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Aussiedoodle
Thinking of buying or adopting an Aussiedoodle?
Introduction
The Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian shepherd and a poodle. Also known as Aussiepoodle or Aussiepoo, the Ausiedoodle is a designer breed with a friendly and outgoing personality.
The Aussiedoodle is an affectionate and sweet lapdog which makes him a great family dog. With proper socialisation, this poodle mix is also a terrific companion for people and other pets.
Because of the breed’s high energy level, the Aussiedoodle needs plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. The Aussiedoodle is a low to moderate shedder, depending on his type of coat, so regular grooming is necessary.
History
Where did Aussiedoodles come from?
The Aussiedoodle is also called Aussiepoodle and Aussiepoo. The origins of the Aussiedoodle are not well documented, but it is generally believed that Aussiedoodle puppies were created about 20 years ago by crossbreeding an Australian Shepherd with a Standard Poodle. Breeders use the Australian Shepherd instead of the Poodle to carry the puppies. They figured that if it is the other way around, the Poodle may have a hard time birthing due to the size of the puppies.
Since the Aussiedoodle has murky origins, learning the history of his parent breeds will give us an overview of the resulting breed.
The Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States around the 19th century. The breed became a trusty companion to farmers as a herding dog. Whilst the breed did not originate from Australia, it is named after his ancestors that originally lived in Australia. Today, the Australian Shepherd is fully capable of becoming a drug-detecting dog, guide dog, therapy dog, ranch dog, and search and rescue dog.
The Poodle is a highly-skilled waterfowl retriever that was first assumed to have originated from France. However, it was discovered that the breed was created in Germany during the 17th century. The modern Poodle now works as a guard dog, guide dog, performing dog, and service dog. Do you want an Aussiedoodle as your family pet? Find the best match for you here.
Appearance and Grooming
Appearance
What do Aussiedoodles look like?
There can be two types of Aussiedoodles: the Miniature Aussiedoodle and the Standard Aussiedoodle. The Mini Aussiedoodle is the result of crossing a Toy or Miniature Poodle and an Australian Shepherd.
The Miniature Aussiedoodle has a light build and quite fine-boned and nimble. On the other hand, Standard Aussiedoodle has a relatively wide, strong back and torso. Generally, the Aussiedoodle has a muscular body. His face is gentle but alert. His eyes can be brown or blue.
The coat colour and composition of the Aussiedoodle may vary due to their parent breed genes. He may sport a double coat which comes in two types. It could be soft and curly like a Poodle’s or straight similar to the Australian Shepherd.
The Aussiedoodle's coat has a wide variety of colour combinations which include black and white, black and tan, blue merle, chocolate, chocolate and white, cinnamon merle, cream, red sable, silver, red merle, and red and white.
When are Aussiedoodles full grown?
Small-sized dogs such as the Miniature Aussiedoodle become fully grown once they’ve reached 12 to 15 months old, however, they will reach their full weight around 18 months. The Standard Aussiedoodle falls under medium to large-sized dog category. Breeds that are larger tend to have a slower growth process than their smaller counterparts. Thus, it takes the Standard Aussiedoodle about 18 months to become full-grown and 2 years to gain his full weight.
The best way to know if your Aussiedoodle has fully matured is by comparing his size to a fully matured Aussiedoodle. Full-grown Mini Aussiedoodle measures about 30 cm in height and weighs about 10 kg. Meanwhile, an adult Standard Aussiedoodle’s size is 56 cm in length and weighs between 24 to 28 kg.
Groom
Do Aussiedoodles shed a lot?
The Aussiedoodle can be a light to moderate shedder. The amount of shedding would depend on the type of coat that he inherits from his parents. If he has an Australian Shepherd’s coat, expect him to shed a little bit more than those that have a Poodle’s coat.
Aussiedoodles that have wavier coats only need once or twice a week of brushing. It is also recommended to have their coat trimmed every 8 to 12 weeks. Whether your Aussiedoodle has a wavy, curly, or straight coat, he requires regular grooming.
