The Aussiedoodle is a mixed dog breed that combines the Australian Shepherd and Poodle. The Australian Shepherd Poodle, also known as the Aussiedoodle, or Miniature Aussiedoodle, is a small to medium-sized dog that is athletic and energetic.
Described as a shaggy bundle of energy, the Aussiedoodle is an outgoing family pet that loves its humans as deeply as they love learning. Here you will find information on the Australian Shepherd Poodle mix from its appearance, history, feeding requirements, and much more.
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Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix History
Like many designer dog breeds, the Aussiedoodle is a breed that does not have a clear history. However, we do know that the Aussiedoodle is the result of crossing the Australian Shepherd with the Poodle.
The result was the Aussiedoodle as we know it today. The breed is still quite young and has only been around for the last few decades. While there is no set breed standard for the Aussiedoodle, some breeders are making an effort to create one and produce puppies that align with that standard. Below you will find more detailed history information about the parent dog breeds.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd actually has a very fascinating history as it was created from a line of European herders. It is said that this breed was actually first created from the Pyrenean Shepherd.
In the 1800s, the breed tried to herd sheep in Australia, but the need to refine the breed furthered to breeding the dog with Collies and Border Collies. Finally, the breed was brought over to the United States, specifically in California.
The breed was further refined and perfected. Ranchers really took a liking to the breed due to its amazing herding abilities, and this breed is still found on farms across the country. The Australian Shepherd was accepted into the AKC in 1993.
Poodle
People often believe that the Poodle originated in France but is actually from Germany. Now it is true that the French love the Poodle dog breed, and it is the National Dog of France, but it did not originate there.
The Poodle is a retrieving water dog due to its amazing water-resistant coat. Now the breed is more of a companion dog breed but could still be trained to assist in hunting. Poodles are extremely popular dog breeds that are a popular standalone breeds but are also used in a variety of mixes due to their hypoallergenic coat. Today you can find the Poodle worldwide, and it was accepted in the AKC in 1887.
Aussiedoodle Appearance
As a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Poodle, the Australian Shepherd Poodle can range in appearance depending on the breed that they take after.
In general, the breed is a small to large size breed that is athletic in appearance while still looking solid with thick legs and body. The top line should be straight, and the dog should have a rectangular shape, which is slightly longer than tall.
The head should be wide with a thick, rounded muzzle and oval-shaped eyes. Eyes can be brown, or they can also be the blue that is common in the Australian Shepherd, including having two separate colored eyes. The ears are large and hang down the side of the head. The tail should be thick; however, some are born with the bobtail that is seen in the Australian Shepherd. Overall, the appearance should be a happy, teddy bear-like dog.
Australian Shepherd Poodle Coat
Like their size and appearance, the coat of the Australian Shepherd Poodle can vary depending on which parent the puppies take after. However, the coat should be double with a thick, dense undercoat.
The topcoat is usually medium to long in length and can be soft and silky, long and wavy, or tightly curled like a Poodles. It is important to note that the only coat that is hypoallergenic with the Aussiedoodle is the tight, curly, Poodle-like coat.
When it comes to colors, the Aussiedoodle can be a range of several different colors and can be marked in any type of way, including patches, merle, or brindle. In addition, they can be found in solid colors or a combination of any of the following colors: black, white, gray, red, yellow, brown, silver, and blue.
One point to make about the coat is that the Australian Shepherd Poodle can have some striking coat color combinations, including cinnamon merle, blue merle, chocolate and white, red sable, red merle, and tricolor (three of any of the above colors).
What Colors Do They Come In?
The Aussiedoodle actually comes in a variety of different colors. So your new puppy can come in any one of the colors below. They are:
- Blue Merle
- Black
- Red Merle
- Red Hues
- Tan
- Beige
- Sable
Aussiedoodle Personality and Temperament
Known for being intelligent and outgoing, the Australian Shepherd Poodle is a devoted family pet that thrives in homes where he can spend time with his owners. They thrive when they have something new to learn, and you can teach them any type of trick that you like.
