Playful, intelligent, and full of personality, the Aussiedoodle is the perfect mix of brains and charm.
A cross between the quick-witted Australian Shepherd and the beloved Poodle, this high-energy hybrid is known for its trainability, low-shedding coat, and boundless enthusiasm.
Thinking about welcoming a pup into your life? Or already sharing adventures with an Aussiedoodle? Either way, this guide has everything you need to know about keeping them happy, healthy, and thriving.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for an Aussiedoodle.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Despite the name, it’s thought that Aussiedoodles (aka Aussiepoos) were first deliberately bred in USA the 1990s when Oodle hybrids began taking the world by storm. Today, they’re widely adored for their high-intelligence and trainability that make them excellent working dogs and great family pets.
Key characteristics
Both Poodles and Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, making Aussiedoodles sharp and a little stubborn at times. Playful and friendly, they’re entertaining companions that love making new friends at the park, followed by a snuggle on the couch.
Health considerations
Aussiedoodles are known to be a healthy hybrid thanks to their genetic diversity. But like any dog, they can inherit the genetic predispositions of their parents. This breed can be prone to skin allergies, joint conditions, and eye issues.
A balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids, ingredients with antioxidant properties, and high-quality protein can help support their joint, eye, and skin health.
Appearance and size
With a thick coat of curly or wavy hair in an array of colours, including the distinctive Aussie Shepherd blue merle, Aussiedoodles turn heads at the park. Their size can vary from small to large, depending on if their Poodle parent was Toy, Miniature, or Standard.
Aussiedoodle personality and temperament
Energetic, smart, and affectionate, Aussiedoodles have an infectious enthusiasm for life.
As the mix of two sporting breeds, they love learning, playing, and having a job to do – whether that’s fetching a ball, mastering a new trick, or keeping up with your morning run.
They’re gentle and social, making them great companions for kids and other pets. But their high energy and sharp minds mean they need plenty of mental and physical enrichment to stay happy. Without it, they might turn to mischief – like chewing or digging.
Aussiedoodles thrive on routine, training, and lots of love. If you’re an active household looking for a clever and cuddly best mate, they could be the perfect match!
Aussiedoodle sizes
A full-grown Aussiedoodle's mature weight and height vary depending on their gender and whether an Australian Shepherd is crossed with a Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodle.
They typically weigh between 4.5-32kg and can grow between 25-58 cm tall, with Toy Aussiedoodles on the smaller end of the scale, and Standard Aussiedoodles on the higher end.
They tend to stop growing in height by 12-18 months of age when they reach adulthood.
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How long do Aussiedoodles live?
Aussiedoodles have a life expectancy of between 10-15 years.
A dog is only with us for a portion of our lives, but to them, we're their whole life. As dog parents, we want our pups to be by our side for as long as possible, and there’s lots we can do to help them, starting with a holistic approach to wellbeing.
A nourishing diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent veterinary care all contribute to a pup’s longevity and wellbeing.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
“It’s widely thought that developmental conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia can be influenced by diet. That’s why feeding your Aussiedoodle pup a complete and balanced diet, like Lyka, can support joint health and mobility.”
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does an Aussiedoodle eat?
Lively Aussiedoodles thrive on a complete and balanced, real food diet, just like us.
High-quality protein supports muscle health and energy, while fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Healthy fats, like omega fatty acids found in fish oil, contribute to a strong immune system, a healthy coat, and cognitive function.
While low-glycaemic index carbohydrates help maintain steady energy levels.
Lyka’s human-grade, real food meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for an Aussiedoodle’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your pup’s specific needs, helping you keep them in great condition.
Read more: The life changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Aussiedoodle puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they get the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Aussiedoodle puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Aussiedoodle health issues
1. Skin allergies
Aussiedoodles can be prone to skin allergies. While food may be the cause, so can environmental factors like grass or pollen.
The first step is removing the trigger. If it’s food-related, an elimination diet is the only way to identify the problematic ingredient. Environmental allergies can be harder to control, but a thorough wipe-down after outdoor exercise can be beneficial.
A real food diet can help to reduce skin sensitivities by promoting a healthy immune response to allergens and strengthening the skin's defence against irritants.
Look for real ingredients full of skin-loving properties, like:
🌱 Hemp seeds: rich in omega-3 with anti-inflammatory properties to calm skin irritations.
💛 Safflower oil: full of Vitamin E for nourished and moisturised skin.
🐟 Fish oil: contains potent omega-3 to address inflamed and dry skin.