Avoid bathing your Aussidoodle frequently. It can strip off oils that keep his skin and coat healthy and shiny. The rule of thumb is to wash him only if he begins to stink or look too dirty.
How to care for an Aussiedoodle?
The Aussiedoodle has drooping ears that easily collect dirt and bacteria. This makes him susceptible to ear infections. To prevent wax and dirt build-up, clean his ears every week. Check for any signs of ear infections such as pungent odour, swelling, redness, and irritation.
Never let his nails overgrow as it can lead to painful splitting or cracking. Be sure to trim it once a month. Dogs often suffer from various gum and teeth diseases. Prevent your Aussiedoodle from developing these health problems by brushing his teeth daily. If this is challenging to do, twice or three times a week of toothbrushing will suffice.
Temperament and Intelligence
Temperament
Are Aussiedoodles good dogs?
Taking after his highly sociable and spirited parent breeds, the Aussiedoodle is perky and a bundle of limitless energy. He is a lapdog that relishes receiving cuddles, hugs, and pats from his family. He returns their affections by being extremely loving and devoted.
When it comes to making friends, he quickly charms his way into people and even other pets’ hearts. Just make sure to socialise him properly during puppyhood. This will help him mature into a confident and well-behaved dog.
The Aussiedoodle is very patient and affectionate towards children, thus, he is an excellent playmate for them. However, supervision is always a must. Whilst the Aussiedoodle is a non-aggressive dog, he is quite excitable and may unintentionally knock down small children. This is why supervision is necessary when children and Aussiedoodles are playing together.
Children should be taught to gently handle pets. This is to avoid mishandling and rough treatment during playtime which may injure the dog. As a herding dog, he is prone to chasing and nipping anything that moves including people. To address this undesirable dog behaviour, make sure you consistently train him throughout his life.
Are Aussiedoodles good with cats and dogs?
Aussiedoodles get along well with other pets as long as they are properly introduced and socialised. Dogs that grew up with a fellow furry companion tend to quickly warm up to new pets. Make sure to consistently follow the whole introduction process every day to have a successful result. Interactions between pets should be supervised to avoid fights and hostilities that may lead to injuries.
Are Aussiedoodles barkers?
Aussiedoodles are not barkers but they won't hesitate to bark and alert their owners if they sense danger. Their alert and protective nature make them great watchdogs. These traits can be attributed to their parent breed, the Australian Shepherd, who were often used as guard dogs.
Can Aussiedoodles be left alone?
Aussiedoodles are extremely sociable lapdogs. It makes them very lonely to be left alone for long periods. If they often fend for themselves at home, in time they may develop destructive behaviours and separation anxiety. Thus, Aussiedoodles are best suited for households where at least one family member stays at home to keep the dog company at all times.
Intelligence
Are Aussiedoodles smart?
The Poodle and Australian Shepherd are extremely intelligent dogs. Combining both of them created the Aussiedoodle, which is regarded as a canine Einstein. This means that the Aussiedoodle is smart and eager to learn new commands. It is also in his nature to impress and please his owner, therefore, training him will be easy and very enjoyable.
In training, be firm, patient, and consistent. Never use poor training methods that involve punishing or hurting him. Doing so will weaken your bond and trust with him. For best results, apply positive reinforcement every training session. Give him praises, offer him treats, or take him out for a walk as a reward for his hard work. This will greatly motivate him to do his best every training.
Nutrition and Feeding
Nutrition
What do Aussiedoodles eat?
Premium-quality dog food is the best option for your Aussiedoodle. Choose one that is specifically tailored to his size, age, breed, and energy levels. It must be packed with the right amount of nutrients and minerals for your Aussiedoodle to stay healthy and energised. If you are having difficulty picking out the right one, ask the vet for help.
Do not opt for commercial dog food. It may be cheaper compared to high-quality dog food but may not have the nutritional content that your Aussiedoodle needs. Some commercial dog foods may also contain harmful ingredients such as additives and preservatives, which can endanger your dog’s health. Refill your dog's bowl with fresh water every day to keep him properly hydrated.
