Quick Answer
An Australian Shepherd Poodle mix — better known as the Aussiedoodle or Aussiepoo — is a designer crossbreed, not an AKC-recognized purebred. It comes in Toy (10–20 lbs), Mini (15–35 lbs), and Standard (40–70 lbs) sizes, typically costs $1,200–$3,500 from a breeder, lives 10–14 years, and is low-shedding but never 100% hypoallergenic. It’s intelligent, high-energy, and requires 45–60 minutes of daily exercise, as well as mental stimulation.
At a Glance
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Other names | Aussiedoodle, Aussiepoo, Aussie Doodle |
| Recognized breed? | No — hybrid/designer dog, not AKC-recognized |
| Parent breeds | Australian Shepherd × Poodle (Toy/Mini/Standard) |
| Sizes | Toy, Mini, Standard |
| Weight range | 10–70 lbs, depending on size variety |
| Height range | 10–23 inches |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years |
| Coat | Wavy to curly; wide color range incl. merle, tri-color, phantom |
| Shedding | Low to moderate — never guaranteed hypoallergenic |
| Temperament | Intelligent, energetic, loyal, herding instinct |
| Price (breeder) | $1,200–$3,500 (up to ~$4,000 for merle/rare colors) |
| Exercise needs | 45–60 minutes/day |
What Is an Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix, Exactly?
An Australian Shepherd Poodle mix is a first-generation (F1) or backcrossed (F1B) hybrid between a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Poodle. It is not a standardized breed recognized by the AKC — traits vary by litter, generation, and which parent a puppy takes after more.
The name Aussiedoodle covers three size lines, built by crossing the Australian Shepherd with a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle:
- Toy Aussiedoodle — smallest line, ~10–20 lbs, ~15 in tall
- Mini Aussiedoodle — most popular size, ~15–35 lbs, ~12–18 in tall
- Standard Aussiedoodle — largest line, ~40–70 lbs, ~20–23 in tall
Size and Price by Variety
| Variety | Weight | Height | Typical Breeder Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Aussiedoodle | 10–20 lbs | ~15 in | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Mini Aussiedoodle | 15–35 lbs | 12–18 in | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Standard Aussiedoodle | 40–70 lbs | 20–23 in | $1,200–$3,500 |
Merle coat patterns, rare colors, and health-tested litters push prices toward the $3,500–$4,000 range. Adoption through a doodle-specific rescue typically runs far lower, though availability is inconsistent — expect a wait.
Temperament and Trainability
Both parent breeds were bred to work, and it shows. An Australian Shepherd Poodle mix is typically:
- Highly intelligent and easy to train — both parents rank near the top of working/obedience intelligence
- Velcro-dog loyal — forms a tight bond with one household and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long
- Herding-instinct playful — may try to “herd” kids, other pets, or joggers
- High-energy — needs 45–60 minutes of real exercise daily, not just a yard
Shedding and the Hypoallergenic Question
Shedding depends on which parent a puppy favors, and it’s genetically driven — largely by the RSPO2 (furnishings) and KRT71 (curl) genes inherited from the Poodle side. A curlier, Poodle-leaning coat sheds less; a straighter, Australian Shepherd-leaning coat sheds more.
No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Allergic reactions come from the Can f1 protein in dander, saliva, and urine — not hair length. A low-shedding Aussiedoodle can still trigger allergies. Allergy-sensitive families should spend time with an adult dog from the specific breeding line before committing to a puppy.
Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix vs. the Purebred Parents
| Trait | Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix | Purebred Australian Shepherd | Purebred Poodle |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKC recognized | No | Yes | Yes |
| Shedding | Low–moderate (variable) | Moderate–heavy | Low |
| Size range | 10–70 lbs (3 size lines) | 40–65 lbs | 4–70 lbs (3 sizes) |
| Coat care | Weekly brushing + regular trims | Weekly brushing, no trims needed | Frequent professional grooming |
| Health profile | Broad hybrid gene pool (hybrid vigor) | Breed-specific risks (e.g., MDR1, eye issues) | Breed-specific risks (e.g., hip issues) |
| Best for | Active families wanting lower shedding | Ranch/working homes, heavy shedders OK | Allergy-focused homes, max grooming commitment |
Real Examples: Which Size Fits Which Home
- Apartment, first-time owner, mild allergy concerns: Toy or Mini, curly-coated (Poodle-leaning) line
- Active family with a yard, kids, other dogs: Standard, any coat type
- Hiking/running household: Standard or Mini — both need genuine daily mileage, not just a walk around the block
By the Numbers
- Lifespan: 10–14 years
- Daily exercise requirement: 45–60 minutes
- Grooming: brush 1–2x weekly; professional trim every 6–8 weeks for curlier coats
- Price spread: $1,200–$3,500 standard range; up to ~$4,000 for merle/rare colors
- Litter variation: coat texture and shedding can differ within the same litter
FAQs
Is an Aussiedoodle a good dog?
Yes, for the right household. Aussiedoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and highly trainable, but they need daily exercise and mental stimulation — a bored Aussiedoodle can become destructive or anxious. They’re a strong fit for active families, not for owners who want a low-maintenance couch companion.
Is there an Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix?
Yes — it’s commonly called the Aussiedoodle or Aussiepoo. It’s a designer crossbreed (not an AKC-recognized purebred) created by crossing a purebred Australian Shepherd with a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle.
How big do Aussiepoos get?
It depends on the size line. Toy Aussiedoodles reach about 10–20 lbs, Minis reach 15–35 lbs, and Standards reach 40–70 lbs at maturity, standing anywhere from 10 to 23 inches tall.
Is Aussiedoodle a real breed?
It’s a real, well-documented crossbreed — but not a “breed” in the formal AKC sense. Because it’s a first- or second-generation hybrid rather than a genetically stabilized line, the AKC does not recognize it, and traits can vary between individual dogs and even littermates.
Do Australian Shepherd Poodle mixes shed?
Some do, some barely do. Shedding depends on how much Poodle coat genetics (RSPO2, KRT71) a given puppy inherits. Curlier-coated dogs shed the least; straighter-coated dogs shed closer to an Australian Shepherd.
Is a mini Australian Shepherd Poodle mix hypoallergenic?
No dog is guaranteed hypoallergenic, including Minis. A curly, Poodle-leaning coat produces less loose hair and can be easier on mild allergies, but the allergen comes from dander protein, not fur — so there’s no guarantee for anyone with a real dog allergy.