Are Aussiedoodle Dogs Hypoallergenic ?
Yes! The Aussiedoodle is a medium or large sized hypoallergenic dog that hardly drools or sheds.
Like many Poodle crosses, the Aussiedoodle, also known as the Aussiepoo has endeared itself to many with its wonderful slew of desirable characteristics. Considered to be a generally hearty breed, this hypoallergenic designer dog is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. Aussiedoodles, sometimes called Aussiepoos are available in a variety of sizes from the tiny toy, to the miniature, to the large standard, although the medium size is most common. These dogs are usually non-shedding and are considered to be very people-pleasing, intelligent, and easy to train. For a quick summary of the Aussiedoodle breed features, skip to our Aussiedoodle dog breed summary further down the page. Related Breeds: Poodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle Browse other hypoallergenic dogs.
Aussiedoodle Quick Facts
About the Breed
The Aussiedoodle’s Physical Appearance and Coat
The Aussiedoodle, or Aussiepoo is a designer breed that is a cross between a Poodle and an Australian Shepherd. Unlike other designer mixes, the Aussiedoodle is often bred from purebred parents to avoid genetic health risks. In addition to health benefits, first generation Aussiepoos (those bred from purebred parents) are less likely to shed than subsequent generations. The Australian Shepherd was originally bred in America as a farm dog and is a natural herder. This means that Aussiepoos have a keen sense of sight, but may nip at a person’s heels if not properly trained. The Poodle was originally bred in Germany as a waterfowl retriever but it has since become the national dog of France.
We’ll be saying this a lot throughout this article – but these dogs are super smart. That’s the good news, the bad news is that being smart can make them a handful! If they don’t have a job to do, they can become nippy and destructive. We really recommend brain training for dogs! Check it out here.
Due to its heritage, the Aussipoo is a highly intelligent dog and a strong problem solver. Like other herding dogs, this breed is a fast, agile dog with a great amount of stamina for long distance running. Retrieving is a natural instinct for the curious Aussiedoodle, as is herding and giving chase to prey. These dogs come in a wide variety of colors, including the beautiful and much sought after “Merle” color, which is a signature color of the Australian Shepherd. The merle-colored coat is a patchy pattern of colors, usually in blue and white or red and white, and dogs that possess it sometimes have different colored eyes.
Due to its Poodle heritage, this breed is hypoallergenic to varying degrees. The Poodle is a non-shedding dog that has little dander and tight, curly hair which grows to be very long, and therefore needs to be trimmed. Contrarily, the Australian Shepherd has a coat of straight, fluffy hair that sheds and needs regular brushing, but doesn’t need to be cut like the Poodle. As Aussiedoodles are a mix of both dogs, the degree to which they shed and produce dander varies depending on how much of the Poodle’s coat gene they have inherited. Generally, Aussiedoodles have a wavy coat that sheds very little and is hypoallergenic to most people who suffer from dog allergies. Some Aussiepoos, however, have more curly coats which shed less and are more hypoallergenic. Rarely, some dogs of this breed will have straighter coats which favor their Australian Shepherd genes.
Aussiedoodle Temperament
The Aussiedoodle is a charming dog with a lot of personality. Smaller varieties of the breed have more energetic temperaments, while larger Aussiedoodles are a bit more calm, but require more exercise. These dogs are highly curious and very observant. When Aussiepoos encounter a new or strange situation, it’s not unusual to see this dog sit back and watch in an effort to “take it all in”. Once they think about it, they are likely to want to participate in whatever it is you’re doing. These dogs are chore-loving, and possess a strong desire to help and please you. This writer once witnessed a four month old Aussiedoodle studiously watching her owner watering the indoor plants with a watering can. When he turned to leave, he heard a horrible scraping sound and turned around to find that his Aussiepoo puppy was attempting to bring him the watering can, which was nearly as big as she was! The water that didn’t end up on the puppy ended up on the floor, of course!
Are you considering adopting an Aussiedoodle?
Here’s what to watch out for :
- The Aussiedoodle is quick witted and fun, but easily gets bored and therefore needs plenty of attention and mental stimulation.
- The Aussiedoodle is hypoallergenic, low-to-no shedding, low dander, and doesn’t drool much. However, they need routine grooming which can be both expensive, and time consuming.
- While the Aussiepoo is a great playmate for kids, they have a strong desire to nip, so early training is essential!
- These dogs can be sweetly receptive to your feelings and your emotional state, but they need plenty of affection and time with their human, so 9-5 workers will find this to be a difficult breed to own.
Don’t let that put you off though!
Aussiedoodles are still great dogs, but they need discipline! We like to tell our readers to consider getting this book. It’s full of great dog training advice, but it also comes with a ton of free extras like a video course and an audibook. Best of all, you get free dog training help for life! Check it out here.
Aussiedoodle Training and Exercise
Aussiedoodle Training Tips – Encouraging Good Behavior In Your Aussiedoodle!
