Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix: Aussiedoodle Breed Guide and Overview

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix, also commonly called the Aussiedoodle or the Aussiepoo is a cross between a purebred Poodle and a purebred Australian Shepherd.

The Aussiedoodle is a popular choice among mixed dog breed lovers because of his high intelligence, loyalty, affection and goofy nature.

His high energy demands and cleverness make him a high maintenance dog that requires constant care and attention. He can easily become bored and destructive if he is not getting enough mental and physical stimulation.

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is an indoors dog despite his activity levels. He bonds to his family closely and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. He does great with children and pets, however certain precautions must be taken.

Keep reading to find out more about his temperament, appearance, grooming needs, health and more.

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Origin

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix was developed two decades ago and is believed to hail from Canada and the United States.

Aussiedoodles gained popularity because of their outgoing personality and intelligence, but mainly due to the belief that they are hypoallergenic with less health problems.

The reality is that allergens may still be transmitted through dander. Also, each cross breed dog is unique, and might inherit health conditions that affect either parent breed.

To get a general idea about the Aussiedoodle we can take a look at the parent breeds, the Australian shepherd and the Poodle.

Australian Shepherd

The Aussie Shepherd is an American bred dog that is energetic, intelligent and strong willed. He was developed to herd livestock and to be a ranch dog in the American West, and quickly rose in popularity because of his superior intelligence and guarding instincts.

The Australian Shepherd was further popularized by rodeo shows but was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1993. He is now the 16^th most popular choice of dogs among the 194 breeds recognized by the AKC.

Even though he was developed in the U.S. it was Aussies that used Australian dogs (such as Collies and Shepherd type dogs) to develop this breed, hence the name “Australian” Shepherd.

Poodle

The Poodle was reared in Germany over 400 years ago, but somehow migrated to France and became known as their national dog.

His original purpose was to hunt duck in foul waters due to his agility and ability to swim in cold temperatures. The Standard Poodle was later nicknamed the “duck dog” in France.

Later on, the Miniature Poodle was developed and was used for his superior smelling ability to find truffles.

As for the Toy Poodle, he was bred to be a family dog who accompanied French nobility all around Europe.

Poodles were further popularized by circus shows because they were natural performers, and due to their intelligence, teaching them dog tricks didn’t require much effort.

The Poodle ranks 7th in popularity out of the 194 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Kennel Club Recognition

Since the Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is a designer crossbreed, he is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

This mixed breed is recognized however by the following clubs/organizations:

• Dog Registry of America, Inc
• International Designer Canine Registry
• Designer Breed Registry
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club
• American Canine Hybrid Club

Both of the parent breeds are recognized individually by the AKC and the FCI. The American Kennel Club recognized the Australian Shepherd in 1991 as part of the herding group, and the Poodle in 1887. 

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Puppies

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix puppies are unique as all mixed breeds are! They inherit different physical characteristics from one another depending on which genetic traits are passed on to them by their parents.

For instance, some pups may have a double layered coat if they take more of the Australian Shepherd characteristics, others may inherit a single layered coat just like their Poodle parent.

The puppies are also unique in terms of their temperament, and can each have different health problems that they can inherit from either parent breed.

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Price

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is a popular breed, which means that the puppies are a bit pricier compared to other designer breeds. 

If you are looking to buy an Aussiedoodle puppy you will likely pay between $700 to well over $2000.

Mini Aussiedoodles are a bit more expensive than the standard Aussiedoodle, and can start from $1800 to upwards of $10,000.

The price of these pups can even go even higher if the parent breeds are of show quality, or if they have unique features that are not passed on to the rest of the litter.

When you are looking for a reputable breeder stay away from the ones that give hypoallergenic and health guarantees. For one, dogs can’t be fully hypoallergenic as they can transmit allergens through the dander in the hair, and second, there are no health guarantees with mixed breed dogs.

Make sure the breeder is willing to show you pedigree papers and a health certificate showing that the litter is free from any major inheritable diseases from either parent breed.

You can also ask to meet and interact with the parent breeds to get a general idea about their temperament and full grown appearance.

