Aussiedoodle Breed Guide (Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix)

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix, otherwise known as the Aussiedoodle or Aussiepoo, is a mixed breed dog. They are known for their affectionate, energetic and loyal nature as well as their super fluffy hypoallergenic coats that come in many beautiful colours. It’s no surprise they are highly sought after and fetch very high prices.

If you are interested in Australian Shepherd Poodle Mixes keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about this dog breed!

Cover Image Credit: Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

Aussiedoodle Origins

The precise origins of the Aussiedoodle is unclear as it is a relatively new breed and doesn’t have a comprehensive historical record like other purebred dogs. Nevertheless, it is thought to have originated in the United States in the late 20th century when mixing a range of different dogs with Poodles was rising in popularity.

Today, the Aussiedoodle is a very popular family dog, working dog or therapy dog as they are so affectionate, intelligent and are also hypoallergenic.

Why Were Australian Shepherds & Poodles Mixed?

The original goal of crossing the Australian Shepherd with the Poodle was to create a highly intelligent and loyal dog that had the hypoallergenic and low shedding coat of the Poodle as well as the work ethic of an Australian Shepherd.

Aussiedoodle Temperament

The temperament of an Aussiedoodle can vary depending on many factors such as the percentage mix of Poodle to Australian Shepherd, their socialization, environment as well as training. As an overview, Aussiedoodles have an intelligent, affectionate, loyal, friendly and energetic temperament.

Are Aussiedoodles Intelligent?

Aussiedoodles are very intelligent as both the Poodle and Australian Shepherd are known to be very smart. Poodles are ranked 2nd for working and obedience training out of 138 breeds while Australian Shepherds are ranked 42nd. Aussiedoodles are eager to please and quick learners as they are so smart which makes them relatively easy to train.

Are Aussiedoodles Hyper Dogs?

Aussiedoodles can be quite hyper if they are not given enough exercise each day. They may exhibit behaviors such as chewing, pacing or being vocal if their daily exercise needs are not met. Both the Australian Shepherd and Poodle are highly active and energetic breeds so it’s no surprise that Aussiedoodles are as well.

Aussiedoodles may also display signs of being hyperactive as a puppy however their energy levels usually decrease as they mature. Early socialization can also help with hyperactivity.

Do Aussiedoodles Bond To One Person?

Aussiedoodles often form a particularly close bond with one person even though they are usually very friendly and affectionate with all family members. This is usually the person they spend the most time with or who they consider to be their primary caregiver.

Do Aussiedoodles Have Separation Anxiety?

Aussiedoodles are prone to separation anxiety like lots of other dog breeds. They may bark, pace, be destructive or attempt to escape if they are left alone for long periods of time. If an Aussiedoodle displays signs of being a ‘velcro dog’, they are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.

Do Aussiedoodles Like To Jump?

Aussiedoodles have a tendency to jump as they are such an energetic and excitable dog breed. It’s a natural behaviour and can be accidentally reinforced if you give your dog attention or reward them after they jump on you. You can discourage your Aussiedoodle from jumping through ignoring the behaviour or teaching them the “off” or “down” command.

What Does An Aussiedoodle Look Like?

An Aussiedoodle can either look more like an Australian Shepherd or more like a Poodle as it is a crossbreed so their appearance can be slightly unpredictable. They usually have a curly or wavy low-shedding coat that is short or medium in length. It can come in many colours such as blue merle, red merle, black, white, chocolate, cream and grey. In terms of stature, they have a well-proportionated, athletic build with a deep chest like an Australian Shepherd. They usually have almond shaped eyes that are blue or brown.

Aussiedoodle Full Grown

The size of a full grown Aussiedoodle depends on the size of Poodle the Australian Shepherd was bred with. There are three main sizes of Aussiedoodle including Toy Aussiedoodles, Mini Aussiedoodles and Standard Aussiedoodles.

Aussiedoodle Coat Types

There are three main types of coats Aussiedoodle’s can have depending on the percentage make-up of Poodle to Australian Shepherd. These are the wavy coat, curly coat and straight coat. Their coats can range from thick to thin and can have slightly different textures depending on the individual dog.

