Complete Guide To The Aussiedoodle: Care, Grooming, Exercise and More

Aussiedoodles are adorable little dogs with an even cuter name. Smart, sassy and spirited, these popular Australian Shepherd-Poodle hybrids are affectionate and fun-loving friends. This is a newer “designer dog” that is just getting started in the States so there’s not a lot of established info out about them.

I’m a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience and I’ve only just recently started seeing this “breed.” They are cute, smart, and friendly but I don’t know yet how healthy they will be.

How Big Do Aussiedoodles Get?

Genetic expression among crossbreeds is hard to predict. The larger Australian Shepherd can be bred with a Miniature or Standard Poodle, so Aussiedoodles can range 25-70 pounds — evaluating the parents gives puppy shoppers an idea of what to expect.

What Colors Can Aussiedoodles Come In?

Since Poodles come in so many colors, Aussiedoodles’ medium-length coats vary in hue and texture. Colors include:

• Black
• Red
• Apricot
• Chocolate
• Buff
• Blue
• Red Merle
• Blue Merle

Eyes color may be blue, brown or green. Ears range from long to folded over but are rarely heavy. Tails are typically short at birth but longer lengths may be docked. Large Aussiedoodles are oft-mistaken for the longer-haired sheepdog — small versions for the Poodle or Havanese.

What Is The Personality Of An Aussiedoodle?

Deliberate crossbreeding ideally produces puppies with each parent’s best characteristics. Aussiedoodles are in demand because they have the intelligence, enthusiasm and trainability of both breeds.

Loyal and highly adaptable, they’re people-pleasers who want little more than time with their families. They need plenty of exercise, but romps in the backyard are good enough — hiking the Alps isn’t required. Dogs that take after the Aussie parent may have strong herding instincts, so a fenced-in yard is safest.

With training, Aussiedoodles are trustworthy with children and stalwart companions for older adults.
But unlike purebred dogs, personality among hybrids is less foreseeable. The parent’s behavior, however, is a good predictor, and purchasers should get to know them, if possible.

What Are The Grooming Needs Of An Aussiedoodle?

Aussiedoodles have different types of coats. Some sport the long-straight hair of an Australian Shepherd, but most have a soft, curly coat like a Poodle.

Low shedders, they’re a pleasant surprise for people with allergies. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some appear to cause fewer symptoms than others, including the Aussiedoodle.

Neither the Poodle nor the Aussie, however, have easy to manage coats. Daily brushing with a slicker is ideal to prevent matting — coats can look scruffy and unkempt without it.

The Aussiedoodle’s long ears are somewhat prone to infection and need regular cleaning, and the long hair on their feet makes nail trims a must. So while most owners can handle routine care at home, regular professional grooming is also a popular option. A trim and a bath every few months by an expert keeps their coat in top condition and further reduces allergy-causing dander.

Are Aussiedoodles Hypoallergenic?

How Long Do Aussiedoodles Live?

10-12 years

What Health Issues Can Aussiedoodles Have?

I haven’t seen enough of this breed to associate certain health conditions with it. Most “doodles” are finicky eaters and stay on the thinner side. This can sometimes cause some anxiety in owners of “doodles” when they skip meals or don’t act that excited about food.

Any dog can develop dental disease, allergies, and orthopedic issues as they age. Make sure your dog sees the vet at least once per year for a full exam and any recommended vaccines/diagnostic tests.

What Food Is Best For Aussiedoodles?

Before we start with the food lists, just know that grain-free dog foods are a myth. There’s zero science showing that they are helpful. In fact, there’s increasing evidence that it’s causing issues in certain breeds of dogs (so far not this one). Food allergies are the only reason to even consider a grain-free diet but only choose one with the help of your veterinarian.

Basic dog foods that I recommend include:

• Purina Pro Plan With Probiotics Shredded Blend
• Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food
• IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein With Grains

Where Can I Find An Aussiedoodle?

There’s a Aussiedoodle Facebook page that has over 22,000 members. That’s a great resource.

Search for a local breed club

PuppySpot has dozens of listings.

Where Can I Learn More About Aussiedoodles?

Complete Guide To Aussiedoodles

Aussiedoodle Bible

Interesting Facts About Aussiedoodles

So-called “designer dogs” have less history than most breeds, but they do have a story. Here’s more about the Aussiedoodle’s.

• Aussiedoodles Were Bred With a Purpose

Most ancient breeds were developed to serve humans, and so it is with the Aussiedoodle. A relatively new hybrid, they were first bred in 1980 for their minimal shedding and potential as service dogs. They haven’t cracked the top ten among designer dogs yet, but their popularity is growing.

• They’re Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club

The AKC only recognizes purebred dogs. Registration doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of an animal, it just certifies their pedigree. Hybrid dogs don’t qualify, but their parents typically do — papers guarantee both are purebred.

For owners interested in canine athletics, the AKC offers the Canine Partners Program. Dogs enrolled may participate in AKC sports, agility and obedience events. Aussiedoodles are recognized by other canine clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Breed Registry.

• Aussiedoodles May be Healthier Than Their Parents

Mixed breed dogs are less likely than purebred dogs to pass on faulty genes to their offspring. Known as hybrid vigor, it’s because defective genetic material is diluted between generations, often resulting in healthier dogs with fewer inherited disorders.

• They’re Stellar Therapy Dogs

Aussiedoodles are better therapy dogs than service dogs. Service dogs are petted by few people other than their owners to avoid risking their unique bond. Cheerful dogs like the Aussiedoodle struggle with being ignored in a crowd.

Therapy dogs, however, should be interactive, so their need for attention from strangers is a plus. Outgoing but easygoing, Aussiedoodles are ideal visitors at hospitals and nursing homes.

• Aussiedoodles are Geniuses

Poodles are ranked second in intelligence among nearly two hundred breeds — Australian Shepherds are 66th. It should be no surprise then that Aussiedoodles are expected to be at the top of their class. Trainers consistently call them quick, agile learners.

• Blue Eyes Occur Only in Merles

Merle is a patchwork color pattern affecting only the Australian Shepherd — Poodles don’t carry the genes for blue eyes or merle coats. The Blue Merle gene is dominant and supersedes the Poodle’s genes for coat and eye color, so only Aussiedoodles with a Blue Merle parent may have blue eyes.