Aussiedoodle – The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix

If you are on the hunt for a crossbreed that mixes intelligence with, well, more intelligence, then look no further than the Aussiedoodle.

A cross between two of the world’s brainiest and most beautiful breeds, the Aussiedoodle seems to have it all!

But is it the right pup for you?

Aussiedoodle FAQs

Here are our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the Aussiedoodle.

• Are Aussiedoodles good family dogs?
• Do Aussiedoodles shed?
• Are Aussiedoodles smart?
• Are Aussiedoodles healthy dogs?

The Aussiedoodle is an impressive mix.

Still, that doesn’t mean this is the crossbreed for everyone.

There is a lot more to the Aussiedoodle than meets the eye.

And if you are wondering if he would be the right dog for you, keep reading.

Breed At A Glance

• Purpose: Working
• Weight: 10 – 70lbs, depending on size of parents
• Temperament: Clever, energetic, playful

The Aussiedoodle is one of the most popular new designer dog breeds.

Let’s take a look at all this hybrid in more detail.

Aussiedoodle Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose of the Aussiedoodle
• Aussiedoodle appearance
• Aussiedoodle temperament
• Training and exercising your Aussiedoodle
• Aussiedoodle health and care
• Do Aussiedoodles make good family pets
• Rescuing an Aussiedoodle
• Finding an Aussiedoodle puppy
• Aussiedoodle products and accessories

The Aussiedoodle is a cross between two purebred dogs.

Let’s take a look at the history of this breed.

History and original purpose of the Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle, also known as the Australian Shepherd Poodle mix, the Australian Shepherd Poodle, the Aussie Poodle Mix, or even the Aussiepoo, is a cross between the purebred Australian Shepherd and the purebred Poodle.

The Aussiedoodle is a newer crossbreed whose true origin is still unknown.

If you want to learn more about where he comes from, it is best to look into the histories of his purebred parents.

But let’s also look at why designer dogs like the Aussiedoodle are the center of some serious debate in the dog world.

History of the Australian Shepherd.

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle have fascinating roots that eventually led to the intelligence, loyalty, and all-around cuteness that makes up their Aussiedoodle offspring.

The Australian Shepherd is an all-American dog who was refined in California during the 19th century.

This breed was a staple as the cowboy’s best friend, utilizing his smarts as a herding and ranch dog in the American West.

In fact, the Australian Shepherd is still one of America’s favorite herding dogs on ranches all over America.

According to the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd also makes a fabulous family dog.

He ranks at number 16 out of 194 on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds in America!

History of the Poodle

The Poodle, often referred to as the “French Poodle,” and is the national dog of France.

But the Poodle originally hails from Germany, where he was utilized for hunting ducks.

Over 400 years old, the standard Poodle breed may be most famous for his fanciful coat. But did you know that his extravagant haircut actually had a purpose that went well beyond vanity?

Back in his working days, the Poodle would swim in cold, harsh water conditions to retrieve ducks for their hunting masters. And thus the famous Poodle haircut was born!

Created to protect the Poodle’s sensitive body parts and also allow him agility in the water, the Poodle’s pompons are now a staple in Poodle coat culture.

Today, the Poodle ranks in at number seven out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds in America!

Mixed Breed Controversy

With fame, intelligence, and a good work ethic in his line, it’s no wonder the Aussiedoodle is becoming such a popular crossbreed!

So what could be controversial about such an impressive mix of genes?

Let’s take a brief look at the designer dog debate.

Designer dog debate

There is some debate regarding whether a crossbreed is really just a mutt with a fancy name.

However, connoisseurs of the practice insist that mutts and crossbreeds are very different.

They point out that while mutts have a lineage of several different breeds in their bloodline, crossbreeds are the specifically chosen offspring of two purebred parents.

This is where the term “designer dog” comes in. To learn more about designer dogs in comparison to mutts, check out this article here.

Designer dogs vs purebreds

Purebred dogs are bred for generations to maintain certain characteristics inherent to the breed standard.

But they suffer some genetic health issues as a result.

Those who believe in crossbreeding hope that it could be a solution to this issue, reducing the chances of genetic health issues passed on to the offspring by widening the gene pool.

However, other experts disagree and insist that crossbreeds are just as prone to certain health issues as purebreds.

For more common objections to crossbreeding, click here.

Since the debate is still ongoing, it’s hard to say who is right.

Still, when considering bringing a new dog into your home, it’s wise to learn as much about him as you can.

Aussiedoodle appearance

Since the Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed, the Aussiedoodle appearance is going to depend on that of his purebred parents.

This appearance can vary quite massively, so don’t expect every Aussiedoodle puppy to look the same!

Looking at the parent breeds can help us make an educated guess about the Aussiedoodle’s appearance.

