Aussiedoodle
Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club
Fun Fact
Like other Doodle breeds, Aussiedoodles are a relatively new hybrid breed, dating from the late 1990s.
While Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are universal designer dog favorites, the Aussiedoodle, a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, is in high demand and growing in popularity. While many Doodles are bred for their cleverness, Aussiedoodles are considered particularly brilliant due to the combined parental traits. This type of dog (also known as an Aussiepoo) is playful, athletic, and loyal, and their stunning good looks will turn heads.
If you have or are thinking of an Aussiedoodle, Embark has information on dog care and training. Many pet parents explore the benefits of dog DNA testing to learn about genetic health risks and provide proactive health care in consultation with a veterinarian.
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About Aussiedoodles
Their breed combination often makes Aussiedoodles successful comfort and therapy dogs as well as irresistible family pets. They have plenty of energy and love to run, so they excel at dog sports like agility, rally, and flyball, as well as obedience events. They often have a keen herding instinct from their Australian Shepherd heritage. Families with other pets or small children should pay attention to training to keep nipping in check. Aussiedoodles integrate quickly into their family, being friendly and gregarious. Always interested in pleasing people, Aussiepoos are easily trained and very loyal. They are always up for an adventure, so hikers, campers, runners, and high-energy folks of all kinds can count on enthusiastic company. They adapt equally well to a home with plenty of running space or apartment life, as long as they have a good deal of exercise, mental stimulation, and love from their humans. As with many intelligent breeds, their need for mental stimulation and social interaction means that behavioral issues like separation anxiety can develop. -
Physical characteristics
Size: Each Aussiedoodle, as with other Doodle breeds, is unique due to its bloodline. Predicting height, weight, coloring, and coat texture are challenging, because each dog inherits different parental traits. Aussiedoodles come in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes. A Toy Aussiepoo with a Toy Poodle parent weighs under 20 pounds and stands about 14 inches, while a Miniature Aussiepoo weighs 20 to 30 pounds and is about 20 inches high. Standard Aussiedoodles are bred from Standard Poodles and will be about 25 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds. Coat: Aussiedoodles have varied coats because the Australian Shepherd parent offers merle qualities while the Poodle parent can give a range of colors and patterns. Aussiepoo pups can be tricolor with any combination of black, brown, white, blue, gray, cream, and white. Aussiedoodles may also inherit the merle or dappled effect from their Australian Shepherd parent or have a bi-color or solid coat. They might inherit fluffy curls from their Poodle parent, a straighter coat from their Australian Shepherd’s, or have a wavy texture somewhere in between the two. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Aussiepoos with curly coats shed less and produce less dander, which causes most allergies to pets. Washing bedding regularly, not allowing dogs in the bedroom of those with allergies, and regular grooming may also help with any issues. Although the Aussiepoo’s parent breeds have long, narrow snouts, this Doodle tends towards short muzzles and round heads with generous round noses. -
Nutrition and feeding
Since Aussiepoos range in size and activity levels, consult a veterinarian about an individual dog’s dietary needs. All dogs should eat the highest-quality food possible for optimal health, and their nutritional needs change throughout their lives with age and activity levels. In the USA, you can look for the AAFCO label stating it is approved and tested for growth in puppies. Speak with your veterinarian regarding whether or not your dog should eat large breed food or a special protein/carbohydrate type. As your dog grows, adjust your dog's diet to maintain an ideal Body Condition Score. Deep-chested and larger breeds, such as Standard Poodles, are considered to be at a higher risk for suffering from bloat, so consider discussing this risk and strategies to minimize it with your veterinarian. -
Grooming and shedding
Aussiepoos have varied requirements when it comes to grooming based on their coat. They are prone to developing knots and mats, and are considered a medium maintenance breed for grooming. Regular brushing (a few times a week) is recommended, and professional or at-home haircuts seasonally will tame fur and keep it from blocking vision. Frequent bathing may cause dry, itchy skin, so bathe only when necessary unless their antics get them muddy. All dogs should have their outer ears cleaned with a gentle canine ear solution, but pay particular attention to Aussiepoos that enjoy swimming to avoid ear infections. Watch for redness, inflammation, or aversion to touching their ears to detect problems early. Tartar buildup and tooth decay are issues for dogs, so starting dental care routines in puppyhood is essential. Use canine-safe toothpaste and brushes for preventative care that will keep tails wagging. An established grooming routine that includes brushing, trims, baths, ears, teeth, and nails is vital to good health. -
Playtime and training
Aussiedoodles are generally very trainable with consistent positive reinforcement. Their intelligence level and working dog ancestry mean they love having a job. If they are bored, they can be destructive. With proper early socialization, training, and supervision, Aussiepoos make fantastic companions and family dogs. Keep them engaged with physical activity, social interaction, and mental enrichment so they stay busy and encourage easygoing affection. Puppy classes or professional training are great options. Still, long walks, toys, games in the yard, and meeting other dogs around town for those with smaller budgets provide good stimulation for Aussiepoos. Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock. If an Aussiedoodle exhibits these instincts, then redirection and reinforcement of basic commands will help. Introduce Aussiedoodles to smaller family pets and children safely and with supervision. Aussiepoos left alone too long may become anxious, so distract them with treats, toys, and crate training. Doggy daycare or dog walkers are also an option. If the anxiety is severe, it is best to speak with their veterinarian, a certified trainer, and/or a veterinary behaviorist as medications may also be helpful. -
Genetic health and aging for Aussiedoodles
Aussiedoodles are robust dogs who generally live to be around 12-15 years of age. However, every dog breed is prone to certain health issues. Talk to your vet about these conditions in your dog: - Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
- Addison’s Disease, affecting adrenal glands
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, or GDV)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Thyroiditis
- Allergies to food, fleas, or environmental allergies (pollen, dust, and mold)
- Sebaceous adenitis, a skin disease
Did you know?
75% of dogs are either at risk for or a carrier of a genetic disease. Embark Dog DNA Tests screen for 270+ genetic health risks so you can give your dog the proactive care they deserve. -
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