The breed is a very friendly and tends to get along with everyone. They love spending time with their owners and are happiest when they are out and about with them.
The Aussiedoodle tends to have a high energy, but with proper exercise, they can be a very relaxed dog in the house and are happy just to lounge around.
While they can have the herding instinct found in the Australian Shepherd, the breed does well with children and often does very well with other pets in the home. Overall, the Aussiedoodle is a sweet and loyal breed that has a limitless well of patience, making it an ideal family dog.
Aussiedoodle Size
Like many Poodle mixes, the Aussiedoodle can be found in two-size varieties depending upon what Poodle size was used in the breeding.
- Miniature Aussiedoodle
The Miniature Aussiedoodle can result from crossing the Toy or Miniature Poodle with an Australian Shepherd or mixing any Poodle (toy, miniature, standard) with a Miniature Australian Shepherd. The Miniature Aussiedoodle ranges in height from 12 to 18 inches and weighs 15 to 35 pounds.
- Aussiedoodle
Simply referred to as the Aussiedoodle, the breed results from breeding a Standard Poodle with an Australian Shepherd. The breed ranges in height from 13 to 23 inches and in weight from 25 to 70 pounds.
Australian Shepherd Poodle Health Problems
The Australian Shepherd Poodle mix is a healthy breed; however, they are prone to some conditions that are prevalent in their parent breeds. In addition, there is deafness linked to coat color inheritance, and it is important never to choose a puppy from two merle parents.
However, with the proper care, the Aussiedoodle is a versatile breed that fits into almost every lifestyle. Always check the health of the parents to prevent a higher risk of the following health problems occurring in your Aussiedoodle puppy:
Hip Dysplasia – Unfortunately, many dog breeds, especially bigger ones, can suffer from hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joints can experience lameness and pain. This connection in the hip socket can cause arthritis and joint pain. You can get your dog tested for hip dysplasia, and your vet can check over all of this.
Ivermectin Sensitivity – Ivermectin is what is given to dogs to stop parasites. Herding-type dogs like the Collie can develop a sensitivity to this. This is something to be aware of, but as this is a mixed dog breed, it could be bed out.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – This is an inherited disease that both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle can have. This disease affects the eyes and can slowly begin to make your dog blind. This won’t happen all at once. Instead, this can be a slow process spanning over the years or faster over months.
Epilepsy – Epilepsy has to do with seizures that your dog may be experiencing. This can affect your dogs in a lot of negative ways. It is very important to get your dog checked out by a veterinarian; your vet can help you through this process if it is something your dog gets.
Cushing’s Disease – This is another serious health condition in which the adrenal gland overproduces the cortisol inside your dog’s body. This can lead to serious side effects like increased thirst, appetite, urination, excessive panting, less activity, and much more.
Aussiedoodle Life Span
With lifespan, differences have been seen depending on the size of your Aussiedoodle. In general, the Aussiedoodle has an average lifespan that reaches between 10 to 12 years. However, the Miniature Aussiedoodle has a longer lifespan that averages 12 to 15 years.
Living Conditions
While the Aussiedoodle is a small to medium-sized breed, they are not suited for apartments. In addition, the breed can be quite noisy, especially when bored, and this can lead to problems if you have noise restrictions.
They are better suited to a home with a large fenced yard or acreage. However, the breed does require daily off-leash exercise to help keep their high energy down.
The breed is an excellent family dog that has a lot of patience, making them perfect for families with young children. However, they do have a lot of energy and require a home that can make time for them when it comes to training and exercise. However, with the proper care, the Aussiedoodle is a versatile breed that fits into almost every lifestyle.
Aussiedoodle Exercise
The Aussiedoodle is a breed with a seemingly endless well of energy that does require a lot of exercises. The breed does very well as a jogging partner once they reach a year old; avoid jogging with them before then to prevent stress on their joints.