2. Joint conditions
Aussiedoodles can be predisposed to developmental conditions like hip dysplasia, which is an abnormally shallow hip socket that causes the joint to slip.
Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis because their joints have tried to compensate for the unstable movement.
You can support your Aussiedoodle’s joints with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties, like omega fatty acids at the optimal ratio.
Lyka meals are rich in omega-3 from fish oil and sardines. We also use fresh Aussie produce like vegetables and plant superfoods (full of phytochemicals and antioxidant properties) to help maintain strong and supple joints.
Look for these other joint-loving ingredients in Lyka meals:
🥥 Coconut: rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support supple joints
🌱 Fennel Seeds: a superfood that’s great for swollen joints and arthritis
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
3. Eye conditions
Eye conditions, like progressive retinal atrophy, can affect Aussiedoodles. This is a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in a dog’s eye, eventually leading to blindness.
It’s an inherited disease, so speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition.
Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
Aussiedoodle coats, grooming, and hygiene tips
Grooming your Aussiedoodle is about more than keeping their coat looking good – it plays a crucial role in their overall health and wellbeing.
A regular grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, prevents matting, and keeps their nails and teeth in check. By dedicating a little time to their hygiene, you can ensure they stay comfortable and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Aussiedoodles can have three different types of coats: curly, fleece, and straight. They’re usually low shedding and allergy-friendly, but if they’ve inherited more dominant Australian Shepherd genes, their coats with be straighter and may shed.
Grooming
Curly coats resemble their Poodle parent. They’re low-shedding but require frequent grooming to prevent tangles and mats.
Fleece coats are soft, wavy, low-shedding, and tend to be the easiest to maintain.
Straight coats, which take after the Australian Shepherd, may shed more and need regular brushing to manage loose hair.
Aussiedoodles only need a bath every 6-8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something particularly dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Aussiedoodle Hygiene
Your pup’s nails need to be trimmed regularly, or they can cause discomfort and affect how they walk.
Introduce your Aussiedoodle to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important as their floppy ears can trap moisture, making them prone to infections. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or irritation between their pads.
Aussiedoodle exercise requirements
Aussiedoodles are highly active and need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. At least 60 minutes of daily exercise in the form of walks, runs, or playtime, helps maintain their fitness and prevents boredom.
Their sharp minds make them well-suited to dog sports like agility, flyball, and frisbee, which provide both physical and mental enrichment.
Mental stimulation is just as important as exercise for this breed. Without it, Aussiedoodles can become restless and may develop unwanted behaviours. Training routines, interactive toys, and scent work all help keep their minds engaged.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training your Aussiedoodle
Both Poodles and Australian Shepherds were originally bred to be active, working dogs, supporting the hunt or herding sheep. As their genetic offspring, Aussiedoodles thrive when trained, learning new tricks and commands quickly.
Positive reinforcement training is particularly effective, as they’re eager to learn and respond well to rewards. Establishing a routine early on sets them up for success, and continued training throughout their lives helps keep them engaged and well-behaved
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Aussiedoodle breeder
So, you’ve decided that an Aussiedoodle is the perfect pup for you – how exciting! Now comes an important step: finding a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable Aussiedoodle breeders plan a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
These ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities and meet their dogs in person.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask them questions about their program and enquire about how they’ve addressed common health conditions, like scoring for hip dysplasia.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Aussiedoodle breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other Aussiedoodle dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is an Aussiedoodle puppy?
You can expect to pay around $2,000 to $6,000 for an Aussiedoodle puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still have questions about the Aussiedoodle breed? Check out our FAQs for more information.
Are Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?
Generally speaking, Aussiedoodles are hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat. But if they inherit dominant Australian Shepherd genes, they may shed moderately, making them not allergy-friendly.
Do Aussiedoodles get along with cats and other pets?
Yes, with careful introductions and early socialisation, this breed can get on well with other pets. Some pups have a strong herding instinct that may need training, otherwise they may literally try to herd your cats.
Is an Aussiedoodle a good family dog?
Gentle, and sweet-natured, Aussiedoodles make outstanding family dogs. Their adoration for their pack is second to none.
When should I desex my Aussiedoodles?
Aussiedoodles are usually desexed when they’re fully grown. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure
For how long is an Aussiedoodles pregnant?
An Aussiedoodle has a gestation period of around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Where should my Aussiedoodles sleep?
Where your dog sleeps, is completely up to you, but it should be on a warm and cosy bed away from cold draughts. Be consistent with your expectations from day one, so your dog knows where to rest.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Aussiedoodle comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Aussiedoodles across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
