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If you’re looking for a dog that combines intelligence with even more intelligence, then look no further than the Aussie Doodle! A crossbreed between two of the world’s most brainy and beautiful breeds—the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle—the Aussie Doodle has it all. These dogs make excellent family pets, getting along with everyone and adapting well to different types of animals. Incredibly affectionate, Aussie Doodles will quickly become the heart and soul of your household.
Aussie Doodles are often called by other names like “Aussie Pooh” or “Ozzy Poodle.” Many enthusiasts describe their personalities as goofy and loving. With a lifespan of around 11 to 12 years, which is shorter than that of larger breeds, they continue to win hearts wherever they go.
History
Aussie Doodles are a relatively new breed of designer dog. They were intentionally created by crossing Australian Shepherds and Poodles in the late 1990s or early 2000s, most likely in North America. The goal was twofold:
- Cleverness: Combining the intelligence of the Australian Shepherd with that of the Poodle.
- Low Shedding: Creating a dog with a low-shedding coat that would also inherit the intelligence and strong work ethic of its parent breeds.
Although Aussie Doodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.
Appearance
Being a mix of the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd, the Aussie Doodle’s appearance can vary greatly. They are typically small to medium in size, weighing between 25 to 70 pounds and standing 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Some variations exist, such as:
- Miniature Poodle Crosses: These can be as small as 30 cm tall and weigh around 22 pounds.
- Standard Poodle Crosses: These can be larger, weighing 53 to 62 pounds and standing up to 56 cm tall.
Aussie Doodles are muscular but slender, with a broad head, thickly rounded muzzle, and a black nose. Their ears are erect, and their eyes can be either blue or brown. The tail can either be cropped (similar to the Australian Shepherd) or curly (like the Poodle). The coat comes in a variety of colors and color combinations, such as:
- Black
- Green
- White
- Tan
- Red
- Tri-color
- Red Merle
- Blue Merle
Personality
Aussie Doodles are known for being loving, loyal, and highly energetic. They require plenty of exercise and space to run, which makes activities like long hikes, walks, and beach days ideal. Similar to Australian Shepherds, Aussie Doodles tend to bond closely with one or two favorite humans.
These dogs should never be raised outdoors or in kennels as they require constant human interaction to stay happy and balanced. If left alone for too long, they may become destructive or hyperactive. Aussie Doodles love to cuddle, and it’s not uncommon to wake up with your dog comfortably sleeping on your head.
They’re incredibly agile and excel in dog sports like flyball, obedience, and rally. Additionally, they make excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners when someone new is around, though typically greeting them with a wagging tail. Known for sharing toys, they’ll often bring their owners toys to start a game of fetch or tug-of-war—but they can be hesitant to give them up once they’ve claimed them!
Grooming
Aussie Doodles have a variety of coat types, so their grooming needs will depend on whether their coat is wavy or curly. Dogs with wavy coats usually only need to be combed once or twice a week. However, dogs with curlier coats will need more frequent grooming.
In addition to coat grooming, it’s important to check their ears for debris and trim their nails once or twice a month.
Health Issues
While most Aussie Doodles are generally healthy, they can be prone to some health conditions common to their parent breeds (Australian Shepherds and Poodles). These include:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia, A disorder of the hip joints that can cause lameness in the dog’s hind limbs.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A condition that can lead to blindness.
- Weight Gain: Like many breeds, Aussie Doodles can be prone to weight gain if not exercised properly.
- Reactions to Flea and Tick Medications: Some Aussie Doodles may have adverse reactions to these medications.
Are they hypoallergenic?
Aussie Doodles are often considered hypoallergenic, but it’s important to note that no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. However, because they are a cross between Poodles (which are known for being low-shedding) and Australian Shepherds, Aussie Doodles tend to have coats that shed less and produce fewer allergens compared to many other dog breeds.
Lifespan of an Aussie Doodle
The lifespan of an Aussie Doodle typically ranges from 11 to 12 years. This is similar to other medium-sized breeds. However, with proper care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, some Aussie Doodles can live even longer. Like any breed, their lifespan can also be influenced by genetics, overall health, and environmental factors.
Cost
The cost of an Aussie Doodle can vary depending on factors like the breeder, location, the dog’s lineage, and the coat type (curly or wavy). On average, an Aussie Doodle typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500.
Some factors that can influence the price:
- Reputation of the breeder: Reputable breeders who focus on health testing, socialization, and quality breeding practices may charge higher prices.
- Location: Prices can vary depending on where the breeder is located, as demand for certain breeds can be higher in some areas.
- Coat and size: Miniature Aussie Doodles may be priced differently than standard-sized ones, and those with highly desired coat types or specific color combinations might be more expensive.
Fun Facts
Their Intelligence
Aussie Doodles are often referred to as the “Einsteins of dogs.” Since they are bred from two highly intelligent breeds, Australian Shepherds and Poodles, they inherit this intelligence, making them one of the smartest crossbreeds. They are incredibly easy to train and quickly pick up commands.
By the time they are four months old, many Aussie Doodles already know phrases like “Let’s get in the car,” “Time for bed,” and “Let’s go for a walk.” Their level of intelligence is often compared to that of a small child, making training a highly rewarding experience. They also have high energy levels and can read their owner’s emotions, adjusting their behavior accordingly.
They Like to Work
Both Australian Shepherds and Poodles are working breeds—Australian Shepherds are known for herding, and Poodles are famous water retrievers. Aussie Doodles carry on this working dog tradition and are highly active. They love to help out around the house, whether it’s by carrying groceries, retrieving the mail, or even helping with gardening (they might grab the hose and shake it around).
Always eager to assist, they may also take it upon themselves to help with house tasks or assemble toys after a play session.
They Make Wonderful Therapy Dogs
Aussie Doodles are incredibly in tune with their owners’ needs. They can sense when you’re having a rough day and will offer comfort and emotional support. Their loving nature makes them perfect candidates for service, therapy, and emotional support dogs. With their gentle demeanor, they will console you with their warm paws and loving eyes, offering the emotional support that only a dog can provide.
They Drip Everywhere
Dripping is a characteristic behavior of Aussie Doodles, and it’s completely normal. Due to their long, wavy coats around their mouths, they often soak the floor when drinking water. Owners of Aussie Doodles spend quite a bit of time cleaning up the water mess after their dog has had a drink, as the hair around their mouths tends to absorb the water and spread it around.
They Love to Swim
Aussie Doodles are natural swimmers and love to dive into water, whether it’s a pool, beach, or even a garden hose! They enjoy splashing around in water for hours. If you don’t have access to a swimming pool or beach, don’t worry—your Aussie Doodle will find creative ways to enjoy water by shaking around garden hoses or sticking their face and paws into their water dish.
