Aussiedoodle
The Aussiedoodle crosses the Australian Shepherd — one of the most intelligent and energetic herding breeds — with the Standard or Miniature Poodle.
Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
7–32 kg (15–70 lbs)
Height
38–58 cm (15–23 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active large or medium breed.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Aussiedoodle crosses the Australian Shepherd — one of the most intelligent and energetic herding breeds — with the Standard or Miniature Poodle. The result is arguably the most intelligent of all Doodle crosses, with the Australian Shepherd's exceptional herding intelligence and work drive combined with Poodle trainability. The Aussiedoodle is an extraordinarily capable working, sport, and service dog. However, its very high energy and herding instincts mean it is not suited to inactive households — it requires substantial physical and mental exercise. The striking merle coat patterns are a significant draw.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: needs-manual
Variable — the merle patterns of the Australian Shepherd (blue merle, red merle) in a wavy Doodle coat produce a striking, eye-catching appearance. Eye colour is often striking — blue, brown, or heterochromatic eyes from Australian Shepherd heritage.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-3-4-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Temperament & Personality
Extremely intelligent, energetic, and driven — the Aussiedoodle has the highest working drive of the common doodle crosses. Needs a job. Herding instinct may cause chasing of children, cyclists, and other animals. Not suitable for inactive households.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
herding behaviour, nipping heels, obsessive behaviours, destructive behaviour, separation anxiety
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours vigorous exercise daily plus mental stimulation. Herding sport, agility, obedience, or tracking strongly recommended. Brushing 3–4 times weekly. Not a casual breed.
Nutrition Notes
Australian Shepherd × Poodle. MDR1 gene from Aussie side — DNA test MANDATORY before any medication. CEA possible. High energy — calorie-dense food. Joint supplements.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
MDR1 drug sensitivity — DNA test non-negotiable. CEA. PRA (both parents). Hip dysplasia. Epilepsy. Addison's. Very high energy and intelligence — bored Aussiedoodles are destructive. Merle-to-merle breeding produces double merles (deaf/blind). 10-13 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1200 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
800 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip and elbow dysplasia. MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance gene) from Australian Shepherd — can cause severe reactions to common medications. DNA test available and critical. Progressive retinal atrophy. Merle-to-merle breeding causes eye and hearing defects — must never occur.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
MDR1 testing essential. Merle patterns popular but double merle risk if bred carelessly. Very high energy. India: moderate climate fit.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Aussiedoodle inherits the Australian Shepherd's MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1) gene mutation — which causes severe and potentially fatal reactions to common drugs including ivermectin (heartworm prevention), loperamide (anti-diarrheal), and several cancer chemotherapy drugs. DNA testing for MDR1 is essential for every Aussiedoodle before any medication is administered.
