Aussiedoodle: The Energetic and Intelligent Family Companion

A devoted companion that excels in training, play, and bonding with active owners.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 2, 2025

A devoted companion that excels in training, play, and bonding with active owners.

The Aussiedoodle is a captivating crossbreed that merges the best traits of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle. Known for their impressive intelligence, energy, and affection, these medium-sized dogs have quickly become favorites among active families and individuals seeking a devoted companion. Amid their playful spirit and athletic ability, Aussiedoodles bring a unique charm and loyalty to any home.

Overview of the Aussiedoodle Breed

The Aussiedoodle, also known as the Aussiepoo, is a designer breedâa deliberate mix between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle (usually Standard or Miniature). Both parent breeds are celebrated for their high intelligence and friendly nature, producing a crossbreed with striking looks and a lively personality. While this combination often results in a wonderful canine partner, genetic diversity means each Aussiedoodle may vary greatly in size, color, coat texture, and temperament.

Breed Group: Hybrid/Designer
Size: Medium (can range from small to large depending on the parents)
Height: 14 to 23 inches
Weight: 25 to 70 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Colors: Various (including merle, black, tan, cream, red, white, and more)
Hypoallergenic: No (but may shed less than purebreds)

Designer Crossbreed Characteristics

Mix of two herding and highly intelligent breeds
Devoted and affectionate with family
Can inherit a strong herding instinct
Active and athleticâthrives on regular engagement and exercise
Generally friendly with people and other dogs, but early socialization is essential
Not typically suited for apartment livingâprefers a large yard for activity

Breed Origins and History

The Aussiedoodle is a relatively recent addition to the list of popular hybrid dog breeds. The intentional crossbreeding of the Australian Shepherd, an agile and hardworking herding dog, with the intelligent and low-shedding Poodle began in earnest in the late 20th century. Breeders aimed to combine the best attributes of both breeds: the Australian Shepherdâs loyalty, energy, and herding aptitude with the Poodleâs smarts, trainability, and coat qualities.

Physical Characteristics

Aussiedoodles display a broad range of appearances because of their hybrid heritage. Key physical traits include:

Build: Athletic, muscular, and agile; body shape may lean more towards the Poodle or Australian Shepherd, depending on the lineage.
Coat: Texture can range from loose curls to soft waves or straight fur. Coat length is medium to long. Colors vary greatlyâmerle patterns, solids, and bi- or tri-color combinations are all common.
Eyes: Eye colors can be blue, brown, hazel, or amber, sometimes mismatched due to Australian Shepherd heritage.
Size Variability: Heavily influenced by whether a Standard, Miniature, or (rarely) Toy Poodle is used in the mix.

Temperament and Personality

This breedâs character is shaped by both parentsâ best attributes:

Intelligent and Quick-Learning: Aussiedoodles often excel in dog sports and training thanks to their keen minds.
Affectionate and Loyal: Bond strongly with their families and thrive on togetherness.
Playful and Energetic: Love to play fetch, run, and participate in family activities; require daily mental and physical stimulation.
Sociable but Protective: Usually friendly with strangers and other animals, yet may bark to alert their people of new arrivals or unusual events.
Can Be Vocal: Inherits the Australian Shepherdâs tendency to be chatty and the Poodleâs alertness.
May Have Herding Instinct: Some Aussiedoodles will attempt to herd children or other pets, so early redirection is important.

Aussiedoodle Personality Traits
Trait	Rating/Description
Intelligence	Very High
Affection	Highly Affectionate
Activity Level	Moderate to High
Socialization Needs	Benefits from regular socialization
Barking	Vocal; alerts to visitors
Family Friendliness	Excellent with children and adults but may require supervision due to herding

Exercise and Activity Needs

Aussiedoodles are spirited dogs that require both mental and physical outlets every day:

Need at least 60â90 minutes of exercise daily, including walks, games, and interactive play
Excel in activities like agility training, trick training, flyball, and obedience competitions
Get bored easily; mental enrichment is just as important as physical stimulation
May develop destructive behaviors if left alone too long or under-exercised

Grooming and Coat Care

While Aussiedoodles are prized for their adorable, often low-shedding coats, they require diligent grooming for health and comfort:

Brushing: Brush 2â3 times per week (or more frequently for curlier coats) to prevent mats and tangles
Professional Grooming: Schedule trims every 6â8 weeks to keep their coat manageable
Bathing: Bathe as needed, usually every 4â6 weeks
Check for debris, parasites, and skin irritations during brushing sessions
Nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene are essential parts of routine care

Health and Wellness

Like all hybrid dogs, Aussiedoodles may inherit health risks from either parent breed, but deliberate breeding typically aims to reduce the prevalence of hereditary conditions. Common health considerations include:

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Epilepsy
Cushing’s disease
Thyroid issues
Certain skin and coat conditions

Routine veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and regular exercise support long-term wellbeing. Reputable breeders screen for common genetic issues to give puppies the best possible start.

