Mini Aussiedoodle: Guide to Owning a Mini Aussiepoo

Last Updated on April 20, 2023

The Mini Aussiedoodle is simply the smaller version of the Standard Aussiedoodle and it’s a crossbreed between the Mini Poodle and the Mini Australian Shepherd also known as Miniature Aussiedoodle or Mini Aussiepoo.

It’s characterized as small-to-medium in size, measuring 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) tall and weighing around 20 to 39 pounds (9 to 18 kg). The average lifespan of the Mini Aussiedoodle is around 12 to 15 years.

Miniature Aussiedoodles have similar looks and characteristics to regular Aussiedoodles. You can expect that they are intelligent, protective, and loyal making them great family pets. Mini Aussiedoodles are also gentle and friendly with kids. If you’re planning to own a Miniature Aussiedoodle puppy, you can get it between $1,500 to $3,000 from a reputable breeder.

We will cover all you need to know about the Mini Aussiedoodle breed. From its origin, temperament, diet, exercise, and grooming needs, to its common health issues. Read our complete guide and see if this energetic and playful doodle mix is right for you!

The Mini Aussiedoodle at a Glance

We’ve put together a table below to give you a quick overview of the Mini Aussiedoodle.

How did the Mini Aussiedoodle come to be?

We can thank the Labradoodle for the creation of this hybrid. They rocketed to popularity in the 1980s, where breeders began using Poodles in hopes of creating new hypoallergenic breeds.

From there, the Aussiedoodle was born, and the Mini followed. Though Aussiedoodles originated in Australia, Mini Aussiedoodles are flourishing in the States.

Doodles can be hypoallergenic, but there’s no guarantee that all of them have the same quality of coat. The Mini Aussiedoodle might be hypoallergenic if they take after the parent Poodle.

Since crosses inherit traits from both parents, let’s see what else they can inherit.

Poodles are famous for their allergen-free curly coats

As mentioned, Poodles are one of the smartest breeds around. It was developed as a retriever hunting dog but is now bred as a companion. 

They are considered hypoallergenic due to their curly fur, which is more like hair. It doesn’t shed much, and they only produce small amounts of dander, which is the cause of allergies.

You can find them in three sizes – the Toy Poodle, which is less than 10 inches (25 cm), and around 6 to 9 lbs (2.7 to 4.1 kg). The Medium is 11 to 15 inches (28 to 38 cm) and weighs between 15 to 17 lbs (6.8 to 7.7 kg).

Finally, the Standard is anything above 15 inches (38 cm), from 45 to 80 lbs (20 to 36 kg).

Their allergy-friendly coat and many sizes makes them a great choice for creating designer dogs. Now, cartoons might depict them to be feminine or sassy canines, but they are very athletic. They are strong swimmers, too.

Miniature Australian Shepherds added spirit to this Doodle mix

Another breed renowned for its intelligence, Mini Australian Shepherds, also known as Miniature American Shepherds, have strong herding instincts. This would most likely be passed on to their offspring.

Unlike the Poodle, Aussies are not hypoallergenic. In fact, they have a lot of hair and will require copious amounts of grooming.

The standard-sized Australian Shepherd weighs around 35 to 70 lbs (16 to 32 kg) and has a height of 18 to 23 inches (46 to 58 cm).

The Miniature Australian Shepherd stands at 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) and weighs anywhere from 20 to 39 lbs (9 to 18 kg).

Regardless of the size, they’re both energetic breeds that know no bounds because shepherds need to keep up with their flock. They are also very friendly since aggressiveness doesn’t make for a good sheepdog.

Today, they are used for therapy dogs, search and rescue, drug-detecting and guide dogs for the blind.

Does the Mini Aussiedoodle take after the Poodle or the Australian Shepherd?

Like any other crossbreed, there’s a 50/50 chance of inheriting traits from either parent. It’s not likely every pup will inherit the same genes.

So, you’ll never know what you’re going to get. You might even find different variations from the same litter.

Mini Aussiedoodles can come with brown or blue eyes, but there’s a higher possibility of having blue eyes in a merle.

Despite the term “miniature”, they often have muscular builds and cute droopy ears.

They can have the Poodle’s soft curly hair or the waterproof coat of Australian Shepherds. Although, it’s usually medium length and has an average density.

More often than not, there’ll be a bit of a curl to their coat, but it can also be straight.

