Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd Mix
The Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is just the latest evolution in modern hybrid dog breeding.
As one step beyond the already hybrid Aussiedoodle, a puppy with one Australian Shepherd dog parent and one Poodle parent, the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle puppy will have one Australian Shepherd dog parent and one Goldendoodle parent.
And while this might sound incredibly exotic, many concerned dog breeders and owners believe this type of breeding is the future and even salvation of modern pet dogs.
Many dog breeds have become health-compromised due to intense breeding to an appearance-based breed standard. The more genetic diversity that is added back, the stronger and healthier such breeds may become in the future.
So this is a primary reason you might want to consider owning an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix dog. But it is far from the only reason. These dogs are also delightful canine companions!
In this article, we take you on a tour of this new emerging dog breed, the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle dog.
What Is an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is the offspring of an Australian Shepherd and a Goldendoodle. This hybrid is also known as Goldendoodle Aussie mix or Aussie Goldendoodle. One telltale feature of this dog is its low-shedding, wavy or straight coat that comes in plenty of color variants.
The Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is suitable for active owners. It is an intelligent and obedient dog that loves to please its owners. However, some are strong-willed and need confident owners to consistently train them.
Furthermore, this hybrid dog also requires a lot of exercise. So if you are planning to take home one, you better be ready for daily playtime and walks in the park.
The appearances of Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes vary depending on which parent traits they inherit more. Nonetheless, they do enjoy all of the unique coat colorations of the Goldendoodle and Australian Shepherd breed.
Since the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is not a purebred dog, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Appearance
The appearances of Goldendoodle Aussie mixes vary depending on which parent breed they inherit more phenotypic traits.
While some have a balanced mix of the Australian Shepherd breed and the Goldendoodle, others lean more towards one of the two parent breeds.
If an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix takes after its Australian Shepherd parent, it may exhibit a medium-length weather-resistant double coat that can be wavy or straight.
Furthermore, the hair on its head and front legs will be short, with moderate featherings on the back of the legs. It can also have a medium-length mane.
As for body structure, you should expect a Goldendoodle Aussie mix that takes after its Australian Shepherd parent to have a body that is slightly longer than tall.
Meanwhile, if a Goldendoodle Aussie mix inherits more phenotypic traits from its Goldendoodle lineage, you should expect it to boast any of the four Goldendoodle coat types: flat, straight, wavy, and curly.
You should also expect a Goldendoodle Aussie mix to shed its fur less if it takes after the Goldendoodle’s hypoallergenic coat, making it suitable for people with allergies.
As for the body proportion, a Goldendoodle Aussie mix that leans more towards the Goldendoodle standard will also have a slightly longer than tall body.
Nonetheless, Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes enjoy a large variety of coat pigmentations since they can exhibit most of their parent breeds’ coat colors.
Goldendoodle Aussie mixes can exhibit the common Goldendoodle coat colors, including apricot, red, chocolate, cream, black, black and white, gray, blue, silver, and tan.
Meanwhile, other Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes come in merle, red merle, blue merle, black, and tricolor, which are the common colorations of the Australian Shepherd breed.
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Origin
Breeders develop Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes by crossing purebred Australian Shepherds with Goldendoodle mixes.
The Australian Shepherd breed is a medium-sized dog that is bred for herding. Contrary to what its name suggests, Australian Shepherds are actually developed in America and not in Australia.
The Aussie Shepherds are known to be easy-going and highly energetic dogs. They also get along well with other pets and children.
Meanwhile, the Goldendoodle is the cross of the Golden Retriever breed and Poodle. It is one of the most popular mixes in the canine community.
Goldendoodles are known for their affectionate and friendly demeanor. They are also low to moderate shedders, which is why many families take them as pets.
Hence, it is not a surprise that the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle cross is also known to be energetic and active, just like its Australian Shepherd ancestor, and amicable like its Goldendoodle parent.
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is very intelligent with a high energy level and a natural resilience that has made the top picks for all kinds of working dog roles.
However, Australian Shepherds can have some issues with genetic aggression – to the point that the Australian Shepherd Club of America has issued specific guidelines about how to handle aggression during dog shows and competitions.
