The Ultimate Guide to Mini Aussiedoodles (Australian Shepherd Miniature Poodle Mix)

Last Updated on June 4, 2024

If you’re looking for a pint-sized pup with a big heart, look no further than the Mini Aussiedoodle. These small pooches are perfect for those who want all the joys of an Aussiedoodle, but in a smaller package. But don’t let their size fool you—these dogs are full of energy and personality!

In this article, we’ll go over the essential things you must know before you commit to a Mini Aussiedoodle, including why Mini Aussiedoodles aren’t the right dog for everybody (but don’t worry, there are plenty of other Doodle breed dogs to fit your lifestyle).

Mini Aussiedoodle Dog Breed Facts
Height	12-18 inches
Weight	15-45 lbs
Lifespan	11-15 years
Temperament	Energetic, playful, eager to please, protective

What Are Mini Aussiedoodles?

Mini Aussiedoodles (also known as the Mini Aussie Poo) are a cross between a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Miniature/Toy Poodle. However, Mini Australian Shepherds are hard to come by, meaning it can be challenging to find Miniature Aussiedoodles!

Mini Aussiedoodles are sometimes referred to as “designer dog breeds” which just means they are a cross breed.

They are similar to the Aussiedoodle, which is a cross between a Standard Poodle and an Australian Shepherd.

As the Poodle is low-shedding, you can expect the Miniature Aussiedoodle to be low-shedding. However, since Australian Shepherds are shedding dogs, there is still a chance your Aussiedoodle will shed.

Temperament of the Miniature Aussiedoodle

Many people love the Miniature Aussiedoodle because they are easy to train and are eager to please.

But before we learn about the temperament of a Miniature Aussiedoodle, we need to discuss which two factors will largely determine your pup’s personality. The temperament of the Mini Aussiedoodle relies on two things:

1. The temperament of the parent breeds
2. The training you provide to your Mini Aussiedoodle puppy

Like any dog, the training and socialization they receive while growing up will largely determine their behavior as an adult.

However, there are still some traits that tend to shine through for Miniature Aussiedoodles.

Intelligent

One thing we love about the Mini Aussiedoodle is their high level of intelligence. Since both breeds are energetic and intelligent, Mini Aussiedoodles will likely inherit those traits.

Hence, when you mix the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle to breed a Mini Aussiedoodle, you will get a highly intelligent dog that loves to please.

Training is a breeze with Mini Aussiedoodles. They pick up commands fast and want you to tell them what to do. However, it’s important to note that because they are highly intelligent, they might not do well with repetitive training methodology.

It’s a good idea to keep things interesting with the Mini Aussiedoodle, otherwise, they may get bored. We suggest that you vary things up a little so that the dog can be kept engaged for long periods of time.

However, high intelligence comes with a caveat. Highly intelligent dogs can suffer from anxiety.

They need lots of mental stimulation, and if they don’t get that, they’ll become anxious and fearful. Mini Aussiedoodles are no exception.

Loyal

Since both Poodles and Australian Shepherds form a strong bond of loyalty with their owners, you can expect the Miniature Aussiedoodle to carry over that same sense of loyalty and love!

However, Australian Shepherds have a tendency to become reactive and protective. This trait can often transfer over into Mini Aussiedoodles. People looking to add an Aussiedoodle to their families must be familiar with training and socialization and be prepared to deal with reactivity issues. These dogs might not be best for first-time dog owners since reactivity is common.

Our reader Shanna got a Mini Aussiedoodle and told me:

I wish I knew that Mini Aussiedoodle’s were prone to reactivity issues prior to getting one myself so I coud’ve been better prepared. Despite doing training and socialization right from the start, my Mini Aussiedoodle has always been very reactive.

He’s the smartest dog I’ve ever owned and I wouldn’t trade him for the world, but there was a lot of trial and error (and money spent!) during our first year together while we worked with trainers and behaviouralists to help his reactivity.

He’s gotten so much better but if I would’ve known what to do from the start, I could’ve helped him out a lot faster.

-Shanna, Mini Aussiedoodle Owner

Energetic and Playful

In terms of energy level, since the Australian Shepherd requires daily exercises to burn off their excess energy, you can also expect the Mini Aussiedoodle to have higher energy levels than most dog breeds. This breed is perfect for agility training and accompanying you on hikes and outdoor adventures!

However, if you’re looking for a laidback dog, the Miniature Aussiedoodle is not for you. A miniature Aussiedoodle requires anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise.

