Aussiedoodle: Breed Guide, Temperament, Colors & Care
The Aussiedoodle is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, also called an Aussiepoo. It is a smart, affectionate, low to moderate shedding dog that comes in Toy, Mini, and Standard sizes and lives 10 to 15 years. This guide covers what owners actually need: coat colors, F1 vs F1b generations, MDR1 health facts, grooming, exercise, and real costs.
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What Is an Aussiedoodle?
An Aussiedoodle is a mixed breed dog created by crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle. People also call them Aussiepoos, Aussiepoodles, or Australian Shepherd Poodle mixes. The goal of the cross is simple: pair the Aussie’s smarts and colorful coat with the Poodle’s low shedding, allergy friendly fur.
These dogs are one of the most popular doodle breeds, alongside the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle. They are clever, loving, and full of energy. But they are not a purebred dog, so the American Kennel Club does not recognize them as an official breed, and no two Aussiedoodles look or act exactly the same.
Where the Aussiedoodle Came From
The Aussiedoodle first appeared in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s, during the doodle boom. Breeders wanted a smart working dog that would shed less and be easier on people with allergies. The Australian Shepherd brought herding drive and striking merle colors, while the Poodle added brains and a curly, low dander coat.
Generations: F1, F1b, F2 and Multigen
The generation tells you how much Poodle versus Aussie is in the dog, and it strongly affects coat and shedding.
| Generation | Genetics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | 50% Australian Shepherd, 50% Poodle | Strong hybrid vigor, wavy coats, unpredictable shedding |
| F1b | 75% Poodle, 25% Aussie (backcross) | Curlier, lower shedding coats, best for allergy homes |
| F2 | F1 bred to another F1 | Widest variety, hardest to predict |
| Multigen | F1b or later crossed again | Consistent curly coats when bred carefully |
If you have allergies, an F1b is usually the safest bet because it carries more Poodle genes. Still, no dog is fully hypoallergenic, so spend time with a specific puppy before you commit.
Sizes: Toy, Mini and Standard
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Toy Aussiedoodle | 10 to 12 inches | 10 to 15 lbs |
| Mini Aussiedoodle | 12 to 18 inches | 15 to 35 lbs |
| Standard Aussiedoodle | 18 to 23 inches | 40 to 70 lbs |
Size depends mostly on the Poodle parent, and many dogs do not reach full size until 12 to 16 months old. Use our growth calculator to project your puppy’s adult size.
Coat Types and Colors
The coat comes in three textures, and each sheds differently:
- Curly coat: most Poodle like, sheds the least, needs the most brushing.
- Wavy coat: the classic teddy bear look, moderate shedding.
- Straight coat: more Aussie like, sheds the most.
Colors are where this breed shows off. Many Aussiedoodles inherit striking blue eyes, or two different colored eyes, from the Australian Shepherd side. Solid red is the rarest color.
Temperament and Personality
Aussiedoodles are affectionate, playful, and deeply bonded to their people. Owners call them velcro dogs because they want to be with you all the time. That loyalty is lovely, but it also means they can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long.
Because of the Australian Shepherd side, most have a real herding instinct. They may nip at heels or try to circle small children and other pets. Early socialization and steady, reward based training fix this in most dogs. Read our science backed training guide for methods that work with this breed, and see how smart Aussiedoodles really are.
Health and the MDR1 Gene
The breed benefits from hybrid vigor and is generally healthy, but individual dogs can inherit conditions from either parent. The most common concerns are:
- Hip dysplasia and joint issues, more common in larger dogs.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts affecting the eyes.
- MDR1 drug sensitivity from the Australian Shepherd line.
- Skin allergies tied to their thick coat.
Buying from a breeder who health tests (Embark or OFA) is the single best way to lower these risks. For the full picture, read our health handbook or try the symptom checker tool.
Grooming and Exercise Needs
Plan on brushing 3 to 4 times a week to prevent matting, plus a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks. Curly coats need the most brushing, straight coats the least.
On exercise, this is a working dog cross, so it needs a job. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes of activity a day for Standard sizes and 45 to 60 minutes for Toys and Minis, mixed with puzzle toys, training games, and scent work to tire out that busy brain. An under stimulated Aussiedoodle becomes a destructive one. Our feeding planner and feeding guide cover the nutrition side.
How Much Does an Aussiedoodle Cost?
Reputable breeders charge $1,200 to $3,500 for a puppy, with Minis and Toys often costing more due to demand. Here is the realistic budget after purchase.
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy price (reputable breeder) | $1,200 to $3,500 one time |
| Food and treats | $400 to $900 per year |
| Professional grooming | $80 to $150 every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Vet care and prevention | $300 to $900 per year |
| Training, toys, supplies | $200 to $600 per year |
Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle
Both are popular Poodle crosses, but they suit different homes. The short answer: Goldendoodles are easier for first time owners, Aussiedoodles reward experienced, active homes.
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Goldendoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | Very high, needs a job | High but more settled |
| Herding instinct | Yes, may nip heels | No |
| Trainability | Excellent, needs mental work | Excellent, more forgiving |
| Colors | Merles, tris, phantom | Mostly gold, cream, red |
| Best for | Active, engaged owners | First time doodle owners |
Pros and Cons
Why owners love them
- Extremely intelligent and trainable
- Low to moderate shedding coats
- Stunning merle and tri colors
- Deeply affectionate family companion
- Sizes for apartments to farms
What to prepare for
- High daily exercise and mental needs
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Herding nips need early training
- Serious grooming commitment
- Coat and traits vary by generation
Not sure yet? The 10 question breed match quiz gives you an honest answer based on your routine, space, and budget.
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