What is an Aussiedoodle- The Aussiedoodle 101

You’ve probably heard a lot about the Labradoodle and maybe even the Goldendoodle. But have you ever encountered the Aussiedoodle? What is an Aussiedoodle?

These relatively new crossbreeds are one of the most lovable dogs out there. These little dogs get along with all kinds of pets and people. They love socializing and will quickly become the center of attention in your house.

If you’re planning to bring an Aussiedoodle home, go through this guide to find out everything you need to know about these affectionate dogs. 

What is an Aussiedoodle?

The Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed between the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd. The parent Poodle can be of varying sizes but is mostly standard. Depending on the size of the Poodle, you can have three kinds of Aussiedoodles: 

These dogs aren’t recognized by kennel clubs because they are crossbreeds. However, the parent animals – Poodle and the Australian Shepherd – are because they are purebreds. 

Both of these dogs are highly intelligent, so it is no surprise that the Aussiedoodle is a smart puppy. Some people consider these dogs to be geniuses. This also means that these dogs get bored quite easily and require lots of mental stimulation. Without it, they can become difficult to be around.

The History of the Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle is a fairly recent new crossbreed. They only started coming up in the last two decades or so, but they are now growing in popularity.

The Aussiedoodle is sometimes promoted as a hypoallergenic dog. Some dogs are marketed on this basis because they shed less fur. As a result of this, dander that causes allergies isn’t released into the air. But no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. The real source of allergies comes from a protein that is found inside the urine and saliva of dogs. 

The origin of the Aussiedoodle is unknown, but it is believed that they were bred first in the United States. There’s not much information on the Aussiedoodle, but there is quite a lot of information about this breed’s parents. 

History of the Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds were first bred in the United States, contrary to popular belief. Their name comes from the fact that these dogs have an Australian lineage and were brought to America in the 1950s. 

In time, the Aussie Shepherd became exceedingly popular because of their herding skills. They are now commonly used as ranch dogs.

History of the Poodle

Poodles have an even longer history than the Australian Shepherd. They were first seen on the border of Germany-France in the 15th and 16th centuries. Poodles were initially used as gun dogs because of their exceptional duck-hunting skills.

Poodles were one of the most loved dogs of Royalty and were used as pets by the rich for close to 400 years. 

Overview of the Aussiedoodle

How Big Do They Grow? 

As the Aussiedoodle is a newer designer breed, there are differences in each dog’s height and weight. Usually, an Aussiedoodle ranges between the small to medium size, growing between 10 and 15 inches in height. They weigh anywhere between 25 and 70 pounds.

How Much Exercise Do They Need?

An Aussiedoodle is prone to becoming obese. It is extremely important that you take your Aussiedoodle out for long walks. Half an hour to 90 minutes should be enough. You should also engage in play sessions to meet the daily exercise requirements of your Aussiedoodle. 

Aussiedoodles are known to be excellent swimmers. They inherit this from both parents – the purebred Poodle dog breed is in particular is an excellent swimmer. If you feel like changing their exercise routine, you can take them to a safe place to swim. 

How Often Should We Go to Checkups?

Apart from going to the vet, there are certain things that you will have to do to make sure that your Aussiedoodle dog is alright. Check their ears for dirt and insects every day, and clean the area according to what your vet recommends. 

You will also need to trim your dog’s nails before they get too long. You’ll know they’re too long when you hear loud clicking noises on the floor whenever your dog walks. Usually, you’ll have to trim your dog’s nails once or twice a month. 

If you aren’t capable of cutting your dog’s nails, you should go to do a groomer to get this done.

What’s the Fuss About Oral Hygiene?

If your Aussiedoodle is smaller in size, you will need to pay attention to their oral hygiene. You need to brush your dog’s teeth, irrespective of their size, but smaller dogs are more prone to gum and dental diseases.

Your vet can tell you exactly how to brush and maintain your dog’s oral hygiene.

How Do I Care for Aussiedoodle Coat Color?

An Aussiedoodle’s coat color is a mix of the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd. Usually, an Aussiedoodle’s color ranges from red merle, blue merle to black, red tri, sable, and solid colors in some instances. 

The texture of their coats also largely depends on their parents. Some have tight curls like their Poodle parent, while others have straighter coats like the Australian Shepherd. Aussiedoodles with shorter coat hair may be better for allergy sufferers, but that is not guaranteed. 

Given the multitude of coats that Aussiedoodles can inherit, it ultimately boils down to how well they tolerate weather conditions. This is because the weather can have a direct impact on the kind of fur they grow. 

Luckily you can shave the coat of an Aussiedoodle (our guide here).

What Is an Aussiedoodle Like?

Now that we have the basic overview of the Aussiedoodle, you should know what they’re like as pets. To understand what an Aussiedoodle is like, we should look at the traits and personalities of the parents first. 

An Australian Shepherd is an affectionate, clever, and loyal dog. These dogs are popular for their sense of humor and the constant need to play and love their owner. These dogs were initially bred to gather cattle. They needed to outsmart farm animals and protect their charges against predators. 

On the other hand, the Poodles are cheerful and elegant dogs. Like the Australian Shepherd, the Poodle is an intelligent and fun-loving animal that loves to be around its owner. 