Adoption is another option which is cheaper and encouraged. Depending on where you are there might be adoption fees but they will not go over $100. Shelters also offer to cover initial vet costs which saves you some money.

You may find it difficult to find an Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix at a shelter because of this breed’s popularity. You can begin by searching through some Poodle or Australian Shepherd specific rescues, here are some:

• Aussie rescue and placement
• Carolina Poodle rescue

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Appearance

An Aussiedoodle’s full grown appearance depends on what genetic traits he receives from either parent breed. Looks will completely vary from one puppy to another within a litter.

If we want to get a general idea of how an Aussiedoodle puppy might look we can examine some of the parent’s physical characteristics.

The Australian Shepherd usually has erect ears, and light brown or blue eyes. The Poodle has flat ears that cover the side of the face, and oval eyes that are usually dark brown or black.

The common inherited features are the hanging ears of the Poodle, and light/dark brown eyes of both breeds. In some rare cases, the Aussiedoodle could have erect ears like the Australian Shepherd, and in even more rare cases he could inherit the blue eyes.

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix can have any of those features or a mix of them, so it’s hard to predict exactly how he turn out.

As for the build, the Mix is usually medium to large, often has a slim body but a sturdy torso and back. Smaller pups that were mixed by Miniature Poodles can have a petite build but they are still not classified as “delicate.”

Height

The height of an Aussiedoodle can vary depending on which type of Poodle was used in the breeding process (Standard, Miniature or Toy). Let’s take a quick look at the Poodle’s different height variations:

• Standard: 15 inches tall.
• Miniature: 10 to 15 inches tall.
• Toy: 10 inches max.

The Australian Shepherd is usually 18 to 23 inches tall.

You can expect the Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix to be somewhere from 13 to 23 inches.

Weight

Poodle weight variations:

• Standard: 40 to 70 pounds.
• Miniature: 10 to 15 pounds.
• Toy: 6 pounds.

Australian Shepherd typically weighs between 40 to 65 pounds.

An Aussiedoodle is considered a medium to large sized dog and will weigh between 25 to 70 pounds. 

Colour and Coat

An Aussiedoodle’s coat has a variety of different colours and textures depending on which characteristics he inherits from either parent breed. There is no telling how the coat will look or feel, but we can get a general idea by looking at the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd.

The Poodle has a close cropped thick curly coat that rarely sheds. So mixed puppies that inherit the shorter coat of the Poodle can be a better option for people with allergies, but there are no guarantees.

The Poodle comes in a variety of different colours such as black, white, cream, tan, sable, brown, apricot and silver.

On the other hand, the Australian Shepherd has a double layered, waterproof coat. The undercoat is shorter and thicker, with the overcoat covering it because it is longer.

The colour of the Australian Shepherd’s coat could be any of these colours: black, sable, tan, red merle or blue merle.

The Aussiedoodle can have a medium coat that can be silky, thick, wavy or curly.

A common coat trait is wavy hair that is somewhere in-between the coat types of the two parent breeds, with some puppies in the litter having curlier hair and some having straighter hair.

The colour of the Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix can be one or a combination of the following colours:

• White and Black
• White and Red
• Chocolate and white
• Tan and Black
• Red sable
• Cream
• Blue merle
• Red merle

It is rare for the Aussiedoodle to have a single colour and usually has a mix of the above colours.

Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament

Unlike purebreds, it’s rather hard to predict the exact temperament of designer breed dogs. This is because each dog is formed uniquely depending on what genes are passed on from either parent. 

A better way of predicting the temperament of an Australian Shepherd Mix would be by understanding the temperament of each of the parent breeds.

The Australian Shepherd is classified as a “working dog” with strong herding and guarding instincts.

He is smart and willing to please his owners which makes him easily trainable. He is affectionate with family members and is known to be loyal and alert.

With strangers, initially he is slightly reserved, but gets along wonderfully after he gauges the stranger.

As for the Poodle, he is intelligent and is capable of picking up on the mood of his owner. He is alert, vigilant and loyal making him a good watchdog.

The different types of Poodles have slightly different temperaments, but the general traits amongst them are affection, high energy levels and ease of training.