Wavy Coat

The wavy coat is one of the most common Aussiedoodle coat types. It features a gentle wave and is low to non-shedding. Wavy coats are quite hypoallergenic however curly coats are generally considered to be the most hypoallergenic. In terms of maintenance, wavy coats are generally easier to groom than curly coats.

Curly Coat

The curly coat is the next most common Aussiedoodle coat type and is generally seen in backcross generations such as F1b Aussiedoodles, F1bb Aussiedoodles and F2b Aussiedoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. These coats give Aussiedoodle’s more of a Poodle appearance and are generally more hypoallergenic than straight and wavy coats. These coats require more effort to maintain as they are more susceptible to matting.

Straight Coat

The straight coat, also called the flat coat, is the least common Aussiedoodle coat type. It is usually seen in reverse backcross generations such as F1b Reverse Aussiedoodles as they have a higher percentage of Australian Shepherd genes. Generally, straight coats are not as hypoallergenic and are light to moderate shedding so are not as suitable for allergy sufferers as curly or wavy coats. Nevertheless, straight coats are quite rare for Aussiedoodles.

Aussiedoodle Colours

Blue Merle Aussiedoodle

A Blue Merle Aussiedoodle has a blue, grey, white and tan coat in a distinct mottled pattern. They would have originally had a solid grey coat but the merle gene diluted it into mottled patches. The merle gene also affects eye colour and skin pigmentation on the nose and paws. This means that Merle Aussiedoodles often have very light eye colours such as blue and often have pink patches on their nose and paws.

Red Merle Aussiedoodle

Red Merle Aussiedoodles look similar to Blue Merle Aussiedoodles except they originally had a red (liver) base coat instead of a black one. Red Merle Aussiedoodles feature a mottled coat with red, copper, beige and white patches. The gene may result in them having blue eyes and areas of their skin that lacks pigmentation.

Chocolate Merle Aussiedoodle

A Chocolate Merle Aussiedoodle has the same coat colour as a Red Merle Aussiedoodle. They are interchangeable names for the same coat colouring. Chocolate Aussiedoodles look very similar to Blue Merle Aussiedoodles except they originally would have had a chocolate (liver) base coat instead of a black one. The merle gene dilutes sections of their coat into chocolate, copper, beige and white patches.

Black Aussiedoodle

Black Aussiedoodles feature a solid black coat with a black nose and dark eyes. They may also feature small white patches on their chest or paws. Breeders achieve the black coat by breeding a Black Poodle with a Black Australian Shepherd that is not merle.

Black and White Aussiedoodle

Black and White Aussiedoodles have a black base coat and feature white patches on their chest, paws, legs, tips of their tails and muzzle. They are also called Tuxedo Aussiedoodles as their coat pattern makes it look like they are wearing a suit.

Chocolate Aussiedoodle

Chocolate Aussiedoodles feature a solid brown coat that can range from a very light to a rich brown tone. Some Chocolate Aussiedoodles are so dark that they’re almost black while others are more of a milk chocolate or silver-beige colour. Their noses and eyes are brown.

Tri Colour Aussiedoodle

Tri Colour Aussiedoodles have three colours in their coat. In most cases they will have a black tri-colour or red tri-colour coat. Aussiedoodles inherit this colouring from the Australian Shepherd side.

Black Tri-colour Aussiedoodles feature a black base coat with white and tan markings over their face and body. They look a lot like Bernedoodles. On the other hand, Red Tri-colour Aussiedoodles feature a red base coat with white and tan markings over their body and face.

Phantom Aussiedoodle

Phantom Aussiedoodles have a coat with a solid background and patches of a secondary colour in very specific locations. These locations include the chin, throat, chest, legs, beneath their tail, above their eyes or on the sides of their muzzle. Phantom Aussiedoodles are different from Parti Aussiedoodles as Parti Aussiedoodles can have patches anywhere on their body.

