The full-grown Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is a stunning sight to behold.
Their coat is a beautiful mix of blue and gray, with distinctive merle markings that give them a unique appearance.
Their fur is typically medium to long in length, and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
With their intelligent and active nature, they thrive on physical and mental stimulation, making them a great fit for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Aussiedoodles are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, but they can be wary of strangers at first, so socialization is key to helping them feel confident and calm in new situations.
What is a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle?
A Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is a relatively new breed, arising from a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle.
The goal of creating this breed was to combine the intelligence, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, and the charm and herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd.
Broaden your view: Red Merle Aussie Shepherd
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are part of the Aussiedoodle legacy, presenting a fascinating mosaic of genetics and personality.
Stokeshire Designer Doodles has been synonymous with exceptional breeding and has created Blue Merle females like Stilly and Moxie, both striking Blue Merle females, and weighing under 20lbs.
These charming dogs have enthralled countless hearts and showcase the breed's unique characteristics.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Blue Merle Aussiedoodle's striking appearance is one of its most captivating features. Their coat color is primarily a captivating bluish-gray, with patches of black or gray throughout, and sometimes white or tan.
Their coat pattern is characterized by a mesmerizing marbled or mottled appearance, achieved due to a combination of genes that control the distribution of pigment in the fur. The marbled or mottled pattern can vary from dog to dog, with some having large patches of color and others having smaller speckles.
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles can weigh between 25 and 75 pounds and stand between 18 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a muscular body and a sturdy bone structure, resulting in a balanced and athletic appearance.
Here are some key physical features of Blue Merle Aussiedoodles:
Some Facts About
The Aussiedoodle's appearance and characteristics are truly unique, and it's fascinating to explore the traits that make them so special. The Poodle lineage, in particular, plays a significant role in shaping the breed's coat color, texture, and shedding habits.
The Poodle's long, tightly curled hair traps naturally shed dander, making them nearly hypoallergenic, which is a major reason Aussiedoodles were developed. This naturally curly coat sheds less and keeps loose dander to a minimum.
One of the most striking features of the Aussiedoodle is its coat pattern, which can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Aussiedoodles have a solid-colored coat in shades of white, tan, brown, black, red, apricot, silver, or gray.
The Blue Merle Aussiedoodle, a specific type of Aussiedoodle, has a coat pattern featuring patches of blue, gray, black, and white. This unique coat pattern is just one of the many characteristics that make the Blue Merle Aussiedoodle so special.
The Aussiedoodle's coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a fun and bonding experience for dog owners, but it's essential to establish a regular grooming routine to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
Here are some key characteristics of the Aussiedoodle breed:
- Intelligence: Aussiedoodles are known for their high intelligence and trainability.
- Hypoallergenic coat: The Aussiedoodle's coat sheds less and keeps loose dander to a minimum, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
- Active and playful: Aussiedoodles are active and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
- Friendly behavior: Aussiedoodles are known for their friendly behavior with other pets and children, making them a great addition to any family.
Coat Color and Patterns
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles have a unique coat color and pattern that's a result of their Australian Shepherd and Poodle heritage. The coat color is primarily a captivating bluish-gray, while the coat pattern is characterized by a mesmerizing marbled or mottled appearance.
The base color is typically blue-gray, with patches of black or gray throughout the coat. Sometimes, there may also be patches of white or tan. The blue coloration in the coat comes from a dilution gene, which causes the black color to appear gray.
The marbled or mottled pattern is achieved due to a combination of genes that control the distribution of pigment in the fur. In some Blue Merle Aussiedoodles, the coat may exhibit variations in shades of blue, gray, black, and white.
Here's a breakdown of the typical coat colors and patterns of a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle:
The coat pattern of a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is a defining characteristic of the breed and contributes to their overall aesthetic appeal.
Can Dogs Have Brown Eyes?
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles can have brown eyes, along with blue or a mixture of both.
In fact, Blue Merle Aussiedoodles can have a variety of eye colors.
Temperament and Personality
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, thriving on interaction and companionship. They are incredibly sociable dogs that excel in family settings.