Even with jogging, expect to exercise your Aussiedoodle between an hour to two hours a day. It is important to give them plenty of exercise both on the leash and off. They can become quite destructive due to their pent-up energy without proper exercise.
In addition to exercise, the Aussiedoodle really needs to keep its mind active. Training daily can help with this but also provide them with some problem-solving games that will keep them engaged and happy.
Again, without their intelligence being challenged daily, they will find things to get into, which could lead to many problems for both owner and dog.
Australian Shepherd Poodle Feeding
Feeding the Australian Shepherd Poodle is easy as the breed eats 1 to 3 cups of food daily. Therefore, it is important to match the formula to the size of the Australian Shepherd Poodle.
Miniature Aussiedoodles should have a small breed formula, while Aussiedoodles should have a large breed formula. In addition, choose a food with a good fat and protein level so that it is suited for a high-energy breed. Treats of meat, fruit, vegetables, dog bones, etc., can be given daily.
If your Australian Shepherd Poodle is getting the proper exercise, you do not have to count the treats into their daily calories, as they will often burn them. Finally, always have fresh water available for your Aussiedoodle.
Aussiedoodle Grooming
Grooming the Aussiedoodle will vary depending on the coat type that your Aussiedoodle has inherited. Generally, the coat should be brushed once or twice per week, more often for the curly coat, which should be brushed once a day or at least thrice a week.
During periods when they are shedding, grooming should be done more frequently for the wavy coat.
Many owners opt to shave the coat down into a puppy cut to make maintenance easier with the Aussiedoodle. If you are opting for this grooming option, it should be done every six to eight weeks, along with a bath. Even without the puppy cut, the Aussiedoodle only requires a bath once every month or two.
Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned when necessary, as the breed can be prone to ear infections. In addition, teeth should be brushed weekly, and nails should be trimmed monthly or as needed.
Aussiedoodle Training
The Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent breed that is often eager to please when it comes to training. They do very well learning commands quickly and work well with positive reinforcement.
Training requires short training periods of 10 to 15 minutes several times a day, so they don’t grow bored. In addition, avoid a lot of repetition with commands to keep your Aussiedoodle engaged in training.
The breed does require a firm and consistent rule on mouthing and herding. This breed loves to herd, and they will nip at children, adults, and other pets to get them to move for them.
This can cause a lot of problems for dogs and owners alike, so it is important to train them not to bite. While the Australian Shepherd Poodle is an outgoing and friendly breed, they should still be socialized from a young age to be sure that he is a confident dog as an adult.
It is important to mention that a bored Australian Shepherd Poodle can quickly learn bad habits on their own, so keep your Aussiedoodle engaged.
Aussiedoodle Puppies
A happy little teddy bear of a puppy is what owners should expect when they find an Aussiedoodle puppy. This is a sweet, fluffy breed when they are young, and owners should look for an outgoing puppy with bright eyes.
The breed is very intelligent right from a young age, and it is very important to puppy-proof your house as the Aussiedoodle puppy will find ways to entertain themselves. They are happy to get into trouble in searching for something fun.
Like most puppies, the Aussiedoodle will sleep a lot at a young age; however, the breed is very active when they are awake. The Aussiedoodle puppy is often described as having two settings: on and off. When they are up, they are up and ready to go before they crash.
For this reason, it is important for you to monitor the activity level and don’t let your Aussiedoodle puppy play too hard while they are still very young.
Since this is a working breed, training should start as soon as the Aussiedoodle arrives home and should be done throughout the dog’s life. In addition, strict rules should be followed until the Aussiedoodle is properly trained.
Aussiedoodle Litter Size
As mentioned above, the Aussiedoodle comes in two separate sizes, and this can affect the number of puppies that an Aussiedoodle can have in a litter.
