Whether your dog is a purebred Aussiedoodle or an Aussiedoodle mix, learning about the breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt an Aussiedoodle and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.
Aussiedoodles, a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a poodle, can make excellent companions for several reasons. Still, you should definitely understand their personalities, care requirements and potential health risks before adopting one into your family.
“As far as breeds go, the Aussiedoodle mix is relatively new,” Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, says.
According to Dr. Singler, doodles started gaining popularity in the 1990s, but they're rumored to have been around since the 1950s.
If you know the signature coloring of Australian Shepherds, you can probably spot an Aussiedoodle with ease. However, Aussidedoodle's coats — and a few other key features — set them apart from their breed lineage.
“There can be a lot of variation between the fur, but they'll often have wavy to curly hair like a poodle, with the coloration of an Australian Shepherd — usually black, white, red or blue, in various combinations and color patterns,” Dr. Singler explains.
Aussiedoodles also have a lot more fur around their muzzles, face and ears, giving their heads are a rounder shape than the narrowed snout of an Australian Shepherd or standard poodle.
“These dogs can weigh anywhere from 25 to 70 pounds and be 14 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder,” Dr. Singler shares.
What’s often wonderful about mixed breeds is that you can get amazing qualities and characteristics from each, all in a single pup. For Aussiedoodles, that’s especially true.
“This breed tends to be smart, energetic, playful, affectionate and easily trained,” Dr. Singler says. “They can also be very vocal and have protective tendencies.”
Because they’re part Australian Shepherd, a breed that needs lots of physical and mental stimulation and loves herding, Aussiedoodles thrive in families that prioritize exercise. So if you find your new Aussiedoodle trying to round up the family in one room, don’t be surprised.
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Since the Aussiedoodle breed is fairly new, their health risks or predispositions aren’t fully established yet. And different health issues might come from either the poodle or Australian Shepherd side of the breed (or both!).
“Australian Shepherds are predisposed to elbow and hip dysplasia, a genetic mutation that can affect sensitivity to medications, cataracts, patellar luxation, bladder stones and other degenerative eye conditions,” Dr. Singler explains.
Alternatively, poodles are at an increased risk for developing hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand's disease, Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, cataracts, ear infections, heart disease and hypothyroidism.
“However, it’s possible that mixing the two breeds will lower the risk of health diseases common in each of the individual breeds,” Dr. Singler adds.
While Dr. Singler clarifies that no breed can truly be considered hypoallergenic, poodles tend not to shed. “So, if an Aussiedoodle has a poodle-like coat, they may not shed much. But even non-shedding dogs can be allergenic,” she says.
As with any new pet, when bringing an Aussiedoodle into a home with small children or other animals, it’s important to introduce them slowly and carefully.
You should also make sure your pup has their own space to unwind. For example, if you’re planning on crate training your pet, provide them with enough blankets and toys to feel comfortable in that area.
Are you interested in adopting an Aussiedoodle, Aussiedoodle mix or any pet at all? Then out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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