Their intelligence is one of their most notable traits, making them highly trainable and eager to learn. However, their intelligence also means they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are generally good-natured, making them ideal for families and owners of all ages. They exhibit patience and gentleness towards children, displaying a natural instinct to protect and care for them.
These dogs truly flourish when they receive adequate attention and quality time with their human companions, deriving immense pleasure from participating in family activities.
Broaden your view: Puppys with Blue Eyes
Australian Shepherd Influence
Australian Shepherds are tough, energetic, and smart dogs with a need to have something to do. They excel in agility training and obedience trials, making wonderful running companions, and are experts at playing Frisbee and flyball.
The instinct to herd is strong, and Aussies have been known to herd children, ducks, and sheep. This trait is essential to consider when deciding if an Australian Shepherd is the right breed for your family.
Australian Shepherds can be prone to certain genetic conditions, making health testing crucial for Australian Shepherds used in the mix. This is especially important if you're considering an Aussiedoodle, as they can inherit these conditions from their Australian Shepherd parent.
They have a double coat of medium length, with some born with bobbed tails and possible blue eyes or different colored eyes. Acceptable coat colors are blue and red merles, black, or red, with considerable white markings allowed.
If this caught your attention, see: Australian Shepherd Red Merle Blue Eyes
Temperament and Personality
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them incredibly sociable dogs that thrive on interaction and companionship.
They are highly trainable and eager to learn, due to their inherent intelligence. However, this intelligence also means they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
These dogs are generally good-natured, making them ideal for families and owners of all ages. Their intelligence also means they can be easily trained for various roles, such as service or therapy dogs.
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are renowned for their natural sociability and exceptional compatibility with both children and other pets. They exhibit patience and gentleness towards children, displaying a natural instinct to protect and care for them.
They possess a playful and tolerant attitude towards other animals, facilitating their seamless integration into multi-pet households. With proper introduction and supervision, they can live harmoniously with other pets, including cats and dogs.
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles truly flourish when they receive adequate attention and quality time with their human companions. They derive immense pleasure from participating in family activities, relishing games, walks, and outings alike.
Pet Care
Taking care of your full-grown Blue Merle Aussiedoodle requires attention to their grooming needs. They need to be brushed at least three times a week to prevent matting and tangling of their hair.
Regular brushing sessions also give you a chance to bond with your dog while checking their ears, teeth, and nails. This is especially important during spring and fall when they tend to shed more.
Grooming your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle every 4-6 weeks or as needed using a gentle dog shampoo will keep their coat clean and fresh. This frequency may vary depending on their activity level and environment.
To maintain the health and well-being of your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle, it's essential to provide regular veterinary care. This includes check-ups to ensure they're healthy and thriving.
Here are some specific grooming tasks to keep in mind:
- Brushing: Brush your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle at least three times a week using a slicker brush or a comb with wide teeth.
- Bathing: Bathe your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle every 4-6 weeks or as needed using a gentle dog shampoo.
- Coat Care: Pay attention to the ears, paws, and tail as these areas tend to accumulate dirt and debris.
- Nail Trimming: Regular nail trimming using a dog nail clipper or grinder is important to ensure the comfort of your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle.
- Professional Grooming: Consider taking your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim to maintain the coat's shape and overall health.
Remember, regular grooming and veterinary care are crucial to maintaining the health and well-being of your full-grown Blue Merle Aussiedoodle.
Health and Wellness
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain genetic conditions like hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help maintain their health.
Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it looking its best. Brushing a few times a week and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is often enough to maintain their coat.
Hip dysplasia is a major concern in Aussiedoodles, a genetic condition that affects the hip joints. Regular vet check-ups will enable the veterinarian to monitor your dog's hips and take necessary measures to manage the condition if required.
Regular cleaning and inspections during vet check-ups can help prevent ear infections in Aussiedoodles, which are prone to developing ear problems due to their floppy ears.
A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent health issues in Aussiedoodles, including food allergies and environmental allergies. Regular flea and tick prevention is also important to prevent flea allergy dermatitis.
