Are you trying to decide between an Aussiedoodle and an Australian Shepherd for your next canine companion? While these two breeds share some similarities, there are also some key differences to be aware of. As a veterinarian and dog lover, I‘ve worked closely with both Aussiedoodles and Australian Shepherds over the years. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle and family.
Breed History and Origins
First, let‘s take a look at where these two breeds come from. The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, was actually developed in the western United States during the 19th century. Basque shepherds who emigrated from Australia brought some of their herding dogs with them. These dogs were then crossed with other breeds like Border Collies and English Shepherds, eventually resulting in the smart, agile, hard-working breed we know today as the Australian Shepherd. The breed gained popularity in the mid-20th century thanks to their prowess as rodeo and trick dogs. Today, they excel at canine sports like agility, flyball, and herding trials in addition to being devoted family pets.
The Aussiedoodle, on the other hand, is a much more recently developed hybrid breed, dating back to the late 1990s or early 2000s. As you might guess from the name, the Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, usually a Standard or Miniature Poodle. The intent behind developing the Aussiedoodle was to create an outgoing, intelligent, active companion dog with the low-shedding and potentially hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. However, since this is a newer "designer" hybrid breed, Aussiedoodles are not recognized by major kennel clubs and there can be a lot of variation in size, appearance, and temperament between individual Aussiedoodles.
Physical Appearance
One of the major differences between Australian Shepherds and Aussiedoodles is in their appearance. Australian Shepherds are a medium-sized breed, typically standing 18-23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 40-65 pounds. They have a sturdy, well-balanced body that denotes strength and agility. One of their most recognizable features is their medium-length double coat, which is slightly wavy or straight with a weather-resistant undercoat. Australian Shepherds come in four standard colors – black, blue merle, red, and red merle – with or without contrasting white and/or tan markings. Some distinguishing traits of the breed are their expressive eyes (which can be blue, brown, amber, or any combination of those colors), triangular folded ears, and naturally bobbed or docked tail.
[Insert photo showing a typical Australian Shepherd]Aussiedoodles have a much greater range in size, as they can take after either their Poodle or Australian Shepherd parent. Standard Aussiedoodles typically reach 40-70 pounds and 15-23 inches tall, while Mini Aussiedoodles are smaller at 25-35 pounds and 12-17 inches tall. Since they are a mix of two different breeds, their appearance can vary quite a bit. Most have a shaggy, wavy, or loosely-curled coat that can be more similar to an Australian Shepherd‘s or a Poodle‘s. They tend to be low-shedding and may be a good choice for some people with dog allergies, although no dog is ever truly hypoallergenic. Colors include common Australian Shepherd colors as well as parti-colors, tuxedo patterns, merle, phantom, and more. The face is usually more rounded than an Australian Shepherd‘s, with a medium-length muzzle and hanging ears.
[Insert photos showing the diversity in Aussiedoodle appearances]Temperament and Personality
Both Australian Shepherds and Aussiedoodles are known for being highly intelligent, active, and devoted to their owners. As herding dogs, Australian Shepherds tend to have strong guarding and herding instincts. They may try to corral children, other pets, and even inanimate objects by nipping at heels if not given proper training and plenty of exercise. Aussies are very loyal to their family but can be aloof or reserved around strangers if not properly socialized. They are eager to please and very trainable, but need a confident owner who can provide kind yet firm leadership. Boredom and lack of exercise can lead to problem behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or digging.
Aussiedoodles generally have a happy-go-lucky, friendly demeanor thanks to the Poodle influence. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs, although they still need proper training and socialization from a young age. While very intelligent, Aussiedoodles can have a mischievous or goofy streak and may not be quite as intense as an Australian Shepherd when it comes to training and work drive. However, they are still very smart, active dogs that crave human companionship and engagement. Aussiedoodles left alone for long periods may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits.
[Insert photos showing the friendly, goofy nature of Aussiedoodles]Exercise and Training Needs
As highly energetic and intelligent herding dogs, Australian Shepherds require a lot of daily exercise as well as mental stimulation. Plan to provide your Aussie with at least 1-2 hours of active exercise each day in the form of long walks, hikes, runs, swimming, fetch, or canine sports. They also need plenty of enrichment in the form of puzzle toys, games, and training to keep their quick minds engaged. Aussies excel at advanced obedience, agility, flyball, herding, and service/therapy dog work. They are not a breed that will be content just lazing around the house all day.