Sable Aussiedoodle

Sable Aussiedoodles have bi-coloured coats where the hairs are a light brown or cream shade at the root and are dark brown or black at the tip. The sable undertones are most prominent on an Aussiedoodles muzzle, eye brows and legs. They may also have white patches on their chest and paws.

Parti Aussiedoodle

A Parti Aussiedoodle has a white base coat that covers at least 50% of their body with a secondary colour marbled through it. Most of the time the secondary colour is black or red. Parti Aussiedoodles are also called bi-colour Aussiedoodles as they feature two colours.

Aussiedoodle Lifespan

The average Aussiedoodle lives for 12 to 15 years. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of an Aussiedoodle including size, gender, generation and whether they are desexed or intact. These variables mean they can have shorter or longer lifespans than the average. Give your Aussiedoodle the best chance of living a long life by exercising them daily, giving them healthy food and keeping on top of vet appointments.

Aussiedoodle Sizes

Toy Aussiedoodle

The Toy Aussiedoodle is the smallest size of the breed. They are made by breeding a Toy Poodle with a Miniature Australian Shepherd or through multigenerational breeding of Mini Aussiedoodles on the smaller size. This is when smaller sized Mini Aussiedoodles are bred together to create smaller and smaller puppies until they get the ‘toy’ size.

Toy Aussiedoodles get to a height of approximately 25cm at the shoulder when fully grown. They weigh between 4.5kg and 7kg as an adult and are usually fully grown between 9 and 12 months of age.

Mini Aussiedoodle

A Mini Aussiedoodle is a Poodle Mix dog breed where a Miniature Australian Shepherd has been bred with a Miniature Poodle. They are the middle size of Aussiedoodle where the Standard Aussiedoodle is slightly larger and the Toy Aussiedoodle is smaller.

Mini Aussiedoodles get to a height of 25cm to 40cm at the shoulder when fully grown and usually weigh between 7kg and 20kg. Mini Aussiedoodles are usually fully grown between 11 and 13 months of age.

Standard Aussiedoodle

A standard size Aussiedoodle is the largest and most common Aussiedoodle size. They are created by breeding a standard size Australian Shepherd with a Standard Poodle.

Standard Aussiedoodles get to approximately 35 to 45cm tall at the shoulder when fully grown. They usually weigh between 20kg and 30kg. They stop growing between 12 and 18 months of age.

Aussiedoodle Generations

F1 Aussiedoodle

An F1 Aussiedoodle is the first generation of the breed created by crossing a purebred Australian Shepherd with either a purebred Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle. They are 50% Australian Shepherd and 50% Poodle.

F1b Aussiedoodle

An F1b Aussiedoodle is created by crossing an F1 Aussiedoodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Toy, Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Australian Shepherd and 75% Poodle.

F1bb Aussiedoodle

An F1bb Aussiedoodle is a cross between an F1b Aussiedoodle (Aussiedoodle x Poodle) and a purebred Poodle which can be toy, miniature or standard sized. They are 12.5% Australian Shepherd and 87.5% Poodle. F1bb Aussiedoodles are not very common.

F2 Aussiedoodle

An F2 Aussiedoodle is the second generation of the breed created by breeding a F1 Aussiedoodle with another F1 Aussiedoodle. They are 50% Australian Shepherd and 50% Poodle.

F2b Aussiedoodle

An F2b Aussiedoodle is created by crossing an F2 Aussiedoodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Toy, Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Australian Shepherd and 75% Poodle.

F3 Aussiedoodle

An F3 Aussiedoodle is the third generation of the breed created by breeding an F2 Aussiedoodle with another F2 Aussiedoodle. They are 50% Australian Shepherd and 50% Poodle.

Aussiedoodle Price

Aussiedoodles cost between $2000AUD and $6000AUD+. Aussiedoodles have a broad price range as there are so many factors that affect their price. These include the size, coat colour, generation, lineage, breeder’s reputation, location as well as the age of the dog.

Aussiedoodle Shedding

Do Aussiedoodles Shed?

Australian Shepherd Poodle mixes are classified as light to non-shedders. They only drop a little bit of hair here and there throughout the year and do not go through heavy seasonal shedding like other breeds.

