The Aussiedoodle, sometimes known as the Aussiepoo, is a relatively new hybrid breed and is the result of crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle.
Lesser known than other Poodle mixes such as the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle, the Aussiedoodle makes an excellent family dog that is very affectionate and gets on with everyone — humans and animals alike!
The Aussiedoodle has two popular parents — the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. Because the Poodle can come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature and Toy), the Aussiedoodle can too. It just depends which size of Poodle is used to breed the Aussiedoodle. There is the Aussiedoodle, the Miniature Aussiedoodle and the Toy Aussiedoodle.
Due to the fact that this breed is a mixed breed, they are not recognized by any major Kennel Clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, both parent breeds are recognized as they are purebred dogs.
The Aussiedoodle requires quite a lot of food because they are an active dog. They can eat anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 calories a day, which equates to around 3 cups of food a day. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount of a certain food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight.
HOW LONG DO AUSSIEDOODLES LIVE FOR?
The Aussiedoodle has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
The Poodle Mixes lifespan is another of the many bonuses of buying a Doodle as your newest family member. It’s been proved that mixing a pure-bred dog with a Poodle results in Hybrid Vigor.
Hybrid Vigor is the increased vitality and longevity that is often seen in hybrids ( crosses between two different breeds of plants or animals). It is thought to be caused by the heterosis effect, which is when the offspring of two different breeds are more fertile and healthier than either parent.
Hybrid Vigor aids in the extended longevity of your Doodle, particularly in larger Doodle breeds, as the Poodle’s genetics help to minimize problems such as bone density that lead to hip issues later on.
Other factors, such as the amount of exercise your dog gets, the quality of food you feed it, and the quality of care it receives from a Veterinarian all play a role.
On the whole, Doodles have a longer life expectancy and fewer health concerns than most Pure Breeds.
HOW TO HELP YOUR DOODLE LIVE A LONG & HEALTHY LIFE
One of the most important things you can do for your Doodle is to provide it with a good diet and plenty of exercise. Feed your dog high-quality food, and make sure it gets plenty of exercise – at least 30 minutes per day.
Regular vet checkups are also important, as they can help catch any health problems early on.
KNOWN HEALTH ISSUES IN AUSSIEDOODLES
Unfortunately, as with all dogs, the Aussiepoo is prone to some health problems. These are often issues that have been passed down from their parent breeds. We have laid out the most common health concerns the Aussiedoodle faces below.
- Hip Dysplasia — this is when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia.
- Cataracts — you might suspect your dog has cataracts if they are constantly bumping into furniture. Cataracts can be cured with surgery.
- Von Willebrand Disease — this is a disease that is found in both humans and dogs. It is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. It cannot be cured but it can be treated with small surgery.
Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable.
Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring.