Aussiedoodle is a hybrid breed. It is an offspring of the result, crossing between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. This mix produces a fluffy, energetic, and charismatic dog known for its unique coat and lively personality. The breed emerged in the 1990s alongside other popular Poodle mixes such as Goldendoodles, Cockapoos, and Labradoodles. Aussiedoodles come in two primary sizes: Miniature Aussiedoodles, which typically weigh up to 30 pounds, and Standard Aussiedoodles, which can grow up to 70 pounds.
Aussiedoodles can exhibit a wide range of colors. They reflect the diverse color palettes of their parent breeds. They might be solid black, blue merle, or any number of other combinations. Poodles are renowned for their non-shedding, curly coats, whereas Australian Shepherds are known to moderate shed. Consequently, an Aussiedoodle’s shedding tendencies can vary. While they may be a better fit for some individuals with mild allergies, it’s essential to note that no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic. If you are an owner of one of the canines of this breed, you may spend time with your dog before making a commitment to ensure compatibility.
Caring for an Aussiedoodle
Both Poodles and Australian Shepherds are intelligent dog breeds. For sure, it’s no surprise that Aussiedoodles are also exceptionally smart. This intelligence makes them highly trainable, and a well-trained Aussiedoodle is indeed friendly and sociable with everyone they encounter.
Bringing an Aussiedoodle puppy into your home means committing to an active lifestyle. These dogs require daily playtime and long walks, particularly if they inherit the high energy levels of their Australian Shepherd parent. Aussiedoodles thrive on activities like fetch, running, and swimming—Poodles, in particular, have a strong affinity for water. You need to give them daily exercise of at least an hour. It keeps them healthy and happy.
Health Considerations for Aussiedoodles
As a crossbreed, an Aussiedoodle may inherit genetic conditions from both parent breeds. The health of an Aussiedoodle depends on the quality of breeding, so it’s crucial for owners to choose a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings for their dogs. Here are some sicknesses that your Aussiedoodle may come into contact with.
- Thyroid Disease : Thyroid disease is a common genetic condition in Australian Shepherds. The main cause for this condition is autoimmune thyroiditis, which leads to hypothyroidism. You may see the symptoms such as weight gain, skin issues, and a tendency to seek warmth in your dog , if he or she is a thyroid-suffocate. Fortunately, this condition is manageable with affordable medication.
- Sebaceous Adenitis : Poodles are prone to sebaceous adenitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes the sebaceous glands to become inflamed. This can result in scaling, flaking, and hair loss. There is no cure for this disease. Yet, symptoms can be managed with regular baths and topical treatments.
- Joint Dysplasia : Aussiedoodles, especially those of medium to large size, are susceptible to joint dysplasia, including hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition results from improperly formed joints, which can lead to pain and, if untreated, arthritis. Mild cases may be managed with proper exercise, diet, and weight management. Nevertheless, more severe cases might require surgical intervention.
- Bloat :Bloat, or gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), is a serious condition particularly affecting large, deep-chested breeds like Poodles. GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be life-threatening. Signs of bloat include restlessness, excessive drooling, retching, panting, a distended stomach, and collapse. You have to take your dog to the veterinary immediately if these symptoms are observed.
Feeding Your Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles require a balanced diet that provides ample energy, to support their active lifestyle. When selecting food, look for options approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Puppies should be fed a diet that matches their growth stage. You have to feed your dog with adult food after their first year. Full-grown Aussiedoodles should be fed twice a day, while puppies require three to four meals daily.
To prevent bloat, it’s important to manage how quickly your dog eats. You may use a slow feeder bowl if your Aussiedoodle tends to eat rapidly. You may avoid raised feeding bowls and refrain from vigorous exercise immediately after meals.
Nutritional Needs
Aussiedoodle’s feeding guidelines will vary based on their size, age, and health. The dog food packaging typically offers portion recommendations based on weight, but consulting your veterinarian can provide the best advice for your pet’s specific needs.A well-balanced diet should include essential vitamins such as A and D3, proteins, and fats. Vitamin A supports vision and immune function, Vitamin D3 maintains bone health, proteins provide energy, and fats help maintain a healthy coat.
Behavior and Training Tips
Personality and Temperament
Aussiedoodles are generally friendly and affectionate dogs that get along well with other pets and children unless they are properly socialized.Their energy levels can vary; those with more Australian Shepherd traits may need more activity compared to those with a stronger Poodle influence.
Both parent breeds are highly intelligent. Therefore their offsprings need ample mental stimulation. You may engage your Aussiedoodle with fun tricks, puzzle toys, and interactive games to keep them entertained and mentally sharp.
Behavioral Traits
Aussiedoodles inherit the herding instinct from Australian Shepherds and the hunting drive from Poodles. Without sufficient stimulation, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. They should be kept on a leash or within a secure fenced area to prevent them from chasing after animals or cars.
Training
Aussiedoodles are eager to please and excel in training. Clicker training can be particularly effective.Once they master in commands, they can learn more complex tricks. Teaching essential commands such as “stay” and “come” is crucial for safety, especially given their strong herding instincts and potential to chase.
Grooming Your Aussiedoodle
An Aussiedoodle’s coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance. Their coat may be curly or wavy. Hence you have to frequently brush and trim it. Moreover you may observer for the signs of sebaceous adenitis, such as excessive flaking or scaling. So you have to give them a regular bath to keep the coat clean and fresh. The grooming routine will depend on the coat type. Curlier coats generally need more frequent maintenance. Use a slicker brush to manage mats and tangles.
Aussiedoodles don’t require extensive eye care. But you have to ensure that their fur doesn’t obstruct their vision. For dogs that enjoy swimming, clean their ears with a dog-specific cleaner after baths and swims to prevent infections.
You can ensure your Aussiedoodle remains healthy, happy, and well-groomed by taking regular care of them.
