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For many people, looking for a new best friend means opening their doors to new canine buddies. Small dogs are always wise choices since they are affectionate, playful, and at the same time, low maintenance.
Miniature Aussiedoodles are great examples of these fun-loving doggos. They are friendly, pocket-sized pooches that will perfectly fit your big heart. Here are the things you need to know about them before adopting or purchasing one.
What Is a Miniature Aussiedoodle?
A Miniature Aussiedoodle, or mini Aussiepoo, is a mix of a purebred mini Poodle and mini Australian Shepherd. This breed combines the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat with the Aussie’s loyal nature. They are simply a ball of sunshine that is always ready to shower you with unconditional love.
Mini Aussiedoodles have almond-shaped eyes that are usually brown. In some cases, these eyes turn out blue, a color seen in purebred Australian Shepherds from time to time.
Their tails are thick, but some are born with bobtails, which are their most distinguishing features. They also have big ears that hang on the side of their heads.
Miniature Aussiedoodles usually have silky, soft coats. Some have straight and wavy hair, while others have super tight curls. They come in a wide range of colors, even for puppies from the same litter.
The following are their most common colors:
Tri-Color Miniature Aussiedoodle
Photo from @cici_the_miniaussiedoodle (IG)
Black Miniature Aussiedoodle
Photo from @madfororeo (IG)
Blue Merle Miniature Aussiedoodle
Photo from @dusty_aussiedoodle (IG)
Red Merle Miniature Aussiedoodle
Photo from @sonnytheaussiedood (IG)
Black and White Miniature Aussiedoodle
Photo from @tusker_doo (IG)
White Miniature Aussiedoodle
Photo from @phoenix.the.dood (IG)
How Big Do Miniature Aussiedoodles Get When Fully Grown?
Mini Aussiedoodles are small to medium-sized dogs, around 12 to 18 inches tall and 15 to 35 pounds. That is a lot smaller compared to the size of their standard purebred parents.
A mini Poodle stands 11 to 15 inches and weighs about 15 to 17 pounds. Meanwhile, a mini Australian Shepherd can grow as high as 18 inches and as heavy as 40 pounds as adults.
The most adorable mini Aussiedoodle bath time moment yet! Cuteness overload in a bathtub. Watch these charismatic 6-week old mini Aussiedoodle puppies enjoy their very first bath.
Sugar's Mini AussieDoodle Puppies at 6 weeks old<a href="https://youtu.be/RvMwlxnoi7c" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FRvMwlxnoi7c%2F0.jpg" alt="Sugar&#039;s Mini AussieDoodle Puppies at 6 weeks old" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
The Process of Breeding Miniature Aussiedoodles
Crossbreeds like miniature Aussiedoodles are the trendiest, fastest-selling dogs around.
The demand for these cute, energetic pets has increased over the past two decades because more and more people are looking for new furry friends with unique, more appealing characteristics.
They already love the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Toy Poodle, but they want other novel breeds.
Thanks to the hard work of reputable breeders, we are now presented with another loving cross that we can cuddle all day.
To produce this cute puppy, breeders pair mini Poodles and mini Australian Shepherds together which isn’t exactly recommended.
The result? Low to no-shedding puppies with the pretty Australian Shepherd appearance and the shiny texture of a Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat.
The thing is, the “small dog trend” comes with a deadly price. The main problem here is that many inexperienced breeders just take small Aussies and Poodles from every litter and then breed them without taking health and temperament into account.
Their primary focus is the size and nothing else. Dogs are subject to several temperament issues and hereditary health defects, so these are crucial factors to remember when selecting breeders.
Each breed is indeed vulnerable to certain kinds of illnesses. However, there are even worse issues that arise when making already small canines even smaller. For example, since there is more demand for miniature dogs, many breeders are now resorting to unethical methods.
Irresponsible breeders sell pups at a very young age and purposely refuse to give them appropriate nourishment to stunt their growth. Moreover, smaller dogs suffer worse periodontal diseases than much bigger canines.
