Aussiedoodle: A Guide to the Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix

What is an Aussiedoodle?

The Aussiedoodle is a cross between two very intelligent breeds; therefore, the Aussiedoodle temperament is known for being extremely smart.

The Aussiedoodle is a relatively new hybrid that was created recently by crossing the Australian Shepherd with the Poodle.

This hybrid quickly took off in terms of popularity. These dogs are cute, friendly, clever, and they shed less than a purebred Australian Shepherd.

However, Aussiedoodles also require a ton of time and exercise. They are expensive, and they can be difficult to find from a reputable source.

Before you bring one home, spend some time getting familiar with Aussiedoodle behaviors and traits. It is important to weigh the pros and cons before adding an Aussiedoodle to your family.

Aussiedoodle Temperament: Get to Know the Aussiedoodle Personality

This section will help you understand the Aussiedoodle temperament.

Of course, not every Aussiedoodle will display the exact same personality traits.

Therefore, your Aussiedoodle may not display every trait on this list.

However, this list will still give you an idea about what to expect from the Aussiedoodle personality.

Highly Intelligent

The clever Aussiedoodle temperament makes this breed extremely smart, alert, curious and trainable.

Aussiedoodles love to use their brains.

It is crucial to provide them with daily mental enrichment such as interactive toys, food puzzles, and games.

If you do not focus their attention on positive outlets, they will quickly become bored and they will direct their curiosity towards destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

Extremely Active

The Aussiedoodle temperament is incredibly active. It is sometimes even described as hyperactive or high strung.

Think carefully about whether you can handle a dog with such a high energy level.

Aussiedoodles need hours of exercise every day—especially when they are young.

If you work long hours, consider adopting an older Aussiedoodle, or investing in doggie daycare during the day.

Aussiedoodle exercise can include activities such as hiking, jogging, swimming, or participating in a canine sport such as Frisbee or agility.

A daily stroll in the neighborhood is not enough activity for this athletic breed.

If you live an active lifestyle, this could be a good match for you. However, if you enjoy a laid-back, lazy lifestyle, this breed is not right for you.

Good Family Pets

In general, Aussiedoodles tend to do well with other pets and respectful children.

This is especially true when your Aussiedoodle can be socialized with kids from a young age.

Even if your dog gets along well with kids, it is always recommended to supervise their interactions.

Teach the children in the house how to interact gently with the dog. Do not allow children to pull a dog’s ears or tail and never allow them to ride on the family dog.

Herding Instincts

Since Aussiedoodles are part herding dog, the Aussiedoodle temperament can sometimes retain some herding instincts.

Your Aussiedoodle might instinctively try to “herd” moving objects such as bikes, cars, or even playing children or other animals.

Sometimes Timid or Anxious

The Aussiedoodle temperament can sometimes be a bit timid or anxious.

These dogs are very sensitive and can sometimes be overly nervous in certain situations.

Aussiedoodles are usually wary of strangers, but they warm up to people quickly once they feel comfortable.

If your Aussiedoodle develops any serious neuroses or anxiety disorders such as Separation Anxiety, consult with your vet as well as a canine behaviorist.

Aussiedoodle Size and Appearance

How Big Does an Aussiedoodle Get?

The Aussiedoodle comes in the three distinct sizes. Therefore a full-grown Aussiedoodle can actually come in many different sizes:

• The Standard Aussiedoodle– a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. The Standard Aussiedoodle weight range is between 40 lbs. and 70 lbs.
• The Miniature Aussiedoodle- a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Miniature Poodle. The Mini Aussiedoodle weight range is between 20 lbs. and 40 lbs.
• The Toy Aussiedoodle– a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Toy Poodle. The Toy Aussiedoodle weight is below 20 lbs.

Aussiedoodle height also varies depending on the size. They can be anywhere between 14 and 23 inches tall at the withers (shoulders).

Aussiedoodle Colors

The Aussiedoodle can come in many different beautiful colors and patterns.

For example, the Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is a blend of blue, black, white, and sometimes copper. This is one of the most popular color patterns.

Other popular color varieties include:

• Tricolor
• Bicolor
• Red merle
• Black tuxedo
• Black phantom
• Red tuxedo
• Red phantom and apricot.

Aussiedoodle History: What is the Origin of the Aussiedoodle?

The Aussiedoodle is a modern hybrid breed, also knows as a “designer breed.”

Within the last decade, designer dogs, especially “Doodles” have become very popular and trendy.

Other “Doodle” (or Poodle Mixes) breeds include Goldendoodles, Labradoodles and Bernedoodles.

Although there is no exact date, the Aussiedoodle probably emerged within the last 10 years.

The two parent breeds, on the other hand, have been around for centuries. The Poodle originated in Germany as a hunting dog, and the Australian Shepherd was developed in the American West as a ranch dog.

Since the Aussiedoodle is a hybrid, it is not recognized by any major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Aussiedoodle Training

The Aussiedoodle temperament is highly intelligent and trainable.

In fact, training is an absolute necessity with this breed. Aussiedoodles love to learn new things throughout their lives. If you do not focus your Aussiedoodle’s brainpower on constructive activities like training, they will quickly become bored and get into mischief.

Sign up for a puppy kindergarten class or a beginner’s obedience class at the earliest opportunity.

Make sure that you only subscribe to positive reinforcement training methods.

Do not use old fashioned “dominance” methods or any type of painful training collar such as a shock collar, pinch collar or choke chain.

These tactics are unnecessary and detrimental to your relationship with your Aussiedoodle.

