The Aussiedoodle is another fantastic hybrid with a name as silly as the dog. Learn more about this doo’s personality, trainability and grooming needs. Does your Aussiedoodle require some ‘doodle-friendly care? Mad Paws has Pet Minders in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and all ’round Australia!
Quick Facts ✔
Height – 30cm (Mini), up to 58cm (Standard)
Weight – 20kg (Mini), up to 32kg (Standard)
Lifespan – 10 – 13 years, up to 15 for Minis
Other names – Aussiepoo, Aussiepoodle
Country of origin – Unknown; likely the U.S.A
Breed type – Hybrid
- Active families
- Families with older children
- Owners looking for a trainable dog
Aussiedoodle Breed History ♜
Like most of the Poodle hybrid breeds, the Aussiedoodle —a cross between an Australian Shepherd and Poodle—probably gained popularity in the doodle craze of the 90s. In the US, dog fanciers became smitten with doodles of all kinds: Goldendoodles, Sheepadoodles, Bernadoodles, you name it! And thanks to their wonderful personality and trainability, the Aussiedoodle was among the most pup-ular crossings.
Unlike some of the other designer dogs of the era, not much is known about who first started breeding Aussiedoodles. But, what we can gather from the history of the parent breeds can tell us a lot about this lively pup!
Both Poodles and Australian Shepherds have a history that might surprise you.
To start, Poodles weren’t originally bred to be chic accessories for Parisian fashionistas. Instead, they were hard-working waterfowl hunting dogs from Germany. Standard Poodles were well-known for their athleticism, intelligence, and hardiness in the cold waters of the German countryside. And it wasn’t until much later that they were miniaturised to the tiny companion pups we know today.
And, how about the Australian Shepherd? It might surprise you to learn that this doggo isn’t really Australian, at all! Instead, they were developed as agile, hardy sheepherding dogs in the mountains of the American West. Like the Poodle, the Aussie Shepherd was known as a tireless working dog with amazing decision-making skills and bravery in the face of bears, wolves, and pumas.
Also like Poodles, Aussie Shepherds come in more than one size. Starting in the 1960s, these sheep-loving pups were miniaturised to make them even better for small livestock like goats. The smaller Aussies are also better adapted for city living and apartment dwelling.
Like their parent breeds, Aussiedoodles come in a range of different sizes. But, they’ve retained much of that energetic working mentality that have made Poodles and Australian Shepherds such popular dogs over the years.
Personality Traits ★
When you mix two incredible dogs into one, you get a hybrid with an unbeatable personality.
Smart, playful, loyal, adventurous, and affectionate, the Aussiedoodle is a true companion. When it comes to their family members, they never want to miss out on the fun, and can sometimes be downright demanding when it comes to cuddle time.
As true velcro dogs, Aussiepoos can sometimes develop separation anxiety, even if their beloved Owner only leaves their sight for a moment! This likely harks back to their working days, when they always wanted to keep an eye on the herd. If you spend a lot of time out of the home, this might not be the pup for you. But, even if you can give them lots of daily attention, they should still learn how to be safely alone for at least a few hours at a time. For longer stretches, staying in the care of a friendly Pet Sitter is the best option for this people-oriented dog.
Aussiedoodles are known to be bouncy, playful, and silly to no end. This makes them ideal for families with older children who can keep up with their energy levels. That said, it is possible for them to develop a herding habit around children and small animals, so it’s important to nip the behaviour in the bud and give them better outlets for their working drive.
When it comes to other dogs, Aussiedoodles tend to be friendly and open to making friends. Early exposure to other dogs will ensure that they’re a socialite at the dog park, and make it easier for you to adopt a second dog if you decide to expand your furry family.
As a watchdog, Aussiedoodles are the right mix of welcoming to houseguests and protective when it comes to strangers. They take their guarding duties as seriously as they would for their sheep herd, but are willing to put their defenses down when it comes to trusted guests.
One last thing to remember is that this doo inherited intelligence from both sides of the family tree. When left to their own devices, they might just make their own clever fun, often leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. It’s important to keep them mentally stimulated so that they don’t get bored.
Aussiedoodle Trainability & Training Tips
The Aussiepoo comes from two highly trainable dog breeds, so you can look forward to an easy, enjoyable process. Of course, that doesn’t mean that this pupper will instinctively know your house rules, so here are a few tips to train them quickly:
- Use positive reinforcement training. These dogs are motivated by two things: their love for their Owners and food. Positive reinforcement training will keep your pup engaged with treats, praise and play so that the training process is always successful.
- Make sure they have enough exercise. A high energy doggo like this one will need regular exercise to be the perfect training pupil. If you find it hard to reign in this doodle’s attention during training sessions, it could be a sign that they need a bit more playtime/exercise.
- Don’t go overboard. With a smart pupper like the Aussiedoodle, it’s tempting to go full speed ahead with training. But, it is possible to overdo it. Especially when first training a puppy, make sure to keep training sessions under ten minutes so that they don’t get overwhelmed. And, between training, exercising, and exploring the world around them, these energetic pups should also get a chance to snooze so that they can commit their training to long-term memory.
- Establish a no-biting/herding rule. As we mentioned, the Australian Shepherd background can sometimes make the puppy biting phase even more challenging. Nipping, especially around the ankles, is simply in their nature! So, expect to spend more time training these dogs to keep their chompers to themselves, and refer to our article, How to Stop a Puppy from Biting, for help.
