If you're considering bringing home a new furry friend, you're likely torn between two adorable breeds: the Aussiepoo and the Aussiedoodle. Both are hybrid breeds, created by crossing a Poodle with an Australian Shepherd.
One key difference between the two breeds is their size. Aussiepoos tend to be smaller, weighing between 20-40 pounds, while Aussiedoodles can range from 30-60 pounds. This makes them a great option for families with smaller living spaces.
Aussiedoodles are also known for their intelligence and trainability, thanks to their Poodle parent's high IQ. With consistent training and socialization, Aussiedoodles can excel in agility, obedience, and even therapy work.
A different take: Corgis Mixed with Other Breeds
Parent Breeds
The Aussiedoodle's parent breeds are the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle.
Purebred dogs, like the Australian Shepherd, tend to come with a whole host of genetic, breed-specific health issues.
Crossbreeding two different breeds can help to create a dog with fewer health problems and a longer lifespan than a purebred.
The Poodle is another parent breed of the Aussiedoodle, known for its low-shedding coat.
Intriguing read: Mini Aussiedoodle Health Issues
Size and Appearance
Your Aussiepoo or Aussiedoodle will likely be a medium-sized dog, weighing between 30 to 55 pounds and standing between 10 to 20 inches tall.
Their size will depend on which parent they take after, with some pups being on the higher or lower end of the spectrum.
Aussiedoodles and Aussiepoos can come in a variety of colors and sizes, thanks to their Poodle heritage.
They generally have a fluffy coat and a lively, outgoing temperament, making them perfect for therapy and service work.
Their energetic nature requires regular exercise and stimulating toys to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Early training and socialization are crucial for these breeds, as they tend to be very loyal and protective of their families.
Aussiedoodles and Aussiepoos are highly intelligent and known for their problem-solving abilities, making them great companions for active families.
However, they do require regular grooming and preventative vet care to stay healthy and happy.
In terms of size, Aussiedoodles can come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, primarily determined by which size of Poodle was used in breeding.
The Miniature Aussiedoodle will grow to be about 12 to 19 inches tall and weigh in at 15 to 35 or 40 pounds.
The Toy Aussiedoodle is the smallest of the three, standing at 10 to 12 inches tall and weighing in at 6 to 15 pounds.
These tiny dogs need regular grooming services to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
Despite their small size, Toy Aussiedoodles are energetic and require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
A fresh viewpoint: Corgi Miniature Poodle Mix
Temperament
Aussiedoodles are friendly dogs that are devoted to their families. They are very loyal and intelligent bundles of energy. They burn off this energy by playing hard, either in the yard by themselves or with kids.
Their herding instincts from their Australian Shepherd parents can sometimes get the best of them, causing them to nip at children as a way of herding them. This is a concern around younger children, toddlers, or infants who may be crawling around your home.
Aussiedoodles make perfect pups for an active family with older children who can handle more vigorous playtime. They are really fun to be around!
Consider reading: Aussiedoodle Energy Level
Training
Training your Aussiedoodle should be a breeze. These pups are super bright and need to be kept interested during training sessions.
Aussiedoodle puppies are eager to please and extremely intelligent learners, so they learn quickly. They react poorly to a heavy hand, so you must be careful not to train them in an aggressive fashion.
Effective training techniques use praise, food, and play rewards. We typically do not recommend any aversive or punishment methods when training your pup, because it's extremely hard to administer them at the proper timing.
Socialization is key, so take your puppy to training classes as soon as he's completed his course of vaccinations. Ask around at local Aussie Shepherd and Poodle breed societies where you might make some useful contacts.
Aussiedoodle training requires caution when using aversive methods, and not all methods are effective for every dog.
For another approach, see: Aussiedoodle Training
Health
Aussiedoodles and Aussiepoos are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Aussiedoodles have an average lifespan of up to 15 years.
Their mixed genetic makeup can help combat some genetic defects that are common in purebred lines. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to detect any health concerns early.