While Aussiedoodles may not have quite the same extremely high exercise needs as a purebred Australian Shepherd, they still require plenty of daily activity to stay happy and healthy. At minimum, they need a solid hour of exercise each day, although active Aussiedoodles will gladly do more. They enjoy long walks, games of fetch, swimming, and running around with their owners. Many Aussiedoodles also do well at canine sports like obedience and agility thanks to their smarts and trainability. Regular training sessions, food puzzles, and interactive play are a must to prevent boredom.
Grooming and Care
Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during spring and fall as they "blow coat." Weekly brushing is a must to keep loose fur under control and prevent matting, with more frequent grooming needed during shedding season. Many Australian Shepherd owners invest in a high-velocity dryer and/or de-shedding tools to help manage shedding. Aussies only need occasional baths when dirty. Other basic grooming needs include regular nail trims, ear checks, and dental care.
One of the main draws of the Aussiedoodle is their low-shedding coat, although the tradeoff is that they typically require much more frequent brushing and grooming than an Australian Shepherd. Those cute, shaggy Aussiedoodle coats are prone to matting without regular brushing every few days. Many owners opt to have their Aussiedoodle‘s coat clipped short by a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks to make maintenance easier. Aussiedoodles also need regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care.
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherds are generally a hardy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, certain eye diseases like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, heart defects, and sensitivity to certain drugs like ivermectin. Reputable Australian Shepherd breeders perform genetic testing of breeding stock to minimize the risk of passing on inherited disorders. Keeping your Aussie at a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and keeping up with preventive care like vaccines and parasite control can help your Australian Shepherd live a long, healthy life.
As a newer hybrid breed, the jury is still out on the long-term health of Aussiedoodles. On one hand, crossbreeding can provide "hybrid vigor" that may make some mixed-breed dogs hardier than their purebred parents. However, Aussiedoodles can still inherit genetic health issues from either their Poodle or Australian Shepherd side. Potential concerns include hip dysplasia, eye disease, thyroid issues, bloat, and epilepsy. More research is still needed to get a full picture of Aussiedoodle health and longevity. If you‘re considering an Aussiedoodle, ask the breeder about the health testing performed on the parent dogs.
Best-Suited For
An Australian Shepherd‘s loyalty, trainability, and strong work ethic make them a great choice for experienced dog owners looking for a canine partner to train and compete with in dog sports or to join them in an active outdoor lifestyle. They can adapt to many living situations as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation. However, their strong herding instincts, high energy levels, and tendency to be mouthy when playing make them a poor choice for families with young children. Aussies also require a lot of grooming and shed quite a bit, so prospective owners need to be prepared for that.
Aussiedoodles are often a good fit for active families looking for an intelligent, low-shedding companion. Thanks to their friendly, outgoing nature, they tend to get along well with children and aren‘t as prone to herding behaviors as purebred Aussies. However, Aussiedoodles still need plenty of exercise, training, and interaction to thrive. Their grooming needs are also a big commitment. And since they bond so closely with their family, Aussiedoodles aren‘t the best choice for people who work long hours and can‘t bring their dog along.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds and Aussiedoodles have a lot in common – they‘re both highly intelligent, energetic, and devoted companions that need plenty of exercise and engagement from their owners. The main differences are in their appearance, with the purebred Aussie having a more predictable size and coat type than the wide range seen in Aussiedoodles. Aussies tend to have stronger herding and guarding instincts with a more serious, driven personality, while Aussiedoodles are a bit goofier and more easygoing. Aussiedoodles also tend to shed much less than Australian Shepherds.
Ultimately, the right breed for you depends on your individual lifestyle and what you‘re looking for in a dog. If you want a serious, driven companion for competing in dog sports or joining you in outdoor adventures, an Australian Shepherd might be your ideal match. If you‘re looking for an active yet less intense family pet that doesn‘t shed much, an Aussiedoodle could be a great choice. Whichever breed you choose, be prepared to provide plenty of exercise, training, and grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best.
As a veterinarian, my most important piece of advice is to do thorough research to find a responsible breeder who performs genetic health testing and provides appropriate socialization and early training. Avoid purchasing a puppy from a pet store or online seller, as they may come from puppy mills. Meeting the puppy‘s parents and seeing their living conditions can give you the best insight into what to expect as far as health, temperament, and appearance. With proper care and a loving home, both Australian Shepherds and Aussiedoodles can make wonderful, loyal canine companions for many happy years to come.