Here's a quick rundown of health concerns to be mindful of in Blue Merle Aussiedoodles:
By being proactive and ensuring regular vet check-ups, you can guarantee that your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle remains in optimal health for many years to come.
Intelligence and Trainability
As a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle owner, you're in luck because these dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. They're quick learners and can easily pick up commands and tricks.
One of the key characteristics of Blue Merle Aussiedoodles is their strong desire to please their owners, making them highly responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. This eager-to-please nature makes them a joy to train.
Their intelligence and trainability make them suitable for various activities such as obedience competitions, agility training, and even therapy work. They thrive on mental stimulation, so providing them with puzzle toys and interactive games can further enhance their intelligence and keep them engaged.
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Providing them with activities that challenge their minds, such as puzzle games or obedience training, can help keep them engaged and stimulated.
Here are some fun activities you can try with your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle:
- Puzzle toys
- Interactive games
- Obedience training
- Agility courses
Living with a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle
Living with a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle requires careful consideration of their high energy levels. They need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated.
Daily exercise is a must, with a minimum of 30-60 minutes of vigorous activity, such as running, playing fetch, or going on long walks. Consistency in their exercise routine is crucial to keep them focused and well-behaved.
To satisfy their exercise needs, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and agility courses can be a great option. Their athletic Australian Shepherd characteristics also mean they can jump high, so suitable fencing is a must.
Here are some exercise tips to keep in mind:
Remember, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle's overall health and happiness.
Living Needs
A Blue Merle Aussiedoodle can thrive in apartments, but they do require a good plan for daily exercise. They can handle strenuous activity and have a good amount of energy.
Regular walks and playtime are essential for Aussiedoodles, preventing health issues when they're older and less active. This includes routine playtime and mentally stimulating toys to keep their minds engaged.
Aussiedoodles are athletic and can jump high, so you may need to consider the type of fencing at home or leash training for public areas.
Suitability for Families and Pets
Living with a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle can be a wonderful experience, especially if you have a family. They make excellent companions for families.
Their gentle nature makes them great with children, often protective and patient. This is why they're a popular choice for families with kids.
Merle Aussiedoodles also get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats, especially if socialized from a young age. This means you can have a harmonious household with multiple furry friends.
Cost Considerations
Living with a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle can be a costly endeavor, but it's essential to consider the expenses before bringing one home. The initial purchase price of a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle can range from $1,000 to $2,500.
Food costs can add up quickly, with monthly expenses ranging from $40 to $60, depending on the brand and quality of the food. The average cost of food per month is around $50.
Annual vet care can cost between $200 to $500, covering check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments. Regular vet care is crucial for maintaining your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle's health.
Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks can cost around $50 to $100 per session. This is a necessary expense to keep your Blue Merle Aussiedoodle's coat looking its best.
Basic obedience classes can cost around $100 to $200 for a 6 to 8-week course. Training is essential for developing good behavior and strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
The total cost of owning a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle can be broken down into the following categories:
It's essential to budget and set aside a contingency fund for any unforeseen costs, such as emergency vet care or additional training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do blue merle Aussiedoodles get?
Blue merle Aussiedoodles typically weigh between 30-70 pounds, depending on whether they are the miniature or standard size.
At what age is an Aussiedoodle full-grown?
Aussiedoodles typically reach full growth between 7.5 to 16 months, depending on their size. Understanding their growth stages can help you provide the best care for your Aussiedoodle.
What is the most expensive Aussiedoodle?
The most expensive Aussiedoodles typically cost between $3,500 and $4,000, with prices influenced by factors such as age and coat color. Those with the Australian Shepherd's distinctive merle patterns often command the highest prices.
Sources
- Blue Merle Aussiedoodle: A Comprehensive Guide (tryfi.com)
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis (ucdavis.edu)
- Far Hill Aussiedoodles (farhillaussiedoodles.com)
- Aussiedoodles Daily (instagram.com)
- Everything you need to know about Merle ... (wisconsindesignerdoodles.com)
- Aussiedoodle Guide: Sizes, Traits, and Care Essentials (tryfi.com)
- Aussiedoodles (greenacresdoodles.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com