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix usually has most of the traits mentioned. Here are some common characteristics:

• Intelligence: the Aussiedoodle is a mix between two of the smartest dog breeds, so expect him to be highly intelligent. In fact, his intelligence has been compared to that of a young child. This makes training relatively easy. There is a downfall to this, he requires constant mental stimulation or he can become hyperactive and destructive.
• Sociability: since he hails from two breeds that are considered “working dogs,” the Aussiedoodle puppy (if socialized adequately) will enjoy the company of other animals and pets. He is goofy and loves being the centre of attention in groups.  The Aussiedoodle also bonds closely to family and requires their constant love and attention. That’s why he is considered as an indoors dog, and will suffer greatly without the constant interaction.
• Energetic: this designer breed is always energetic, alert, active and playful. He loves playing outdoors and needs constant mental and physical stimulation to keep him occupied and happy.  He might become territorial and destructive if he is not given an outlet for his excess energy.
• Family compatibility: the Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is affectionate and loves being around his family. He does well with young children and pets too, if trained and socialized properly. 
• Friendliness: this breed rarely displays any aggression. An Aussiedoodle might be aloof towards strangers but will be friendly once he gets comfortable around the person.

Compatibility with Families and Pets

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is loyal and affectionate, making him a great family pet.

As a descendent of a herding type dog he may try to herd family members, children and pets by circling, bumping and nipping at them.

From the Poodle’s side he may inherit hunting instincts which can urge him to chase small pets around. 

Therefore, the Aussiedoodle should be trained and socialized from an early age to deter any instinctual urges that he might inherit. But overall, with the proper training and socialization, he will get along very well with other pets and family members.

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix bonds closely to his family and requires lots of attention and care to remain happy. Even though he will do best in homes that have large backyards for activities, this does not make him an outdoors dog.

He will not do well if left alone and can develop anxiety unless he is in the presence of his family.

This mixed breed may not be a good choice for novice pet owners, due to their training requirements, high energy drive and constant need for attention and mental stimulation.

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Training

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is extremely intelligent so training him is very easy in relation to other dog breeds.

The Aussiedoodle has a vast capacity to learn, however he can be stubborn and strong willed, a trait he inherits from his working breed parent the Australian Shepherd. Therefore, training must begin from an early age to ensure obedience and to deter any maladaptive behaviour.

Training should be based on positive reinforcement. This means lots of  praise and treats, while avoiding any punishing behaviour. The Australian Shepherd Mix is very energetic so he will require patience and firm, consistent training.

An Aussiedoodle might inherit the desire to herd from his Australian Shepherd parent. He might run around in circles, barking and nipping at heels. Early training is necessary to prevent this instinctual behaviour.

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Exercise Requirements 

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix has high exercise needs, and generally requires about 60 -120 minutes of exercise a day in the form of walks, runs or free-play.

Medium to large sized Aussiedoodles need large spaces and high intensity activities like jogging, running or swimming. The smaller sized Australian Shepherd Mix is still an active dog, but requires less exercise, 60-90 minutes daily.

Regular exercise keeps the Aussiedoodle well-behaved and allows for the development of a positive temperament. Since this breed is highly intelligent, mentally stimulating activities such as obedience and trick training are necessary to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.

Examples of some good games for an Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix include hide and seek and retrieval games such as fetch.

When he is a young puppy, part of his playtime can be in the form of socialization with other dogs in the form of free play. A romp with other dogs at the park will help make use of his excessive energy. 

If you don’t take an Aussiedoodle out enough, he could develop aggressive tendencies and restless behaviour. 

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Feeding Requirements

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is an energetic medium to large sized dog with a good appetite.

He can be given a balanced variety of raw foods, wet food, or high quality kibble.

Aussiedoodles require about 2 to 3 cups of food high quality kibble a day.

Kibble should make up about 80-90% of his diet and the rest can come from treats and other snacks.

Aussiedoodles are prone to gaining weight rapidly, so it is necessary to monitor food intake and to set up feeding times twice a day rather than allowing free access to food.

The diet and feeding limit will vary based on age, activity levels and size.

