What You Need to Know about the Aussiedoodle, Canine Genius

The Aussiedoodle is a cross of a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Poodle also known as the Aussiepoo. It’s a medium to large dog breed at about 14 to 23 inches tall weighing between 25 to 70 pounds. The lifespan of the Aussiedoodle is around 10 to 12 years.

These puppies are energetic, loyal, and perceptive, traits inherited from their purebred heritage. Let’s find out about what makes Aussiedoodle a great addition to any home.

Where do these dogs come from?

Aussiedoodles became popular in the US only in the last few decades. Most of this crossbreed’s history is unknown, but its parent breeds have always been prized for their intelligence and reliability in herding and hunting.

Breeders developed Australian Shepherds in the US in the 19th century for trainability and obedience. On the other hand, Europeans counted on Poodles’ tracking abilities to hunt birds and ducks.

The Aussiedoodle today is more than just a smart, hardworking dog. This hybrid continues to be a favorite among families because of its loyalty and companionship. And it definitely doesn’t hurt that Aussie Shepherd-Poodle mix puppies are adorable, too.

Aussiedoodles come in all shapes and sizes

These dogs wildly vary in appearance, like most crossbreeds. The majority are medium-sized with slim yet strong bodies, but larger Aussiepoos may have broad backs and sturdy torsos.

An Aussiedoodle’s full-grown weight and height depend on the size of the Poodle used in the cross-breeding, so these adult dogs are sometimes classified into ‘toy’, ‘mini’, or ‘standard’ variations.

A Mini Poodle, for instance, may make a Mini Aussiedoodle that’s as little as 12 inches (30 cm) tall, weighing only up to 45 pounds (20 kg). Meanwhile, standard Aussiepoos may measure up to 23 inches (58 cm) tall and weigh from 50 to 70 pounds (22 to 32 kg).

You’ll see a lot of variety in the texture of these dogs’ fur, too. Some Aussie doodles may have long hair like the Australian Shepherd, tight curls like the Poodle, or wavy fur that’s somewhere in between.

And there’s no standard when it comes to the colors of their coats. Commonly recognized coat colors include black and white, red and white, blue merle, red merle, chocolate, and chocolate and white.

Loyal, perceptive companion dogs

No two Aussiedoodles look identical, but most of them share the same temperament. An Australian Shepherd-Poodle mix is a companion dog, affectionate and devoted to families. They crave constant attention, so they do best indoors.

An Aussie doodle is perfect for families with kids, as the breed has extremely low aggressive tendencies. You don’t have to worry about the Aussiedoodle with other dogs, too, since they’ll play well with other small pets.

Friendliness is something the Aussiedoodle has in common with another Aussie Shepherd mix, the Australian Retriever.

How active are these dogs?

Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs, so an Aussie doodle will similarly need at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. If you’re more of a couch potato, this may not be the ideal breed for you.

Since these dogs are highly athletic, you can take them out with you on your daily jog. You can even visit the local pool for some playtime, since Aussiepoos love going into the water. This breed will also excel in dog sports and agility training.

Mental stimulation is just as beneficial for Aussiedoodles. They can quickly master small tasks such as carrying groceries or even retrieving the mail. Thanks to their Poodle parentage, these dogs also have the brainpower needed for bigger tasks, like serving as therapy dogs for sick kids.

Check out how Bentley’s training for his new job:

What’s the best way to train my Aussiedoodle?

These dogs are sharp and eager to please, so training them should be a breeze. As we said earlier, the Aussie doodle inherited the reliability and intelligence of its parent breeds.

Australian Shepherd-Poodle mixes respond best to positive reinforcement. Reward him with treats, praise, or play each time he does something you like and he’ll quickly learn positive behavior. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying to train your dog out of undesirable habits such as nipping or herding.

You can start training your dog as soon as you bring him home by socializing him among family and friends. Enrolling your puppy in a doggy kindergarten class can also teach him how to get along better with other dogs.

Keeping your Aussiepoo in top shape

As mentioned above a healthy Aussiedoodle should have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. One way to ensure that your beloved dog has a long and happy life is to give it a proper diet. You can give your Aussiedoodle up to 2 meals per day, with each meal containing a balanced mix of grains, vegetables, protein, and fruits.

High-quality dry dog food is also acceptable. Resist the urge to feed your dog each time he turns his puppy eyes on you; keeping your pet at a healthy weight helps prevent pancreatitis.

Useful Aussiedoodle grooming tips

Aussiedoodles may have different types of fur, but one thing’s for sure: they need a lot of grooming. They’re seasonal shedders and their undercoats need to come out in the spring and fall so their new coats can come in.