Miniature Aussiedoodle
The average litter size for the Miniature Aussiedoodle is between 3 to 5 puppies. Litters tend to be small; however, they can have up to 6 or 7 puppies.
Standard Aussiedoodle
The average litter size for the Standard Aussiedoodle is between 6 to 7 puppies. They are known for having smaller litters of only 2 or 3 puppies, but some have had up to 11 puppies in a litter.
Aussiedoodle Key Takeaways
In this section of all of my mixed breed articles, I like to give you a summary of the key takeaways about this dog breed.
- The Australian Shepherd Poodle mix is a mixed dog breed that combines two very popular breeds, the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. This mix is also known as the Aussiedoodle.
- The appearance can vary depending on the traits your puppy takes from each parent. Generally, this can be a small to large dog with a very curly or wavy coat.
- This mix can truly come in a variety of different color options.
- This is an extremely loyal, intelligent, and energetic dog breed. Aussiedoodles make great family companions.
- Overall, this dog breed enjoys spending time with its owners and children.
- This mix can come in two different sizes a standard Aussiedoodle or a Miniature Aussiedoodle.
- You should be aware of some health problems when getting this dog breed.
- This breed will not do good in small homes with not a lot of space. Therefore, it is recommended to have a fenced-in yard with a lot of ample space for your Australian Shepherd Poodle mix to run around in.
- Your dog breed must get plenty of exercise. If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise, it can cause destructive behavior.
- Depending on the size of your dog, it will need between 1 cup to 3 cups of high-quality dog food per day.
- Groom your dog weekly to ensure the coat stays clean and tidy. Remember to continue doing regular grooming such as bathing, trimming, nail clipping, and ear cleaning once a month to every six weeks.
- Aussiedoodle puppies for sale can be difficult to find a reputable breeder for. There are a lot of breeders out there, but you want to make sure you are choosing a reputable one and not a puppy mill or pet store.
Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix FAQ
Here are a few of the most common questions that people have about the Aussiedoodle:
Yes, absolutely; the Aussiedoodle is such a great family dog. They are smart and loyal, so they can easily pick up on commands. In addition, this breed is very friendly and will make a wonderful companion to a variety of ages. Children can get along with the breed perfectly, and the Aussiedoodle would make a wonderful pet to grow up with.
In terms of exercise, this breed can definitely be high-maintenance. This breed needs a lot of exercise, and if it does not get the required amount, it can lead to less desirable behavior or destructive tendencies.
The Australian Shepherd Poodle mix can range in price quite dramatically. You want to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder and stay away from that designer dog breed pet stores and puppy mills. You can expect to spend around $1,200 to over $3,000 for your Aussiedoodle puppy. Sometimes you may even pay more than that; it all depends on what the breeder is asking.
Close Relatives of the Aussiedoodle
Here we have a few breeds that make up this breed as well as being closely similar. They are:
- Labradoodle
- Australian Shepherd
- Poodle
- Labrador Retriever
Australian Shepherd Poodle Suitability
With suitability, the Australian Shepherd Poodle is a versatile dog that really does fit into any lifestyle. However, they do better in a home where they are part of the daily activities and where the owner has the time to train and exercise the dog. Without that time, the Aussiedoodle could have become very unruly and destructive.
They do well with children of all ages and make excellent family pets. They do need to be trained not to herd and nip, but overall, they are very patient with children.
The Aussiedoodle is eager to please, so they are usually suitable for first-time dog owners. The only time an Aussiedoodle doesn’t fit into a home is when that home is in an apartment. Everywhere else, the Aussiedoodle is the perfect family companion.
would like more info. cost, location, etc.
I am looking at purchasing the australian shephard. I have had Shelties for years. I have one now that is 15 years old. She has hip problems, can’t hear and struggle to go on. She likes to get up but sometime it is difficult for her so i help her. I like the size of the Australian because it is more her size. I have never had a male but the one i am looking at is. So i guess i will see. thanks Karen