Breeders have decided to experiment with two parent breeds: an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. The hybrid that the mix resulted in is called an Aussiedoodle. The pooch has gained popularity as a lovely companion dog and a loyal family pet. If you are fond of Australian Shepherds and Poodles alike, there is a high probability that you will fall head over heels in love with Aussiedoodles. In this article, you will find a comprehensive dog breed information. You can read about the dog’s appearance, temperament, needs, history and more.
What is an Aussiedoodle?
As the name suggest, the Aussiedoodle is a designer cross between the loyal Australian Shepherd and the intelligent Poodle. Their cute looks and lovely personality make them a good companion for active singles but also a joyful addition to a bigger family. Aussiepoos can also be great therapy dogs thanks to their ability to connect with people. They are thought to be hypoallergenic, but it’s not always the case.
Aussiedoodle – appearance
With their shaggy fur, floppy ears and sharp eyes they are sometimes rightly compared to teddy bears. When looking for cute aussiedoodle puppies, you have numerous distinguishing features to choose from. Every pup from one litter can look entirely different. It comes down to genetics. A newborn Aussiedoodle can inherit more qualities from a poodle or an Australian shepherd. It can also be a balanced mix of both breeds. Commonly, a significant number of Aussiedoodles are medium-sized, lean and sturdy.
Aussiedoodle – fur
Possible Aussiedoodles coat colors include: black, blue, blue merle, red, red merle, apricot, brown, cream and white. On top of a solid color, you can meet Aussiedoodle dogs with spots and white markings. As for the coat texture, there are two options available:
- soft and curly (after a Poodle);
- straight or curly, possibly with a double coat (after an Australian Shepherd).
Furnishings
The Aussiedoodle coat can come with furnishings. They are essentially the areas on the dog’s body that have longer hair and give him a scruffy look. They are usually located on the face and feet. Possible options are:
- furnished;
- weak furnished;
- unfurnished.
Aussiedoodle – size
Considering their parent breeds, Aussiedoodles are small to middle-sized dogs. There are smaller and bigger types of Aussiedoodle depending on what size their poodle parent was:
- little hybrid or miniature aussiedoodle (miniature poodle or toy poodle parent) – up to 35lbs and 12-18 inches tall;
- standard hybrid (standard poodle parent) – up to 70lbs and 22 inches tall.
Aussiedoodle – character and temperament
This mixed breed is packed with appealing qualities many people strive for in a furry friend. They are friendly, sociable, energetic, loyal and intelligent. They can be lapdogs even when they grow up. Imagine atmospheric winter evenings with a bundle of curls lying on you when you watch TV or read a book. When a stranger approaches to disturb your perfect chill time, aussiepoo will let you know immediately. They are excellent guard dogs – the feature they inherited from their shepherd parents. Because they are so loving and need attention at all times, separation anxiety may be an issue when you travel a lot.
Aussiedoodle – health
Some health issues Aussiedoodles are known to have been dealing with are:
- hip dysplasia – good nutrition and ample exercise can prevent this condition;
- luxating patella – the kneecap dislodging happens to smaller dogs;
- epilepsy – involuntary muscles contractions, seizures; must be controlled with medication;
- eye disorders like cataracts;
- Cushing’s Disease;
- obesity – can be controlled with good diet and exercise.
The right food for Aussiedoodle
These energetic family dogs do well on high-quality balanced diet with proper amounts of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. It’s best to feed your aussie twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. Recommended amounts for both types of dogs:
- 1-1.5 cups of kibble for a mini aussiedoodle a day;
- 2.5-3.5 cups of kibble for a standard aussiedoodle a day.
No matter if you choose commercial, raw or home-made dog food, make sure you choose good-quality, fresh ingredients. Avoid artificial fillers such as corn syrup. Sugar and carbohydrates can be harmful for your dog especially when eaten long term. Moderate amounts of fruits and vegetables, however, can be a delicious snack and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Supplements
You can also incorporate supplements that are a powerful boost to your pet’s health:
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin – beneficial for hips and joints;
- Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA – great for the skin and coat condition as well as the brain, heart and eyes;
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and balanced mix of minerals – strengthen your Aussiedoodle’s immune system.
