but much more so if you own a mini or tiny Aussiedoodle. Small dogs have smaller jaws, which result in crowding of the teeth and may lead to serious dental problems, all of which can be prevented with regular teeth brushing and good oral hygiene.
Do Aussiedoodle Shed?
When it comes to shedding, the Aussiedoodle takes more after the Australian Shepherd than the Poodle. This means that most Aussiedoodles are light shedders, but the ones that have straighter coats may shed year-round and more during the spring.
Consequently, if your dog has taken more to his Aussie parent, you will have to get used to seeing some amount of dog hair on your clothes, furniture, and in your home. However, regular brushing, especially during shedding season, can help you reduce shedding and keep the amount of loose hair flying around to a minimum.
Curly coated Aussiedoodles, on the other hand, shed very little compared to other dog breeds, and won’t leave clumps of hair around your home.
Why Is My Aussiedoodle Shedding?
Genetics, time of the year, and the type of your Aussiedoodle’s coat are the main reasons for shedding.
Aussiedoodles that have a straighter coat have taken more after their Australian Shepherd parents and generally shed a bit more than their curly-coated littermates.
Dogs with this type of fur tend to lose a small amount of hair year-round and will go through a heavier shed during the spring. At this time, you should brush your dog every day to prevent mats from forming and to remove all loose hair before it ends up in your home.
How Often Should I Bathe My Aussiedoodle?
Most Aussiedoodles don’t have to be bathed very often; three to four times a year will suffice and ensure that your pooch is clean and fresh smelling at all times.
However, a lot of it will depend on your dog’s lifestyle and the amount of time he spends outdoors. Dogs that spend the majority of their time outside tend to get dirty in no time and will have to be bathed every two months or more frequently.
Generally, it is up to you to decide how often you should bathe your dog, but only do so with special dog shampoo and conditioner. However, try not to bathe your dog more than once a month, since frequent baths can dry your dog’s skin and make him itchy.
How Much Is An Aussiedoodle?
On average, you can expect to pay around $1,100 for an Aussiedoodle puppy. Mini Aussiedoodles are, however, a bit more expensive, costing around $1,800.
Keep in mind that you may end up paying significantly more if you are set on particular lines and if you are looking for championship parents. Also it is important to remember that often female puppies are more than males.
Before you bring a new puppy home, set aside $500 to $2,000 for the initial costs of dog ownership. These include vet checkups, vaccinations, blood tests, neutering, deworming, as well as all the necessary equipment such as a leash, collar, bed, crate, etc.
Conclusion
Do Aussiedoodles Make Good Pets?
Yes, Aussiedoodles make excellent pets for people of all ages, singles, or families with children.
This designer breed gets along with everyone, including other people, dogs, and cats, with whom it becomes fast friends.
Although recently created, the Aussiedoodle is a very popular crossbreed among dog lovers around the world. This comes as no surprise when you consider that this cute dog is extremely affectionate, smart, and gets along with everyone, including children and other pets. The breed’s selling points are:
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Doesn’t have an aggressive nature
- Makes a loyal and devoted companion
And, as a bonus, the Aussiedoodle loves to cuddle and will be there for you for the better or worse for many years to come.
Resources:
Heather McKinnon, Surprisingly Effective Ways to Handle High-Energy Dogs. https://www.rover.com/blog/surprising-ways-to-handle-high-energy-dogs-in/
Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, and CABC, How To Introduce Your New Dog To Your Other Pets. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-introduce-your-new-dog-to-your-other-pets
WebMD, Slideshow: How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-brushing-dog-teeth