Aussiedoodle height and weight

The Australian Shepherd stands about 18 to 23 inches tall and weighs around 40 to 65 pounds.

The Poodle, on the other hand, comes in three size varieties:

• Standard: The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three size varieties, standing over 15 inches tall and weighing 40 to 70 pounds!
• Miniature: Medium in size, the Mini Poodle is between 10 and 15 inches in height and weighs between 10 and 15 pounds.
• Toy: Tiniest of the Poodles, the Toy Poodle grows to a mere 10 inches tall and only weighs four to six pounds.

So, your adult Aussiedoodle could range in size from 10 to over 15 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 10 to 70 pounds, depending on if he is a standard, toy, or miniature Aussiedoodle.

However, many breeders state that the average weight of an Aussiedoodle full grown is around 25 to 70 pounds.

So a prospective owner should prepare for a medium to large dog.

Aussiedoodle face

No two Aussiedoodles look exactly the same.

Even their facial features and structure can vary depending on what they inherit from their parent breeds!

The Australian Shepherd has erect ears and bright eyes that are brown, amber, or even blue.

The Poodle, on the other hand, has dark oval eyes, with ears that hang close to their head!

So the face of your Aussiedoodle can be quite hard to predict!

Aussiedoodle coat

Remember, the Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed, meaning he could inherit a number of traits from his purebred parents!

The way he looks is really going to be left up to chance and the purebred parent he favors most on a genetic level.

The Australian Shepherd has a double-layer, waterproof coat perfect for his ranching days! His undercoat is thick, and his outer layer is longer on his body and a bit shorter on his face.

The Poodle has a unique curly coat that most people love in a hybrid because it is low-shedding.

However, it’s important to remember, we can never guarantee the type of coat an Aussiedoodle puppy will inherit.

Aussiedoodle coat colors

Just like every other part of the Aussiedoodle, its coat colors will depend on what it inherits from its parent breeds.

The Aussie comes in six standard coat colors, including:

• Blue Merle
• Red Merle
• Black
• Red tricolor
• Black tricolor
• Tan

The Poodle, whether standard, miniature, or toy, has a thick curly coat that can come in several color varieties, including:

• Black
• Apricot
• White
• Cream
• Tan
• Blue Belton
• Blue
• Silver
• Sable
• Brown

This shows the huge variety that your Aussiedoodle could inherit!

There’s no sure way of knowing just how your Aussiedoodle puppy is going to look until it arrives!

Aussiedoodle temperament

Just as it is with size and appearance, the Aussiedoodle temperament will vary depending on what he inherits from his parent breeds.

We can confidently say the Aussiedoodle is going to be a pretty intelligent crossbreed. Considering his parents are two of the smartest purebreds around.

But, there are a few other traits your Aussiedoodle could inherit.

Both the Australian Shepherd and Poodle breeds are working dogs. This means they need lots of mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored.

As they’re also both energetic and playful, the Aussie and Poodle both require lots of playtime and exercise.

They love the outdoors, and enjoy getting messy.

The Aussiedoodle is likely to inherit these qualities, making them an especially great choice for families with kids!

Aussiedoodle natural instincts

We’ve seen that both the Poodle and Australian Shepherd breeds are full of energy.

Whilst this can seem like a great quality for Aussiedoodles, there can be a downside.

If not harnessed correctly, this energy and intelligence could lead to destructive and territorial behaviors.

So make sure you know just how much time and effort you’ll have to put into keeping an Aussiedoodle happy!

Aussiedoodles can inherit the tendency to bond very closely with his family. For this reason, he does not do well if left alone for long periods of time.

A final point to consider is the risk of an Aussiedoodle with other household pets.

Australian Shepherds do well with other household pets, but as expert herders they may try to herd their family members about the home.

The Poodle also makes a great family dog and does well with children and household pets. But his hunting skills mean he has natural instincts to go after smaller animals.

In case your Aussiedoodle inherits these natural instincts, it’s best to keep him away from smaller household pets like birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.

Training and exercising your Aussiedoodle

As previously stated, the Aussiedoodle is a very active and intelligent dog. For this reason, he is going to need plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Let’s look at the exercise and training requirements of the Aussiedoodle’s parent breeds to see what our Aussiedoodle may need.

Aussiedoodle exercise

Australian Shepherds need at least an hour or two of exercise a day and an owner willing to teach him new tricks and give him some purpose. For example, fetching the paper each morning or helping to carry in groceries.

Poodles are also people-pleasers from nose to tail. But they require plenty of activity and exercise to stay happy, just like the Australian Shepherd.

For this reason, it’s easy to assume your Aussiedoodle is going to be a very energetic dog who requires plenty of mental and physical activity.

This can be achieved in a huge variety of ways!

Your Aussiedoodle will love exploring outdoors with you, as well as playing fun games.

They may even inherit the Poodle’s love for swimming!