The right environment for Aussiedoodle
No matter what size of Aussiedoodle you get, they will definitely teem with energy. An ideal environment for them to release it would be a house with a garden. Don’t worry if you don’t have so much space at your disposal, though. You can just take your pet to a local dog park or a meadow so that he can enjoy some active time off the leash. Even if they end up living in an apartment they can be happy as long as an owner provides them with challenges,
How to keep your Aussiedoodle busy
Boredom leads to destructive behavior in the case of every dog, especially a highly energetic one such as an Aussiedoodle. How to keep your bundle of stamina and intelligence engaged enough not to destroy the whole house when you are away? Here are a few ideas:
- hide the treats from your dog – use his favorite healthy snacks for that sniffing challenge; increase the difficulty level gradually so that he doesn’t get bored but not don’t make it too hard either;
- switch the toys – instead of using one or two toys and waiting for their annihilation, you can have a few more and switch them regularly; in this way you introduce an element of surprise and excitement; additionally, you can teach your dog the names of toys and ask him to pick the right one;
- play the Shell Game with your dog – hide the treat under one of three or more cups and shuffle while letting your dog observe the process;
- teach your dog to accompany you with chores – use him as a little table, teach him to carry the laundry or pick up his toys;
- play interactive games – a game of fetch is one classic example;
- teach your dog new tricks – it can be whatever comes to your mind as long it is fun and achievable for your dog; make sure each training session ends with a treat;
- create an obstacle course in your home or in the garden.
Life expectancy
These energetic dogs live their lives to the fullest for 10 to 12 years on average. Although they are generally healthier than purebred dogs, they can still get down with a serious condition. Keep your dog well-nourished, mentally and physically active and visit the veterinarian regularly.
Aussiedoodle – care
Apart from all the necessary grooming procedures and regular walks, the essence of proper care should be regular veterinary visits. This poodle mix is very friendly and sociable, but it’s still a good idea to create positive associations with a vet. Take your puppy to the vet early to get him used to the situation. A good method is going there with your pet even with rather minute issues such as nails trimming. Reward your dog after each visit.
Grooming
Depending on the coat type and length they inherit, more or less brushing sessions will be needed. Additionally, if their fur is curly, the groomer has to trim it every 10 weeks. Other standard procedures you have to include in your dog care schedule include:
- nails clipping (as needed);
- ears cleaning (as needed);
- teeth brushing (once a week).
Exercise
Regular physical exercise along with mental stimulation will keep your Aussiedoodle happy and healthy. It’s also a necessary preventive measure to stop it from destructive behavior that they are prone to when bored. You can give them a puzzle feeder or go to a dog park to interact with other dogs. They require approximately 90 minutes of exercise each day. Take that time commitment into consideration before purchasing this lovely 70-pound dog (if you are lucky).
Aussiedoodle – training
These intelligent dogs will thrive on positive reinforcement. They enjoy training sessions during which they can please the owner. Punishment may lead to behavioral issues and should be avoided. With their athletic skills and intelligence Aussiedoodles are more than willing and skilled to do dog sports such as agility, flyball, obedience or rally.
Aussiedoodle – price
You should estimate to pay between $1000-$2000 for an Aussiedoodle puppy. Make sure do do some research so that you buy your aussiepoo puppy from a reputable breeder. Although it is a very fasionable breed, you can still check if they are available in animal shelters. People sometimes give them up for adoption due to lack of time or travelling.
Aussiedoodle – breed history
Since the Aussiedoodle is a modern hybrid breed, they don’t have a long history. While they could have existed before that, it is estimated that the first hybrid dog was intentionally bred in the late 90’s or early 2000’s in North America. Breeders hoped that the the dogs would inherit Australian Shepherds’ trainability and obedience while keeping the Poodles’ intelligence.
Aussiedoodle – for whom?
Aussiedoodles require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are for owners who will accompany their pet friends during long walks and keep them entertained. Such individuals should also spend plenty of quality time with their poochs. The reward is their deep loyalty and lap time. This fluffy designer dog will adapt well to both apartments and houses. Small spaces are not a problem if you keep him entertained and active.
Aussiedoodle – are they good with children?
This affectionate aussiedoodle dog breed will fit perfectly into a family with children. Adult dogs are gentle and friendly towards youngsters. The reason is that their energy levels are a perfect match and the two can enjoy play time. Aussiedoodles are friendly dogs with no aggressive tendencies.
One problematic issue that may come up during their interaction with babies is herding and nipping. In order to wean them off that behavior, distract your pup with his favorite toys and treats. As they are easily trainable, the process shouldn’t take long.
Aussiedoodle – therapy dogs
Both miniature Aussiedoodles as well as their standard counterparts are good-natured dogs and bond quickly with anyone. Their quality of being cheerful and energetic can be a motivation to get our of bed and go for a walk. On the other hand, they can be gentle lapdogs you can cuddle with when you feel down.
Aussiedoodle – trivia
- Aussiedoodle’s weight can be as high as 70 pounds;
- they love to swim;
- Another name for this breed is Aussie-Poo;
- they are one of the smartest breeds out there;
- three Aussiedoodle puppies from one litter can look entirely different;
If after reading this article you feel that this crossbred doodle beauty is for you, you can start searching for your ideal australian shepherd poodle mix. Remember that owning this kind of dog requires time, dedication, care and activity. If you devote your time to a furry friend, you will gain the best dog friend for years.
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