It is important to realise that there is no such thing as a totally non-shedding dog and that Aussiedoodles along with other poodle mixes are the closest to this definition.

The best way to reduce the amount that your dog sheds is to regularly brush them. Slicker brushes are great for dogs with single coats and deshedding tools are great for dogs with double coats.

Are Aussiedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Aussiedoodles are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed as they do not produce or release much allergy inducing dander into their immediate environment.

Generations of Aussiedoodle that have a higher percentage of Poodle genes such as cross-back generations (F1b, F1bb, F2b etc.) are usually more hypoallergenic than your average Aussiedoodle.

Smaller sizes of Aussiedoodle are also considered to be more hypoallergenic as smaller sized dogs produce less dander than large dogs. Aussiedoodles inherit their hypoallergenic nature from the Poodle.

Male vs Female Aussiedoodles

Are Male Or Female Aussiedoodles Better?

Male Aussiedoodles or Female Aussiedoodles are not inherently better than one another however there are slight differences between the two.

In terms of size, Male Aussiedoodles are generally taller and heavier than Female Aussiedoodles. Within any size category, i.e. Toy Aussiedoodles, Mini Aussiedoodles or Standard Aussiedoodles, Male Aussiedoodles will be roughly 10 pounds (4.5kg) heavier than their female counterparts.

In terms of temperament, Male Aussiedoodles are usually slightly more confident, assertive and laid-back and may also be more territorial. Female Aussiedoodles are usually more reserved and independent. Female Aussiedoodles may also be more nuturing and affectionate, especially if they are pregnant. Nevertheless, there are many other factors that play into temperament so just because your Aussiedoodle is a certain gender, it does not mean that they will behave in that way

Exercising An Aussiedoodle

How Much Exercise Does An Aussiedoodle Need?

Aussiedoodles need between 45 minutes and 120 minutes of exercise per day. Owners should aim for at least an hour of exercise as 45 minutes is really on the low end. Aussiedoodles love to run, swim and play fetch and should be given the opportunity to do a mixture of these activities each week. If not, they can become bored and destructive.

Aussiedoodles also need mental exercise such as obedience training and brain games which is why many people get their Aussiedoodle’s interactive puzzle toys or Kong chew toy which they can stuff with treats like peanut butter.

Feeding An Aussiedoodle

How Much & How Often Should You Feed An Aussiedoodle?

How much you should feed an Aussiedoodle depends on their size, age, metabolism, health and activity levels. An adult Aussiedoodle should be fed two meals a day while Aussiedoodle puppies should be given meals more frequently depending on their age.

Aussiedoodle puppies usually eat between 1/2 to 2 cups of kibble per day and this is usually split into 3 or 4 meals. The quantity of food may be more or less than this range if you feed a partly or fully raw diet. The back of dog food packets usually have recommended feeding guidelines that you should follow, along with the advice of your veterinarian and breeder.

Many people opt to use smaller puppy bowls with non-slip food mats as puppies tend to be messy eaters. The pet food mat will prevent food from being spilt everywhere and also stop the bowl from slipping around and tipping over. A lot of puppies also become overly excited about food and eat way too fast which can cause indigestion and choking so it’s not a bad idea to train them out of this habit with a slow feeder dog bowl.

Most adult Aussiedoodles consume roughly 2 cups of food everyday however this depends on their size, health and activity levels. This is usually split into one meal in the morning and one meal at night. Again, you should seek advice from your veterinarian for specific diet recommendations for your Aussiedoodle.

Aussiedoodle should also have access to clean water at all times so they can stay hydrated. Some people like to use dog water fountains if they have the tendency to forget to change water regularly.

Aussiedoodle Training

Aussiedoodles are very intelligent so they respond very well to training. You should start teaching your Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix basic commands such as their name, sit, stay and come from the moment they arrive home. You can then progress to more difficult tricks and commands.

When training your dog it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques as dogs repeat good behavior when it is followed by a reward such as a treat or their favorite toy. Clicker training is another type of positive reinforcement training that is a good method for learning new tricks. You use a clicker device so your dog can associate a new behavior with a click and then a reward.