Feeding
How much should an Aussiedoodle eat?
Mini Aussiedoodle puppies ages 2 to 3 months old need around ½ to 1 cup of dog food a day. When they turn 4 to 5-months, feed them about 2/3 to 1 1/3 cup of food daily. Six to eight-month-old Mini Aussiedoodle puppies require ½ to 1 ½ of dog food each day. Once they reach 9 to 11 months of age, they should be fed the same amount of food given to adults.
Standard Aussiedoodle puppies that are 2 to 3 months of age must eat ½ to 1 ½ cups of dog food. Approximately 1 ½ to 2 cups of food should be served to 4 to 5-months-old Standard Aussiedoodle puppies.
They should have about 1 1/8 to 3 ¼ cups of dog food a day when they reach 6 to 8 months. Once they turn 9 to 11-months-old, feed them at least 2 ½ to 4 ¾ cups of food. The meals should be divided into 3 smaller portions for better digestion.
Adult Miniature Aussiedoodles need 1 to 1.5 cups of dog food per day. Full-grown Standard Aussiedoodles should have about 2.5 to 3.5 cups of dog food daily. The portions must be split into 2 smaller servings to prevent overeating.
Health and Exercise
Health
How long do Aussiedoodles live?
If properly cared for, Aussiedoodles can live for 10 to 12 years. The best way to keep your dog happy and healthy is to consistently provide him with well-balanced meals, ample amounts of exercise, proper grooming, and relaxing and stress-free home environment.
Do Aussiedoodles have health problems?
Whilst Aussiedoodles are healthy and hardy dogs, they are prone to some health conditions. Some of these diseases are inherited from their parent breeds. Below is the list of the most common health issues in Aussiedoodles:
- Cushing’s Disease
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
- Epilepsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ivermectin Sensitivity
- Pancreatitis
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
To prevent your Aussiedoodle from developing any of these diseases, make sure to bring him to the vet for regular check-ups. This way, you can monitor his health and get an early diagnosis if he has any health issues. The vet will give advice on preventive measures to avoid diseases or create a treatment plan.
Exercise
Are Aussiedoodles hyper?
The Aussiedoodle is a high-energy dog breed. He requires at least 90 minutes of exercise and mental stimulation. He is an athletic dog that enjoys accompanying humans on walks or jogs. To keep your Aussiedoodle in good physical shape, you can play obstacle course, hide-and-seek, and ‘find the treats’. Lack of proper exercise may lead to behaviour problems such as excessive digging, barking, and destruction of furniture. Thus, be sure to provide him sufficient amounts of exercise.
Cost of Ownership
How much does Aussiedoodle cost?
Getting a healthy Aussiedoodle from a KC-registered breeder will cost you anywhere from £800 to over £1,000. On top of the purchase price, expect to pay £200-£400 for basic supplies such as a dog bed, crate, food and water bowls, and toys.
Food expenses for Miniature Aussiedoodles cost about £200 to £300 whilst for food for Standard Aussiedoodles costs £300 to £500. You may incur approximately £200 to over £400 for purchasing his basic supplies such as a dog bed and toys. Expect to pay £60 for a vet check-up, £100 for initial vaccinations, and £50 for booster shots. Opting for pet insurance will require you to pay £20 to £30 a month. Get your very own Aussidoodle here.
Aussiedoodle Breed Highlights
- The Aussiedoodle is a sweet and loyal lapdog that showers his family with love and affection.
- He can be light or moderate shedder depending on his coat type.
- He gets along well with people and other pets as long as he is socialised at an early age.
- He is an incredible smart dog that responds well to firm and consistent training with positive reinforcement.
- He is extremely energetic and has relatively high exercise needs.
Fun Facts
- The Aussiedoodles are bred for the sole purpose of becoming companion dogs. This explains their gentle and friendly personality.
Are you sure the Aussiedoodle is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector Quiz
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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