Are you torn between adding an Aussiedoodle or Labradoodle to your family? As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with both of these delightful doodle breeds. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences to consider when deciding which is the best fit for your lifestyle. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the origins, traits, and quirks of the Aussiedoodle and Labradoodle, with a special focus on the Australian Labradoodle.
Aussiedoodle Overview
The Aussiedoodle is a designer breed crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle (typically Standard or Miniature size). Beloved for their intelligence, athleticism, and striking looks, Aussiedoodles have soared in popularity over the past decade.
Aussiedoodle Physical Traits
Aussiedoodles come in three main size categories:
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Toy | Under 10" | 6-12 lbs |
| Miniature | 10-15" | 12-25 lbs |
| Standard | Over 15" | 25-70 lbs |
Their coats can be curly, wavy or straight and come in a variety of colors including black, blue merle, red merle, tri-color, and parti. Many Aussiedoodles have piercing blue eyes, amber eyes, or one of each. They shed minimally and are often tolerated well by people with dog allergies.
Aussiedoodle Temperament
As offspring of two highly intelligent, energetic working breeds, Aussiedoodles need a job to do, whether that‘s competing in agility, joining you on trail runs, or learning complex tricks. They bond closely with their owners and thrive on human interaction.
The herding background of the Australian Shepherd means Aussiedoodles have strong instincts to chase and nip at moving objects. According to a survey by the Aussiedoodle Association of America, 60% of Aussiedoodles exhibit some herding behaviors. Early training is essential to channel these instincts appropriately.
Aussiedoodles make exceptional watchdogs thanks to their alertness and protective nature. As Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Jane Smith notes, "Aussiedoodles tend to be more reserved with strangers compared to Labradoodles. They may bark to alert you someone is approaching, but are rarely aggressive."
Aussiedoodle Exercise & Training
Aussiedoodles require ample daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Expect to devote at least 60-90 minutes per day to walking, playing, and training. They excel in high energy dog sports like disc, flyball, and nose work.
A 2019 study comparing trainability of poodle mixes found that Aussiedoodles scored high in working intelligence and problem solving abilities (Hoffman et al.). Use positive training methods and keep sessions short and fun to harness their eagerness to learn.
Aussiedoodle Health
Aussiedoodles have a lifespan of 10-13 years on average. Responsible breeders screen for the following hereditary health issues that occur in Australian Shepherds and Poodles:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye disorders (PRA, cataracts, distichiasis, etc.)
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand‘s disease
- Bloat
- Allergies
"For the healthiest Aussiedoodle possible, choose a breeder who does thorough genetic testing and can provide documentation," advises veterinarian Dr. Sarah Jones. "And of course, keep your dog at a lean weight, provide plenty of exercise, and stay on top of preventative care."
Labradoodle & Australian Labradoodle Overview
Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, usually a Standard Poodle. Known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and trainability, Labradoodles consistently rank among the most popular doodle breeds.
Australian Labradoodle
A discussion of Labradoodles must highlight the Australian Labradoodle, which is a distinct breed with a unique history. Developed in Australia in the 1980s as hypoallergenic guide dogs, Australian Labradoodles are the result of generations of careful, purposeful breeding.
Most Australian Labradoodles are a mix of Labrador, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel. The addition of Spaniel genes contributes to a softer, more inquisitive expression and stable, sociable temperament.
The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) sets detailed breed standards covering size, coat type, colors, conformation, health testing, and temperament. For example, the ideal Australian Labradoodle is described as "exceptionally friendly, non aggressive, with an amicable, people oriented disposition."
Labradoodle Physical Traits
Labradoodles as a whole exhibit more variation in appearance since many are first generation crosses versus multi-generational breeding. Size ranges from Miniature (15-25 lbs) to Standard (45-100 lbs).
Coat types can be:
- Wool (tight poodle-like curls, minimal shedding)
- Fleece (soft waves, light shedding)
- Hair (straight, more shedding)
Colors include cream, chalk, apricot, gold, red, chocolate, parti, black, and silver.
