Aussiedoodle Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. It combines two very intelligent breeds and is energetic, clever and affectionate, with a curly or wavy coat that is often merle.

Origins and appearance

The cross has been bred in North America since the late twentieth century, and it comes in several sizes depending on the Poodle used. Aussiedoodles have a rounded head, drop or semi-erect ears, expressive eyes that can be blue or mismatched and a coat ranging from straight to curly in colors such as blue merle, red merle, black, red and tricolor.

Temperament

They are intelligent, energetic and affectionate. They tend to love people and are often good with children and other pets, though some herd or nip. They need a job. They dislike being left alone and may become destructive if bored.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, fetch and training. They enjoy agility, herding and trick training. Mental work matters.

Training

They are highly intelligent and eager. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach settling and herding impulse control early. They learn quickly, including bad habits. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

Coats need brushing several times a week and a trim every six to eight weeks. See curly coat dog grooming guide. Mats form behind the ears and in the armpits. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

A cross can inherit conditions from either parent. Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy and collie eye anomaly
• MDR1 drug sensitivity. See MDR1 gene mutation in dogs
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• Hearing loss, linked to merle in some dogs
• Skin allergies. See dog skin allergies

Living with an Aussiedoodle

They suit very active households that enjoy training and outdoor time, and that will keep up with grooming. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to sedentary homes or long hours alone.

A typical day

An Aussiedoodle wants a vigorous morning outing, training, a rest, play and an evening run. Many are calm indoors only after real exercise.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are fluffy, bouncy and mouthy. Begin socialization, handling and grooming early. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, regular grooming, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They are adaptable but may overheat in hot weather. Provide shade and water. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include assuming the coat is hypoallergenic, underexercising, skipping training and choosing a puppy from a seller who does not test parents.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and DNA testing, including MDR1, on both parents. Be wary of breeding two merle dogs together, which can cause serious health problems in puppies.

Merle and responsible breeding

The merle pattern comes from a gene that can cause eye and hearing problems, especially in puppies that inherit two copies. Responsible breeders avoid merle-to-merle pairings and test parents. Ask what testing the breeder does.

Two working minds

Both Australian Shepherds and Poodles were bred to work closely with people, so Aussiedoodles tend to be quick and attentive but also restless. Trick training, agility and scent games give the brain exercise and strengthen the bond.

Daily care checklist

• A vigorous outing or training session.
• Brushing and checking for mats.
• Ear checks.
• Puzzle games or scent work.
• Company and a comfortable bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

An Aussiedoodle suits active owners who want a clever, athletic companion and will train and groom. It may not suit sedentary households. For a parent breed, see the Australian Shepherd.

The takeaway

Aussiedoodles are clever, energetic and affectionate, and they need exercise, training, grooming and health-tested parents.