Aussiedoodle

Personality

Most Aussiedoodles are smart, friendly and eager to work. PetMD describes them as generally friendly and loving, and as good with children and other pets when well socialized. They are also demanding: both parent breeds are very intelligent, and PetMD warns that an Aussiedoodle without enough stimulation can turn to chewing or digging.

Because this is a mixed breed, temperament is a range, not a promise. The AKC says Australian Shepherds bond closely with their families, can be territorial and overprotective, and may turn destructive when left without company, while Poodles are eager, athletic and very smart. One puppy may lean toward the Aussie's work drive, another toward the Poodle's sensitivity, and PetMD notes that energy levels vary from dog to dog.

Herding and hunting instincts can show up as chasing cars or neighborhood animals. Meeting the parents will tell you more about what to expect than any breed description.

History

The Aussiedoodle is a modern designer cross. PetMD says breeders began producing it in the 1990s, alongside other Poodle crosses such as the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle. The AKC does not recognize it as a breed, so there is no official standard.

Its parents have long histories. According to the AKC, the Australian Shepherd descends from Pyrenean Shepherd dogs kept by Basque herders, who took them to Australia and later to California. American ranchers assumed the dogs were Australian, which explains the name, and the breed was refined into the ranch dog we know in the United States.

The Poodle began as a German water retriever more than 400 years ago, the AKC says, and later became France's national dog. Breeders later scaled the Standard down to a Miniature, and the Toy was developed in America in the early 1900s. Breeders use different Poodle sizes, which is why adult size varies so widely.

Appearance, coat & colors

Aussiedoodles are variable by design, and size mostly follows the Poodle parent. Chewy's vet-reviewed profile gives about 10 to 14 in (25 to 36 cm) and 15 to 40 lb (7 to 18 kg) for miniatures, and 15 to 23 in (38 to 58 cm) and 40 to 70 lb (18 to 32 kg) for standards. PetMD puts miniatures at up to about 30 lb (14 kg). With no breed standard, treat any size claim for a puppy as an estimate.

Coats range from tight curls to waves to straighter, shaggier hair. PetMD says colors run from solid black to blue merle. The Aussie side supplies the merle patterns, and the AKC lists red and red merle for Aussies and a broad palette for Poodles, including cream, apricot, brown and silver.

Even littermates can look quite different, and two dogs sold as Aussiedoodles may come from different generations or Poodle sizes. That unpredictability is part of the deal with any mixed breed.

Training

Aussiedoodles are typically very trainable, because both parents rank among the smartest breeds. PetMD says they enjoy play and having a job to do, and that clicker training and trick-learning suit their quick minds. The AKC stresses early socialization and obedience training for Aussies, and that one of the most common reasons Aussies land in rescue is owners who could not or would not channel the breed's energy.

Teach "stay" and "come" first. PetMD calls them vital, because strong herding instincts and the urge to chase can put a dog in danger. Use a leash or a fenced area until your dog's recall is rock solid.

Mouthy herding, such as nipping at heels or ankles, is better redirected to a toy than punished. Practice short absences from puppyhood as well, since the AKC says Aussies can become destructive without companionship. A puppy class, followed by a sport such as agility or nose work, gives that big brain a job.

Exercise

Plan on a minimum of an hour of activity and mental stimulation daily, PetMD says, and more if your dog takes after its Aussie parent. The AKC says Australian Shepherds need a great deal of daily exercise, calls a large fenced yard for an hour or two of running the bare minimum, and recommends giving them a job. Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs helps you scale this to your dog's age.

Good outlets include fetch, running, swimming, agility, lure chasing, dock jumping and therapy work, according to PetMD. Mental stimulation counts as much as physical effort, so add puzzle toys, scent games and trick training.

Because of the herding and hunting instincts, keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area outdoors. The AKC notes that Aussies make great running partners once their skeletons are fully formed, so wait on long runs until your vet says the growing is done.

Grooming

Do not assume a Poodle cross means an easy coat. PetMD says Aussiedoodle coats range from tight curls to waves, and every texture needs regular grooming and trims. Curlier coats need more frequent brushing and clipping, and a slicker brush helps with mats and tangles in longer hair. The AKC advises brushing a full-coated Poodle to the skin or keeping it in a short trim with a groomer visit every four to six weeks, a reasonable starting schedule to discuss with your groomer.