- Be consistent & firm. A smart dog like the Aussiedoodle is a pro at finding wiggle room when it comes to the house rules. You tell them to wait, and they’ll inch toward you when you turn your back. You let them sit on the sofa once, and from that day on, they’ll claim their spot on the couch. It can be tricky to set hard lines with such a clever and cute pup, but in the long run, you’ll be glad that you stayed consistent and firm from the get-go.
- You certainly can go it alone, but a trainer can be a big help. Aussiedoodles are trainable, but they learn much faster under the direction of an experienced trainer. If you want to learn the best way to train this doggo, a pro will teach you all the tips and secrets.
Exercise Needs & Living Conditions ⌂
Part retriever, part farm dog, all energy! Life with an Aussiedoodle is sure to get you off the couch and out into the world.
Some dogs are selective about which activities they’ll wag their tail at, but not this one. They’ll be happy with a range of different activities, and you may actually need to shake up the exercise routine to keep them engaged. Here are a few of the best ways to exercise an Aussiedoodle:
- A nice, long game of fetch. Here’s where that Poodle persistence comes in! Aussiepoos are excellent retrievers and will chase their favourite ball until the sun goes down.
- A trip to the dog beach. Again, this harks back to that Poodle heritage. As true water dogs, Aussiedoodles will swim and splash until it’s time to towel off and curl up for a nap on the car ride home.
- Hiking and adventures in the country. Not all dogs are set out for outdoor adventures, but this doo can’t wait to explore the country with you. Outfit them with their very own doggy backpack and hit the trails with this fun-loving explorer.
- Agility training, flyball, and lure coursing. Organised dog sports were practically designed with this dog in mind. They’ll race through an agility course, chase after anything that moves, and catch a frisbee midair. Their enthusiasm makes them a wonderful competitor, but you can teach them the basics of any organised sport just for fun.
- Daily walks. In addition to their more rigorous activities, daily walks are a great way to provide mental stimulation. The relaxed movement is also an important component in recovery, which can help to prevent injuries for athletic dogs like the Aussiepoo.
As you can see, it’s good to get creative with this doo’s exercise regimen. For more ideas on increasing the intensity, take a look at our article, How Can I Train My Dog to be Fitter?
And, to make sure that they have plenty of energy for their many adventures, these dogs need a diet packed with protein and nutrients. They’ll benefit from an all-natural raw diet with fresh meats and dog-friendly veggies.
As far as living conditions go, Aussiedoodles come in a variety of sizes. If you live in a small apartment, a Mini doo will do. If you have some outdoor space, a Standard Aussiedoodle will have some space to move around.
And, because they are typically a low-barking dog, you don’t have to worry much about the neighbours complaining about your vocal pup. That said, an underexercised or lonely doo will certainly make their frustration known.
Aussiedoodle Grooming ✄
Not all Aussiepoos have the same coat type, so your grooming routine is going to depend on which fur your doo is working with.
Aussiedoodles with a more Poodle-type coat are called curly-coated. Their fur is made up of tight curls on the outside and a downy undercoat. Because their coat is more hair-like than furry, these dogs are typically considered to be hypoallergenic. But, that might not be the case for anyone with severe dog allergies. After all, they will shed a bit.
In terms of maintenance, this coat type does require more care. Owners should comb Poodle-like fur at least a few times per week to prevent tangles and matting. And a trip to the groomers for a wash and overall trim can be scheduled about once every two months.
Aussiedoodles who are more Australian Shepherd have what experts call a wavy coat. It’s sleek and shiny, and is more fur-like than hair-like. As such, it’s not considered hypoallergenic, but it does require less grooming.
Doos with this coat type can follow a grooming routine similar to that of their Shepherd relatives. Brushing a couple of times per week plus a bath only once every three to four months.
For both coat types, tooth brushing, nail trimming, and ear checks round out the grooming regimen for an Aussiedoodle.
Aussiedoodle Health +
As a mixed breed dog, Aussiedoodles benefit from genetic diversity that can help to lower the risk of some inherited diseases. That said, they can sometimes be prone to the health concerns of their parent breeds, such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Some eye issues including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Sebaceous adenitis, a type of skin condition
Even though they’re typically healthy dogs, these dogs do approach life at full speed and sometimes end up with injuries. With a reliable pet insurance plan, you can focus on getting your Aussiedoodle back in action.
Fun Fact ♥
One of the most unique characteristics that the Aussiedoodle adopted from its Australian Shepherd background was heterochromia. Don’t worry—it’s not a health concern! Instead, this is the genetic feature that results in two eye colours. Some Aussiepoos have one blue and one brown eye, or both brown and blue splashes in one or both eyes.
Final Thoughts on the Aussiedoodle
Among the doodle family, Aussiedoodles are something special. Incredibly smart, hard-working, active, and fun, they make the perfect companion for any adventure.
It should be clear by now that this is not a low-maintenance dog. They need a lot of exercise, dedicated training, mental stimulation, and grooming. And, they don’t tolerate long stretches of alone time.
But, if you can put in the work and call in a helpful Pet Sitter when you’re away, you’ll have a loyal, lovable family pet in the Aussiedoodle.
