Aussiedoodle

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Shaggy and generally healthy, the Aussiedoodle is a combination of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. Both parent breeds are prone to several health conditions, such as epilepsy, deafness, vaccination sensitivities, and bloat. Therefore, the Aussiedoodle crossbreed will be naturally prone to these conditions too, as well as others. More often than not, these pups are healthy overall in the early stages of life, but a few health conditions can set in as the crossbreeds age.

A couple health issues that may become prevalent in your Aussiedoodle are:

Cushing’s Disease

This condition is caused by the release of excess cortisol into the bloodstream. It is commonly a sign of an underlying issue, such as a tumor on the pituitary gland. Symptoms include excess thirst and urination, hair loss, weakness, insomnia, lethargy, distended belly, severe weight gain, and exercise intolerance. Both surgical and medicated treatments are required to correct this condition.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs when the ball joint is malformed at birth, causing the socket and joint to slide against one another. This causes dislocation, cartilage deterioration, and severe arthritis. Painful and worsening over time, this condition requires surgical intervention for permanent correction.

Other health concerns that could have an effect on your Aussiedoodle include hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, skin allergies, Collie nose, Addison’s disease, and cataracts. Despite a slew of possible health concerns, the Aussiedoodle’s average lifespan is between 10-12 years – around the same lifespan as both parent breeds.

Temperament & Train-ability

Affectionate, social, and spunky, the Aussiedoodle is a sweet, loyal pup who makes the ideal companion for a kind, easygoing owner. She is lovable and gentle, as well as alert, smart, and clever. If raised in a family with children, the Aussiedoodle will consider herself the protector of her loved ones. She will follow them everywhere they go to ensure their safety. This also makes her available for hugs, cuddles, and lots of attention at all times. She loves to be loved.

The Aussiedoodle is a natural herder, so she may try to herd and corral small children and other dogs. This is not a sign of aggressive behavior, but a sign of protective behavior. You can train her to combat her natural instincts to herd, but it may take some time for her to get a handle on that instinct. It is ingrained in her genetics, after all. Aussiedoodles would make excellent watchdogs at night-time because of their alertness and protective nature. She will bark loudly and clearly, multiple times, to alert you of any intruders or suspicious activities while you sleep.

Aussiedoodles are extremely energetic pups, so they need plenty of outdoor exercise to expend excess energies. If she is left indoors all day, she may become stir-crazy and destructive. That is when your best shoes might disappear and your furniture may be chewed. You can keep her occupied indoors with plenty of toys that stimulate both her mind and body. She loves to chew and sling her toys around, so ropes and tennis balls would be ideal. Your Aussiedoodle would love to frolic and play with other pups at a dog park, but socialize her early to keep displays of dominance to a minimum.

Your Aussiedoodle naturally assumes that she is the pack leader and dominant force in your family. So, to train her, you must establish yourself as the alpha. Use a clear, strong tone to voice your commands. If she fails to obey the first few times, be patient. She may need time to grasp your commands before she complies with them. Reward her good behavior with bite-sized, meaty treats and plenty of praise. Strive to be consistent, positive, and encouraging during training.

Grooming

Aussiedoodles have a mixture of coat types, thanks to the diverse fur of their parent breeds. Some Aussiedoodles will lean towards a curlier, shorter coat, like the Poodle. While other Aussiedoodles boast lengthy, shaggy fur, like the Australian Shepherd. Either way, your pup will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week to ensure soft, tangle-free strands.

Bathe your Aussiedoodle when she starts to smell funky, which is usually once a month. You should also take her to a professional groomer for a trim whenever her hair becomes unruly in length. You should brush her teeth 2-3 times per week, clean her ears once a week, and trim her nails every 6-8 weeks. If you feel uncomfortable with any of the aforementioned grooming responsibilities, take your Aussiedoodle to a professional groomer for a complete work-up.

Diet

Aussiedoodles have voracious appetites, so she will need to eat at least twice per day to feel satisfied and full. Feed her 1 ½ cup of nutritious, dry kibble at each meal. Her dog food should be rich in whole grains, lean meats, and wholesome vegetables, with plenty of protein, fiber, and complex carbs to keep her healthy and happy.

In the summertime, your Aussiedoodle will need more water than usual. Perhaps invest in an automatic water dish to keep her well-hydrated through the hotter months.
 

Find An Aussiedoodle Breeder

Aussiedoodle Puppies For Sale

Adopt An Aussiedoodle

Cost

Breeders are competitive, so you can expect the price of an Aussiedoodle to fluctuate with their popularity in the dog world. You could shell out anywhere from $700 to $2,500, but make sure your breeder of choice is reliable, reputable, and knowledgeable.

It is possible that you may find an Aussiedoodle in an animal shelter. Adoption fees vary between counties and states, but the average animal shelter would charge you between $75 to $250. Adoption is less expensive than purchasing from a breeder, and you would be saving the life of an Aussiedoodle in need of a happy, healthy home.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. Aussiedoodles rank a solid 1.5 on the integration scale. These pups are sweet, protective, and huggable—all good traits for the perfect family companion. You may have to work with your Aussiedoodle to break her off of the herding habit, but patience and a consistent training routine will transform her into a well-rounded, obedient sweetheart in no time.
 

Australian Shepherd

Poodle

Labradoodle

Border Collie