It’s no wonder this dog breed is considered something special. After all, this is the cross between the loyal, playful Australian shepherd and the elegant, intelligent Poodle. The Aussiedoodle (also sometimes called an Aussiepoo or Aussiepoodle) is both beauty and brains, and can make an excellent therapy dog because of their ability to really bond with one or two special humans. Plus, they’re always ready to play, which makes them an ideal family dog as well.
Is an Aussiedoodle the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: North America
- Size:
- Weight: 50-70 pounds (Standard), 15-30 pounds (Miniature)
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Aussiedoodle Appearance
These pups come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 12 pound Miniatures, to 70 pound Standards—which means you really need to pay attention to the parents’ size if you want to know how large your Aussiedoodle is going to get.
As happens when two different breeds are mixed, the Aussiedoodle coat texture and color can also vary, with some mixes rocking more of the soft and sleek Australian shepherd-inspired coat, and others having a wavier, Poodle-leaning coif. And as far as coloring goes, their hues have a huge range including blue merle, red merle, black and tan (AKA “Phantom”), sable, or even solid colors in rarer cases.
Aussiedoodle Personality
These dogs have a lot of energy and stamina, which means they’re always up for a family adventure—especially hikes, long walks, trips to the park, or even adventures in the backyard. They love hanging out with their families and adore attention, so really they’re happy doing anything with their special humans. They also tend to form a deep bond with one or two people in particular which makes them excellent and devoted therapy dogs.
On the other hand, they don’t enjoy being left alone, and have a tendency (if left for too long) to be very vocal – which is something to think about if you have close neighbors.
It’s also important to remember that Aussiedoodles do have a tendency to “herd”, which means you’re going to need to watch them (especially the larger ones) around young children and smaller animals, since they might accidentally knock them over. That same herding mentality can make them a little nippy too, so be sure to socialize and begin training your Aussiedoodle at an early age to avoid any issues.
Ideal Environment for an Aussiedoodle
This dog breed really needs space to let out their energy, so it’s best if they live in a house with a yard. If that’s not possible, then it’s important for them to have access to an off-leash area or park where they can frolic and run freely.
Aussiedoodles need to be kept physically and mentally active, so they thrive best in environments where they have an enthusiastic pet parent with lots of stimulating and challenging activities for them. They make great companions on jogs since they have plenty of energy, but they also love just spending quality time with their families at home as well.
Ideal Human for an Aussiedoodle
This breed is best suited for an active, athletic human, since they themselves are an exceptionally energetic and active dog. Ideally, their person would be excited about training them in entertaining ways, because Aussidoodles who get bored are more likely to become destructive, bark excessively, and act out in other (not so pleasant) ways.
If you’re looking for a pup to just cuddle with on the couch, an Aussidoodle is probably not your best match. These pups love to spend time with their “people”, but they’d prefer to do that in outdoorsy, active ways.
Aussiedoodle Dog Training
Since Aussiedoodles are bright, clever, and curious—they’re a dream to train. They enjoy fun and challenging games that offer them mental stimulation, so be sure to invest in an assortment of pet puzzles, or other activities that encourage them to use their brains. Keeping them occupied is also important when it comes to preventing boredom and destructive behaviors.
It’s also imperative to socialize this breed early on by introducing them to a variety of situations, people, animals, and locations. By showing them the world around them, and making them feel comfortable and safe with you as they explore it, they’ll gain the confidence to be the well-adjusted, well-behaved pup you know that they can be. Above all this breed really just wants to please their loved ones, and their smarts and charm mean that any effort you put into training them will be well worth it.
Aussiedoodle Grooming
Though Aussiedoodles don’t shed as much as other breeds, their coats do require some maintenance to stay looking gorgeous and lovely. One of the most important things to remember? Brushing. This breed needs their coat brushed every couple of days (though daily is even better), since they tend to get a plethora of mats. You have to ensure your brush actually gets all the way through the fur to make sure there aren’t any tangles hidden close to the skin.
Aussidoodles don’t require frequent baths—in fact, bathing them every month or so will keep them clean, while also ensuring that their coat and skin stay healthy. You’ll also want to take them to visit a professional groomer every 12 weeks or so to make sure their nails, ears, and other parts are kept trimmed, tidy, and healthy.
Aussiedoodle Health
Aussiedoodles are a fairly healthy breed, but they do have a few possible health issues that you should keep an eye out for, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye problems (cataracts, etc.), and weight issues if they aren’t getting enough exercise. However, using a reputable breeder (if you’re using a breeder) can help cut down the possibility of your dog having these issues.
Aussiedoodles generally live from 10 to 13 years, and with the proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet, your pup will have a good chance at a long and happy life.
Aussiedoodle Breed History
Though this mixed breed has existed organically in the world for many years, Aussidoodles were first intentionally bred in the late 90’s or early 2000’s in North America. Just a quick note—Aussiedoodles are not the same as Australian Labradoodles. This seems to be a common misconception, but they are actually two different breeds. This breed’s predecessor, the Australian Shepherd Dog, actually originated in the western United States during the Gold Rush, not in Australia to herd livestock.
Getting an Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodle breeders
It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other, and this is especially important when choosing a crossbred dog, since you can see just what size the parents are. A good, trustworthy breeder should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.
Since Aussiedoodles aren’t officially recognized by the AKC, you’d need to start your search for a reputable breeder elsewhere, and luckily, due to the popularity of these dogs, they shouldn’t be too tricky to track down. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.
Adopting an Aussiedoodle
As with many highly popular breeds, Aussiedoodles often find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.
A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search.
An Aussiedoodle can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.
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