Meet the Aussiedoodle!
An Aussiedoodle may sound like the sketch of a funny cartoon character. But, Aussiedoodle comes from breeding the Australian Shepherd and poodle together. They are an adorable, fluffy, ball of high energy. Lastly, They are a highbred that is one of the smartest dogs today.
Aussiedoodles have a all kinds of different nicknames including:
- Aussiedoodle
- Australian Shepherd poodle mix
- Aussiedoo
- Aussiepoo
It might not make sense to combine these two different dog personalities together. The Aussiedoodle has some amazing genetic traits like that they are low-shedding. This makes the Aussiedoodle great for dog owners with pet allergens.
The coat has a variety of colors. The most common having a gray-blue coat with a few small, black spots or patches. This color is the blue-merle Aussiedoodle.
Aussiedoodles having great personalities – non-aggressive, loyal, energetic, intelligent, family friendly, and trainable. These traits come from their purebred heritage. Keep reading to learn more about what makes the Aussiedoodle a perfect addition to any home.
What is the Aussiedoodles Background?
Aussiedoodles don’t have an extremely detailed history, but research shows this hybrid breed started in the early 2000s to help combat the shedding issues of the Australian Shepherd (something we are ALL TO FAMILIAR WITH!).
Aussiedoodles started after the first Goldendoodle in the 1980s. The goal was to help provide service to blind pet owners with allergies to pets. The purebred Australian Shepherd and Poodle have long histories by themselves.
The Poodle and Australian Shepherd are both popular dogs around the world. They breed in a variety of colors and sizes. Your Aussiedoodle will come in a few different sizes. Aussiedoodle sizes include the Toy Aussiedoodle, Miniature Aussiedoodle, and Standard Aussiedoodle.
Poodles come in 10 standard colors. Australian Shepherds come in 4 standard colors. This combo makes their coat coloring difficult to predict.
Aussiedoodles you might run into at the dog park will stand approximately 19 inches tall. They will weigh roughly 40 pounds.
An Aussiedoodle can expect to live anywhere from 10-12 years. Because of this, they are a healthy crossbreed for the most part.
Medical problems from the Australian Shepherd and standard poodle family tree can appear. Likewise, with any furry friend there is no guarantee that there will be a zero chance of developing diseases.
Much like other doodle dogs, Aussiedoodles are companion dogs. They always want their family by their side. Aussiedoodles are loyal companions. They make friends and everyone they meet is part of their “pack”. You can definitely say they like people!
Are there different sizes of Aussiedoodles?
The dogs size can be vary from dog-to-dog. They are either the standard, miniature poodle or toy poodle.
There are three standard sizes of Aussiedoodles. The Toy Aussiedoodle (less than 20 pounds). The Mini Aussiedoodle (between 20 to 30 pounds). And the Standard Aussiedoodle (over 30 pounds).
The Toy Aussiedoodle
The Toy Aussiedoodle – is the smallest of this Australian Shepherd Poodle mix. Toy Aussie’s will generally stand around 15 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.
The Toy is a cross between a Toy Poodle and a mini Australian Shepherd. This is one of the most sought-after sizes of Aussiedoodle. They do tend to have more underlying health issues than a Standard Aussiedoodle. This is due to the genetic “toy” defect.
These dogs are great for people who live in a smaller, confined space. If you love “tiny” dog breeds, these are perfect. The smaller the sized dog you have, the less exercise that they will need.
The Mini Aussiedoodle
The second smallest size of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix. They are around 17 to 18 inches tall and weigh 20 to up to 30 pounds. Thirty pounds may seem large, but miniature doodles are under 30 pounds.
The mini Australian Shepherd is an official dog breed recognized by the AKC. Because of this, the mini Aussiedoodle has become more and more popular. Cross a Mini Poodle and a Mini Australian Shepherd and BOOM you’ve got yourself a Mini Aussiedoodle!
If you live in a condo or apartment, the mini Aussiedoodle will be a good choice. Aussiedoodles are high energy dogs and it is best to have room for them to get plenty of daily exercises and play.