They have more crowded teeth, more delicate jaws, and smaller mouths. Miniature dogs are more susceptible to pathologic bone loss and teeth loss.
Be careful. Choose a dependable breeder that runs precise temperament and health tests. You wouldn’t want to end up with a mini Aussiedoodle with a questionable temper and fatal illness.
Are Miniature Aussiedoodles Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
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The American Kennel Club and other major kennel clubs don’t recognize the mini Aussiedoodle because it is a mixed breed.
However, its parent breeds, the mini Australian Shepherds and mini Poodles, are eligible to join in dog shows and other conformation events because they are recognized. These dogs usually stand out in dog shows because of their beauty and intelligence.
Are Miniature Aussiedoodles Rare?
The mini Aussiedoodle is an emerging, trendy dog breed. Since the demand for cute designer dogs is growing, more and more people are breeding this type of dog. They are fairly new in the canine market, but you can surely adopt or buy one.
Some coat colors are pretty rare, though. You might have a hard time looking for mini Aussiedoodles that are apricot and phantom red. Furthermore, it’s rare to find an Aussiedoodle with two different eye colors.
Miniature Aussiedoodle Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Pets?
Miniature Aussiedoodles make great family pets. Their curious nature is perfect for energetic children looking for playmates. Grownups enjoy bonding with them, too.
They will gladly keep you company while you’re busy gardening, jogging, or watching television. It’s so hard not to fall in love with them.
These canines are highly trainable and can even serve as reliable therapy dogs. They genuinely enjoy the mental stimulation that comes with training sessions and can quickly bond with humans.
Just like mini Poodles and mini Australian Shepherds, they love meeting new people. Though, due to their friendly personality, they make poor guard dogs. Don’t expect these cute pups to protect your belongings because they won’t attack burglars and strangers.
Instead, they will play with them like they’ve known them all their lives. If you want to get a canine companion for protection, a mini Aussiedoodle is not for you.
In addition, mini Aussiedoodles get along well with other animals like dogs and cats. Focus on early socialization and proper introduction to ensure that the new dog and your other pets will have a harmonious, loving relationship.
Miniature Aussiedoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of mini Aussiedoodles is between 12 to 15 years. With proper care, your canine companion can even exceed this.
Mixed breed dogs like mini Aussiedoodles are considered healthier because of their “watered-down” gene pools. They can evade some health problems that affect their purebred Poodle and Australian Shepherd parents.
Below are some of the health issues that can be inherited by your mini Aussiedoodle. Apart from visiting your veterinarian regularly, you need to understand the specific illnesses they might get from their parents.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a lifelong, genetic canine disease. The thyroid glands of affected dogs cannot repair and regenerate themselves properly.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: Von Willebrand’s Disease is an inherited blood-clotting defect affecting both dogs and humans. Affected mini Aussiedoodles don’t have the usual level of von Willebrand factor (vWf), a protein needed for blood clotting.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a hereditary skeletal condition that involves many hip joint abnormalities.
Cataracts: This disease causes the lens of the eye to lose its transparency, eventually impairing vision and causing blindness. The most common cause of cataracts in dogs is genetics.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurologic illness in canines. There are many types of epilepsy in dogs, and some are considered to have a genetic basis.
How to Care for Your Mini Aussiedoodle’s Basic Needs?
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Miniature Aussiedoodles need healthy food, regular exercise, timely vet visits, and our never-ending attention. These dogs are easy to care for, but we still need to establish a steady care routine to keep them healthy and happy for many years to come.
Food and Diet
When it comes to proper nutrition for mini Aussiedoodles, several options work well. First, you can get high-quality dry dog food that perfectly matches her activity level, weight, size, and age.
Kibble provides a lot of crucial nutrients and vitamins that can help your dog thrive. Homemade meals are also popular choices.
You can save a lot of money just by heading to the kitchen and cooking delicious food for your puppy. The big question is, will it meet their dietary requirements?
Ask for your veterinarian’s recommendations. Inquire what supplements your dog needs, and learn how to make balanced dog food. There are several dog food recipes you can try, from stew and soups to sweet treats!