Aussiedoodle training

Examining the trainability of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle is a good way of predicting how well the Aussiedoodle can take to training.

Not for the novice owner, the highly-intelligent and energetic Australian Shepherd is a working dog through-and-through. This breed will be happiest with doggy jobs and consistent training.

Since they are so intelligent and loyal to their family members, Aussies are very easy to train.
However, they must begin training very early and owners should be prepared for the high amounts of energy these dogs have.

The Poodle is also an intelligent breed and training him should be a breeze as well.

As long as owners are consistent, Poodles are eager to please and enjoy showing off.

So we can assume our Aussiedoodle should take quite well to training.

Especially with positive, consistent methods from a young age!

Aussiedoodle socialization

Since the Aussie and the Poodle make such great family pets, you can bet your Aussiedoodle will too.

However, and with all dogs, we recommend early socialization and obedience training to help ensure they are well rounded and adaptable.

Patience, early socialization, and obedience training are key for this active and smart breed.

Any dog crossed with an Australian Shepherd is especially encouraged to indulge in early socialization and obedience training.

According to the AKC, one of the main reasons Aussies and their crosses wind up in shelters is because they were not properly socialized and trained, and owners did not know how to rein in all that energy.

This goes for even the smallest Aussiedoodle types. Even the mini Aussiedoodle temperament will benefit from training and socialization.

Aussiedoodle health and care

There are a huge number of things that come under the umbrella of care for the Aussiedoodle.

Before getting an Aussiedoodle, you’ll want to know how much time is spent on its general care. But also what potential health conditions your pup could run into.

Let’s take a look at the health and general care of our Aussiedoodle.

Aussiedoodle Lifespan

It’s impossible to predict the exact lifespan of individual dogs.

But we can look at the general lifespan of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle breeds to get a good idea of the Aussiedoodle lifespan.

The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Whereas, the Poodle has a lifespan of 10 to 18 years.

Therefore we can expect that a healthy Aussiedoodle will live well into its teens.

Aussiedoodle health conditions

The Aussiedoodle crossbreed is going to be prone to whatever his parent breeds are prone to. Therefore, it is best to look into all health conditions associated with the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle.

The Australian Shepherd is most prone to hip dysplasia, eye diseases, sensitivity to drugs, and epilepsy.

And the Poodle is predisposed to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, Addison’s disease, thyroid issues, bloat, and hypoglycemia.

There is no guarantee your Aussiedoodle will get one of these nasty health conditions.

However, the risk of these hereditary diseases can be slightly higher.

To improve the quality of life in your Aussiedoodle, we recommend early health screening to ensure he is ship-shape.

Early health screening could also help you to prepare for or even prevent certain health issues your Aussiedoodle may face in the future.

Aussiedoodle shedding

Now that we’ve established that the Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed and that a crossbreed can inherit any number of traits from his purebred parents, it should come as no surprise that grooming and general care could go either way.

The Poodle is considered to be a great choice for allergy sufferers. This is because they shed significantly less than many other breeds and produce less allergy-inducing dander on their fur.

However, the Australian Shepherd is a shedder, and since you’ll be dealing with a crossbreed between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, chances are he will not be “hypoallergenic.”

Because of the different types of coat your Aussiedoodle could inherit, shedding and grooming go hand-in-hand.

Aussiedoodle grooming

You’ll want to be sure you have the right tools to keep his coat looking its best and to keep as much loose hair out of your home and off of your clothes as possible.

As previously mentioned, the Australian Shepherded is a seasonal shedder.

For this reason, he requires weekly grooming to keep his coat looking its best and free of mats and tangles.

The purebred Poodle, on the other hand, requires significant grooming. Especially if an owner wants to show him. Most owners who opt to show their Poodles will either learn to cut their fanciful coats themselves or they will go to a groomer.

Other owners who are not interested in showing may opt for a puppy cut. This means they forgo the Poodle’s famous pompons and go for a more manageable cut.

Keep in mind that the Aussiedoodle is an active dog who may leave the house clean and come back dirty.

Still, unless he comes back covered in mud, he really only requires occasional bathing

Aussiedoodle general care

We’ve seen coat maintenance will vary from one Aussiedoodle to the next.

However, all Aussiedoodles need their ears cleaned regularly to avoid waxy build-up and moisture that could lead to infection.

He will also need his nails trimmed frequently to keep them from breaking and cracking.

As far as diet, the active and athletic Aussiedoodle will benefit from a high-quality dog food with meat proteins listed as the first three ingredients.

He will also need fresh water every day and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Do Aussiedoodles make good family pets

The Aussiedoodle is an active, intelligent crossbreed who will do best in homes with large, fenced-in yards.

He will also benefit from owners who have prior experience with dogs and can train intelligent, high-energy breeds.

You should also keep in mind that the Aussiedoodle is likely to bond strongly with his family.

