Health and Nutrition

When you bring home an Aussiedoodle puppy, you’re signing yourself up for a regular workout regimen. These active dogs need playtime and long walks every day, especially if they take after their highly energetic Australian Shepherd parent. Their favorite activities include playing fetch, running, and swimming (Poodles are water dogs, after all). Aussiedoodles need at least an hour of movement every day.

Fun activities to do with Aussiedoodles:

• Agility courses
• Lure chasing
• Hunting and retrieving
• Therapy work
• Dock jumping
• Swimming

Like any active dog breed, Aussiedoodles need a well-balanced diet that gives them the energy they need to play and grow. When choosing a food, pet parents should look for options approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

Active dogs need food that meets all of the nutritional needs set out by the Pet Food Institute. Aussiedoodles’ ideal diets include vitamins like Vitamin A and D3, as well as proteins and fats. Vitamin A helps protect a dog’s vision and boosts their immune system, while D3 helps maintain strong bones. Proteins help your Aussiedoodle create the energy she needs for running and playing, and fats help her keep her wavy coat healthy.

Full-grown Aussiedoodles should be fed two meals a day. Aussiedoodle puppies need to eat more frequently—between three and four times a day on a consistent schedule.

To minimize risk of bloat, Aussiedoodle pet parents must make sure their dog doesn’t ingest too much food or water too quickly. If your pup tends to wolf down her meals, consider using a slow-feeder bowl, which makes it difficult for her to devour a meal in large bites. Avoiding raised dog bowls and exercise around mealtimes can also help deter bloat. 

Aussiedoodles are generally friendly and loving dogs that, when well socialized, get along with other pets and children. Each Aussiedoodle’s energy level can vary. Those that take after their Australian Shepherd side may need more activity than those who lean toward the Poodle parent. 

Both breeds, however, are extremely intelligent and need ample stimulation to keep them from getting bored. Aussiedoodle parents can try teaching fun tricks to keep their canine friend’s mind active while also building their relationship. Puzzle toys or treat containers that require dogs to figure out how to access snacks are also a good option. 

Australian Shepherds were bred to herd, and Poodles have hunted waterfowl for centuries. Put these hardworking breeds together and you’ve got a high-energy, highly intelligent dog that needs to keep their mind busy. Those not given enough stimulation can turn to destructive behaviors, like chewing or digging.

Because of their hunting and herding instincts, Aussiedoodles must be kept on a leash or inside a fenced-in area when they’re outside. Otherwise, they might chase after neighborhood animals—or even cars. 

Aussiedoodles love to play and to have a task to accomplish. Their quick-working brains might enjoy clicker training and, once they’ve mastered basic cues, learning more complicated tricks. 

Teaching your Aussiedoodle to stay, and come when called, is vital for pet parents. Otherwise, their strong herding instincts and urge to chase can put them in dangerous situations.

Because Aussiedoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can make a great pet for anyone who has the time to train and exercise them. Aussiedoodles can be energetic—especially Ausiedoodle puppies—and need at least an hour of exercise and stimulation a day. Aussiedoodles with the strong herding instinct of Australian Shepherds need a yard with a tall fence and to be walked on a leash if they cannot control their urge to chase.

Prospective Aussiedoodle parents should make sure they have time in their schedule and space in their home for their new friend to play. And remember: Due to their longer coats, Aussiedoodles require more grooming than short-haired dogs. 

Each Aussiedoodle’s coat is different, so each dog’s grooming routine will look different. Aussiedoodles with a curlier coat might require more frequent trims and brushing than those that take more after their Australian Shepherd lineage. Using a slicker brush can help reduce mats and tangles in dogs with longer hair. 

Ear Care

Poodles adore swimming, and your Aussiedoodle might inherit their water-loving nature. Pet parents need to clean their dog’s ears with a dog-specific cleaner after their dog takes a dip (and after baths, too). This will help prevent moisture from becoming trapped, which can lead to ear infections.