Seeing as they’re so energetic, the Mini Aussiedoodle is perfect for families with young children. Both your children and your pooch will enjoy playing together throughout the day. Just make sure always to supervise your Mini Aussiedoodle with your children to ensure everyone is being respectful of each other.

Appearance

Coat

The Mini Aussiedoodle’s coat is a unique combination of the Miniature Poodle’s coat as well as the Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat. There are a few possibilities for the type of coat that the Miniature Aussiedoodle has, including straight, wavy, and curly.

Color

Mini Aussiedoodle’s come in a variety of different colors. They might take after their Australian Shepherd parent’s and have a red, white, black, or blue merle coat.

They can also have the Mini Poodle’s solid coats like red, black, white, or cream. However, it’s rare to find a Mini Aussiedoodle with a solid coat. You’ll likely find them with multi-colored coats.

The rarest color for a Mini Aussiedoodle is the blue merle (pictured above).

Size

Since the parents of the Mini Aussiedoodle are small in size, you can expect the Mini Aussiedoodle to have similar stature too, and the term “Miniature Aussiedoodle” usually refers to an umbrella of different sizes, which includes:

• Moyen Aussiedoodles: Moyen Aussiedoodles are the largest of the “mini” variety and are usually 25-45 pounds. Moyens have a Moyen Poodle parent.
• Mini Aussiedoodles: Technically, Mini Aussiedoodles fall in the range of 20-30 pounds and have a Mini Poodle parent.
• Toy Aussiedoodles: Toy Aussiedoodles usually weigh 15-20 pounds and have a Toy Poodle parent.

Since Mini Aussiedoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, there is no set distinction on the weights to distinguish between Moyen, Mini, and Toy, and many breeders use the term “Mini” to describe any Aussiedoodle that falls between 15 to 45 pounds. When searching for a Mini Aussiedoodle, make sure to ask the breeder how large the parents are and how big they expect the puppies to be.

Most Mini Aussiedoodles have a weight range between 15 and 45 pounds, and on average, they should weigh about 26 pounds.

As for their height, they can stand between 12 to 18 inches tall.

Lifespan

On average, the Mini Aussiedoodle is expected to have a lifespan of between 11 to 15 years, but it is possible to outlive those years as it all depends on how you have brought up the dog as well as the type of care that you have given to the dog.

Of course, if you provide the Mini Aussiedoodle with a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise, you can expect it to outlive 15 years!

Price of Mini Aussiedoodle Puppies

The price of Miniature Aussiedoodle puppies varies greatly. In most cases, Mini Aussiedoodle puppies cost around $2,500. The cost of the Mini Aussiedoodle will be highly dependent on the parents’ temperament, health as well as the color of the dog’s coat. You may find some for as low as $800, but beware if the price seems too good to be true. Often, the prices of dogs coming from puppy mills tend to be cheaper because the puppies aren’t bred properly. It’s never worth the low price to support a puppy mill.

Remember, always choose dogs from reputable breeders as they will ensure that the Miniature Aussiedoodle is being bred properly and ethically. You can also look at Doodle-breed rescue agencies to see if any Miniature Aussiedoodles are up for adoption!

There are many Doodle mix dogs. Click here to learn about the different (and rare) kinds!

Grooming Requirements

Many people wonder whether or not Mini Aussiedoodles have low-maintenance coats, and the answer is no. Both standard Aussiedoodles and Mini ones have incredibly high-maintenance hair!

Since the Poodle doesn’t shed, it’s very likely your Miniature Aussiedoodle won’t shed much, either. Because of this, Aussiedoodles require lots of regular brushing, combing, and grooming to ensure they remain tangle and mat-free. You can expect to groom your Miniature Aussiedoodle every 6-8 weeks at the groomers, with daily brushing in between each grooming appointment.

Is the Miniature Aussiedoodle the Right Breed for You?

A Miniature Aussiedoodle puppy is likely the right choice for you if:

• You want a low-shedding dog breed
• You have time and patience for regular grooming and brushing
• You want a dog with a high activity level and lots of energy
• You’re willing to work on any reactivity issues and provide a stable home that is highly enriching

But if you’re looking for a low-key dog, Mini Aussiedoodles are not right for you. Fear not: check through our list of Doodle breeds to find a low-energy Doodle breed!

Do you have a Mini Aussiedoodle? Tell us what they’re like in the comments below!