Did you get an Aussiedoodle at your friend’s suggestion? Then, we must commend that their choice is witty. You have got yourself a furry family member, who is a mix of the Standard Poodle and Australian Shepherd. According to YouGov, Aussiedoodle is the 41st most popular dog breed. Then, Time For Paws says that since both the parent dogs are extremely intelligent, it should not be surprising that an Aussiedoodle is also known as the Einstein dog.
Besides their intelligence, these dogs are charming and loving, so you can always count on them. But like any dog breed, even an Aussiedoodle needs to be taken care of. When we say take care, that includes understanding their distinct health concerns and providing them with the best.
If you are new to this, don't worry—this blog is here to guide you regarding the health and care of the Aussiedoodle dog breed.
Understand Aussiedoodle Health
As mentioned above these are a cross of highly intelligent breeds, therefore they have inherited the best and the worst from their parents. That is:
From The Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is famous for being energetic and intelligent. However, the breed comes forward with eye problems, a few types of cancer, and hip dysplasia too.
From The Standard Poodle
The second parent, the Standard Poodle is overall healthy. But, they easily bloat, get Addison’s disease, and have lots of skin-related issues.
Hybrid Vigor
Hybrid vigor or heterosis can sometimes result in healthier offspring. However, it is important to remember that a particular breed can still inherit genetic drawbacks from either parent breed.
An Aussiedoodle Dog And Their Common Health Concerns
Some of the most common health concerns in the case of an Aussiedoodle are as follows:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are conditions, which affect the joints of the dog’s elbow and hip. Resulting in pain and movement issues. Doing regular exercise and giving them a balanced diet helps in preventing this disease in the first place.
Problems In The Eye
Aussiedoodle dogs have problems in the eyes due to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. This leads to loss of vision. You are advised to consult vets to take their regular eye exams, especially when your dog begins to grow old.
Bloat
Aussiedoodle dog’s stomachs easily get bloated. You should not take their bloating lightly as it is a life-threatening condition where your puppy's stomach fills up with gas and twists. The symptoms of bloating include extra drooling, attempting to throw up, panting, collapsing, and restlessness. Therefore, you must feed them smaller and regular meals. Plus, don’t engage them in heavy-duty activities right after eating to reduce the chances of bloating.
Skin Allergies
Your particular breed is vulnerable to environmental allergens, such as dust, mites, and pollen. Hence, when you take your dog in this atmosphere, kindly address the causes, as then you will be able to manage skin issues.
Ear Infections
Aussiedoodles have floppy ears, which trap dirt and moisture inside, leading to bacterial or yeast infections. Hence, you must clean their ears daily.
Thyroid Disease
Another common disease amongst the Aussiedoodle dogs is thyroids. You can identify the illness in your dog when it starts to gain weight, even when you are not feeding it that much. Skin issues and heat-seeking behaviour. Once you do, then immediately take your dog to the vet. The good part is that the treatment is not expensive and can be cured with available medication.
Dental Issues
These dogs also have dental issues, and not taking the right care can result in tooth loss and gum disease. Hence, you need to brush them regularly at home and take them to the dentist for other cleanings.
How To Prevent Health Problems In An Aussiedoodle Dog?
Do you want to see your Aussiedoodle dog healthy? Then, you need to make the most out of the following tips:
Choose A Good Breeder
Try your best to choose a good breeder. Such breeders place immense importance on the dog’s well-being and health. Therefore, they should perform weekly health screenings on parent dogs to check for signs of hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic diseases, and eye problems.
Offer Quality Nutrition
Go to your nearest grocery store and grab cans or bags of quality nutrition. Don’t fall for the name on the packet, and pick the meals with Vitamin A and D3, fats and proteins. Vitamin A protects your dog’s vision and improves their immune system. Vitamin D3 assists in maintaining strong bones. While proteins offer energy to your Aussiedoodle, which they need for running around. At the same time, fats maintain the health of their wavy coats. Filling their dog bowl with these Vitamin-rich meals, appropriate according to their age, enhances your dog’s health and is ideal for joint health as well.