It is very important to meet an Australian Shepherd puppy’s parents’ dogs and make sure you don’t see any signs of aggression. A non-aggressive Aussie Shepherd will be a playful and loving companion.
Poodle personality and temperament
Keeping in mind that Poodles are bred in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), for our purposes here we will assume the breeding is with a standard-size Poodle since this is the original size for this dog breed.
The Poodle has the temperament and personality of a protection and guard dog. These dogs are famously loving and loyal to “their” people but tend to maintain a bit of aloofness towards strangers.
This is quite normal and natural for any dog breed that is bred to herd or guard animals or people.
Golden Retriever personality and temperament
The Golden Retriever’s personality is as golden as their breed name. They are simply sunshine with fur and that is why this breed is so enduringly popular.
Golden Retrievers are not guarding dogs, although they are working dogs. So if it is a family guard dog you are looking for, the Golden Retriever is not a top pick – they just love people too much to be reliable in that role.
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix personality
This overview tells you that your Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle dog could potentially inherit a mix of traits ranging from exuberant friendliness to aloofness and even aggression.
Working with an experienced, reputable dog breeder is the best way to ensure you get the mix of traits that you want and need in a companion canine.
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Size
The Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle is a small to medium-sized mixed breed dog. It typically grows between 13 and 23 inches tall and weighs around 15 to 65 pounds.
Since there is no established growth guide for this newly developed hybrid, monitoring its development could get a bit challenging.
One of the ways you can anticipate its growth is by observing the parent dogs. The weight and size of the parent dogs will give you an idea of what to expect in your Goldendoodle Aussie puppy’s growth.
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Health Issues
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes have quite long lives. The lifespan of this hybrid ranges between 10 and 15 years.
Goldendoodle Aussie mixes are considered to be very healthy dogs because of hybrid vigor. Since they have larger gene pools, these mixed breed dogs have lesser chances of developing genetic disorders than purebred dogs.
However, this doesn’t mean that they are immune to illnesses. Goldendoodle Aussie mixes may also suffer from common health issues, just like other dog breeds, which can affect the quality and length of their lives.
Here are some of the common health issues of Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This eye problem affects many canine breeds, including the Goldendoodle and Australian Shepherd. No wonder the Goldendoodle Aussie mix is also susceptible to this health problem. Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative condition that affects the vision of a dog. It is a gradual visual impairment that can also lead to blindness.
- Patellar Luxation: Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes that suffer from patellar luxation have their kneecaps dislocated. Dogs with patellar luxation tend to skip and hop when they walk. You will also observe them kicking their affected leg in an attempt to fix the dislocated kneecap. Although most cases of patellar luxation are not fatal and heal naturally, this condition can cause great discomfort.
- Hip Dysplasia: This joint-related condition occurs due to the abnormal growth of the joints in the hips. Hip dysplasia is also common for Goldendoodles and Australian Shepherds. Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes suffering from this disease will have difficulties moving and experience excruciating pain.
- Cataracts: Goldendoodle Aussie mixes probably have inherited this eye problem from their Australian Shepherd parents. Canine cataracts are like cloudy films set in a dog’s eyes that negatively affect a dog’s vision. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to permanent blindness.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a common canine disease that develops due to the anomaly in producing hormones in the thyroid gland. Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes with hypothyroidism may show clinical signs such as lethargy, weight gain, and hair loss.
Aside from the mentioned illnesses, you should also watch out for the weight and growth of your Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle. An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise could lead to obesity or malnourishment.
To ensure that your dog’s health is at its peak, make visiting the vet a habit. As they always say, prevention is better than cure. You should also make sure that your dog receives healthy food and ample exercise.
How to Take Care of Your Aussie Goldendoodle Mix
Aussie Goldendoodle mixes are not demanding in terms of maintenance. They only need a healthy diet, regular grooming, and ample exercise to be healthy and happy.
To make it more convenient for you, I discussed in this section the things you need to know about the feeding, grooming, and exercise requirements of Aussie Goldendoodle mixes.