There’s a wide range of color options and combinations. As merle is a dominant gene, you’ll find it’s quite common. Other possibilities are a mix of black, white, silver, blue, red, brown, or gray.

Look at how adorable Nemo the Mini Aussiepoo is!

How big do Mini Aussiedoodles get?

Like the Poodle, Aussiedoodles come in three sizes. Miniature Aussiedoodles are around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) and can weigh 20 to 39 lbs (9 to 18 kg).

In comparison, the Standard Aussiedoodle is about 19 to 25 inches (48 to 64 cm) tall and weighs 40 to  75 lbs (18 to 34 kg).

The Toy version usually stops growing at 8 months old. Both the Standard and Mini reach their adult size at 1 year old.

Mini Aussiedoodles are quite small and can fit comfortably in any living situation. You can keep them in an apartment, a condo, a house with or without a yard. If you do have a yard, it’s best to keep it enclosed for your Mini Aussie Poodle’s protection.

Do Mini Aussiedoodles shed? 

The Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat and mini Aussiepoos can be hypoallergenic too. Bear in mind that there are never any guarantees when it comes to crossbreeds.

What breeders do to enhance a quality of one parent is through generations. A Miniature Aussiedoodle is a mix of a Poodle and Mini Australian Shepherd, which is called first generation (F1).

The next generation, F1B, is when you cross a Mini Aussiedoodle with another Poodle. Then it’s F2 or second generation, where two Miniature Aussiepoos are mixed together, and so forth.

Are Mini Aussiedoodles good family dogs?

Fun and exuberant, Mini Aussiepoos are excellent family pets and companions because they’ll go wherever you go. They will even follow you swimming since they love water. They might also splash around in their water bowls or puddles.

These dogs are finely attuned to their owner’s needs. This is why they make such great therapy dogs. They can anticipate your wants and do their best to please.

This also means that they can develop separation anxiety and don’t do well alone. 

They thrive in large families because they can get attention from everyone. Their need for companionship might prove too much for one person to handle.

If left alone, they might turn destructive and will be unhappy. To prevent this, ensure proper socialization and training.

These social dogs love being around people. Don’t be surprised when you find them in your bed. You can expect to find them underfoot and clinging to little children (in part due to their herding instincts).

Don’t worry, their gentle nature and small-to-medium size make them safe to be around kids.

Do Mini Aussiedoodles bark a lot? 

If they don’t get enough stimulation, they might bark for attention. A useful command is “speak” and “be quiet” regardless of what breed you have. This can give you a bit of control over their behavior.

Just to give you an idea, here’s a video of a Miniature Australian Shepherd Poodle mix named Frodo, who’s growling and barking at ice cubes!

It may be cute while they’re still a pup, but it can get annoying when they do it excessively. Luckily, Mini Aussiepoos are very receptive to training, but you want to start young.

If you have little children, you might want to ward off their herding behavior. They might bump into them to guide them, which is fine. But if the child doesn’t follow their instructions, they might resort to nipping.

You can correct this by teaching them a command to stop.

They love being a part of the household, so incorporate them into your family and give them a job. They can fetch the paper or carry your groceries. These dogs want nothing more than to stay busy and included.

Give their bones time to mature before starting agility classes. Since this breed is prone to joint problems, rigorous training should start after a year old.

Get ready to romp for what feels like forever because their energy is undepletable 

You will need to commit 40 to 60 minutes of exercise daily to keep your pooch happy. Long walks, fetch, agility training are all activities you can do to burn off their energy.

These goofy and playful dogs will enjoy chase and tug-of-war. Swimming is also a favorite pastime of the breed.

If you want to allow them freedom off leash, make sure his recall is remarkable. They have a tendency to wander off and get lost due to their curiosity. 

They might need a supplement on top of their normal diet

You might want to supplement them with glucosamine and chondroitin – especially if they are overweight – to prevent joint problems.

These dogs are prone to overfeeding, so you need to watch what you’re feeding them. One way to combat this is to feed them at fixed times. Whether they finish their meals or not, remove their bowls when feeding time is over.

Feed them a high-protein kibble that’s appropriate for their size and energy levels. Adult Mini Aussiedoodles need about 2 cups of food per day.

Also, they tend to stick their muzzles into their drinking bowl, and this can make a mess. You might want to invest in a water dispenser to avoid this.

Grooming: Is the Mini Aussiepoo low-maintenance?

