Poodles are everywhere, it seems. If you are looking for a mixed dog breed with intelligence and personality, don’t be surprised if you find out that one-half of it is Poodle.
So what makes Poodle DNA so desirable? For the most part, Poodles are chosen for their versatility. Not only are they available in three sizes, but they are friendly, playful, and hypoallergenic. What more can you ask for in a dog. But what happens when you choose an Australian Shepherd Poodle mix?
You get the Aussiedoodle dog or Aussiepoo, as it’s also known. How do you know that the Aussiedoodle is the right dog for you? Read on to find out the pros and cons of this energetic and clever breed.
Parent breed overview
Before we look at the Aussiedoodle, let’s take a step back and look at the histories of both parent dogs. Breed history can give you a wealth of information about your chosen dog’s possible likes and dislikes. Also, whether or not they are liable to fit in with your lifestyle.
Most designer dogs have a relatively short breed history. It’s worthwhile looking at the parent breeds to gather useful information. So what can the Australian Shepherd and Poodle tell us about the Aussiedoodle breed?
Australian Shepherd
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is an American-bred dog. The Aussie, as it’s affectionately known, was developed around the time of the Gold Rush in the 1840s as a livestock herder. Although the breed’s exact origin is unclear, it’s thought that the Aussie was developed from other working dogs like the Collie and Shepherd-type dogs.
The Aussie’s ancestors were imported from Australia during the 1840s, hence the name. These original dogs were later developed to increase their ability to herd. And produce a hard-working, versatile and intelligent dog that later became recognized as the Australian Shepherd.
Poodle
The Poodle originated in Germany but was later developed in France. It was originally bred to retrieve game and birds from the water.
There are several theories as to how the Poodle came to be. Some people believe that the Poodle was a result of breeding different European water dogs. In contrast, others think that the Poodle’s ancestors hail from Iberia in the form of the North African Barbet.
No matter what its origins. The Poodle was bred to be hardy, hard-working, and intelligent. Despite its somewhat fancy appearance, the Poodle is a no-nonsense, energetic working dog.
Australian shepherd Poodle mix appearance
It isn’t easy to provide an accurate description of the Aussiedoodle as there are so many options in size and coat color.
The Aussiedoodle can vary in size by quite a margin as its Poodle parent comes in three options; Standard poodle, Miniature poodle, and Toy poodle. What’s more, the Aussiedoodle coat type has many possibilities, including red merle, blue merle, black, cream, tricolor, bicolor, and parti (any color with predominantly white areas). Your Aussiedoodle puppy will likely inherit the curly coat of its Poodle breed parent.
However, what is certain is that the Aussiedoodle is a medium-sized stunning dog that offers a lot more than its unique looks.
Australian shepherd Poodle mix temperament
So what can you expect from a dog that has two hard-working parents? Well, the Aussiedoodle certainly isn’t a couch potato. Playful, energetic, and loyal, the Aussiedoodle is sweet-natured, gentle, and patient. This makes it an excellent family pet for an active household.
What’s more, their intelligence combined with their willingness to please makes them easy to train. Enabling them to excel in obedience, agility, or doggy sports. If you want a dog that the whole family can enjoy, the Aussiedoodle is a devoted dog with a well-rounded character.
Australian shepherd Poodle mix at its best A playful, gentle and well-rounded dog that is eager to please, responds well to training and enjoys family life
Despite this, never forget that Aussiedoodles have their roots as a working dog. If you under-exercise or fail to provide adequate mental stimulation for your dog, it is smart enough to find its own entertainment. Neither the Poodle nor the Australian Shepherd enjoys being bored. So it’s not surprising to find that the Aussiedoodle will not respond well to a dull life.
The Aussiedoodle is happiest when they have a job to do. Whether that job is helping around the house or playing games in the garden or yard is unimportant.
Mental activity is essential for this lively dog to prevent them from becoming destructive. As the Australian Shepherd is a herding dog, they can be pushy and decide to herd the family if they have nothing better to do.
Australian shepherd Poodle mix at its worse A highly intelligent and pushy dog whose desire to herd extends to its family members
Australian shepherd Poodle mix exercise
If you enjoy the outdoors, your Aussiedoodle will be happy to spend as much time as possible out with you. Medium to high energy, this mixed breed dog will need at least an hour walk a day with plenty of playtime as well.
Easy to train and super smart, the Aussiedoodle loves to be mentally challenged. So if you have the time and desire for obedience training, agility, or dog sports, this dog is a perfect partner.
Naturally hard working, they are at their best when kept busy. This doesn’t mean spending every minute of the day exercising. But it does mean including your dog in daily activities and finding creative ways to keep their minds occupied.
Australian shepherd Poodle mix grooming
One reason Poodles are used so often as part of a mixed breed is to benefit from their hypoallergenic coat. Despite the Poodle’s non-shed, allergy-friendly coat. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the offspring will inherit the same properties of its Poodle parent.
However, the Aussiedoodle is one of the poodle mix breeds available that is more likely to inherit the gene responsible for a low-shedding coat.
The Aussiedoodles fur is soft, wavy, or curly and more akin to hair than fur. While the Aussiedoodle coat is relatively low maintenance, daily brushing will keep it free from mats. Visits to a professional groomer are also needed to keep it in good condition and short.
Australian shepherd Poodle mix health
It’s often believed that combining the DNA of two different dog breeds produces a more robust dog with fewer health issues. Although this is sometimes true, it’s always worth noting the common health problems of the parent breeds;
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Addison’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Sensitivity to certain drugs
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Despite the potential health risks. Your Aussiedoodle may never develop any of these issues. And both the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd are generally considered to be healthy breeds. If you decide to share your life with one, you can expect to have a walking companion for 10-12 years.
Australian shepherd Poodle mix highlights
The Aussiedoodle is a smart, friendly, and active dog that enjoys being part of the family. Playful and gentle, the Aussiedoodle never the less has inherited a herding instinct that it’s not afraid to use, especially if bored. Keeping your Aussiedoodle engaged in activities is the best way to get the best out of your dog and ensure a harmonious household.
As designer dogs continue to become more fashionable. You may find your chosen breed at a rescue center. But if your heart is set on a puppy, check out the breeder’s credentials before committing to buy.