Daily Exercise
Daily exercise is necessary for mental and physical wellness. Your Aussiedoodle dog breed is full of energy. To use that, it wants plenty of chances to play, run, and be a part of games that challenge it mentally.
Routine Vet Follow Ups
Like humans, animals need routine follow-ups from medical examiners. These help the vet inform you whether there is anything to worry about and how to proceed with treatment. Hence, keep in touch with your doctor to avoid any bad news.
Go For Genetic Testing
Go for genetic testing. This will inform you about conditions such as hip dysplasia and PRA. And be aware of whether your dog is at risk or not. Apart from that you will be able to make informed breeding decisions as well.
Ways To Groom An Aussiedoodle
An Aussiedoodle’s coat needs your time and attention, especially if you want it to steal the show outdoors. Therefore, here are a few ways to groom your dog’s coat and other facial features as well:
Coat
Aussiedoodle dog breeds emerge with different types of coats. It ranges from low-shedding to high-shedding ones. This affects the grooming requirements:
Fleece
Fleece is a low shedding, soft, and curly coat. This kind of coat requires you to brush the dog’s hair regularly as that does not allow matting. However, if you are not able to take out time, then you must take them to a professional dog groomer.
Wavy
Then comes the wavy coat. You need to brush the medium-shedding coat more often. How? Try using a slicker brush, as that can help lessen mats and tangles in dogs, especially if yours has longer hair. You can also take it for professional grooming.
Straight
The Aussiedoodle with a straight coat sheds a lot. Hence, you need to take that dog brush and clean their hair. Plus, you are required to make frequent professional grooming appointments.
Skin Care
As an Aussiedoodle parent, it is recommended to watch out for sebaceous adenitis. This is identified as one of the most common genetic conditions. Therefore, as soon as you spot excessive flaking, skin getting thicker, or scaling, kindly approach a vet. Furthermore, assign a day for their bathing to keep their skin clean and smelling new.
Eye Care
Your dog’s eyes can attract dirt. Hence, it is advised to take a soft cloth and clean their eyes with the surrounding hair. See their fur and trim it if the hair is blocking their sight. But if you notice any weird changes around their eyes, then contact your vet. Otherwise, their eyes don’t need extra attention.
Ear Care
Poodles love swimming, so your Aussiedoodle must have inherited the habit as well. What do you need to do? As a pet parent, whenever you take your dog for a swim, make sure you have the specific dog ear cleaning supplies as well. After your dog has had its swim, clean its ears. In this way, moisture will not be captured, and your dog will clearly hear your orders.
What Grooming Tools You Need To Get?
To clean your Aussiedoodle dog, you need to get the following grooming tools:
High-Quality Brush
Go to your nearest dog grooming store and lay your hands on a premium-quality slicker brush or comb. It is important to remove tangles and mats.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Head to the dog shampoo and conditioner section. Choose products that are gentle on the skin.
Ear Cleaner
Buy ear cleaning supplies. This will assist you in cleaning their ears and discouraging infections as well.
Nail Clippers
Your Aussiedoodle’s nails can hurt you, especially when you are playing with them. Therefore, it is better that you trim them for fewer chances of injury.
What Activities Amuse An Aussiedoodle Dog Breed?
You can amuse your Aussiedoodle’s interest through the following activities:
Agility Courses
Prepare courses of agility for them.
Lure Chasing
Ask them to chase the lure.
Hunting and Retrieving
Since they are intelligent dogs, they use their wits when hunting. They will have fun hunting and retrieving the objects you hid for them.
Therapy Work
Give them some therapy work. They are famous for being very friendly and loving, therefore, they can help humans struggling for help. In this way, they might cheer up many people.
Dock Jumping
Aussiedoodles are packed with energy. Therefore, you can plan the activity of dock jumping. And they will love doing that for hours.
Swimming
This dog breed is fond of swimming. Hence, you can enroll them in your nearby dog pool and send them there. They will love the vibes.