Life Expectancy

On average, Aussiedoodles live 10 to 13 years, depending on their size, health care, diet, and genetics.

Training and Socialization

These dogs thrive when provided with structure, positive reinforcement, and early socialization:

Start obedience, socialization, and trick training in puppyhood
Use praise, treats, and play to motivateâAussiedoodles learn quickly and love to please
Redirect herding instincts and teach gentle play, especially with children and other pets
Enroll in puppy classes or dog sports for social stimulation

Ideal Living Environment

Aussiedoodles are best suited to homes that can meet their physical and social needs. A suburban or rural setting with a large, secure yard is ideal, though more active individuals can thrive elsewhere as long as their activity requirements are met. Due to their strong desire for companionship, these dogs do not do well being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety if deprived of family interaction.

Family Suitability

The Aussiedoodle is a wonderful fit for many types of families, but they do best with owners committed to their exercise, socialization, and training needs. They are generally friendly with children and other dogs, but early exposure and supervision are important, especially in homes with very young kids or multiple pets. Because herding tendencies can surface, patience and consistency are necessary in teaching boundaries.

Adoption and Buying Considerations

If you are considering adding an Aussiedoodle to your family, you have several options:

Adopting from a rescue or shelterâoften costs less and helps dogs in need
Purchasing from a reputable breederâmay cost between $1,000 and $2,500, sometimes more for rare colors or established lines
Thoroughly vet breeders for health testing, transparency, and ethical practices
Ask about parental health screenings and puppy socialization protocols

Financial Considerations

Adoption fees: $100â$500 (varies by rescue and region)
Breeder prices: $1,000â$2,500+
Ongoing care: Budget for food, grooming, veterinary care, supplies, and training

Similar Breeds

If you love the Aussiedoodle, you may also find these breeds appealing:

Australian Shepherd: Loyal, hardworking, intelligent, requires significant exercise
Poodle (Standard or Miniature): Smart, trainable, hypoallergenic-like coat
Goldendoodle: Slightly more laid-back but equally intelligent and affectionate

Quick Facts About Aussiedoodles

The Aussiedoodle is a designer breed, not recognized as a purebred by major kennel clubs
They can be excellent therapy dogs, agility competitors, and devoted pets
Shedding varies from low to moderate, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic; regular grooming is essential

Did You Know?

The Aussiedoodle is sometimes called the “Einstein breed” due to its exceptionally high intelligence
No two Aussiedoodles look exactly alikeâthe mix leads to striking coat patterns and colors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How big will my Aussiedoodle get?

Aussiedoodles range from 14 to 23 inches tall and can weigh between 25 and 70 pounds. Their adult size depends on the size of both their Australian Shepherd and Poodle parents.

Are Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Aussiedoodles may shed less than many breeds, but people with severe allergies should meet the dog first to assess sensitivity.

Do Aussiedoodles need a lot of exercise?

Yes. They thrive with daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulationâideally 60â90 minutes each day. Bored or under-exercised Aussiedoodles can develop unwanted behaviors.

Are Aussiedoodles good with children and other pets?

Generally, Aussiedoodles are excellent with children and other dogs when socialized early. Supervision is important, especially with small kids or other animals, due to their herding instincts.

How often should I groom my Aussiedoodle?

Brush your Aussiedoodle at least 2â3 times per week and schedule professional grooming every 6â8 weeks. More frequent care may be needed for curlier or longer coats.

What health issues should I watch for?

Common concerns include hip dysplasia, eye diseases, epilepsy, and some endocrine issues. Routine veterinary visits and breeder health screenings are key to prevention.

Is an Aussiedoodle right for first-time owners?

Their intelligence and eagerness to learn can benefit new owners, but their need for activity, training, and engagement requires commitment. They do best with owners prepared for active involvement.

Adopt an Aussiedoodle

If youâre ready to welcome an Aussiedoodle into your life, check with local animal shelters, breed-specific rescues, and reputable breeders for available dogs and puppies. Adoption brings the reward of saving a life and can connect you with a wonderful new family member. Whether you seek a sporty partner or a loving companion, the Aussiedoodleâs friendly, active, and loyal spirit may be the perfect fit for you.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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