Cleaning and Grooming
Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes are also not demanding in terms of grooming.
Although both of their parent breeds have double coats, Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes only shed moderately. Weekly brushing of fur can help manage your dog’s shedding and keep its coat healthy.
Monthly bathing will also help keep your Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mix fresh and clean. You should only use pet-friendly shampoo in bathing your dog to prevent skin irritation.
Ears, paw pads, and body pits should also be thoroughly checked for fleas and ticks. The nails should be clipped once every three weeks to avoid injuries.
According to VCA Animal Hospital, brushing of teeth should be done at least three times a week to avoid dental problems.
Generally, Goldendoodle Australian Shepherds do not require haircuts since they naturally blow their hair.
However, if you want to improve your dog’s looks, you can take them to a professional groomer once every two months for hair trimming.
Food and Diet
Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes are highly active dogs. This means that they require a diet that is rich in energy-giving nutrients and vitamins.
You should opt for a kibble that is specially formulated for active medium-sized dogs. You can also include raw meat, eggs, and animal innards in your dog’s meals.
Raw and steamed veggies and fruits are also good alternatives for commercially available dog treats and supplements for your dog’s diet.
In feeding your Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix, make sure to stick to a feeding schedule and observe its eating habits.
Dogs that eat too fast are susceptible to bloat and obesity. In cases like this, you might want to consider buying a slow feeding bowl to regulate the eating speed of your dog.
Meanwhile, you should take your dog to the vet if you notice that it skips its meals and loses weight. Loss of appetite and malnourishment might be caused by a more serious underlying health issue.
Training and Exercise
Goldendoodle Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They surely love pleasing their owners, although they can sometimes be stubborn, especially when they don’t get the attention they want.
To tame the high prey drive of Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes, socialization and obedience training should be done while they are young.
You might also want to consider incorporating positive reinforcement in your training. This includes giving treats and rewards to reinforce good habits and behavior.
Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd mixes are pretty demanding in terms of exercise. They are energetic dogs that need an hour of stimulation and exercise.
You would not want to leave them bored and unoccupied because they will resort to unlikely behaviors such as nibbling and chewing.
How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Cost?
You can expect Goldendoodle Australian Shepherd puppies to be priced anywhere between $600 and $2,000 depending on various factors such as parent’s lineage, coat color, breeder’s reputation, and health condition.
Meanwhile, the adoption fees for rescued Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes only cost around $100 to $300, often inclusive of neutering/spaying and core vaccine shots.
Aside from the price of the puppy itself, though, you should also consider the initial expenses associated with owning an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle puppy.
Here is a summary of the initial expenses of owning an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $100 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Bed | $40 – $180 |
| Crate | $50 – $370 |
| Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
| Toys | $30 – $40 |
| Grooming Essentials | $40 – $160 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Microchip | $40 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
| Total Initial Cost | $605 – $2,240 |
As you can see, you need to cash out around $605 to $2,240 for your puppy’s initial expenses. Most of the items included in the initial expenses are necessary for the comfortable transition of your puppy to its new home.
A large portion of the expenses also goes to your pup’s medical needs. You will need to take it to the vet for health screening to ensure that it is safe from genetic disorders and common canine illnesses.
Nevertheless, you should expect that your monthly expenses after the first month will decrease significantly since you won’t have to purchase most of the listed items above monthly such as feeding bowls, dog beds, and toys.
Find Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Puppies for Sale
Finding a reputable Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix breeder could be quite challenging. There aren’t many authorized breeders specializing in Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes in the United States.
You should not fret, though. With patience and perseverance, you will surely find a breeder or a place where you can purchase your very own Aussie Shepherd Goldendoodle puppy.
You can try visiting the following places where Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle puppies are advertised:
- PuppySpot – With their vast network of breeders across the country, you can surely find the mixed breed puppy you are looking for in PuppySpot. The pups advertised on this pet website also have comprehensive profiles that detail their personality, age, sex, color, and health condition.
- Puppies.com – Puppies.com is one of the largest pet databases in the United States that advertises purebred dogs and mixed breeds like the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix. You can also easily find the best pup for you on their website also through their search filter system.
