The Aussiedoodle, a crossbreed between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, has grown in popularity due to its friendly nature, intelligence, and often hypoallergenic coat. This designer breed combines the best traits of both parent breeds, making it a great choice for families and active individuals alike. If you’re thinking about adding an Aussiedoodle to your household, you’ll want to make sure you go about the process the right way.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to buy an Aussiedoodle, including what to consider, where to look, and how to make sure you’re choosing a reputable breeder.
Why Choose an Aussiedoodle?
Before you start the process of buying an Aussiedoodle, it’s essential to understand why this breed might be a great fit for your lifestyle.
Temperament
Aussiedoodles are known for their affectionate and loyal personalities. They inherit intelligence from both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, making them quick learners and responsive to training. They are also playful and energetic, which makes them perfect for active households.
Friendly and Social: Aussiedoodles are typically good with children and other pets. They thrive on social interaction and enjoy being part of family activities.
High Intelligence: This breed excels in obedience training and can even participate in advanced activities such as agility or service work.
Low-Shedding Coat
Many Aussiedoodles are considered to be low-shedding, thanks to the influence of their Poodle parent. While this doesn’t guarantee they are completely hypoallergenic, it does make them a better choice for individuals who are sensitive to pet dander.
Grooming Needs: Their curly or wavy coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, but they tend to shed less compared to other breeds.
Versatility
Aussiedoodles are known for their versatility. Whether you’re looking for a running partner, a therapy dog, or a cuddly companion, this breed can adapt to different lifestyles and needs.
What to Consider Before Buying an Aussiedoodle
Before you take the leap into purchasing an Aussiedoodle, there are several factors to consider. Buying a dog is a long-term commitment, so you need to be sure that you are ready for the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
Lifestyle Fit
Aussiedoodles are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. If you have an active lifestyle or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running, an Aussiedoodle could be a perfect fit. However, if you have a more sedentary lifestyle, this breed might not be the best match.
Exercise Needs: Expect to give your Aussiedoodle at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, they can become bored and develop undesirable behaviors such as chewing or barking.
Size and Space
Aussiedoodles can come in various sizes depending on the size of the Poodle parent (standard, mini, or toy). The size of your living space should be a consideration when choosing an Aussiedoodle.
Small Spaces: If you live in an apartment or smaller home, a Miniature or Toy Aussiedoodle may be a better fit.
Large Spaces: Standard Aussiedoodles need more space to move around and may be more suitable for larger homes or those with access to a yard.
Grooming Commitment
While Aussiedoodles are low-shedding, they still need regular grooming to keep their coats in top condition. If you’re not prepared to invest in regular grooming or brushing, you may want to consider a different breed.
Regular Brushing: To prevent matting, Aussiedoodles need to be brushed several times a week.
Professional Grooming: Many owners choose to take their Aussiedoodles to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks to maintain a manageable coat length.
Costs
The cost of owning an Aussiedoodle goes beyond the initial purchase price. You’ll need to budget for ongoing expenses such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and training.
Initial Purchase Price: Aussiedoodles can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the breeder, size, and color of the dog.
Ongoing Costs: In addition to food and grooming, plan for veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and potential training classes.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
One of the most critical steps in buying an Aussiedoodle is finding a reputable breeder. A good breeder will ensure the health and well-being of their dogs, provide proper socialization for the puppies, and offer transparency about the breeding process.
Research Breeders
Start by researching breeders who specialize in Aussiedoodles. Look for breeders with positive reviews and testimonials from previous buyers.
Check for Credentials: A reputable breeder will often be a member of breeding associations or follow ethical breeding practices. They should be able to provide health clearances for both the parents and puppies.
Visit the Breeder: If possible, visit the breeder in person to see the environment in which the puppies are raised. Look for clean facilities and well-cared-for dogs.
Health Testing
A good breeder will conduct health testing on both parent dogs to screen for common genetic conditions. Since Aussiedoodles are a mix of Australian Shepherds and Poodles, common health issues to look for include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and allergies.
Ask for Health Records: The breeder should provide you with health records for both the parents and the puppies. These records should include vaccination history and any genetic testing results.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask the breeder lots of questions. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any concerns you may have and provide detailed information about the breed, the parents, and the specific puppy you are considering.
Puppy Temperament: Ask about the temperament of the puppies and how they have been socialized. A well-socialized puppy will adapt more easily to its new home.
Return Policy: Check if the breeder has a return policy. A responsible breeder will offer to take the puppy back if you are unable to keep it for any reason.
Adopting an Aussiedoodle from a Rescue
If buying from a breeder isn’t for you, adopting an Aussiedoodle from a rescue organization can be a great option. Many Aussiedoodles end up in rescues because their previous owners were not prepared for the breed’s energy level or grooming needs.
Finding a Rescue
There are many breed-specific rescues and general dog adoption organizations that may have Aussiedoodles available.
Breed-Specific Rescues: Look for rescues that specialize in Poodles, Australian Shepherds, or Aussiedoodles. These organizations often have dogs that need new homes due to changes in their previous owners’ circumstances.
Local Shelters: You may also find Aussiedoodles in local animal shelters. While they are a designer breed, it’s not uncommon for them to be surrendered due to mismatches in energy levels or grooming requirements.
Questions to Ask the Rescue
When adopting from a rescue, make sure to ask about the dog’s history and any potential behavioral or health issues.
Why Is the Dog Available for Adoption?: This question can help you understand if there are any specific challenges you’ll face with the dog.
What’s the Dog’s Temperament?: Rescues often provide insight into the dog’s behavior and needs, as they have had time to observe the dog in their care.
Bringing Your Aussiedoodle Home
Once you’ve found the perfect Aussiedoodle, it’s time to prepare your home for their arrival. Creating a welcoming and safe environment is essential for helping your new puppy or dog adjust to its new surroundings.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Aussiedoodle puppies are curious and energetic, so it’s essential to puppy-proof your home before bringing them home.
Remove Hazards: Ensure that electrical cords, small objects, and harmful substances are out of reach.
Set Up a Safe Space: Create a comfortable space for your puppy to rest, such as a crate or designated area in your home. This helps them feel secure during the adjustment period.
Stock Up on Supplies
Before your Aussiedoodle arrives, make sure you have all the necessary supplies to care for them.
Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are recommended for durability and cleanliness.
High-Quality Puppy Food: Choose a food that’s specifically formulated for puppies to ensure they get the right nutrition.
Toys and Chews: Provide plenty of toys and chews to keep your Aussiedoodle mentally stimulated and to prevent boredom.
Training and Socialization
Training and socialization should start as soon as your Aussiedoodle comes home.
Obedience Training: Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Aussiedoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making training easier.
Socialization: Expose your Aussiedoodle to different people, places, and other animals to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
See also: Are Anatolian Shepherds Obedient?
Conclusion
Buying an Aussiedoodle requires careful planning and consideration, from finding a reputable breeder or rescue to preparing your home for the new arrival. Understanding the breed’s characteristics, exercise needs, and grooming requirements will ensure that you make an informed decision and give your new Aussiedoodle the best start in life. Whether you purchase from a breeder or adopt from a rescue, your Aussiedoodle will bring joy, loyalty, and companionship to your home for years to come.