You may also want to explore raw feeding. A raw diet is normally composed of muscle meat, organ meat, raw eggs, ground bone, one dairy product, and fresh vegetables and fruits.
This is quite a controversial choice, but many dog owners associate increased energy and improved dental health with raw feeding.
Whatever your choice is, give your mini Aussiedoodle highly digestible meals to promote a healthy coat and skin and lessen the chances of allergic reactions. Also, take note that a miniature Aussiedoodle’s diet needs to change from puppyhood to adulthood.
As she progresses towards her senior years, a more meticulous eating routine is required. In most cases, vets recommend giving supplements that support weight management and joint health.
Training and Exercise
Mini Aussiedoodles, just like purebred Australian Shepherds and Poodles, are intelligent and energetic dogs. Thus, they need to be provided with an outlet to let go of excess energy.
An hourly stroll around the neighborhood each day is a brilliant idea since these pooches love spending time with their humans wherever they go.
An exciting frisbee game in the yard can also offer the exercise needed to keep your pup from being bored and destructive.
Apart from physical activities, mini Aussiedoodles require some challenging, mentally stimulating exercises. Consider enrolling them in a training program under a reputable dog trainer.
If you want, you can train them yourself. Aussiedoodles are amazingly brilliant creatures. You wouldn’t have a difficult time teaching them simple tricks and commands.
The number one thing you need to remember here is to use reward-based methods, not harsh training techniques. Dogs are family. We need to help them learn with consistent leadership and a firm yet loving hand.
A regular training and exercise routine will soon turn your rowdy mini Aussiedoodle into a well-behaved doggo.
Cleaning and Grooming
Mini Aussiedoodles are generally low maintenance canines, but there are things we need to do to make sure that they remain cute and healthy. Here is a simple checklist for you.
Brush the dog’s teeth two to three times a week. Smaller canines with smaller mouths are more prone to dental and gum diseases. Regular veterinary dental exams are also necessary.
Brush their hair regularly. Two to three times a week is fine to keep the hair in top shape. But, the grooming schedule should depend on how curly the hair is and how long it is. Those with curlier hair require more grooming time. Use a slicker brush or comb to penetrate the coat from the top to the hidden layers. Don’t forget to trim the hair around their eyes. If you can’t do it yourself properly, book a professional grooming service.
Bathe her as you see fit. Mini Aussiedoodles don’t need frequent baths. Once or twice a month is okay, as long as she remains clean even after outdoor playtime. When you bathe her, use a mild doggie soap, conditioner, and shampoo for sensitive skin. These products can help avoid skin irritation.
Inspect her floppy ears every day for dirt and grime. Consider this a crucial part of her regular grooming routine to prevent painful ear infections.
Check her toenails from time to time. Aussiedoodles are active dogs, so their lifestyle naturally keeps their toenails filed down. Just in case, check her toenails’ condition regularly and trim it as needed.
How Much Does a Miniature Aussiedoodle Cost? Puppy Prices and Other Expenses
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Not all mini Aussiedoodles are created equal. When choosing a new dog, make sure that it comes from a trustworthy breeder that sells the good healthy stock.
So, how much does a miniature Aussiedoodle pup cost? Expect to pay around $600 to $1,800. That’s certainly not cheap.
At some point, you’ll be tempted to find someone that sells doggies at a much lower price, but it’s best not to buy from people offering low prices. Most of the time, low prices indicate poorly-bred, abused dogs.
To ensure that you are getting healthy, happy puppies and that the dogs are treated well, visit the breeding facility for an inspection.
Before your new mini Aussiedoodle arrives home, gather all the necessary doggie supplies. Expect to spend approximately $282 for her initial basic needs.
More money will also be needed for vaccinations, blood tests, deworming, and microchipping. Your first visit will most likely cost you $100 to $500. That can go up if your puppy needs special treatments and preventive medications.
Your new miniature Aussiedoodle puppy needs frequent veterinary visits until 16 weeks of age. Each of these visits may cost $100 to $300. The overall expenses will depend on your dog’s health condition.