Though they need quite a bit of exercise and mental stimulation, Aussiepoos are a sheer joy when it comes to training. These dogs are shockingly intelligent and wonderfully people pleasing. Expect your Aussiedoodle to learn new tricks at the rapid pace of a Border Collie, but with the care-free attitude of the Poodle. Despite their Poodle pride, these fun-loving dogs often take the role of the goofy class clown. They will just as readily accept toy rewards as they will a food reward, so back up your training with the toss of a ball if you’re looking to cut down on calories and save on treats. This companionable crossbreed loves nothing more than to work at your side and have a job to do. However, if you don’t provide them with a job, they’re likely to create one (often to the chagrin of their owners).
A bored, under-exercised Aussiepoo is a creative menace. This breed is not a good candidate for being left home alone for long periods of time. If you were imagining a future of being greeted by your well-behaved, apartment dwelling Aussiedoodle after returning from a hard day of work, it might be time for a reality check. You’re more likely to come home to a mess of massive proportions. Expect a subtle streak of independence. Negative habits should be discouraged with gentle discipline, as the Aussiedoodle is a very sensitive dog.
Be prepared to patiently and repeatedly reinforce good behaviors while discouraging bad habits. This breed benefits best from a kind, firm, consistent trainer, and a bit of experience can help. When these dogs exhibit destructive tendencies, it is often because they are under-exercised or they need more mental stimulation such additional training or a job to do.
Aussiedoodle Exercise Needs
An Aussiedoodle of any size needs a good deal of intense exercise, but larger varieties need more time and space to meet their physical needs. These dogs have a tireless energy about them that can be difficult to exhaust due to their great endurance. Their speed and prey drive make them challenging off-leash dogs, but their energy and stamina mean that they require much more than a leashed walk. As they are highly intelligent, mental exercise is just as important, if not more important, than physical exercise. Here are some good ways to challenge your Aussiedoodle’s mind :
- Teach them to play fetch
- Throw dog food or treats in the grass for them to find
- Teach them a new trick
- Provide a change of scene (walk them downtown or at the beach)
- Create a “puzzle toy” by drilling a hole in a tennis ball and stuffing kibble into it. Show your Aussiedoodle how food falls out of the ball and then give it to them.
Like all Poodle mixes, the Doodles need constant grooming and regular trims. The Aussiedoodle, or “Aussiepoo” is no exception. Their non-shedding, low dander, low odor coat comes in varying degrees of waviness depending on how much of the Poodle hair gene is expressed in their coat composition. However, all Aussipoos will need to be brushed at least once a week and trimmed every 2-4 months. Their adorable scraggily coat gets dirty very quickly, and their hair may become matted if they aren’t given baths often enough. It’s important to frequently check the fur under your Aussiedoodle’s ears, on the backs of their legs, and on their tail. The soft, wavy hair in these areas has a tendency to become matted. If ignored, the mats can become very solid and difficult to remove – you may even have to cut them out.
Teeth, Ears, and Nails
This dog needs special care in regards to their floppy ears. The fur beneath the ear should be kept relatively short to help with ventilation. The ears should be examined weekly for discoloration, irritation, build up, or foul odor. Ear infections are common with floppy eared, long-haired dogs, so prevention is key. Do not allow your dog to dig their nails into their ears, as this can cause a bacterial infection. Like all breeds, these dogs need their nails trimmed about every two weeks, and their teeth brushed about two times a week. Be sure to keep your Aussiedoodle at a healthy weight, as this will greatly reduce its chances of developing joint pain, bloat, or cancer.
Health
Potential Aussiedoodle Health Issues
Aussiepoos are considered a very healthy, hearty breed that doesn’t usually develop genetic health issues. However, it is important to be very selective about choosing a responsible breeder that can provide genetic test results for both of the dog’s parents. One important health risk to consider is what is known as the “double merle” gene. Inexperienced or uneducated breeders may breed two merle colored Aussiepoos, which may result in puppies contracting the “double merle” gene. 25% of puppies with the double merle gene are born deaf, blind, or both.
Toy and Mini Aussipoos may suffer patellar luxation. Larger varieties of this breed may develop bloat or hip dysplasia. These dogs may also develop Addison’s disease, Cushings disease, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes disease, or eye problems. Monitor the condition of your dog’s ears and eyes on a regular basis. Be sure not to overfeed your pet, as obesity can lead to several health conditions, especially later in life. Luckily, these dogs are healthier than most. With proper vigilance in regards to early warning signs, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise your Aussidoodle is likely to enjoy a long, full life!
Aussiedoodles are part Poodle, which makes them healthier and hypoallergenic.
Energetic and cheerful, the Aussipoo is an excellent pet for families with children, and people who live an active lifestyle. However, they’re not especially well-suited to apartment living due to their need for intense daily exercise. These dogs are low-to-no shedding but they require frequent brushing and grooming. Their coat is fast-growing, so they will need regular visits to the groomers. The highly intelligent, people-pleasing Aussipoo is easy to train, and is an excellent choice for novice owners, so long as they are properly exercised.
