Aussiedoodle Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: United States, developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle
The Aussiedoodle is a designer hybrid breed created by crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle, combining high intelligence and herding drive with a low-shedding coat. Because it is not a purebred, traits such as size, coat type, and temperament can vary significantly even within the same litter.
| Breed | Aussiedoodle |
| Size | Medium (25–70 lbs) |
| Height | 14–23 inches |
| Lifespan | 10–13 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Affectionate, Energetic |
| Energy Level | Very High●●●●● |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | High Maintenance |
| Training | Excellent |
| Shedding | Light |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Aussiedoodle Overview
Aussiedoodles are highly energetic and mentally sharp dogs that thrive in active households with plenty of space and stimulation. They inherit strong herding instincts from the Australian Shepherd side and problem-solving ability from the Poodle side, making them both rewarding and demanding to own. Without sufficient exercise and mental engagement, they can develop destructive behaviors, so this breed is best suited to experienced dog owners who can meet those needs consistently.
📜 History & Origin
The Aussiedoodle emerged in the United States during the late 1990s as part of a broader wave of Poodle crossbreeding aimed at producing low-shedding family dogs. Breeders sought to combine the Australian Shepherd's intelligence, agility, and loyalty with the Poodle's hypoallergenic-leaning coat and trainability. The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or any major kennel club, and there is no breed standard, meaning individual dogs can differ substantially in appearance and behavior.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 25–70 lbs (11–32 kg)
- Height: 14–23 inches (36–58 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 20–60 lbs
- Height: 13–22 inches
Coat type: Wavy to curly, low-to-moderate shedding, soft and dense
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Aussiedoodles are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Aussiedoodles are high-energy dogs that require at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Aussiedoodle)
- Daily amount: 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry food split into two meals, adjusted for size and activity level of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Daily brushing required to prevent matting and tangles.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Aussiedoodle lifespan is 10–13 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active families with a yard
- Experienced dog owners who enjoy training
- Households looking for a low-shedding but high-energy companion
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- First-time dog owners unprepared for high exercise demands
- Apartment dwellers or sedentary households
- Requires significant daily exercise
- High grooming maintenance and cost
🆚 Aussiedoodle vs Other Breeds
✅ Aussiedoodle wins at
The Aussiedoodle tends to be more agile and responsive to advanced training due to the Australian Shepherd's herding intelligence.
✅ Labradoodle wins at
The Labradoodle is generally calmer and more tolerant, making it a better fit for families with very young children or first-time owners.
✅ Aussiedoodle wins at
The Aussiedoodle tends to be sharper and more athletic, excelling in dog sports and complex task training.
✅ Goldendoodle wins at
The Goldendoodle is typically more easygoing and forgiving, suiting a wider range of owners and living situations.
🏠 Who Should Own a Aussiedoodle?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active families with a yard
- Experienced dog owners who enjoy training
- Households looking for a low-shedding but high-energy companion
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- First-time dog owners unprepared for high exercise demands
- Apartment dwellers or sedentary households
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aussiedoodle good for families?
Aussiedoodles can be wonderful family dogs when raised with children and given proper socialization from a young age. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them engaging companions for older children who can match their energy. However, their herding instinct may cause them to nip at or chase small children, so supervision and consistent training are important.
How much does a Aussiedoodle puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, Aussiedoodle puppies from reputable breeders typically cost between 1,200 and 2,500 pounds depending on generation, coat type, and breeder reputation. In Pakistan, prices generally range from 80,000 to 200,000 Pakistani rupees, though availability from quality breeders is limited. In India, expect to pay between 60,000 and 150,000 Indian rupees, with prices varying by city and breeder quality.
Is Aussiedoodle easy to train?
The Aussiedoodle is one of the most trainable hybrid breeds, inheriting high intelligence from both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. They respond very well to positive reinforcement and can learn complex commands quickly when training sessions are consistent and engaging. That said, their intelligence means they can also learn bad habits just as fast, so early structured training and clear boundaries are essential.
What food is best for a Aussiedoodle?
A high-quality dry kibble formulated for active medium to large breeds is a good foundation for most Aussiedoodles, with named meat proteins listed as the first ingredient. Adults typically need 2.5 to 3.5 cups per day split across two meals, though exact portions depend on the individual dog's size, age, and activity level. Foods rich in omega fatty acids support their often wavy or curly coat, and your veterinarian can help you choose a formula suited to your dog's specific nutritional needs.
Does Aussiedoodle bark a lot?
Aussiedoodles are moderately vocal and will bark to alert their owners or when under-stimulated, but they are not considered excessive barkers compared to some other breeds. Keeping them mentally and physically engaged is the most effective way to manage unnecessary barking.
Can a Aussiedoodle live in an apartment?
Aussiedoodles are generally not well suited to apartment living because of their high energy levels and need for regular vigorous exercise and open space. They can adapt if given multiple long daily exercise sessions, but a home with a yard is strongly preferred for their wellbeing.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Aussiedoodle is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 10–13 years, high energy demands, and high maintenance grooming requirements, the Aussiedoodle is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Aussiedoodle will reward you with years of loyal companionship.
Buying guides for the Aussiedoodle
Hand-picked product roundups tailored to the Aussiedoodle's needs.