The Mini Aussiepoo doesn’t shed very much, so a quick brush once a week ought to do the trick. If he takes after the Australian Shepherd, you might need to brush him 2-3 times weekly.

Their fur can grow quite long and become unruly. When this happens, send them for a haircut. To maintain the length and keep them tidy, you can groom them every 8-12 weeks. 

Their nails are usually naturally filed down due to their high activity level. You might still need to break the clippers out every once in a while. Check his nails once or twice every month.

The one thing you need to watch out for are ear infections. Keep it clean and dry, and you shouldn’t have a problem.

They are quite adaptable and can live in both hot and cold climates.

How healthy is the Mini Aussiedoodle?

Crossbreeds are thought to be healthier because their gene-pool is less diluted. They will have a lower chance of contracting genetic diseases. But, they are exposed to the health issues of both parents.

Be on the lookout for Hip Dysplasia – this can be prevented by proper feeding so your dog doesn’t grow too fast. Obesity and joint issues can also contribute to this. 

Eye disorders such as Cataracts, Retinal dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy can be a problem. Thyroid based disorders such as Hypothyroidism, Autoimmune thyroiditis also happen sometimes. 

Other less common diseases are Epilepsy, Mitral Valve Dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Addinson’s, Legg-Calve Perthes, or Canine Cushing’s disease. Drug sensitivity and Von Willebrand’s – a genetic disorder where their blood doesn’t clot well – is also a possibility.

There will be more problems in your Mini Australian Shepherd Poodle mix if he’s a double Merle. Double Merles have Merle parents and will have higher risk of genetic defects, such as being blind or deaf.

If all goes well, this crossbreed has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

How much does a Mini Aussiedoodle cost?

These pups’ price range is around $1,500 to $3,000! It depends highly on its coloring and breeder, as rare or popular colors often fetch higher prices.

Their litter sizes can vary and the highest ever recorded was 11 puppies. But, on average, you’re looking at around 6 to 7 furballs.

Should I get a male or female Mini Aussiepoo?

A popular question is whether males or females are better. It depends on the individual, but males tend to guard their food or toys and have more energy.

Females might be clingier and demand more attention. They are also usually smaller by 5 to 10 lbs (2.3 to 4.5 kg).

Behavioral traits such as moodiness during heat, territory marking, or aggression, can be counteracted with neutering before sexual maturity.

It boils down to personality. There can be males who are clingy and females who are more protective of their resources.

Mini Aussiedoodle breeders

Some breeders are out to make money, but some want to better the breed. With this in mind, shy away from deals that seem too good to be true because they usually are.

When you find a cheap pup, they might be mistreated or have poorly parents. And always inspect a puppy in person. Don’t purchase over the internet. You want to pick one that’s friendly and curious.

If you’re planning to get a puppy, you can check with the following breeders:

• Crockett Doodles (Greenville, SC)
• Native Doodles (Oklahoma City, OK)
• Ten Oaks Doodles (Lamoni, IA)

If you don’t mind an older dog, it’s always better to rescue a Mini Aussiedoodle

The Mini Aussiepoo is a fairly new breed and you won’t find many specialized rescues. You might be able to find one at your local shelter or at parent breed shelters.

Rescues usually come with a bit of training but you should try to find out as much as you can about their background. Ask about their health and history to better understand the pup to see if he fits your family.

There are a few rescues you might want to try calling for a Mini Aussiedoodle, such as:

• Lone Star Aussie Rescue (Cedar Hill, TX)
• Aussie Rescue & Placement (St. George, UT)
• Doodle Dandy Rescue (DFW, TX)
• Doodle Rock Rescue (Dallas, TX)

Who should get a Mini Aussiedoodle?

Children will be able to match the Mini Aussiedoodle’s energy levels. So, families with young kids are perfect! Plus, since they shed less and produce less dander, they shouldn’t trigger allergies.

If you’re unable to accommodate their high energy levels, you might want to look for a different breed. They also aren’t for those who don’t like surprises since you never know which parent your puppy will take after.

The Mini Aussiedoodle is absolutely adorable and we can’t deny it! Do you think so, too? If you have a Miniature Aussie Poo of your own, share with us your experience in owning this doggo by commenting below.

Reference

• https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_destructive_behavior#:~:text=When%20a%20dog%20chews%20on,diagnosed%20with%20secondary%20destructive%20behavior.