- Petango – Petango has more than hundreds of mixed-breed dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix, in their listing. Through their search features, you can easily find the nearest available Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle puppy from your location.
Aside from the places listed above, you can also check out our guide on the best Goldendoodle breeders and Australian Shepherd breeders. You might be lucky to find a Goldendoodle Aussie mix in one of the listed breeders.
Nonetheless, you can also opt to adopt an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix instead of buying from a breeder. This is not only an inexpensive way of acquiring this mix but also a noble act.
Here are some of the rescues where you can adopt an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix:
- New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue, Inc. – This rescue operates across the United States and Canada and dedicates itself to rescuing purebred and mixed Australian Shepherd dogs. Their adoption fees range between $200 and $300.
- Doodle Dandy Rescue (DDR) – This non-profit organization aims to rehabilitate and rescue displaced and surrendered doodle dogs across Texas, including Goldendoodle Aussie mixes. Since they are an all-volunteer organization, their adoption fee won’t cost you that much.
- Doodle Rock Texas (DRT) – Since 2017, DRT has been rescuing Goldendoodles and other Doodle dogs such as the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix. It is a non-profit organization that functions solely through volunteer efforts. The adoption fee in this local shelter ranges between $150 and $750.
If you weren’t lucky to find an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix from the listed rescues above, you could always check out the other local shelters on our Goldendoodle rescue directory and Australian Shepherd rescue directory.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Aussie Goldendoodle Mix
Owning a mixed-breed dog comes with advantages and disadvantages. Before taking home an Aussie Goldendoodle mix, make sure that you check out the pros and cons to see if this hybrid is the right dog for you.
Here are the pros of owning an Aussie Goldendoodle mix:
- Suitable for families with children and pets: Goldendoodle Aussie mixes get along pretty well with children and other pets. They are very loyal to their pack members and will protect them when needs arise.
- Unique appearance: This is probably one of the highlights of owning an Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix. With their diverse gene pool, Goldendoodle Aussie mixes can come in a variety of coat colors and patterns.
- Easy to train: Aussie Goldendoodle mixes are intelligent and easy to train. With positive reinforcement, you can easily teach this hybrid basic commands and routines.
- Sheds minimally: This hybrid dog only sheds moderately. You can easily manage their sheddings with weekly brushing and regular bathing.
Here are some of the cons of owning a Goldendoodle Aussie mix:
- Difficulty in monitoring growth: Since the Goldendoodle Aussie mix is a relatively new mixed breed, there is no established growth chart for it yet. Hence, monitoring its growth and development would be a challenge for owners.
- Highly energetic: Goldendoodle Aussie mixes are like ticking bombs of energy. They require regular exercise and an active lifestyle. If you are an inactive person, this hybrid might not be the perfect choice for you.
- High prey drive: Aside from being overly energetic, Goldendoodle Aussie mixes also tend to chase small animals. This is because their Australian Shepherd parent is a herding breed, and it is natural for them to chase off and herd other animals.
If you think the pros outweigh the cons, nothing should stop you from taking home a Goldendoodle Aussie mix!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Aussie Goldendoodle Mixes Shed a Lot?
Aussie Goldendoodle mixes are moderate shredders. They blow their undercoat regularly but only at a manageable rate, and it is all thanks to their Goldendoodle parents.
Weekly brushing of hair and regular bathing can help control the shedding of your Aussie Goldendoodle mix.
Do Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle Mixes Bark a Lot?
Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes tend to bark more frequently than other dog breeds because of their herding and guarding instincts. It is pretty common for herding dogs to bark to alert their owners.
Are Aussie Goldendoodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Although Aussie Goldendoodle mixes shed less than other dog breeds, they are not considered hypoallergenic since they blow their fur moderately.
This means that Goldendoodle mixes are not suitable for people with allergic reactions to danders and hair.
Final Thoughts:
If you have an active lifestyle, a love of being outdoors, and sincere enjoyment of canine athletics, you may find that the Australian Shepherd Goldendoodle mix dog is a perfect companion canine for you!