During these seasons, your Aussiedoodle needs to be brushed at least every other day to prevent matting and to keep its coat shiny and healthy-looking.

If your Aussiepoo’s coat is more curly than wavy, you’ll want to have those curls clipped every 8 to 12 weeks. You can do the clipping yourself or leave the job to the professionals.

Aside from their frequent grooming needs, taking care of an Aussiedoodle is easy. Trim your dog’s nails every 2 weeks so he can run around comfortably.

Clean his ears at least once a week using cotton balls and an epiotic solution from your veterinarian or a pet supply store.

Aussiedoodle health issues – what I should expect?

These dogs are susceptible to the health problems that plague their parent breeds. Common health issues to look out for include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, epilepsy, ivermectin sensitivity, and Cushing’s disease.

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to detect these conditions in a growing puppy. Your best bet is a reputable breeder who can give you the healthiest dog possible. The right breeder will be able to present independent health certification that the dog’s parents have been screened and have passed health requirements for breeding.

Why these designer dogs make awesome pets

Health issues aside, the Aussie doodle is an excellent addition to any family. Here are some reasons why you should welcome this dog into your home:

Aussie Shepherd-Poodle mixes don’t shed a lot.

Even with all its fur, these dogs won’t leave clumps of hair all around your couch, floors, and walls. Your new pet definitely won’t make your family and friends sneeze.

They’re smart and easy to train.

What else would you expect from the offspring of two highly intelligent working breeds? Your Australian Shepherd Poodle mix will only be too happy to fetch your mail for you or help carry the laundry.

They’re big cuddlers.

Aussiedoodles are loving and always ready for a snuggle. Love the idea of sleeping next to your pet? The Aussiepoo is perfect for you You’ll surely enjoy the added warmth by your body – or even on your head – when the cold weather comes.

They work great as therapy dogs.

This breed’s devotion to your needs and their sharp perception makes them excellent dogs for therapy and emotional support. As long as they get socialized at an early age, these dogs get along well with most people and animals.

Great! Now, where can I get my new Aussiedoodle puppy?

These dogs are sought-after in the US, so there’s a good chance you’ll find them through adoption organizations or even at shelters in your area. You can also talk to breed rescue organizations or to breeders to find a new Aussiedoodle puppy to take home.

What’s important is that you find a reputable Aussiedoodle breeder who can do tests and certifications to rule out health problems and be honest about the health issues commonly seen in these dogs. This way, you can rest assured that you’re bringing home the healthiest puppy possible.

Stay away from breeders who claim that puppies are 100 percent healthy and are completely hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, there are never any guarantees when it comes to cross-breeding purebred dogs.

Making sure your wallet is ready for these dogs

On average, an Aussiedoodle puppy will cost around $1100. Mini Aussiedoodle puppies may be slightly more expensive, costing as much as $1800. Be prepared to pay top dollar if you’re looking for dogs with top breed lines and a superior pedigree – you may end up shelling out as much as $10000.

Set aside $500 to $2000 for the first year of keeping an Aussiedoodle; these initial costs cover vaccinations, blood tests, deworming, and neutering, as well as collars, leashes, and crates.

After that first year, you can expect to spend up to $1000 yearly on your new pet. These annual upkeep costs include food, grooming, dental care, and training for your Aussie doodle.

Anything else I should know about owning this dog?

Made up your mind about getting an Australian Shepherd Poodle mix? Here are a few more questions to help you determine if it’s a perfect match.

How much time do you spend at home?

These dogs need constant attention, not just because they’re devoted to you but also because they need mental stimulation. The Aussie Shepherd-Poodle mix is a good match for you if you spend a lot of time at home; puppies, for instance, will need exercise at least every three hours.

Do you live in an apartment?

Aussie doodles thrive indoors, but a cramped living area might not give them enough space to run around and burn off their high energy levels. And while this breed is easy to train, imagine having to walk up and down stairs multiple times a day to potty-train your dog.

Do you have a fenced-in yard?

As we’ve said before, these dogs have plenty of energy to spare. A fenced-in yard gives them the wide-open space they need to run around and explore their environment. No yard? Aussiepoos will enjoy going to dog parks, too, so having one nearby will help prevent all that energy from destroying your shoes and your couch.

Our verdict on the bright, loving Aussiedoodle

These dogs will make great pets for any family, even those with small kids, as they’re proven to be loyal, affectionate companions.

You’ll need to pay them lots of attention, but with their adorable appearance and sweet disposition, you’d find it difficult to stay away.

Aussiedoodle needs frequent exercise and mental stimulation, so it’s the perfect dog to take with you on your workouts or even errands.

Their Australian Shepherd parentage may give them the instinct to nip and herd, but you can train this out of puppies through socialization and plenty of positive reinforcement.