Shedding is unpredictable. The AKC calls the Poodle coat relatively non-shedding, while PetMD says Australian Shepherds are moderate shedders and that nobody can promise a light shedder.

Clean the ears after swimming and baths to prevent trapped moisture, trim the hair around the eyes, and watch for excessive flaking or scaling of the skin, which should be checked by a vet.

Feeding

Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to your dog's size and life stage. PetMD suggests a puppy-specific food during growth, three or four meals a day for puppies and two for adults, with a switch to adult food around the first birthday. Your vet can advise based on your puppy's expected size.

Our dog food calculator gives a starting amount for adults. Count treats and training rewards toward the total, since a busy trainer can hand out a lot of snacks.

Standard-sized dogs may be predisposed to bloat, a risk from the Poodle side, PetMD says. Help by preventing gulping, using a slow feeder if your dog bolts food, and avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtimes. Signs include restlessness, drooling, retching without vomiting, a swollen belly and collapse. This is an emergency, so call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately; our page on bloat explains more.

Health

Mixing breeds does not guarantee a healthier dog, and an Aussiedoodle can inherit conditions from either parent. PetMD lists thyroid disease (which PetMD, citing the Australian Shepherd Club of America, calls the most common genetic problem in Aussies), sebaceous adenitis (an inflammatory skin disease common in Poodles), hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat. The AKC adds epilepsy, cataracts and certain cancers for Aussies, and the Poodle Club of America lists Addison's disease and epilepsy.

MDR1 deserves attention. Washington State University says the mutation is common in Australian Shepherds, and dogs that have it can react severely to certain common drugs. It is less likely in mixed breeds but still possible, so ask whether the parents were tested.

Lifespan estimates vary: PetMD gives 10 to 12 years and Chewy's profile 12 to 15 years. Regular checkups and a lean body weight help.

Health conditions to know about

• Hip and elbow dysplasia — Joint malformation seen in both parent breeds; the AKC lists hip and elbow evaluations for Australian Shepherds.
• Thyroid disease — PetMD says it is the leading genetic condition in Aussies; signs include weight gain and skin trouble.
• Sebaceous adenitis — An inflammatory skin disease common in Poodles that causes flaking, scaling and hair loss.
• Bloat (GDV) — A life-threatening stomach twist that can affect deep-chested dogs, including standard-sized Aussiedoodles; needs emergency care.
• MDR1 drug sensitivity — A gene mutation common in Australian Shepherds that can cause severe reactions to certain medications.
• Eye disease — Cataracts occur in Australian Shepherds and PRA in toy and miniature Poodles; parents should have eye exams.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
• Elbow evaluation
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• MDR1 DNA test (Australian Shepherd parent)
• Thyroid evaluation
• PRA-prcd DNA test (miniature or toy Poodle parent)
• von Willebrand disease DNA test (standard Poodle parent)

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Aussiedoodle

Aussiedoodles do best with active people and room to move. Miniatures can adapt to smaller homes if daily exercise is dependable, while standards do better with a yard. They are not couch dogs, and PetMD stresses the need for time in your schedule and space to play.

Companionship matters too. The AKC says Aussies can become destructive when left without company for long periods, so a home with someone around during the day, or a walker or daycare, works best.

With training and socialization, PetMD says Aussiedoodles get along with children and other pets, although a herding-minded dog may nip at running children's heels. Some inherit the Poodle's love of water, which can mean swimming enthusiasm and muddy paws, so keep towels handy.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

The AKC sets no standard for Aussiedoodle breeding, so the checking is up to you. Ask which size of Poodle was used, whether both parents are healthy and what testing they have had. For the Aussie parent, the AKC lists hip and elbow evaluations and an eye exam. For the Poodle parent, the Poodle Club of America lists tests by size, including hip evaluations, eye exams and DNA tests such as PRA-prcd for miniatures and toys, and thyroid, NEwS and von Willebrand tests for standards. Also ask about MDR1 results.

Ask to see the paperwork, meet the mother and watch how the puppies are raised. Be wary of anyone who promises a "hypoallergenic" or non-shedding dog. Prices vary widely, and a high price does not prove quality.

Aussie and Poodle mixes also appear in shelters and breed rescues. An adult dog's energy and coat are already visible, which removes some of the guesswork.