Crossbreeds

Aussiedoodle

A brainy, bouncy doodle with herding smarts and a lot of energy.

Aussiedoodles combine the Australian Shepherd with the Poodle. They are highly intelligent, affectionate and athletic, but need lots of exercise, training and grooming.

An Australian Shepherd × Poodle cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.

Parent breeds: Australian Shepherd × Poodle

Height
14–23 in36–58 cm
Weight
25–70 lb11–32 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Medium
Group
Crossbreeds
Origin
United States

Coat: Wavy to curly coat; shedding varies. Colours: Blue merle, Red merle, Black, Red, Tricolour, Parti.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"2.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Aussiedoodles are clever, playful and devoted to their families. They learn quickly and enjoy training, agility and games.

They inherit herding instincts and high energy, and without enough activity they can become anxious, vocal or destructive.

Living with a Aussiedoodle

Exercise

Needs 60–90 minutes of daily exercise plus mental work; they love agility, fetch and hiking.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks.

Training

Very trainable; keep sessions varied and reward-based. Teach a settle and impulse control.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and other dogs, though may try to herd them.

Time alone

Needs company and activity; long isolation leads to anxiety or destruction.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Aussiedoodle right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Aussiedoodle matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Aussiedoodle typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Inherited from both parents; screened parents reduce the risk.

  • MDR1 drug sensitivity

    Can be inherited from the Aussie parent; test your dog and tell your vet.

  • Eye disease

    PRA, cataracts and collie eye anomaly can occur; DNA tests are available.

  • Double-merle defects

    Merle-to-merle breeding risks deafness and blindness; reputable breeders avoid it.

Ask a breeder for

  • Both parents: hip and elbow evaluation
  • Both parents: eye examination
  • DNA tests: MDR1, prcd-PRA, HSF4, CEA

Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Australian Shepherd and Poodle; Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Aussiedoodles were developed in the United States in the 2000s as part of the wider doodle trend, pairing the Aussie’s intelligence with the Poodle’s coat.

They are bred in mini, medium and standard sizes. Merle patterns are popular, but responsible breeders never breed two merles together.

Did you know?

  • Aussiedoodles often have striking merle coats and blue eyes.
  • They come in mini, medium and standard sizes.
  • They are among the most trainable doodle crosses.

Library guides for Aussiedoodle owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Aussiedoodles good family dogs?
Yes, for active families who enjoy training.
Are Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic; many shed little, but it varies.
How much exercise does an Aussiedoodle need?
At least an hour a day plus mental work.