Aussiedoodle: no, it’s not some hilarious new catch phrase like “shrimp on the barbie” or “technicolor yawn” from the antipodal region. It’s the name of a relatively new breed of designer dog, whose name is a Frankenstein-ing of the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. Let’s learn more about the Aussiedoodle, particularly its temperament and whether it makes a good family dog.
Aussiedoodles: Are They Good Family Dogs?
We won’t leave you in suspense: fluffy, medium-sized and abounding with charisma, the Aussiedoodle makes an amazing family dog. As a matter of fact, they’re good for almost everybody. Like a crepe served in a kangaroo’s pouch, this is a French/Australian hybrid your family will love and enjoy for years to come.
History and Variations Amidst Aussiedoodles
Fluffy, distinctive in appearance and quite the charmer, the Aussiedoodle came about in the late ’90s. This was a time when seemingly every dog breed was “getting doodled”. This auspicious decade also saw rise to Goldendoodles (a mix of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever), Cockapoos (Poodle and Cocker Spaniel) and Labradoodles (Poodle and Labrador Retriever).
Aussiedoodles come in standard and miniature sizes. A mini Aussiepoo will grow up to 30 pounds; the standard variety can grow up to 70. (Those are small and medium sizes, if you’re at the pet store and need to know.)
Like the Australian shepherds that make up half of their genes, Aussiepoos come in a fantastic selection of colorways. They can be blue or red, in either merle or phantom; apricot, black, brown or a mixture of any and all of the above. Those main colorations can be speckled or spotted with white, copper and brown. Some Au-doos are all one color, some are tuxedo’ed, some are tri-color and some are even more colorful than that!

Descended from two different types of hunting dogs, your Aussiedoodle has smarts and energy.
©jlovephoto/Shutterstock.com
Are Aussiedoodles Hypoallergenic?
Here’s a fact that should be better known: no dog is completely hypoallergenic. This is a common misconception that mostly has to do with confusing being hypoallergenic with being low-shedding. People who are sensitive to the allergens dogs create may have an easier time living with dogs that don’t shed, because this causes less contact with those allergens. So let’s talk about shed levels instead of the mostly-mythical hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Now, one more word on Aussiedoodles amongst “doodles”: Aussies aren’t the most hypoallergenic ‘doos. That would probably be the Bernedoodle, a mix of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Poodles are mostly non-shedding (unlike Australian shepherds), and since the Bernedoodle is 75% Poodle, it sheds very little, as well. Your Aussiedoodle is more of a half-and-half mix of Poodle and Aussie — and Aussies shed. That means that Aussiedoodles are potentially more allergy-causing than their poodle forebears.
All to say that if your household has highly sensitive sinuses or a dog allergy, the Aussiedoodle might not be the ideal choice for you. However, there are also medications and even shots now available to help neutralize your allergies. If you’re dead-set on an Aussiedoodle — and we do understand, given their sweetness levels are off the charts — talk to your doctor about it, and maybe a veterinarian, as well. You might even consider trying to spend time with an Aussiedoodle before you commit in order to gauge your allergic response.
What Kind of Disposition do Aussiedoodles Have?
Aussiedoodles are naturally loving and extremely intelligent — traits they inherit from both of the breeds they come from. Let’s say that they’re loving once again: Aussiedoos tend to happily greet even brand-new people. (They might even love your postal carrier. Imagine!)
Aussiedoodles are bundles of energy to back up all that intelligence. That means you’ll be smart to get a training and exercise plan in place right away. If you don’t, they might get into mischief — and they’re smart enough to cause trouble if they haven’t been taught otherwise!
Poodles are medium-energy and love to swim. Aussie Shepherds are high-energy and love all forms of exercise. The Aussiedoodle from which they descend are going to need a lot of interactive play, games of fetch, challenges and puzzles to solve. But they’re also happy to go on a walk or even a fairly strenuous run (once properly trained, of course) to burn off all that energy. Plan to spend an hour a day stirring your stumps with them.

Aussiedoodles come in a fantastic variety of colorways.
Image: Jeff Caverly, Shutterstock
©Jeff Caverly/Shutterstock.com
Are Aussiedoodles Good With Kids and Families?
The answer is yes! Playful and full of love and energy, Aussiedoodles are a great family pet, glad to ping-pong from one family member to another, depending on who might be holding food or available for play at the given moment. Yet we’ll offer the same caution as above: only through training will such a good doggie emerge!
Why? One reason is that both poodles and Australian shepherds have been hunting dogs for much of history. Poodles were used primarily to help in hunting waterfowl, while shepherds were — you guessed it — shepherds. This means that your sweet fluffer still has a pretty strong prey drive and a yearning to chase things. You’ll want to make sure they’re always in an enclosed area or on leash, and occupy their mind with training for tricks and obedience. Treat-dispensing puzzle toys and lots of interactive play are key to keeping your Aussiedoo happy and healthy. Luckily, since this is true of most kids, too, they’re a match made in heaven.
How can you tell if your Aussiedoodle isn’t engaged enough? They’re probably chewing on something they shouldn’t.
How To Train Your Aussiedoodle
A hybrid of two hunting dogs, Aussiedoodles are literally bred to solve problems and perform tasks. This makes them excellent candidates for basic obedience training at minimum, and even learning tricks and stunts if that’s your thing! Because they love to be rewarded for coming up with the solution, you can start your Aussiedoodle pup on treat training as a positive reinforcement, then introduce a clicker and the treat at the same time. Eventually, you’ll need only the clicker to let your dog know they’re excelling, and eventually, you can retire ol’ clicky altogether.
If you only teach your Aussiedoodle one thing — and ideally, you teach them many things — it’s to come when called and stay when told to. Again, Aussie shepherds and poodles love the thrill of the hunt. To keep your Aussiedoodle safe even when off leash, you’ll be glad you made sure that “stay” and “come” are commands they understand and follow 100% of the time. It won’t happen overnight — but your Aussiedoo is whip-smart in addition to being button-cute. They’ll get it down pat with a little patience from their owner.
Honestly, Aussiedoodles are so smart and athletic, you might find yourself running out of tricks to teach them! If you’re looking for more great ways to engage and interact with your dog, Aussiedoodles are prime candidates for learning agility courses, hunting and retrieving, swimming and even diving! Yet with its tractable personality, the Aussiedoodle can also be trained to access its nurturing, gentle side, making it an excellent therapy dog.
Aussiedoodle Grooming
There’s a bit of variety in Aussiedoodle coats: they can be more long and wavy (that’s the Aussie side), or tightly coiled (the Poodle). Whichever coat type your Aussiedoo has, you’ll want to take a bit of extra care with grooming than a short-haired breed requires. Brush them at least weekly, groom them regularly and wash when smelly.
One more note on Aussiedoodle-specific care: they can be prone to sebaceous adenitis, a common issue in Poodles. Symptoms of sebaceous adenitis are skin problems such as flaking, thickening and scaling. If you notice any of these in your pup, take them to your vet as soon as you can.
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