If you're looking for a low-allergy home, an Aussiedoodle is a great choice. They have a unique coat that sheds very little, making them a popular option for those with allergies.
Aussiedoodles are a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, which is why they have this hypoallergenic coat. This mix of breeds also makes them highly intelligent and easy to train.
Their low-shedding coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. With regular brushing and grooming sessions, you can keep your Aussiedoodle's coat looking its best.
Additional reading: Low Energy Hypoallergenic Dogs
Aussiedoodle Characteristics
Aussiedoodles have numerous coat color and texture variations, mainly due to the merle qualities of their Australian shepherd parents and the range of solid colors from their poodle parents.
Their expressive round eyes are truly striking, and might be bright blue, soft green, light amber, or deep brown. Some dogs even have heterochromia, a condition that produces two eyes of different colors.
Aussiedoodles usually have round heads, short muzzles with occasional mustaches, and big noses. Their ears are always wooly and floppy.
Appearance
Aussiedoodles are a diverse bunch, and their appearance is a big part of what makes them so charming. They can have a wide range of coat colors and textures, thanks to their Australian Shepherd and Poodle parents.
Their coat colors can vary greatly, including white, beige, tan, blue, gray, red, brown, chocolate, and black. Some Aussiedoodles even have a soft-but-scruffy tricolor coat.
Merle genes play a big role in their coat colors, and red merle and blue merle Aussiedoodles are often the result of a white- or cream-colored Poodle parent and a Merle Australian Shepherd parent. This is because the Merle gene is dominant.
Their eye colors can be just as striking, ranging from bright blue to soft green, light amber, or deep brown. Some Aussiedoodles even have heterochromia, where one eye is a different color from the other.
Aussiedoodles usually have round heads, short muzzles, and big noses. Their ears are always wooly and floppy, which can be quite adorable.
Related reading: Brown and White Mini Aussiedoodle
As for their size, it can vary greatly depending on their Poodle parent. Toy Aussiedoodles are usually under 20 pounds and about 14 inches tall, while Miniature Aussiedoodles can weigh around 30-40 pounds and stand about 20 inches high. Standard Aussiedoodles, on the other hand, can top out at around 75 pounds and 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
Doodle Size
Aussiedoodles come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from 20-40lbs in weight.
The majority of puppies from AwesomeDoodle grow to be the "mini" size.
There's some confusion about what sizes qualify as "toy", "mini", or "standard", but AwesomeDoodle prefers not to label them.
Instead, they give you the estimated full grown weights of their puppies.
You can expect to hear different opinions on sizing from various breeders.
What is an F2 Doodle?
An F2 Doodle is a second generation Doodle, bred from two F1 Doodles. This means that an F1 Doodle is bred to another F1 Doodle.
The F2 generation inherits the low-shedding trait from their Poodle parent, making them low-shedding dogs as well.
On a similar theme: Golden Doodle Dogs Hypoallergenic
Stay Groomed
You'll want to brush your Aussiedoodle at least once a week to remove loose hair, but this can increase to twice a week during spring and fall when they shed more.
Regular brushing is crucial to prevent matting of their hair, which can be a real pain to deal with.
Aussiedoodle haircuts are recommended every couple of months to keep their coat looking its best.
Bathing routines vary depending on your Aussiedoodle's activity level, but it's not as often as you might think.
Use regular brush time as a chance to bond with your Aussiedoodle while checking their ears, teeth, and nails.
Aussiedoodle owners typically take their pets to the groomer every 8-12 weeks, so be prepared to make that appointment.
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but regular grooming can help reduce the amount of allergens present.
A fresh viewpoint: List of All Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Health and Needs
An AussieDoodle can live for 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion. Proper nutrition and routine exercise are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
AussieDoodles are considered high maintenance due to their intelligent and active nature. They need more exercise and mental stimulation than some other doodle breeds.
Exercise is of utmost importance for Aussiedoodles, preventing health issues down the road. Regular walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating toys can help ensure their minds are continuously moving.
AussieDoodles can be prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye defects, and epilepsy. Proper weight management and exercise can help prevent hip dysplasia.
Regular flea and tick prevention is important to prevent flea allergy dermatitis, especially in dogs with a higher risk for allergies. Food allergies and environmental allergies should also be monitored.
Here are some key health risks to watch out for in AussieDoodles:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hereditary eye defects
- Epilepsy
- Addison's disease (affecting the adrenal glands)
- Bloat
Are All Dog Breeds Equally Bad for Allergy Sufferers?
No dog breed is entirely safe for allergy sufferers to own, but some may be better than others. Generally speaking, not every dog creates the same amount of allergy-causing proteins, so it's hard to predict which one might be a good fit.
Smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, tend to produce less dander, urine, and saliva, making them a slightly better option. However, it's essential to remember that no dog is 100% allergen-free.
