An Aussie-Poo puppy can make a wonderful, loving addition to any family
Combining the energy and playfulness of the Australian Shepherd with the extraordinary intelligence of the Poodle, it’s easy to see why the Aussie-Poo, also known as the Aussiedoodle, has become such a popular breed. These are pups that are eager to please and highly trainable with a loving and loyal disposition that makes them a perfect family pet. They are known for being gentle with children and other pets and like nothing more than shadowing their favorite human wherever they go. They can be sensitive, even developing separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time and their high energy level and high maintenance coat may not make them the ideal choice for novice dog owners. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from Toy to Standard, depending on the size of their Poodle parent. Toys weigh 10-20 pounds and stand 10-12 inches, Minis weigh 15-35 pounds and stand 12-18 inches and Standards weigh 40-70 pounds and stand 19-24 inches. Their coat can range from straight to wavy or curly and comes in a variety of colors including black, white, cream, gray, brown, apricot and red. Some have the merle coloration and bi-colored eyes of the Australian Shepherd.
History
The Aussie-Poo, a hybrid of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle, emerged as part of the designer dog movement that gained momentum in the late 20th century. This mix was created to combine the intelligence, agility, and herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd with the hypoallergenic qualities and trainability of the Poodle. Aussie-Poos quickly became popular among families and active individuals for their versatility and loving nature. While their exact origins are unclear, their appeal lies in their adaptability and the unique blend of traits from two highly regarded parent breeds.
Temperament
Known for being friendly, outgoing and intelligent, the Aussie-Poo is highly trainable and responds well to commands. This makes it an ideal candidate for a number of activities, including agility and obedience training and therapy work. They crave human interaction and form strong bonds with their families and are gentle and patient with children and other pets. They do have a high energy level, inherited from their Australian Shepherd parent, which means they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to prevent destructive behaviors that can stem from boredom.
Environment
The Aussie-Poo is highly adaptable, which means they can do well in many different environments from apartments to larger homes. To be comfortable with apartment life they will need to get plenty of exercise to help burn off excess energy. No matter where you live, if you are an Aussie-Poo parent you’ll need to spend plenty of time with your four legged friend as they are sensitive and can be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Exercise
As a high energy breed, Aussie-Poos require about 45 minutes of exercise per day. This can include a couple of walks or an active play or training session. Fortunately they are also highly intelligent so they pick up commands easily, making them perfect candidates for obedience or agility training. Because of their exceptional intelligence, you should keep sessions varied to prevent boredom. Regular mental stimulation, including puzzle toys, obedience training or interactive games, is also extremely important to keep them engaged.
Grooming
The Aussie-Poo’s coat can vary from straight to wavy or curly and they are not prone to shed much which makes them an excellent choice for allergy-prone owners. You’ll need to brush them 2-3 times a week to prevent tangles or matting. Curlier coats will need to be brushed daily. Their coat should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks with a particular focus on areas that are prone to matting, including behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. Bathe every 4-6 weeks as needed and check their ears weekly for wax or dirt build up.