Are Aussiedoodles Hard To House Train?

Aussiedoodles are generally quick to house train as they are intelligent and eager to please. If you establish a consistent routine for feeding and then bathroom breaks and give them plenty of opportunities to go to their bathroom spot, they should become house trained pretty quickly. If you praise your Aussiedoodle and give them treats every time they go potty in the correct spot and avoid scolding them when they have accidents, the training process should go smoothly.

Aussiedoodle Grooming

How Often Should I Bathe My Aussiedoodle?

Generally, Aussiedoodles should be bathed every 4 to 8 weeks and should not be bathed any more frequently otherwise they will get dry, flaky skin as natural oils will be stropped from their skin. Nevertheless, if your Aussiedoodle leads a very active outdoor lifestyle where they swim or get dirty, more frequent baths may be necessary.

Do You Have To Brush Aussiedoodles?

Yes, you have to brush Aussiedoodles to prevent matting. If your Aussiedoodle has a curly coat, they will have to be brushed much more frequently than ones with wavy or straight coats. The general rule is to brush Aussiedoodle’s weekly at the minimum however daily or every second day is much better.

Should You Cut An Aussiedoodle’s Hair?

Yes, you should cut an Aussiedoodle’s hair as they have a coat that continues to grow and can easily become matted. The length you cut an Aussiedoodle’s hair comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer longer coats while others like shorter ones as they are better for warmer climates. You can either go to a professional groomer or learn how to cut an Aussiedoodle’s hair from the internet and invest in a DIY dog grooming kit.

There are many different haircuts that you can give your Aussiedoodle. Some popular ones include:

Puppy Cut
Teddy Bear Cut
Poodle Cut
Terrier Cut
Summer Cut

What Are The Downsides To Aussiedoodles?

While Aussiedoodles are a lovely dog breed with many positive traits, they do have some downsides like any other dog breed.

1. High Energy Levels

Aussiedoodles are an extremely high energy dog as they have combined two very active breeds. Aussiedoodles need 45 to 120 minutes of exercise every single day whether this is a hike, walk, jog, run or a game of fetch. Each day they should be given off-leash time and be exposed to a variety of activities to expel all of their energy. If they are not given enough exercise they may become anxious, bored or destructive.

2. Grooming Requirements

Aussiedoodles, like all Poodle mixes, are high maintenance in terms of grooming. This is not only time consuming but can also be very expensive if you choose to go to professional groomers. Luckily, you can keep these costs down by investing in a DIY dog grooming kit.

3. Stubbornness

Aussiedoodles can be stubborn at times, especially when it comes to training. They need to be trained in a consistent manner with positive reinforcement otherwise they are unlikely to want to participate in training. They often have a mind of their own.

4. Constant Mental Stimulation

Aussiedoodles are very intelligent so they need lots of mental stimulation otherwise they will become bored and may display destructive behavior. You can combat this by teaching them new tricks or giving them enriching toys.

5. Separation Anxiety

Aussiedoodles are known to be very loyal to their owners and can become very attached. That is why they are susceptible to separation anxiety when they are away from their owners. Aussiedoodles do best in households where they are given constant attention and companionship.

Poodle Mix Breed Comparisons

What Breeds Are Similar To Aussiedoodles?

There are many breeds that are very similar to Aussiedoodles. In terms of size and energy, Bernedoodles, Groodles, Labradoodles and Sheepadoodles are the most similar to Aussiedoodles. Cavoodles and Spoodles are also quite similar. Much smaller poodle mix breeds include Maltipoos.

Are Australian Labradoodles the same as Aussiedoodles?

Australian Labradoodles are not the same as Aussiedoodles. While they are both Poodle mix breeds, they have different parents. Australian Labradoodles are a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They sometimes even have Irish Water Spaniel and/or English Cocker Spaniel genes in them. On the other hand, an Aussiedoodle is a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. Australian Labradoodles are slightly different to the standard Labradoodle as they have a more defined lineage and have been selectively bred over many generations.