As a cross between the always delightful Australian Shepherd and the dignified Poodle, the Aussiedoodle is truly a one-of-a-kind dog. Rocking that beautiful dappled fur (usually), an insatiable curiosity and intelligence, and a whole lot of affection for loved ones, this medium-sized dog is a much sought-after addition to any family. Also, they’re usually great with kids (double plus!).
As happens every time two different dog breeds are mixed, you never know exactly what you’re going to get when it comes to how your own individual Aussiedoodle’s looks. The coat can vary from soft and sleek like an Australian Shepherd, to more curly like a Poodle, and is usually in the traditional colors of the Australian Shepherd (black, red, tan, blue merle)—though thanks to Mother Nature, that can vary as well.
Still not sure what kind of trendy look your Aussiedoodle is going to wear? Luckily, we’ve gathered together some hairstyle options to make your decision more informed (and more fun!).
But before we get started, here are some tips you might find useful.
Basic Grooming Advice
Keeping your Aussiedoodle looking cute is all about regularly tending to their fur. Though they don’t shed much, their gorgeous coat does require some serious attention. Here are some tips:
- Understand the fur you’re working with. These pups can have tight poodle curls, wavy, shaggy locks that don’t shed much, or straight-up straight Australian Shepherd hair. Once you understand where your pup’s coif is at, you’ll be able to deal with it more appropriately.
- Brush this breed at least weekly, though daily is better. They have a tendency to get all matted up, and when it’s hidden under the top layer, it’s hard to tell just how bad things are. In order to penetrate the fur to the skin, it’s recommended to use a comb or slicker brush with long pins to work its way through. You can read more extensively about techniques to help you with brushing Aussiedoodles here.
- You won’t need to bathe your Doodle all that often unless they’re the type who really love a roll in the mud. Every month or two should be more than enough to keep them looking chic.
- Don’t forget to keep their fur trimmed around their eyes. You can teach yourself how to do this (there are lots of online tutorials), or your groomer can make sure they’re able to see through the fluff.
- Plan on grooming them every 12 weeks, just to keep them (and their nails, eyebrows, ears, etc.) in tip-top shape. They deserve it, after all.
And don’t forget that grooming is a chance for you and your pup to bond and spend time together. Make it a special event for the two of you, and they’re bound to love it more and more as they get used to it.
Top Aussiedoodle Hairstyles
1. Puppy Cut
This is the most popular cut for the Aussiedoodle—probably because it’s fairly simple, but also gives super cute results.
For this style, trim the fur the same length all over the body (around a couple of inches or so)—giving your pup a look of freshness and innocence. Yep, you guessed it, just like a puppy!
2. Teddy Bear Cut
The teddy bear cut is another popular one because it keeps the hair at a more manageable length, but also is long enough to celebrate the waves and curls of your pup’s fur.
And you can’t forget that cute teddy-bear influence—a rounded finished, especially around the face, makes them look as squeezable as a stuffed animal.
3. Terrier-Inspired Cut
Some Aussiedoodle parents like to give their pup more terrier-inspired tresses. According to some groomers, this looks involves trimming the face into a more rounded shape with distinct eyebrows and hair on the muzzle.
The rest of the coat is cut to an even length—and voila! You have a cute, Cairn-inspired Aussiedoodle on your hands.
4. Poodle Cut
This is just what it sounds like—regardless of the Aussie that’s mixed in there, this hairstyle focuses on the poodle part of the equation. Generally, the fur is more closely cropped on the body and the face and then left longer (and poofier) on the top of the head, ankles, and tail.
However you decide to groom your Aussiedoodle, they’re going to look fantastic—and you’ll be happy once you find the right style that fits in with your family (and budget, and free time, etc.). Happy clipping!