Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed, the result of a deliberate mating between two different breeds. Opening your heart and home to a crossbreed is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what’s going to be inside. It’s often assumed that a crossbreed will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn’t always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder’s control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed.

Aussiedoodles have a moderate to high activity level. They need a good walk or active playtime each day, and they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, flyball, obedience and rally. They can also be excellent therapy dogs.

Both of the breeds used to create Aussiedoodles are considered to be canine Einsteins. It’s to your benefit to give the Aussiedoodle a job that will keep him busy, busy, busy. Teach him to find and bring you things, pull your gardening equipment around the yard, or anything else you can think of. Keeping him occupied will ensure that he doesn’t go off and find his own (likely destructive) entertainment. But if you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion.

Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Aussiedoodles are also sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are caused not by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs.There is no scientific evidence that any breed or crossbreed is more or less allergenic than any other dog. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic.

Aussiedoodle puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Aussiedoodle a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there’s no need to pay big bucks for an Aussiedoodle. You can often find a wonderful example of this cross-breed dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations.

If you do choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won’t carry the genetic diseases common to both Australian Shepherds and Poodles. And while there are no guarantees in life, it’s also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future.

Temperament is affected partly by inheritance and partly by environment, so it can be variable. An Aussiedoodle’s temperament depends on several things: the temperaments of his parents, especially the mother, who is more likely to influence a puppy’s behavior, the amount of socialization he receives and the particular genes he inherits. In general, though, Aussiedoodles are friendly dogs who are devoted to their families. They have some possible quirks, though, that you should be aware of.

The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog, and he likes people to stay together. If you see your Aussiedoodle trying to herd family members, especially children, by bumping or nipping at them, he’s not being aggressive; he’s following his instincts. That’s one instinctive behavior that shouldn’t be permitted, though. Put a stop to the behavior with a “Down,” “Leave It” or “Sit-Stay” command. Then throw a ball or other toy for him to chase. Consistently correct this behavior or it can become a real problem.

An Aussiedoodle should never be shy or aggressive to either people or other animals. Say no thanks if a puppy’s parents won’t let you approach them, shy away from you or growl at you, or if puppies do any of those things.