Aussiedoodle Care

The Aussiedoodle is a hybrid of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle--which means these crossbred dogs can vary in size depending on the variation of their Poodle parents. Aussiedoodles with Teacup or Miniature Poodle parents average 10-11 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight, while those with Standard Poodle parents are 14-15 inches and about 50 pounds. Regardless of size, overall Aussiedoodle care and maintenance will take a moderate amount of work, and will need to include some daily exercise and regular grooming.

Below you'll find details on caring for an Aussiedoodle, including info about puppy development, exercise needs, food recommendations, and more. Get answers to your questions about raising an Aussiedoodle in the following sections!

Regardless of size, these hybrids are bright and enthusiastic, so Aussiedoodle exercise requirements are moderate to high. Because they're smart and often task-oriented, Aussiedoodles will need activities that both condition them physically (walking, jogging, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports).

Adult Aussiedoodles, depending on their size and age, will need 45-60 minutes of dedicated exercise per day. You can start exercising your Aussiedoodle puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with Aussiedoodle exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're 8-9 months old
• A leash is required when exercising in public
• Yards should be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off
• Possible separation anxiety; exercises should be done together with people

It's important to exercise your Aussiedoodle every day. Without consistent exercise, these hybrids will become bored and frustrated, which will lead to problem behaviors like excessive barking, destructiveness, and disobedience. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! To keep your Aussiedoodle calm and well-behaved, here are a few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These hybrids love chasing a ball, stick, or Frisbee
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Canine Sports: Aussiedoodles can excel at obedience or agility trials and other events
• Dog Park: If properly socialized, Aussiedoodles enjoy the company of other dogs
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity

When indoors, it's a good idea to give your Aussiedoodle access to balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn any excess energy. It's also recommended that you have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks or jogs after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

Depending on their coat type, these hybrids need minimal to moderate maintenance. Aussiedoodle shedding is light to fair, and drooling isn't an issue.

Because their parent breeds have different coats, Aussiedoodle coat types can also vary: from thick and straight like the Australian Shepherd's, or wavy to curly like the Poodle's--and often somewhere in between. If the coat is more Aussie-like, the coat will shed moderately throughout the year (and possibly more heavily in the spring when the dog loses its winter coat); if it's more "Poodle-esque," the coat will shed minimally. Owners can brush their Aussiedoodles' coats 2-3 times a week with a pin or slicker brush to help minimize the shedding. And does Aussiedoodle shed require cleanup? If the coat is more like the Aussie Shepherd, yes, vacuuming and lint rollers will be needed from time to time.

An Aussiedoodle rarely drools, though. If your Aussiedoodle is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.

Though opinions differ, a majority of veterinarians, breeders, and owners agree that the best dog food for Aussiedoodle dogs is premium dry kibble. This high-quality food, while more expensive and harder to obtain, has balanced portions of the nutrients dogs need to maintain their health in the long term. Cheap, generic dog food is not recommended for these hybrids, because it contains mostly empty "filler" ingredients that are unhealthy, are harder for the dog to digest, and may even shorten the dog's lifespan if eaten on a continuous basis.

Rayal Canin, Blue Buffalo, and Taste of the Wild are three recommended brands that carry excellent lines of premium dry food.

The aussiedoodle should be more cold tolerant than your average dog. However, they should be supplied with shelter and closely observed if left outside in cold temperatures to make sure they're comfortable. They can cope with heat, but it's recommended not to exercise them if it is especially hot since dogs can't cool themselves off as easily as people.