Some common health issues that Aussiedoodles can experience include hip dysplasia, pancreatitis, ivermectin sensitivity, and cataracts. These conditions can be inherited from either parent breed.
To keep your Aussiedoodle healthy, you should give them at least one half-hour to hour-long walk per day, mixed in with a few active play sessions and shorter walks. Daily ear checks and regular nail trimming are also important.
Here are some common health issues that Aussiedoodles can experience:
- Hip dysplasia
- Pancreatitis
- Ivermectin sensitivity (reactions to flea and tick medications)
- Cataracts
Regular care and attention can help prevent health problems that may arise as your Aussiedoodle ages and becomes less active.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial aspect of owning an Aussiedoodle. Your Aussiedoodle's coat can be either wavy like the Australian Shepherd or tightly-curled like the Poodle.
Both types require close attention to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing your Aussiedoodle at least every other day will help keep their coat in good condition.
Bathing your Aussiedoodle every six weeks is also essential. This frequency helps maintain a healthy coat and prevents skin irritations.
You'll also need to clip your Aussiedoodle's nails every six weeks to prevent overgrowth. Brushing their teeth twice a week is another vital part of their grooming routine.
Here's a summary of your Aussiedoodle's grooming needs:
- Bathing every six weeks
- Brushing twice a week
- Clipping the nails every six weeks
- Brushing the teeth twice a week
By following this grooming schedule, you'll not only keep your Aussiedoodle looking great, but also prevent some health issues.
Breeders & Costs
When considering bringing home an Aussiedoodle, you'll want to factor in the cost of ownership. The cost of a well-bred Aussiedoodle is around $1,500 to $4,500, but generally closer to $2,500.
Reputable breeders will be happy to show you written proof of the health of both the puppy's parents, which should take the form of official veterinary health screening paperwork. This is a crucial step in ensuring you're getting a healthy puppy.
If you're looking for a lower cost, be aware that this may be a sign of an irresponsible breeder. You may be able to find them for a lower cost, but in general, the Aussiedoodle puppy is an expensive investment and often rivals the cost of a purebred.
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As Family Pets
If you're considering bringing an Aussiepoo or Aussiedoodle into your family, you'll want to think about their exercise needs. You'll need to spend time and energy exercising your Aussiedoodle, as these active, athletic pups require plenty of walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy.
These dogs are generally good-natured and happy, making them an ideal family pet. They get on well with kids and other pets too, which is a big plus for families with multiple furry friends.
However, be prepared for some serious grooming sessions, as Aussiedoodles do shed. This means they won't make a good housemate for someone with a pet hair allergy. If you live in an apartment, look for a crossbreed that has the toy Poodle as one of the parent dogs, as they tend to be smaller in size.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of size: depending on the variety of Poodle used to create your Aussiedoodle puppy, the adult version could turn out to be quite big.
Broaden your view: Aussiedoodle Size Chart
Appearance and Personality
The Aussiedoodle and Aussiepoo share some similarities in terms of their size, ranging from 10 to 20 inches in height and weighing between 30 to 55 pounds.
These medium-sized dogs have a lively and outgoing temperament, making them perfect for therapy and service work.
Their Poodle-like coat can come in a variety of colors and sizes, and requires regular grooming to stay healthy and happy.
Aussiedoodles and Aussiepoos are highly energetic dogs that need regular exercise and stimulating toys to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Early training and socialization are crucial for these breeds, as they tend to be very loyal and protective of their families.
Their intelligence and problem-solving abilities make them great companions for those who want a dog that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside to Aussiedoodles?
Aussiedoodles can be high maintenance due to their high energy levels and grooming needs. They require more exercise than other dog breeds, making them a significant commitment for active owners.
Sources
- Aussiedoodle Guide: Sizes, Traits, and Care Essentials (tryfi.com)
- Australian Shepherd (akc.org)
- Aussiepoo: Breed Profile & Information - Spot Pet Insurance (spotpet.com)
- Aussiepoo Vs. Aussiedoodle: Spot The Difference! (tailster.com)
- Aussiepoo (google.com)
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