He may not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time.

Grooming and shedding may also be an issue, so allergy sufferers should take this into consideration when thinking about getting an Aussiedoodle.

If you are an active owner who understands what it takes to train and care for a smart, active dog, then he may be the perfect companion for you!

Rescuing an Aussiedoodle

If you’re looking for an Aussiedoodle but don’t mind about qualities like age, you might want to look into rescues.

As mentioned earlier, Aussiedoodles can wind up in shelters when families have underestimated how much energy they have.

Rescuing an Aussiedoodle is a great way to get the pet you’ve dreamed of, whilst giving an older dog a second chance at finding a great home.

• Click here to see our list of Aussiedoodle rescues

Finding an Aussiedoodle puppy

The Aussiedoodle is an admired crossbreed, combining the brains and beauty of two very popular dog breeds!

But how do you go about finding Aussiedoodle puppies?

If you are considering rescuing an Aussiedoodle dog from a shelter, keep in mind that finding one in your local rescue could be hit or miss depending on when you are looking.

However, if you are willing to be patient, one of the many benefits of rescuing an Aussiedoodle is going to be the price, since shelters cost much less than breeders.

Not only that, but most shelters will actually cover the initial vet fees!

Still, there are adoption fees, but they are typically pretty low, running from $50 to $100 at the most.

On the other hand, if you are looking at Aussiedoodle breeders, keep in mind that the Aussiedoodle price is going to be much higher. Especially if your Aussiedoodle’s parent breeds are show quality.

Be prepared to spend anywhere from $500 to over $1000 for an Aussiedoodle when going through a breeder.

Be sure to ask your breeder plenty of questions. And keep in mind that reputable breeders will be able to provide health certificates proving their litters have been screened for any inheritable health conditions.

Be sure to avoid puppy mills and pet stores when buying an Aussiedoodle, because these pups and their parents are often treated poorly.

If you need more help with choosing an Aussiedoodle puppy, check out our Puppy Search Guide.

Aussiedoodle products and accessories

We’ve seen Aussiedoodles are likely to be active dogs.

If you’re struggling to find a high-quality food for your Aussiedoodle, check out these guides to finding the best food for Australian Shepherds.

They might give you a good guide to finding the best food for the active Aussiedoodle.

• Choosing the right food for Aussie puppies.
• Best Food for Australian Shepherds.

If your Aussiedoodle inherits a Poodle coat, you might also want to find the best products for grooming.

You might want to check out the best shampoo for Poodle fur.

Or even the best brushes for Poodle fur so you can avoid the costs of groomers.

Pros And Cons of Getting an Aussiedoodle

So, we’ve looked at a lot of information about the Aussiedoodle.

Let’s recap the best and worst bits of this breed, so you can see if it’s right for you.

Cons of the Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle has very high energy requirements.

Its fur could need a lot of maintenance.

Aussiedoodles can’t be left alone for too long.

Their natural instincts can make living with other smaller pets difficult.

Pros of the Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle takes well to training.

Aussiedoodles are good with children.

Their fur may be low-shedding.

Aussiedoodles have quite long life expectancies!

Comparing the Aussiedoodle with other breeds

If you’re still not entirely sure if the Aussiedoodle is the best fit for your family, you might want to compare it to some other breeds.

You could try looking at some otherAustralian Shepherd Mixes.

Or some other Poodle mixes!

Similar Breeds

There are lots of other great similar designer breeds to the Aussiedoodle that you might want to also check out:

• The German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd Mix.
• The Cockapoo.
• The Labradoodle.
• The Goldendoodle.
• The Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix.

Aussiedoodle Breed Rescues

If you’re looking to rescue an Aussiedoodle but don’t know where to start, take a look at these rescue centers.

• Aussie and Me Animal Rescue US.
• Lone Star Aussies US.
• Awesomedoodle US.
• Doodle Trust UK.
• Doodle Aid.
• Poo-Mix Rescue.

If you know any other great Aussiedoodle rescues, be sure to let us know, so we can add them to this list!

And tell us all about your amazing Aussiedoodles!

References And Resources

• Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
• O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Dogs Owned In England. The Veterinary Journal, 2013
• Schalamon et al. 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics
• Duffy D et al. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2008
• Strain G. Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. The Veterinary Journal 2004
• Turcsan, Borbala et al, Owner Perceived Differences Between Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dogs
• Howell, Tiffani et al,Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Volume 6, pages 143-153
• Sutter, Nathan and Ostrander, Elaine, Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics, Volume 5, pages 900-910
• Lowell Acumen DVM, DACVD, MBA, MOA, The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition, 2011
• Purebred Vs Mutt-Common Objections to Mixed Breed Dogs
• Carol Beuchat Ph.D., The Myth of Hybrid Vigor in Dogs…Is A Myth