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Health

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix may inherit a number of health condition that affect either parent breed. Here are the most common diseases:

Epilepsy:

This refers to a condition in which convulsions or epileptic seizures occur in dogs from around six months of age. These episodes can be identified through certain behaviours such as hiding, being nervous, shaking and salivating. The epileptic episodes may last from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the severity. After the seizures are done, the dog often appears to be very confused and restless. Though the seizures seem distressing to watch, the dog is not in any sort of pain and can live relatively normal lives. If seizures occur very frequently, then medication may be prescribed.

Pancreatitis

This condition is also commonly found in its parent breed the Poodle, and refers to the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that produces enzyme that aid digestion. The most common symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, reduced appetite. This issue does not have a set cause, and the onset of this condition is linked to ingestion of fatty foods or trauma. Most of the time though, it is spontaneous. With higher diagnosis in obese dogs, treatments could involve hospitalization and administration of fluids and medication, or in some cases “resting” the pancreas by fasting.

Hip dysplasia:

This is a characteristic condition that one of the parent breeds develops, namely the Australian Shepherd. This conditions sets in when hip joints do not develop correctly, causing them to partially dislocate. While largely genetic, environmental factors such as rapid weight gain could contribute greatly to this condition. While it cannot be prevented due to its hereditary nature, hip dysplasia can be managed through joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medication and regularizing the diet. In sever conditions, complete hip replacement may be needed. Mixed breeds with this condition should not be involved in breeding.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Common in both the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd, this condition is inherited and causes blindness. The rod cells in the eye are responsible for distinguishing light and dark and making out the rough structure of objects. In progressive retinal atrophy, these rod cells are programmed to die, which leads to loss of vision.  Parent breeds should be tested for this before mating, as they may carry the gene responsible for this condition.

Other health conditions include: cataracts, Ivermectin sensitivity, patellar luxation and Cushing’s disease

While it is impossible to predict the exact lifespan of individual dogs, we can gauge the lifespan of the Aussiedoodle by looking at his parent breeds. The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of about 13-15 years, while the Poodle has  a lifespan of about 12-18 years.

The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix has an average life expectancy of about 10 to 13 years if cared for properly.

Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix Grooming

The grooming needs for this mixed breed vary depending on which coat he inherits, generally though it is labelled as high maintenance.

If he inherits the Australian Shepherd’s long straight hair, then shedding is more frequent.  Frequent brushing is necessary to prevent hair matting and tangles, especially during shedding season.  The length of the coat is kept neat by occasional shaving.

Inheriting the Poodle fur means less shedding, but due to the curly texture of the fur, consistent brushing is necessary. 

The grooming regimen for feet include the usual, use of clippers to remove the hair between the dog’s pads and a nail trim when they grow long. 

He should bathe about once a month using a vet recommended shampoo and conditioner. Too much bathing causes him to lose his shiny coat.  It is important while bathing to lather the shampoo and scrub thoroughly so it reaches all layers of the hair, especially if he has the long hair of an Australian Shepherd.

The ears of the Aussiedoodle have small, fine hairs that are typically trimmed to avoid ear infections. Ears should be checked weekly for redness, and a wipe down of the ears using a damp cotton ball is recommended on alternate days.

Brushing of the teeth could be done about once a week with dog toothpaste to prevent tartar build up, gum disease and bad breath.

Pros and Cons of the Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix

Pros

• The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix is tremendously friendly and finds it easy to get along with pets and humans alike. His friendliness make him a good companion. He is caring towards children and often doesn’t show any aggressive behaviour.
• He is highly intelligent, making training an enjoyable task. He is also eager to please his owners which makes teaching him commands even easier.
• Long life expectancy.
• Fur can be low shedding if the puppies inherit the Poodle’s side coat.

Cons

• The Australian Shepherd Poodle mix can be noisy and destructive if he gets bored. He requires constant mental and physical stimulation to keep him occupied.
• Requires high amounts of exercise. The Aussiedoodle has high amounts of energy and require a minimum of an hour of exercise a day. 
• He has a tendency to nip and herd if not socialized and trained from a young age. 
• Cannot be left alone for long periods. He will develop separation anxiety.
• High maintenance coat if he inherits the Australian Shepherd’s long hair.