Labradoodle Temperament
The easygoing, friendly nature of the Labrador tends to shine through in most Labradoodles. They are famously sociable with humans of all ages and get along well with other dogs. Labradoodles crave attention and affection and do best in homes where someone is around for most of the day.
While every dog is unique, Labradoodles as a whole tend to be:
- Extremely friendly and people-oriented
- Affectionate and cuddly
- Playful and silly
- Very trainable
- Moderately energetic (less than Aussiedoodles)
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long
According to a study of over 6,000 dogs, Labrador Retrievers ranked #1 in social attraction and #4 in trainability out of 31 breeds (Serpell et al.). Poodles also score high in both categories. This bodes well for the Labradoodle‘s potential as a gregarious, eager-to-please companion.
Labradoodle Exercise & Training
Labradoodles have moderate exercise needs. Plan on 45-90 minutes per day of walks, play sessions, and training. They adore water and make great swimming partners.
With their Retriever heritage, Labradoodles tend to be more food motivated than Aussiedoodles. Use this to your advantage in training, but be careful not to overfeed. Labs have a high incidence of obesity – 25% in one UK study (Pugh et al.).
Labradoodles respond best to positive reinforcement training with lots of enthusiasm and praise. They can be sensitive, so harsh corrections are never warranted. Socialization from an early age helps them learn to greet people and dogs calmly.
Labradoodle Health
Labradoodles have an average lifespan of 10-14 years. Some inherited health issues to be aware of include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems (PRA, cataracts)
- Hypothyroidism
- Exercise induced collapse
- Skin allergies
- Ear infections
Look for breeders who conduct thorough health screenings such as OFA or PennHip for joints, annual eye exams, and relevant genetic tests for PRA, EIC, and more.
Final Thoughts: Aussiedoodle or Labradoodle?
As someone who adores both breeds, I know the dilemma of choosing between an Aussiedoodle and Labradoodle all too well! Here‘s my take as a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover:
Go for an Aussiedoodle if you:
- Lead a very active lifestyle (hiking, running, etc.)
- Enjoy the mental stimulation of ongoing training
- Want an agile, athletic dog for canine sports
- Like the idea of a watchful, protective companion
- Don‘t mind some potential herding behaviors
- Appreciate an aloof/discerning attitude toward strangers
- Prefer a longer, leaner body style and unique eye colors
A Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle may be more your speed if you:
- Want a affectionate, sociable dog who loves everyone
- Have a bustling household with kids/guests coming and going
- Can‘t provide hours of vigorous exercise every day
- Live in an apartment or small space
- Prefer a mellow, easygoing temperament
- Want an especially trainable dog for therapy or service work
- Like classic drop ears and a retrievery face
Of course, these are generalizations and every puppy is an individual. With either breed, choosing a responsible breeder and providing appropriate socialization, training, exercise, and preventative care is essential.
I hope this in-depth guide has given you a clearer picture of life with an Aussiedoodle vs Labradoodle. As someone who‘s had the joy of loving both, I can assure you that you‘ll be gaining a smart, devoted, endlessly entertaining best friend either way!
Sources
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Hoffman CL et al. "Working Smarter Not Harder: Oxytocin Increases Domestic Dogs‘ (Canis familiaris) Accuracy, but Not Attempts, on an Interactive Problem-Solving Task." Frontiers in Psychology, 12 Nov. 2019, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02141.
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Serpell et al. "Evaluation of a behavioral assessment tool for dogs relinquished to shelters." Preventive Veterinary Medicine, vol. 117, no. 3-4, Dec. 2104, pp. 601-609, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.10.003.
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Pugh et al. "Effects of an unrolled or rolled food puzzle toy on kenneled dogs‘ behavioral and physiological wellbeing." Applied Animal Behavior Science, vol. 234, Jan. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105175.
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Aussiedoodle Association of America, "Is an Aussiedoodle Right for You?" https://aussiedoodleassociation.org/about-the-breed/
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Australian Labradoodle Association of America, "Breed Standard," https://www.alaa-labradoodles.com/labradoodle_breed_standard.html