Aussiedoodle Breed Facts
Breed | Aussiedoodle : Australian Shepherd + Poodle mix (Small, Medium, Large dog) |
Hypoallergenic? | Yes! |
Other Names? | Aussiepoo |
Height (inches and cm) | Toy : 9-13 inches (23 – 33 cm), Mini : 14-17 inches (36 – 43 cm), Standard : 20-24 inches (50 – 61 cm) |
Weight (pounds and kg) | Toy: 5-15 lbs (2 – 7 kg), Mini : 15-30 lbs (7 – 14 kg), Standard : 30-45lbs (14 – 20 kg) |
Lifespan | Toy : 14 – 17 years, Mini : 13 – 15 years, Standard : 12 – 14 years |
Temperament | Curious, Clownish, Happy, Affectionate, Energetic, Driven, Observant, Outgoing |
Colors | Solid : Black, White, Grey, Apricot, Cream, Chocolate, Red, Silver, Sable, Merle : Blue merle, Red merle, merle tri-color, Other : Black tri-color, Phantom (black & tan), Parti-pattern |
Coat – describe the coat | Curly, wavy, or straight : course outer coat, potentially with undercoat. |
How much grooming? | High maintenance – frequent brushing |
How much shedding | Low-to-no shedding |
Dander levels | Low |
Saliva – Do they Drool or Lick much? | Low |
Energy levels | High |
How much exercise do they need? | 40 minute daily walk |
Health problems | Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Double merle gene, Addison’s disease, Cushings disease, Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes disease, or eye problems |
Good for apartment? | No |
Suitable for kids? | Excellent with children |
How much do they bark? | Occasionally to Moderately |
Can they be left alone? | Low tolerance for being alone |
Intelligent? | Highly intelligent |
Trainable? | Highly Trainable |
How popular as a pet? | Unusual |
Any other important facts? | The Aussidoodle/Aussiedoodle has instincts for both retrieving, and herding. Their coat colors often lighten over time. Some breeders have introduced the “moyen” size, which is about knee height, and is a transitory size between miniature and standard. |
Are Aussidoodles good with children?
Aussiedoodles are excellent dogs for children! However, you should be sure to socialize your Aussiedoodle from a young age, especially with young children. Always discourage nipping or play biting, because these dogs have a natural instinct to nip.
Is the Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?
Yes! Aussiedoodles are low-shedding, low dander, hypoallergenic dogs. If you are particularly sensitive to dog allergies, be sure to choose an Aussiedoodle that has a wavy or curly coat, and brush your dog every 3-4 days to remove loose fur.
Do Aussiedoodles shed?
Aussiepoos are essentially non-shedding dogs. However, if they’re not regularly brushed, or they have an unusually straight coat, these dogs may shed minimally.
Are Aussiedoodles intelligent?
Aussiedoodles are highly intelligent! So much so, in fact, that if they’re not given proper mental stimulation, they may become destructive.
Are Aussiedoodles good apartment dogs?
No! The Aussiedoodle is a very active, lively dog that needs plenty of space and a lot of attention. If you’re a student, or a 9-5 worker that lives in an apartment, this is definitely not the dog for you! If you’re really determined to have an Aussiedoodle however, doggy daycare is always an option.
Are Aussiedoodles healthy?
Aussipoos are a very healthy, robust breed! These dogs are a “designer breed”, and because they’re usually a mix between two purebred parents, they are genetically diverse, and therefore less likely to suffer from inherited diseases.
How expensive is an Aussiedoodle?
Aussiedoodles average around $1,000.
What Are the Aussiedoodle Pros and Cons?
Pros : Aussiepoos are highly intelligent, people-pleasing dogs. They are curious, affectionate companions that love to follow and observe you, and they may even attempt to help you with your chores (although they’re not very good at it). These dogs are great pets for kids so long as they’re trained not to nip or be mouthy from the very first day you take them home. Due to their mixed-breed heritage, this breed is often healthier than a purebred dog. As they don’t produce a lot of skin oil, these dogs are less “greasy” than other breeds (like hounds), and when they’re mature they are pretty much odorless. Cons : Expect to spend a lot of time grooming your Aussiedoodle. If you fail to brush the hair beneath their ears, on the backs of their legs, or on their tail – their coat may form dreadlock-like matted fur that is frustrating to fix. These dogs will regularly need to have their hair trimmed, which can be difficult to learn to do, and expensive to pay for. As they are a designer breed, it’s unlikely you’re going to find many Aussiepoos up for adoption. Therefore, you will most likely have to purchase your Aussiedoodle from a reputable breeder, and that can be expensive. These hypoallergenic sweeties can turn into naughty little beasts if trapped in a house all day. The Aussiedoodle needs a lot of your time and attention, as well as proper exercise and mental stimulation to maintain it’s “good dog” status.