Aussiedoodle
A highly intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd–Poodle cross that thrives on training and activity. Often low-shedding but needs regular grooming. Size, energy and herding drive vary depending on which parent they take after.
Aussiedoodle scorecard
Overview
The Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed produced by mating an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle (usually a Standard or Miniature Poodle). Like all "doodle" crosses it is not a recognised breed and is not registered by The Kennel Club, which means there is no official breed standard and no guarantee of how any individual puppy will turn out. Two Aussiedoodles from the same litter can differ noticeably in size, coat, colour and temperament, so prospective owners should think of the cross as a general guide rather than a fixed type.
In the UK an Aussiedoodle typically stands somewhere around 33–58 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 11–32 kg, depending heavily on whether a Miniature or Standard Poodle was used and on which parent the puppy takes after. They are bright, lively dogs that combine the herding intelligence of the Australian Shepherd with the trainability and lower-shedding coat that draws many people to Poodle crosses. They suit active, experienced households far better than first-time owners looking for an easy life.
Good to know — a Aussiedoodle needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Aussiedoodle is a modern "designer" crossbreed that emerged from the wider doodle trend of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, which began in earnest after Wally Conron crossed a Labrador with a Poodle in Australia in the late 1980s. There is no long, documented history for the Aussiedoodle specifically and no breed club recognised by The Kennel Club; it exists purely as a first-cross (or multi-generation) mix of two established breeds.
Its character is best understood through its parents. The Australian Shepherd, despite the name, was developed largely in the United States as a versatile stock-herding dog, and is prized for intelligence, drive and stamina. The Poodle, originally a German and French water-retrieving dog, is consistently rated among the most trainable of all breeds. Crossing them aims to blend that working intelligence with a coat that sheds less, though outcomes are never guaranteed.
Temperament & family fit
Aussiedoodles are usually affectionate, people-focused and highly intelligent, inheriting a strong desire to be involved in everything their family does. They tend to bond closely with their household and can be sensitive, responding poorly to harsh handling and well to patient, reward-based interaction. Many are playful and good-humoured, and well-socialised individuals are often friendly with children and other dogs.
The flip side of that intelligence is a real need for mental and physical occupation. The Australian Shepherd contributes herding instincts that can show up as chasing or gently nipping at moving feet, children or other pets, so early management and socialisation matter. A bored or under-exercised Aussiedoodle can become restless, vocal or destructive. They generally dislike being left alone for long periods and can be prone to separation-related behaviour without gradual training to cope with time apart.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
These are clever, eager-to-please dogs that typically learn quickly and enjoy training, making them strong candidates for obedience, agility, scentwork and trick training. Short, positive, varied sessions work best, and the mental challenge is as important as the exercise. Their cleverness cuts both ways, however — they learn unwanted habits just as fast as wanted ones, so consistency from everyone in the home is essential.
Early, thorough socialisation is particularly important given the herding background. Introduce puppies calmly to a wide range of people, dogs, environments and everyday sights and sounds, and teach an early, reliable recall, as some individuals have a chase instinct. Reward-based methods are recommended by UK welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and the Blue Cross; avoid aversive techniques, which can damage trust in a sensitive crossbreed like this.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Aussiedoodle typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat type varies between individuals, ranging from wavy to tightly curled, and most Aussiedoodles are moderate to low shedders. Whatever the coat, it generally requires frequent brushing — often several times a week or daily — to prevent matting, along with regular professional grooming or clipping every few months. Routine ear checks and cleaning, nail trimming and dental care round out the grooming needs. Owners drawn to the cross by claims of being "hypoallergenic" should note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic, and shedding and allergen levels differ from dog to dog.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality dog food appropriate to the dog's size, age and activity level, following the manufacturer's guidance and adjusting to keep the dog in lean body condition. Because adult size varies so much across this cross, portion needs differ considerably between a Miniature-bred and a Standard-bred Aussiedoodle. Measure meals, account for treats used in training, and provide constant access to fresh water. Keeping an active dog at a healthy weight protects the joints; your vet can advise on body condition scoring.
Aussiedoodle health & costs
Before bringing a Aussiedoodle home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a first-cross, an Aussiedoodle may benefit from greater genetic diversity than either pedigree parent, but it can also inherit health conditions known in either the Australian Shepherd or the Poodle, so there is no guarantee of better health. Responsible breeding is the single biggest factor in a healthy puppy. Buyers should ask to see relevant health testing of both parents — for example hip scoring and eye testing — and DNA tests where appropriate.
Breed-specific health data for crossbreeds is limited because they are not tracked through pedigree breed-health schemes, so much of the risk picture is extrapolated from the parent breeds. Choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests, rather than a high-volume or unregulated source, is the best way to reduce the risk of inherited problems. Always use the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations and The Puppy Contract as a guide when buying.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint condition seen in both parent breeds; ask for hip scores of the parents.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited eye disease that can cause blindness; DNA tests are available in the parent breeds.
- Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1 gene) — an inherited mutation common in Australian Shepherds that affects responses to certain drugs; DNA testing is available.
- Epilepsy — seizure disorders are reported in both Poodles and Australian Shepherds.
- Hereditary cataracts — clouding of the lens that can impair vision.
- Ear infections — pendulous, hair-filled ears need regular checking and cleaning.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Aussiedoodle; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Aussiedoodle puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Aussiedoodle
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Extremely smart and trainable
- Often low-shedding and affectionate
Things to consider
- Very high exercise and mental stimulation needs
- Curly coat needs frequent grooming; can inherit herding drive
Compare the Aussiedoodle
See how the Aussiedoodle measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Cavapoo
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Cavapoochon
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Similar temperament
Bordoodle
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Welsh Terrier
A friendly, smart terrier with a low-shedding wiry coat — hardy and good with families, but a born digger.
Brittany Spaniel
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Similar size, different type
Border Collie
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Cocker Spaniel
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English Springer Spaniel
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Aussiedoodle?
An Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed produced by mating an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle, usually a Standard or Miniature Poodle. Like all 'doodle' crosses it is not a recognised breed and is not registered by The Kennel Club, so there is no official standard and no guarantee of how any individual puppy will turn out.
How big does an Aussiedoodle get, including the mini?
In the UK an Aussiedoodle typically stands around 33–58 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 11–32 kg, depending heavily on whether a Miniature or Standard Poodle was used and which parent the puppy takes after. Mini Aussiedoodles, bred from Miniature Poodles, sit at the smaller end of this range.
Are Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Most Aussiedoodles are moderate to low shedders, which draws many people to the cross, but shedding and allergen levels differ from dog to dog. Coat type also varies between individuals, from wavy to tightly curled, so there is no guarantee any particular Aussiedoodle will suit allergy sufferers.
Do Aussiedoodles need a lot of exercise?
Yes. Aussiedoodles are an active cross and most adults need a good deal of daily exercise, commonly an hour or more, plus mental stimulation through games, training and problem-solving toys. Smaller, Miniature-bred dogs need somewhat less than Standard-bred ones, but very few are content with only short strolls.
Are Aussiedoodles good for first-time owners?
Generally not. They combine the herding intelligence of the Australian Shepherd with high energy and a strong need for occupation, suiting active, experienced households far better than first-time owners looking for an easy life. A bored or under-exercised Aussiedoodle can become restless, vocal or destructive.
Are Aussiedoodles easy to train?
Yes, they are clever, eager-to-please dogs that typically learn quickly and enjoy training, making them strong candidates for obedience, agility, scentwork and tricks. Short, positive, varied sessions work best. Their cleverness cuts both ways, however, so consistency from everyone in the home is essential, alongside early, thorough socialisation.
How much grooming does an Aussiedoodle need?
A fair amount. Whether the coat is wavy or curly, it generally needs frequent brushing, often several times a week or daily, to prevent matting, plus professional grooming or clipping every few months. Routine ear checks and cleaning, nail trimming and dental care round out the grooming needs.
What health issues can Aussiedoodles have?
An Aussiedoodle can inherit conditions known in either the Australian Shepherd or the Poodle, so there is no guarantee of better health despite being a first cross. Buyers should ask to see relevant health testing of both parents, such as hip scoring, eye testing and DNA tests. Choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests is the single biggest factor.
Are Aussiedoodles good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Aussiedoodles tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Aussiedoodle need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Aussiedoodle needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Aussiedoodles shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Aussiedoodles easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Aussiedoodles are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Aussiedoodles bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Aussiedoodles good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Aussiedoodles suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Aussiedoodle really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog and crossbreeds (https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/)
- RSPCA — Dog care and choosing a dog (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs)
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and behaviour advice (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog)
- PDSA — Dog health and crossbreed advice (https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice)
Recommended for your Aussiedoodle
Matched to a Aussiedoodle's size and their typical need for regular coat care, enrichment & mental stimulation.
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
Recordable Pet Communication Buttons with Mat
Recordable talking buttons on a non-slip mat that let your dog press to 'speak' phrases you record, such as 'love you' or 'go out and play'. Choose from several colours to build a custom communication board and boost enrichment.
Snuffle Feeding Mat
A plush grey snuffle mat with hidden fabric folds and flower-shaped feeders that scatter kibble and treats. Encourages natural foraging and nose-work, slows fast eaters and provides calming mental enrichment.
Recordable Dog Talking Buttons with Mat
A set of recordable sound buttons on interlocking non-slip mat tiles that lets your dog 'talk' by pressing for words like food, walks or play. A fun way to build communication and mental enrichment at home.
Dog Snuffle Foraging Mat
A bone-shaped snuffle mat with varied flaps, pockets and textures that hide treats for your dog to forage out. It slows feeding, engages the nose and turns mealtimes into calm, enriching play.
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.