Aussiedoodle Dog Breed Information: Traits, Facts, Care & More

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

History and Origin

The Aussiedoodle, a highly intelligent and affectionate hybrid breed, was developed by crossing the Australian Shepherd with the Poodle. First bred in the United States in the late 20th century, the Aussiedoodle was designed to combine the herding instinct, loyalty, and athleticism of the Australian Shepherd with the intelligence, low-shedding coat, and trainability of the Poodle.

Unlike purebred dogs with long-established lineages, the Aussiedoodle’s history is relatively recent and part of the growing designer dog trend that aims to bring out the best qualities of both parent breeds. Breeders sought to create a versatile, family-friendly companion dog with a hypoallergenic coat, strong work ethic, and playful personality—suitable for active households and allergy-conscious owners alike.

Though not officially recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC due to its hybrid status, the Aussiedoodle has rapidly gained popularity thanks to its charm, adaptability, and intelligence. Today, it is one of the most beloved doodle mixes, celebrated for its friendly temperament, eagerness to learn, and affectionate nature.

Appearance

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Aussiedoodle Characteristics

The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).

Exercise & Activity Breakdown

Aussiedoodles are energetic, intelligent, and social dogs that thrive on both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Bred from two highly active parent breeds—the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle—Aussiedoodles require regular daily activity to stay happy, balanced, and well-behaved. Without proper exercise, they can become bored and develop undesirable behaviors such as chewing, barking, or restlessness.

• Puppy (0–12 months): At this stage, Aussiedoodle puppies are full of curiosity and energy. Short, fun training sessions combined with socialization and playtime help channel their intelligence and build good manners early. Activities like tug-of-war, fetch, and beginner interactive games are ideal for teaching focus and responsiveness.

• Adult (1–6 years): Adult Aussiedoodles need at least 60–90 minutes of daily exercise to meet their physical and mental needs. They excel in agility courses, canine sports, hiking, and swimming. Regular obedience training and brain games, such as puzzle toys, help keep them mentally sharp while strengthening their bond with owners.

• Senior (7+ years): Older Aussiedoodles may slow down but still benefit from moderate daily walks, gentle play, and low-impact exercises such as swimming or scent games. Maintaining mental stimulation through puzzle toys and short training refreshers supports their cognitive health and emotional well-being.

Nutrition

Aussiedoodles need a high-quality diet tailored to their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior) and activity level. As a highly energetic and intelligent hybrid breed, they thrive on nutrient-rich food designed for medium to large active dogs that supports sustained energy, lean muscle development, and optimal brain function. Because Aussiedoodles often inherit the Poodle’s sensitive digestion and the Australian Shepherd’s athletic build, it’s important to choose food that balances protein, fat, and fiber content for overall wellness.

These diets should include balanced nutrients to maintain joint health, coat quality, and cognitive performance. Since Aussiedoodles are prone to hip dysplasia, allergies, and digestive issues, formulas with omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin are ideal. Portion control and feeding schedules should be based on activity level to prevent overfeeding, especially in less active dogs. Read our “Best Aussiedoodle Dog Food Guide” to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.

Common Health Issues

Most Aussiedoodles are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:

*PRA: Progressive Retinal Atrophy
*S/E: Seizures (Epilepsy)
*ADD: Addison’s Disease
*MDR1: MDR1 Drug Sensitivity
*GDV: Bloat (GDV)

Recommended Health Tests for Aussiedoodles:

Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Aussiedoodle lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.

💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.

Care Requirements

Aussiedoodle Dog Trainability

Aussiedoodles are exceptionally intelligent, eager-to-please, and highly trainable dogs. Their Poodle lineage gives them sharp problem-solving skills, while their Australian Shepherd side adds focus and enthusiasm for learning. This combination makes Aussiedoodles quick learners who excel in obedience, agility, and advanced training. However, their intelligence also means they can become bored easily—so keeping sessions engaging and varied is key. Consistent, positive reinforcement training that uses praise, treats, and interactive games helps bring out their best behavior.

When compared to other breeds, Aussiedoodles thrive on mental stimulation and structured activity. Their enthusiasm and sensitivity make them responsive to gentle, reward-based training methods. With early socialization, regular exercise, and patient guidance, they quickly develop into obedient, confident, and well-balanced companions.

Intelligence

According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:

1. Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
2. Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
3. Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.

IQ Comparison

Aussiedoodles are celebrated for their exceptional intelligence and problem-solving abilities, inherited from two of the smartest breeds—the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. They excel in environments where mental challenges, training, and interaction are part of their daily routine. Aussiedoodles quickly pick up new commands and thrive in obedience-based IQ studies thanks to their keen ability to understand and anticipate their owner’s cues. Their intelligence, combined with a strong work ethic, makes them outstanding at agility, trick training, therapy work, and advanced obedience.

Aussiedoodles shine when their sharp minds are put to use. While their high intelligence may lead to mischief if under-stimulated, they respond remarkably well to structure, engagement, and mental enrichment. Their eagerness to learn, paired with loyalty and enthusiasm, often places them among the top-performing hybrid breeds in intelligence and trainability.

Breeding

Aussiedoodles are admired for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate temperament. As a hybrid breed, they combine the athleticism and herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. However, responsible breeding is crucial to ensure the health and temperament of future generations. Aussiedoodles can be prone to inherited conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders (like PRA and cataracts), thyroid disease, and MDR1 drug sensitivity. Ethical breeders should perform comprehensive health screenings and genetic testing on both parent dogs before breeding.

• Age: Aussiedoodles should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically between 18 and 24 months of age.
• Litter size: A typical Aussiedoodle litter includes 4–6 puppies.
• Temperament: Breeding dogs should exhibit balanced temperaments—intelligent, friendly, and confident, without signs of aggression, fearfulness, or excessive shyness.

Is The Aussiedoodle A Good Family Dog?

If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, a Aussiedoodle could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.

✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended

Annual Cost of Ownership

Best Places to Get an Aussiedoodle

Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.

Rescue shelters: While Aussiedoodles are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.

Breeders: Finding a reputable Aussiedoodle breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The American Aussiedoodle Association’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource for finding ethical breeders.

Avoid breeders who:

• Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
• Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
• Have frequent litters with no waiting list
• Emphasize appearance over health and temperament

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Sources

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