Personality

Many Aussiedoodle parents depict their dogs’ personalities to be affectionate and goofy. Irrespective of the size, an Aussiedoodle is always going to be energetic and playful. These dogs love going on long walks, hikes, games, and beach days.

As Australian Shepherds are herding dogs, your Aussiedoodle may instinctively try and round up your kids, other pets, or even you. 

Also, this breed adores being around people. Aussiedoodles form deep connections with their favorite humans. They often become inseparable. That doesn’t mean that they don’t get along with other groups. 

An Aussiedoodle will inherit most of their parents’ traits, making them incredibly headstrong and cunning dogs. You will have to take some time out of your day and spend time with your Aussiedoodle. These dogs are prone to throwing tantrums if left alone for more than a few hours. 

Do Aussiedoodles Bond Well with Children?

Due to their fun-loving and energetic nature, Aussiedoodles are great family pets and bond well with children. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe around them.

Australian Shepherds were used as a herding dog. Genetically, the Aussiedoodle carries those genes and can sometimes try and herd your child. It may not sound dangerous, but this can injure your child. The Aussiedoodle pup can end up scratching or biting your kid in places like the ankle. You should always monitor the activity of your dog around your kid.

It is also important that you teach your child how to behave around your dog. Children are naturally inquisitive and can pull your dog’s ear, nose, and fur. If pulled hard enough, your Aussiedoodle may become aggressive. 

It’s also advisable that you don’t let your kid near an Aussiedoodle while they’re eating. Dogs and most other animals get protective about their food and are known to attack if they feel threatened. 

Do Aussiedoodles Need Training?

Yes, they do. An Aussiedoodle will require obedience training the day you bring them home. The Aussiedoodle will constantly try and outsmart its owners because of its nature. They are a great companion dog but will test boundaries. This can make living with them a little tricky. You need to keep this behavior in check.

They have a temperament that is friendly and upbeat.

If you’re thinking that training is usually a difficult and challenging process, let me tell you that training Aussiedoodles is quite fun and engaging. Their personalities are such that they strive to please their owners. Aussiedoodles are quick learners and “work-oriented” is written down in their breed standard.

These dogs have a strong work ethic and love to stay busy. That’s a good thing because like I said earlier, these dogs can get quite destructive if they get bored. On top of obedience training, you can try and teach these dogs tricks and other interesting games. This can challenge and work on your dog’s intelligence and is a great way of bonding with them. 

Do Aussiedoodles Have Health Problems?

Genetically, the Aussiedoodle is predisposed to some health conditions the Poodle and Australian Shepherd face. Most of these dogs are generally healthy, but some can have health problems. Therefore, you should keep your Aussiedoodle healthy and take him for regular vet check-ups.

Choosing a reputable breeder for any hybrid god is also important. They should genetically test the purebred Australian Shepherd parent for any issues prior to breeding. Any Aussiedoodle breeder worth their while will be able to have defintive answers to such questions when asked. 

Hip dysplasia 

This is by far the biggest health problem an Aussiedoodle breed can face. Hip dysplasia causes joint pain and arthritis. This can be managed through regular exercise and a good diet. A healthy Aussiedoodle is at a lesser risk of contracting this disease. 

Cataracts

Cataracts are most prevalent in Poodles and are mostly hereditary. This is a condition where one eye or both eyes go cloudy. Cataracts usually progress in two stages: mild and severe. If the cataract is caught early, eye drops can treat the condition. It may be harder to cure if caught later. 

As cataracts in Aussiedoodles are mostly genetic, you can test the parents before breeding. A good breeder will perform some tests to check if the parent Poodle is carrying cataract genes. 

What Should I Feed My Aussiedoodle?

The ideal Aussiedoodle diet is for a small-to-medium-sized dog with high levels of energy. Like every hybrid dog, your Aussiedoodle’s dietary requirements will change from puppyhood to adulthood. And it will keep changing till they become old. To keep up with your dog’s dietary needs, ask your vet for advice on your dog’s diet. 

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle are known to gain excessive amounts of weight if they are overfed even a bit. That’s why you should stick to a set dietary plan. Remember never to leave out food during the day, and keep tabs on the treats you give. 

Dog Dry Food

The best kind of food you can serve your Aussiedoodle is dry food without any grain. The food should contain meat, proteins, and vegetables. These foods have high quantities of fiber, carbohydrates, and protein, all of which are important for the growth and nourishment of your dog.

Raw Feeding

This is an amazing method to feed your dog. This kind of diet is flexible and ensures that you know exactly what kinds of food you’re purchasing rather than relying on an ingredients list.

Canned Foods

A plus about canned foods is that it contains higher levels of moisture, which helps in making your dog feel fuller faster. This can help dogs that are overweight.

Canned foods also contain higher levels of protein than dry foods. This can help you increase their protein intake by close to 18-24%.

Before purchasing your dog food, remember to look at the ingredients on the back. Avoid foods that have extra fats or oils or other processed chemicals. These ingredients are quite unhealthy for your dog.

Conclusion

Remember, these dogs don’t do well in city houses. You should always have easy access to the outdoors.

Apart from that, these are some of the friendliest and most fun-loving dogs you can find. If you’re an active person and need a dog that can match your energy, then an Aussiedoodle can become your greatest canine companion.