What is a Aussiedoodle?
The Aussiedoodle is a designer dog breed created by crossing a Australian Shepherd with a Poodle. This mix has become popular because it combines the best qualities of both parent breeds. Australian Shepherds bring smart and work-oriented personalities, while Poodles contribute their intelligent and active nature.
Most Aussiedoodles weigh between 40 and 68 pounds and stand 17 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years with proper care. Because this is a mixed breed, individual dogs can vary quite a bit in appearance and temperament depending on which parent they take after more.
If you are considering adopting or buying a Aussiedoodle, understanding both parent breeds helps you prepare for what to expect. Use our breed quiz to see if a Aussiedoodle fits your lifestyle, or check the calorie calculator to plan their nutrition.
Parent Breeds at a Glance
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs | 40-70 lbs |
| Height | 18-23" | 15-22" |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs | 12-15 yrs |
| Activity | Very High | High |
| Grooming | Moderate | High |
| AKC Group | Herding | Non-Sporting |
Aussiedoodle Temperament and Personality
The Aussiedoodle typically shows a blend of personality traits from both parents. Common traits include being smart, work-oriented, exuberant, intelligent. Individual personalities can lean more toward one parent, so meeting the specific puppy before committing is always a good idea.
Early socialization plays a big role in how any dog develops. Expose your Aussiedoodle puppy to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments during the first 16 weeks. This builds confidence and reduces the chance of fear-based behaviors later in life.
Health and Common Conditions
Mixed breeds often have fewer health problems than purebreds because of increased genetic diversity. That said, Aussiedoodles can still inherit conditions from either parent breed. Regular vet visits and preventive care go a long way in keeping your dog healthy.
Health issues to watch for:
- ● Hip Dysplasia
- ● Elbow Dysplasia
- ● Collie Eye Anomaly
- ● Epilepsy
- ● Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- ● Sebaceous Adenitis
Ask for health clearances from the breeder before buying a Aussiedoodle puppy. Responsible breeders test both parent dogs for hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and breed-specific genetic disorders.
Grooming Needs
Grooming level: High
Aussiedoodles require regular brushing (3-4 times per week minimum) and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Their coat can mat easily if neglected.
Check our grooming schedule tool for a personalized plan.
Exercise Requirements
Activity level: Very High
Aussiedoodles need 60-90 minutes of daily exercise. Long walks, runs, fetch, and agility games keep them physically and mentally happy.
Use our calorie calculator to match food intake with activity level.
Feeding Your Aussiedoodle
A Aussiedoodle weighing 40 to 68 pounds typically needs about 600 to 1020 calories per day, depending on age and activity level. Puppies need calorie-dense food split into 3-4 meals. Adult dogs do well with 2 meals per day.
High-quality protein should be the foundation of your Aussiedoodle's diet. Check our best food for Australian Shepherds and best food for Poodles for brand recommendations that work well for this mix. For puppies, our puppy weight calculator helps track healthy growth.
Aussiedoodle FAQ
How big does a Aussiedoodle get?
A full-grown Aussiedoodle typically weighs between 40 and 68 pounds. Size can vary depending on which parent's genes are more dominant. Aussiedoodles come in Mini, Standard varieties, so the size range is quite broad.
How long do Aussiedoodles live?
The average Aussiedoodle lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Mixed breed dogs often benefit from genetic diversity, which can reduce certain breed-specific health risks.
Are Aussiedoodles good family dogs?
Aussiedoodles tend to be great family dogs. They inherit traits from both Australian Shepherds and Poodles, which often includes a friendly and loyal temperament. Early socialization is still important for any dog.
Do Aussiedoodles shed a lot?
Shedding depends on which parent's coat the Aussiedoodle inherits. Australian Shepherds have moderate grooming needs, while Poodles have high grooming needs. Your Aussiedoodle's coat type will determine how much brushing is required.
How much exercise does a Aussiedoodle need?
Aussiedoodles need regular daily exercise. With a Australian Shepherd parent (Very High energy) and a Poodle parent (High energy), expect your Aussiedoodle to need at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day.
What health problems do Aussiedoodles have?
Aussiedoodles can be prone to health issues from both parent breeds, including Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly, Epilepsy. Regular vet checkups and a balanced diet help prevent many of these conditions.
How much does a Aussiedoodle cost?
Aussiedoodle puppies typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 from a reputable breeder. Prices vary based on the breeder's location, parent pedigree, and coat color. Adoption from a rescue is a more affordable option and usually costs $200 to $500.
Are Aussiedoodles easy to train?
Both Australian Shepherds and Poodles are known for their intelligence, which usually makes Aussiedoodles responsive to training. Positive reinforcement methods work best. Start training and socialization early for the best results.