While some breeds are marketed as hypoallergenic, there's no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. Even dogs that don't produce a lot of dander still contain allergens in their skin, saliva, and urine, which can trigger allergic reactions.
The idea of hypoallergenic dogs is based on the belief that hair and dander are the primary causes of allergies, but it's not that simple. Dander is a leading cause of pet-related allergies, but saliva and urine also contain allergy-causing proteins.
If you're an allergy sufferer considering getting an Aussiedoodle, it's essential to understand that the "hypoallergenic" label might be based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific fact. Some people may experience fewer symptoms with Aussiedoodles, but this could be due to the placebo effect.
A different take: Hypoallergenic Dog Breed Mixes
Aussiedoodle as a Pet
Aussiedoodles are naturally inclined to be active and love to engage in various activities such as running, fetching, and playing in water.
They require a lot of social interaction and physical and mental enrichment to prevent boredom and potential separation anxiety.
With early training and socialization, Aussiedoodles can become well-rounded and well-behaved family members.
Are Doodles Good Family Pets?
Aussiedoodles are terrific family dogs, eager to please and easy to train. They adore people of all ages, making them a great fit for families with kids.
Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of social interaction and physical and mental enrichment. Activities like rousing games of Frisbee and canine sports are great outlets to keep your Aussiedoodle engaged.
Aussiedoodles are highly intelligent, so professional training is an essential investment. This will help you tap into their full potential and prevent unwanted behaviors like trash sorting or toilet paper unrolling.
If left home alone too long, Aussiedoodles might develop separation anxiety, so it's essential to plan for their needs. This could include hiring a dog walker or asking a neighbor to check in on them.
Their intelligence and loyalty make Aussiedoodles top candidates for therapy and service dogs. With the right training and socialization, they can thrive in these roles and bring joy to those around them.
Because Aussiedoodles are so intelligent, they need a combination of simple and complex tasks and playtime to keep them occupied and engaged. This will help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Doodle Food Requirements
Your AussieDoodle's diet is a crucial aspect of their overall health and happiness. The size of your AussieDoodle determines how much food they need each day.
To ensure your AussieDoodle doesn't become overweight, make sure they get daily exercise. It's best to feed them 3 times a day when they're puppies.
Choosing the right food for your pup can be overwhelming, but a great starting point is to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations for your AussieDoodle's specific needs.
Doodle Costs
Aussiedoodle prices can vary greatly, with breeders selling puppies for anywhere from $1200 to $6000. This wide range is due to factors like the quality of the parents, how the puppies are raised, and the service you'll get from the breeder.
The cost of an AussieDoodle puppy is directly related to the quality of mom and dad, which can significantly impact the price.
If you're shopping around, be prepared to see a huge margin in prices, but remember that the service you'll get from the breeder is also a crucial factor.
Training and History
AussieDoodles are a cross between two highly intelligent dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, making them exceptionally easy to train.
Their intelligence and love for learning enable them to pick up basic commands quickly. They're often described as "little doggy Einsteins."
Training Doodles
Training Doodles can be a breeze due to their intelligence, as they come from two of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle.
AussieDoodles are known to be little doggy Einsteins, making them exceptionally easy to train. They love to learn and will pick up on basic commands very quickly.
Their emotional intelligence also makes them seem like they can learn to read your mind. They are highly trainable, and with patience and consistency, they can master even the most complex commands.
If you're new to dog training, you'll be happy to know that AussieDoodles are quick learners, and they thrive on structure and clear communication.
History
The Aussiedoodle's history is a bit of a mystery, but we do know that both Australian shepherds and poodles have detailed lineage, as chronicled by the AKC.
Both breeds are extremely intelligent and people-oriented, with Australian shepherds listed in the herding classification group and poodles in the non-sporting group.
The Aussiedoodle's popularity has grown since the 1990s, likely due to their attractive characteristics inherited from their parents.
Poodle genes might also help reduce people's reaction to pet allergens, making them a great choice for some families.
However, it's essential to be aware that some Aussiedoodles are the product of puppy mill schemes, which can result in unhealthy environments and a lack of focus on the dog's well-being.
To spot a potential puppy scam, look out for these red flags:
- A breeder offers multiple mixed breeds for sale.
- A website states specific wait times for puppies.
- A breeder offers to ship puppies.
- A website has vague contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are F1 mini Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?
F1 mini Aussiedoodles are considered a low-shedding breed, making them a good option for those with allergies, but they may not be 100% hypoallergenic
Do mini aussiedoodles shed a lot?
Mini Aussiedoodles have a low-shedding coat, making them a great choice for those with allergies or a preference for less dog hair. However, they still require regular grooming to maintain their coat and overall health.
Sources
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/hypoallergenic-dogs
- https://www.hepper.com/are-aussiedoodles-hypoallergenic/
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/aussiedoodle
- https://embarkvet.com/resources/dog-breeds/aussiedoodle/
- https://www.awesomedoodle.com/about-the-aussiedoodle/aussiedoodle-faq/
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