The Standard Aussiedoodle
The Standard is the largest size of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix. This dog is as anything over 30 pounds and usually stands around 20 to 22 inches in height. This dog will need a significant amount of exercise. Make sure that you live an active lifestyle or have a backyard that the Aussiedoodle can run around in. You will find that the more energy your Aussiedoodle is able to “burn off” the more well behaved they will be.
On a side note from size – guessing the color of a pups coat is even more complex. An Australian Shepherd and a Poodle will have many color variations. No two of their pups are ever likely have the same color patterns.
Training an Aussiedoodle
By the early age of 8 weeks, your Aussiedoodle puppy will be ready to begin it’s training. The pup will most likely be a little preoccupied with getting their energy out. But they are ready to channel their intelligence to learn new things.
After potty training is complete, you will want to train obedience. Getting your pup socializing early-on is important with Aussiedoodles. They are lovers of both humans and other animals, but you will want to make sure they are going about it the right way. In short, no herding, nipping, or nudging.
Training an Aussiedoodle is often a great experience, even for inexperienced owners. These dogs love to learn. They will begin to understand even quite complex commands within a few repeats. This makes training them simpler than most dogs and a real pleasure.
Reward Training
Your Aussiedoodle will do best when trained with reward-based methods. Since the Australian Shepherd parent has a very strong work ability and background, Aussiedoodles often benefit from being given jobs to do; carrying groceries, snagging the mail, picking up your laundry – they are limited only by your imagination and will be happier dogs because you kept them busy and challenged.
Aussiedoodles train to be performing dogs. They can also be guard dogs, service dogs, guide dogs, search dogs and therapy dogs.
Lastly, keeping an Aussiedoodle occupied will ensure that they do not go off on their own and get into trouble.
Aussie Instinct
In this section, we talk about Aussie Instinct. The Aussiedoodle can have very strong instincts to herd. Be sure not to misinterpret this as aggression, it is their instinct.
Aussiedoodles usually pick up on whatever new trick or behavior you teach. Because of this, is important to give your new Aussiedoodle a job. Like their parents, they have to be doing something they feel is worthwhile.
Caring for Your Aussiedoodle
If you socialize your Aussiedoodle, it will be a great family dog and will get along with anyone. It will definitely help if you make sure the dog gets socialized a lot as a puppy. Aussiedoodles need a lot of physical and mental activities. Both the Australian Shepherd and Poodle are active dog breeds that like to run, walk, and keep busy.
Aussiedoodles MUST have proper exercise. Because of this, the dog will likely start to be destructive around your home as it becomes “bored”. Boredom often leads to disobedience and mischievous activities. For example, Imagine chewing on shoes or other objects (couches for example, yikes). It’s good to consider mental stimulation like Kong toys. You can try building a dog obstacle course in your backyard – your aussiedoodle will thank you for this!
Hypoallergenic
For the most part, the Aussiedoodle is going to be hypoallergenic. Because of this, you will have fewer pet allergies then a normal dog. An Aussiedoodle will shed a lot less fur than a normal Australian Shepherd. Good News! Less vacuuming and cleaning.
Grooming Your Aussiedoodle
Grooming your Aussiedoodle and giving them a haircut every 8 to 12 weeks will keep a healthy coat. Likewise, You should brush your Aussiedoodle at least a few times a week. This helps prevent tangles and keep from getting matted. The same is true for purebred Australian Shepherds as well.
Aussiedoodles love to swim. A lot. They LOVE it. Because of this, a trip to the beach or a nearby lake is a great bonding time for you and your furry friend. If you do not live by the water, a baby pool or sprinkler in your backyard will work as well. Trust me- They will love it!
In Conclusion
Both the Poodle and Australian Shepherd are healthy dog breeds. These dogs should live and be healthy for well over 10 years. If you aren’t worried about having the perfect purebred dog, this makes a good choice. Tons of personality, Aussiedoodles are such loving, devoted, intelligent, and fun dogs. They are among the most sought-after hybrids on the planet. Lastly, can you not agree that once you bring your pup home, they will likely be one of the cutest dogs on the block!