If you want, you can get pet insurance for your beloved mini Aussiedoodle. The monthly cost ranges from $15 to $75 per month. While this can reduce your veterinary consultation expenses, pet owners usually use this to pay for super expensive medical emergencies.
Too expensive? Don’t worry. There is a way to lessen the expenses and still get the dog that you want.
Consider adopting a mini Aussiedoodle from a rescue center or animal shelter. The most amazing thing here is the fulfillment that comes from giving a homeless dog a loving home.
Places to Find Mini Aussiedoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Are you looking for a miniature Aussiedoodle for sale or adoption? If you are an experienced dog owner who has the means to care for a rescued dog, adoption is the best decision here.
But, since this is a mixed breed, it’s not easy to find breed-specific animal shelters and rescue centers. If you’re lucky, you can find a miniature Aussiedoodle in need of a loving home in your local shelter.
If you’re determined to buy a puppy, check if you can find a reputable breeder near your home. Be wary of pet stores and breeding facilities offering “too good to be true” deals. A low price doesn’t always equate to a healthy puppy.
There are plenty of irresponsible breeders out there that breed runts of the litter, resulting in dogs with lots of health problems. For unsuspecting pet owners, that spells thousands of dollars worth of veterinary expenses in the long run.
Browse these websites if you want to buy a mini Aussiedoodle puppy:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a reliable platform connecting families to breeders of healthy, cute puppies across the U.S.
AwesomeDoodle – AwesomeDoodle is composed of different families across the United States that focus on raising Sheepadoodle, Bernedoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
King Family Ranch – King Family Ranch is managed by a family committed to helping people find the perfect pets. Their facility is not only home to mini Aussiedoodles but also for Arabian Horses and Miniature American Shepherds.
The following platforms can help you give a mini Aussiedoodle a forever home:
Petfinder – Petfinder is one of the top adoption platforms in the United States. Their website also offers new useful information for new adopters.
Doodle Rock Rescue – This is a non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas. They operate completely on donations. Feel free to check their platform from time to time, as mini Aussiedoodles are not always available for adoption.
Commonly Asked Questions
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Can Mini Aussiedoodles Be Left Alone?
Mini Aussiedoodles need to be around people. They don’t do well on their own. You cannot leave them alone, even just for a short grocery trip or quick dinner date with friends.
These animals are prone to separation anxiety. If you can’t bring your mini Aussiedoodle with you at all times, see to it that there’s a stay-at-home family member or roomie who can watch over her.
Do Mini Aussiedoodles Bark a Lot?
Miniature Aussiedoodles don’t bark often. However, just like other dogs, they may bark when they want to catch your attention or when they are lonely or excited.
They also tend to bark during playtime. If your mini Aussiedoodle has an excessive barking problem, thorough training can help manage it.
Do Miniature Aussiedoodles Shed?
Yes. Just like other dogs, mini Aussiedoodles shed. Though, thanks to Poodle DNA, they don’t shed very much. You are sure to get tons of hair during brushing sessions, but you wouldn’t see an excessive amount of hair in every corner of your home.
What Are the Other Aussiedoodle Sizes?
Aussiedoodles come in three sizes. The standard Aussiedoodle is the biggest one, weighing about 40 to 70 pounds and 19 to 24 inches tall. Next is the slightly smaller miniature Aussiedoodle that is 15 to 35 pounds in weight and 12 to 18 inches in height.
For those looking for the smallest Aussiedoodle, the toy breed might be the best option. It is only 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 6 to 12 pounds.
Final Thoughts: Is the Miniature Aussiedoodle the Right Pet for You?
If you are looking for an energetic dog with a sweet disposition, go for a miniature Aussiedoodle. Yes, caring for them can be demanding and meticulous!
Aside from day-to-day meals and vet needs, socialization, outdoor activities, and mental and physical training are also part of their overall care sheet.
However, in return, you can gain an awesome friend who’s willing to be with you at all times. There is no doubt that this doggo is a loving addition to your home.
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