Tips To Train Your Aussiedoodle Dogs
You can train your dogs to socialize with new people and feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings as well. How? In the following ways:
Socialize Them Early
Begin socializing your Aussiedoodle promptly. Early and consistent exposure is key. Your dog is easy to please, so introduce them to new people, places, and experiences. This will help them learn to behave well, even in your absence, ensuring they feel comfortable.
Come Up With Reinforcement Training
Come up with positive reinforcement training methods. This can involve clicker training as that is very effective in training this cross-breed.
Mental Challenges
Aussiedoodles can amaze you with their intelligence. Therefore, you have a good option to provide them with mental challenges. This can be in the shape of toys, puzzles, interactive activities, and behavioural training.
Regular Exercise
Your dog breed wants to use its energy, so take it for walks, playtime, and runs. This exercise is necessary for its physical and mental well-being.
Keep Them On A Leash
You must remember that if you don’t offer enough stimulation to your Aussiedoodle buddy, then yes, they can be dangerous. Your dog will start digging or chewing to entertain themselves.
Furthermore, due to their hunting and herding instincts, they might run after other dogs and neighbourhood cars. Therefore, keep them on a leash or behind fences for everyone’s safety. Otherwise, you may be asked to let your dog go.
Suggestions For Their Diet
As discussed above, their stomachs easily get bloated. Therefore, you need to give them a diet which does not make them ill or obese. Here are a few suggestions to help you:
Premium-Quality Dog Food
Choose premium-quality dog food made with essential Vitamins, proteins, and fats. Read the age on the packet and buy accordingly.
Formula For Large-Breed
If your dog is listed in the large breeds, then kindly get the particular formula. This supports their joints and keeps them healthy.
No Overfeeding
No matter how much you love your dog, please don’t overfeed it with treats. Overfeeding your dog will cause it to become obese, which is not a healthy sign. It will also affect its joints and raise other health issues. Therefore, be careful at your end.
Give Treats In Small Amounts
Give treats to your Aussiedoodle in small amounts. Continue doing this at all times. In this manner, your pup will not gain extra weight and feel full as well.
Sharing Life With An Aussiedoodle
They say bringing in a pet changes your life. In the case of an Aussiedoodle, your living will look like the following:
Living Space
These dogs never get tired and want lots of space to use their energy. Therefore, they can blend in well in your apartment or bungalow—but only if they have enough room to play around.
With Family
Your Aussiedoodle will not bother your family, as their nature is pretty loving. However, you will still need to train them to be social, so they become familiar with new faces and places. If you already live in a house full of kids, then you can expect them to be happy and play with children.
Make Time For Grooming
Aussiedoodle’s coat needs time for grooming. Therefore, you must make time for that and get the particular brushes to clean their coat. This will prevent their hair from getting entangled.
Train Them
These dogs are super intelligent and known as Einsteins as well. Hence, you can use their wit to train them. This will help them to be mentally and physically fit as well.
How To Find A Reliable Breeder?
If other people from your social circle are also showing interest in buying an Aussiedoodle but don’t know how to find a reliable breeder. Then, you can help by giving the following suggestions:
Search The Internet
Ask them to research breeders in their area on the Internet. After shortlisting a few, they should ask about their breeding style, number of health screenings, and behaviour.
Physically Visit The Breeder
Yes, the internet can fool them. Therefore, they can request the breeder if they can physically visit the breeder. When they get permission, they can see the living conditions of the dog breeds and meet the breeders as well. And, then, they can decide faster.
Ask Necessary Questions
It’s their right to know about the dog. Hence, suggest they prepare a few questions related to the dog’s health and temperament. This will give them an idea of how careful they have to remain and avoid doing particular things. Otherwise, they might regret their selection.
Meet The Parents
Meeting the parents is essential as that will give you proper details about the size of the dog and its nature. This will help them make a better decision to either continue with the purchase or step back from it.
Conclusion
Unlike other dogs, an Aussiedoodle requires more mental and physical care. We have provided you with enough suggestions to keep your pal entertained. Otherwise, it will cause destruction, and you will be left with no choice but to part ways with it. Therefore, plan multiple mental and physical games for it in the form of swimming, socializing, and hunting toys. And see how your doodle proves to be the best dog in the entire neighbourhood.
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