Aussiedoodles, also popular by the name of Aussiepoo, are as smart as they are adorable. A cross between a Poodle and an Australian Shepherd, this pup is the perfect animal companion for anyone looking for an energetic, loyal, and playful addition to their home.
It can’t be said for sure how long these adorable pups have been around. It appears that the Aussiedoodle has existed through natural crossbreeding for some time now. However, purposeful breeding of the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd is likely to have begun in North America either in the late 1990s or early 2000s. It comes as no shock that these pups are as popular as they are since they truly inherit the best traits of both the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd. While they are mostly labeled by breeders as hypoallergenic due to the “non-shedding” nature of their coats, it must be understood that all dogs are expected to shed at least a tiny amount. While the Aussiodoodle may be a better option for people suffering from allergies (compared to other breeds known for their shedding), a little shedding on the part of the Aussiedoodle should come as no surprise since all dogs shed at least a tiny bit.
Out of all the characteristics of this loveable breed, perhaps the energetic nature of the Aussidoodle is their defining feature. These dogs love playtime and will jump for joy at the prospect of walks, runs, or even hikes in the great outdoors. Aussiedoodles are positively bursting at the seams with energy and need an ample amount of physical stimulation. If they are deprived of playtime, the pent-up energy can easily make them destructive, so a bored Aussiedoodle is definitely something to avoid. These pups can be expected to have high energy levels no matter what their size, be it a Standard or Toy Aussiedoodle. They are herding dogs by nature thanks to the genes inherited from their Australian Shepherd parent, so you shouldn’t be surprised if they try to round up other animals or even humans. The Aussiedoodle, much like the Australian Shepherd, is known to form very deep bonds with one or two people, so it shouldn’t come as a shock your pup has picked some favorites. Their preference does not diminish their ability to show affection to others as well.
When it comes to size, there is not really a standard set of sizes that the Aussiedoodle can be classified into. However, they can be expected to come in sizes ranging from Toy to Standard. While they can be either small or large, a rough estimate of the height and weight of the average Aussiedoodle is around 10 to 15 inches and 25 to 70 pounds, respectively.
While the Aussiedoodle is a generally healthy dog, there are some conditions that this breed may be predisposed to due to their Australian Shepherd and Poodle genes. While it is not guaranteed that your dog will get any of these illnesses, it is good to keep a lookout and stay alert for any changes in your pup’s health so that these potential issues can be dealt with in a timely manner. The most common health issues that the Aussiedoodle may face include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative disease of the eye), a reaction to tick medication known as Ivermectin sensitivity, and cataracts. Like most dogs, it’s important to stay on the lookout for any potential dental issues as well.
In order to ensure a happy and healthy pup, as well as to detect any potential health issues early on, regular veterinary visits are essential. Make sure your Aussiedoodle is being checked out by a professional at least once a month to rule out any potential health issues that may be developing. Since most small dogs are predisposed to dental issues, it is incredibly important that the smaller Aussidoodle’s oral hygiene is taken care of. However, teeth brushing is important for the larger varieties as well. Since the Aussiedoodle gains weight easily and has an excess amount of energy, it is necessary that they get adequate exercise every day. A thirty-minute to an hour-long walk every day should be incorporated into your dog’s daily routine, with shorter walks and playtime incorporated here and there to make up for your pup’s need for physical stimulation.
Like both the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd, the Aussiedoodle has a tendency to gain weight and so should be made to follow a strict eating schedule with measured meals. Free feeding is actively discouraged when it comes to Aussidoodles since they will definitely overeat and rapidly gain weight. Treats should be saved only for special occasions. Due to such a large variation in size and no standard-size varieties, it is best to speak to a professional about how much food your Aussiedoodle requires in a day. The amount will vary depending on your dog's age, size, energy levels, and sex.
The Aussiedoodle’s coat comes in a variety of textures, highly dependent on the coats of the Poodle and Australian Shepherd parents. While some may have wavy coats, others may have a coat with relatively tighter curls thanks to the Aussiedoodle’s Poodle genes. While they are largely considered hypoallergenic dogs with non-shedding coats, a little bit of shedding can be expected. Due to their thick coats, they are better suited to handling harsher winters than other dogs. However, care should still be taken to keep your dog warm. They come in a wide variety of colors thanks to their Australian Shepherd genes, including black and tan, blue merle, black and red tri, etc. Solid-colored coats are rare.
Aussiedoodle’s with wavy coats don’t require as much maintenance as those with tighter curls. However, all Aussiedoodle coats should be brushed at least once a week to avoid the hair's matting. Nail trims should be scheduled regularly. It is best to get professional help when trimming your dog’s nails since the chances of hurting your pup during trimming are high due to the presence of blood vessels in their nails. They should not be bathed often, and owners should make a habit out of regularly checking their ears to make sure an infection is not developing.
The Aussiedoodle is a highly popular breed, and when buying a puppy from a breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1500 to $5000, depending on age, sex, coat type, and size.
When it comes to a loving animal companion, it’s always better to adopt than shop. Breeders aren’t the only option when it comes to finding an Aussiedoodle pup for you. There are several in shelters across the country, with many organizations specializing in Doodle rescue. Here’s a list of rescue organizations that have Aussiedoodle rescues (among other breeds):