Aussiedoodles vs Goldendoodles: How to Choose the Right Poodle Mix
If you‘re looking to add a smart, adorable, and affectionate "doodle" dog to your life, you may find yourself torn between two of the most popular Poodle mixes out there – the Australian Shepherd/Poodle hybrid known as the Aussiedoodle and the Golden Retriever/Poodle hybrid called the Goldendoodle. Both of these designer dog breeds have stolen the hearts of countless owners with their intelligence, playful spirits, and teddy bear-like appearances. But what exactly sets them apart from one another? Let‘s take an in-depth look at the similarities and differences between Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles to help you determine which doodle may be your dream dog.
Aussiedoodle and Goldendoodle Basics
First, let‘s cover some general breed information. Aussiedoodles (sometimes called Aussiepoos) are a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. Goldendoodles are a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. In both cases, the Poodle parent can be a standard, miniature, or toy variety. This is the primary factor that determines the size of the resulting puppies.
Aussiedoodles typically stand 10-20 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 10 to 70 pounds as adults, depending on whether they have a toy, miniature or standard Poodle parent. They tend to have a sturdy, athletic build.
Goldendoodles have an even wider size range. They can be as small as 8 inches and 7 pounds with a toy Poodle parent, or as large as 24+ inches and 90 pounds with a standard Poodle parent. Most fall somewhere in the medium to large range.
Appearance and Coat
The appearance of any mixed breed can vary quite a bit, and Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles are no exception. They may inherit physical traits from either parent breed. That said, both types of doodles are known for their cute, shaggy coats that tend to shed minimally compared to their Aussie and Golden Retriever parent breeds.
Aussiedoodle coats are often a mix of loose curls or waves, typically medium in length. They can inherit the merle, red, black, or tricolor coats of their Australian Shepherd parents. Solid coat colors like the ones seen in Poodles are possible too.
Goldendoodles usually have longer, looser waves or curls compared to the Aussiedoodle. Their Poodle heritage gives them the potential to be any solid color, but most often they are varying shades of cream to gold or red thanks to their Golden Retriever genes. Some Goldendoodles may have more furnishings (longer hair on the face and legs).
Both Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles will need regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting. Expect to brush them thoroughly at least a few times per week. Plan on haircuts every 1-2 months as well. Shedding is typically low with both breeds, but Goldendoodles may shed slightly more, especially if they inherit more of a retriever-type coat.
Temperament and Personality
When it comes to temperament, Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles have a lot in common. Both are intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please, making them highly trainable and well-suited for active families. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs.
However, the Australian Shepherd influence gives Aussiedoodles a more focused, intensity compared to happy-go-lucky Goldendoodles. They have strong herding instincts and may try to round up kids or chase other pets if not given proper training and outlets for that energy. Aussiedoodles are incredibly smart and thrive with a job to do, whether that‘s learning new tricks, competing in dog sports, or accompanying you on hikes. They can be a bit more aloof toward strangers compared to the ultra-friendly Goldendoodle.
True to their retriever roots, Goldendoodles tend to be outgoing, goofy, and up for anything. They are content being everyone‘s best friend, including the mailman. While still very trainable, they may have a slightly shorter attention span than the laser-focused Aussiedoodle. Goldendoodles are often described as having a "smile" on their faces. Their goal is to love you and be loved in return.
The potential for separation anxiety is relatively high in both breeds. They bond closely with their owners and don‘t do well left alone for long periods day after day. If you work long hours, make sure to have a plan in place, like a dog walker or doggy daycare.
Exercise and Activity Level
With their working dog backgrounds, both Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles need much more exercise than the average pooch. Expect to provide a minimum of 60-90 minutes per day for Goldendoodles and 90-120 minutes or more for the high-octane Aussiedoodle. A few walks around the block won‘t cut it – these dogs need the opportunity to run, play, and burn off steam to stay happy and healthy.
In addition to physical exercise, providing mental stimulation is important too. Puzzle toys, scent games, learning new skills, and participating in canine sports are all great ways to engage those active minds. Without enough exercise and mental enrichment, both breeds are prone to destructive behavior like excessive chewing, barking, or digging.
Potential Health Issues
As with all dogs, Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles can be prone to certain health conditions inherited from their parent breeds. While mixed breed dogs are often healthier than purebreds thanks to their genetic diversity, it‘s still important for owners to be aware of issues to watch for.
For Aussiedoodles, potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, a joint abnormality most common in larger dogs, as well as eye disorders like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and sensitivities to certain drugs (known as MDR1 gene mutation) are also seen in the breed. Some may be prone to skin allergies.
Goldendoodles can also be at risk for hip dysplasia, as well as a heart condition called subvalvular aortic stenosis. Other issues reported in the breed include a skin disorder called sebaceous adenitis, Addison‘s disease, and bloat (gastric dilation volvulus), which can affect dogs with deep chests. Like Aussiedoodles, they may be prone to eye problems and allergies.
To stack the odds in your favor, choose a puppy from health tested parents. Reputable Aussiedoodle and Goldendoodle breeders will screen their breeding dogs for common issues and share those results with potential buyers. They should also offer some type of health guarantee on the puppies.
Grooming and General Care
Grooming is often one of the biggest considerations for potential doodle owners. Many are drawn to Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles because they tend to shed less than their Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd parent breeds. While they may be a better choice for those with allergies, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Even low-shedding breeds produce allergens in their skin and saliva.
The curlier the coat, the less these designer breeds will shed. But what you save on vacuuming, you‘ll make up for in brushing and trips to the groomer. Mats and tangles can form quickly in doodle coats, so frequent brushing with the right tools is a must. You may need to brush a few times a week or even daily. Regular haircuts are also important for keeping your doodle comfortable and avoiding the dreaded shave-down. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is ideal.
In addition to coat care, your Aussiedoodle or Goldendoodle will need their nails trimmed regularly, their ears checked and cleaned to avoid infections, and their teeth brushed often — daily if possible — to prevent dental disease. Luckily, with their people-pleasing personalities, both breeds tend to be tolerant of grooming when introduced to it positively from a young age.
Choosing the Right Doodle
So when it comes down to it, how do you decide between an Aussiedoodle vs. Goldendoodle? The good news is, there really is no bad choice. Both breeds make wonderful companions for the right owners. They are intelligent, loving, and endlessly devoted to their families.
Aussiedoodles may be the better pick if you‘re looking for a somewhat smaller dog with a strong work ethic to be your partner in adventure. Their desire to learn and slightly more serious nature can make them star students in training. They are best suited for homes with older children, as their bouncy energy and herding instincts may be too much for little ones.
Goldendoodles are ideal if your main goal is to have a happy-go-lucky best friend who doubles as a cuddle buddy. They tend to be more easy-going and tolerant of young children. With their goofy, carefree approach to life, they keep their puppy-like attitude well into adulthood. Get ready for a good-natured goofball who loves everyone they meet.
No matter which doodle you choose, remember that these active, intelligent dogs need plenty of exercise for both body and mind. They want nothing more than to be by your side through all of life‘s adventures. If you can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they crave, either an Aussiedoodle or a Goldendoodle will reward you with a lifetime of love, laughter, and priceless memories.
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