Instead, use modern, force-free training methods. A positive training approach is more effective, humane and enjoyable for you and your Aussiedoodle.

Once you and your Aussiedoodle have finished basic obedience, you can explore more advanced activities including agility, flyball, nosework, search and rescue work, or therapy work. Aussiedoodles excel at many canine sports and they love to feel like they have a job.

Aussiedoodle Grooming and Shedding

Aussiedoodles require routine grooming.

Brush or comb your Aussiedoodle at least once per week to avoid tangles.

You will also need to bring your Aussiedoodle to a professional groomer a few times per year for a haircut.

Your Aussiedoodle will also need regular nail trims and dental care.

Aussiedoodle Shedding

One of the perks of the Aussiedoodle is that it sheds less than the Australian Shepherd.

Australian Shepherds are wonderful dogs but they shed profusely, especially a few times per year during shedding season.

One of the main reasons for creating the Aussiedoodle was to engineer a dog with the good qualities of the Australian Shepherd, but without quite so much dog fur.

Is the Aussiedoodle Hypoallergenic?

The Aussiedoodle can be hypoallergenic, but it depends on the individual dog.

For example, an F1 Aussiedoodle is a mix between a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Poodle. These hybrids are sometimes hypoallergenic, but not always. It depends on whether the puppies inherit the fur of an Australian Shepherd or the fur of a Poodle.

An F1b Aussiedoodle is a mixe between an F1 Aussiedoodle and a purebred Poodle. These dogs tend to have a higher likelihood of being hypoallergenic since they have more Poodle DNA.

If you are looking for a hypoallergenic pet, check out this article for more information about hypoallergenic breeds.

Staying Healthy: Aussiedoodle Health Issues

Although Aussiedoodles tend to be fairly healthy dogs, they can still be prone to some medical problems.

Before adopting any new pet, talk with your veterinarian about what to expect in terms of that breed’s genetic health.

If you bring home an Aussiedoodle, be on the watch for symptoms of these common problems:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Bloat
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Allergies
• Cancer

The best way to keep your Aussiedoodle healthy is to bring him or her to the vet on a regular basis for checkups and vaccinations.

It is also important to keep your Aussiedoodle up to date at all times on flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

Talk with your vet about spaying or neutering your Aussiedoodle at the appropriate age.

Also, talk with your veterinarian about the best possible nutrition for your Aussiedoodle.

Aussiedoodle Lifespan

With good care, the typical Aussiedoodle life expectancy is between 10 and 14 years.

Aussiedoodle Rescue and Adoption

If you think the Aussiedoodle temperament is right for you, it’s time to find your perfect pet.

Adoption is great way to acquire a new best friend, especially when you are looking for a designer breed.

It is always best to avoid breeders that are vying to sell the newest, cutest designer breed. Breeders that are pumping out “doodle” puppies may be more interested in profit than in providing healthy puppies.

Why Adoption?

Adoption is a great way to add a new pet to your family.

It allows you to avoid navigating the world of shady dog breeders.

It also gives you the chance to provide a good home to a dog in need.

Additionally, dogs that are up for adoption are usually a bit older and more mature. They are usually past the destructive puppy teething stage. They do not require as much attention or exercise as a puppy, which is good for people who work. Sometimes they are even already housetrained.

Another perk of adoption is that the Aussiedoodle price through a rescue organization is much less than the price from an Aussiedoodle breeder.

Adoption fees from shelters and rescue groups are usually between $75 and $300 depending on the organization. The adoption fee usually covers basic vetting such as spay, neuter, vaccines, deworming and a microchip.

Where to find an Aussiedoodle for Adoption?

You can start your adoption search by visiting your local animal shelter.

Aussiedoodles are rare in shelters, but you never know what you might find on any given day! If no Aussiedoodles are available at that time, you can always leave an application for the future.

The staff can also direct you towards breed-specific rescue groups such as Poodle rescues, Doodle rescues, Aussie rescues, or herding dog rescues.

You can also search for an adoptable Aussiedoodle online using tools such as facebook, Petfinder, Adoptapet, or Getyourpet.com.

Finding an Aussiedoodle for Sale from a Responsible Breeder

If you choose to purchase an Aussiedoodle puppy from a breeder, be very cautious to make sure you do not get scammed.

Never order Aussiedoodle puppies online or purchase them from a pet store. If you do, you are probably getting a puppy from a puppy mill.

Instead, always ask to visit Aussiedoodle breeders in person. This is the only way you can confirm that the puppies are coming from a humane situation.

Make sure the breeding parents are happy, healthy and living indoors as family pets. Request to see medical records, AKC registration certificates, and the results of genetic testing.

Good breeders will welcome your visit. They will see it as an opportunity to meet you, ask you questions, and make sure you can provide a good home to one of their puppies.

If the breeder dissuades you from visiting, this is a red flag.

Check out this article for more information about finding a reputable dog breeder.

Aussie Doodle Cost and Mini Aussie Doodle Cost

Aussiedoodles usually cost between $1500 and $5000.

Miniature Aussiedoodles and Toy Aussiedoodles are on the higher end of that spectrum.

If you are acquiring your Aussiedoodle from a distant breeder, you will also need to factor in transportation costs.

Conclusion: Why the Aussiedoodle?

It is easy to see why the Aussiedoodle is quickly becoming such a popular designer breed.

These dogs are cute, friendly, smart, and they hardly shed!

However, do not get swept up in the Doodle craze.

Do your research to make sure the Aussiedoodle temperament is truly a good match for your lifestyle.

Allie M.

Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.