Aussiedoodles are rising in popularity for good reason.
Energetic, intelligent, and eye-catching, they combine the working instincts of the Australian Shepherd with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
When bred responsibly, Aussiedoodles are typically healthy and active. However, like all crossbreeds, they can inherit certain health conditions from either parent. Their genetic background makes them more prone to issues affecting the joints, eyes, and skin.
Knowing these risks helps you stay ahead. Early recognition of changes, smart daily habits, and the right veterinary care all play a role in supporting long-term well-being.
With consistent care and expert advice, Aussiedoodles can enjoy a full and active life. A preventative approach built around regular vet checks, good nutrition, and close observation will help keep them at their best.
For a broader look at the Aussiedoodle’s temperament, coat types, and lifestyle needs, explore our The Vet’s Guide to Aussiedoodles: Facts, Care, and Training Tips
Are Aussiedoodles a Healthy Breed?
Aussiedoodles are generally healthy and often live between 12 and 15 years. With good care, many stay active well into their senior years. Their hybrid background may offer some genetic advantages, but inherited health risks are still possible.
Australian Shepherds and Poodles both carry predispositions to joint, eye, and immune-related issues. Without proper screening, these risks can be passed on to their offspring. Responsible breeders should test for hip, elbow, and eye conditions before producing litters.
True health is more than avoiding illness. For Aussiedoodles, it means strong joints, healthy skin, clear eyes, and good digestion throughout life. Routine vet care, quality food, and close observation help build that foundation early.
Looking for tailored feeding tips? Explore our Vet-approved Aussiedoodle Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips article for diet plans that support long-term wellbeing.
Common Aussiedoodle Health Issues
Aussiedoodles are generally robust dogs, but their lineage means they can inherit a few notable health concerns. Recognising these early can make all the difference in long-term management and quality of life.
Ear Infection
Aussiedoodles often inherit dense, floppy ears from the Poodle side. These ears can trap warmth and moisture, creating the perfect environment for yeast and bacterial infections, especially after swimming or bathing.
Signs to look for include:
- Head shaking
- Scratching
- A musty or sour odour
- Redness inside the ear canal
Treatment typically includes medicated drops and ear cleaning. Preventative care involves regular checks and drying ears thoroughly after they get wet.
Dealing with itchy or smelly ears? Our ear health guide covers what to look for and how to help:
From Itchy Ears to Infections: The Vet’s Guide to Pet Ear Health
Allergies
Aussiedoodles are prone to allergies that can affect the skin, ears, and digestive system. Reactions often show up as persistent itching, redness, paw licking, or recurring infections.
Common triggers include:
- Chicken or beef
- Grass and pollen
- Fleas or dust mites
Management may involve a hypoallergenic diet, flea control, medicated shampoos, or prescription treatments. Early intervention helps prevent secondary skin infections and ongoing discomfort.
See our vet-written guide on skin conditions for more tips on supporting your dog’s allergies:
Scratch the Itch: Understanding and Treating Skin Conditions in Dogs
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This is a major concern in Aussiedoodles, especially those with Standard Poodle or Australian Shepherd lineage. Dysplasia occurs when a joint forms abnormally, leading to arthritis and pain over time.
Watch for:
- A swaying gait
- Stiffness
- Reluctance to jump, run, or rise
Treatment can include joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medication, and weight management. More advanced cases may require surgical correction to restore mobility.
Explore joint health solutions in our vet-written mobility guide:
Dog Arthritis Treatment: Vet Tips for Pain Relief and Comfort
Patellar Luxation
Mini and Toy Aussiedoodles may develop patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place.
Typical signs include:
- Sudden limping
- A skipping step
- Holding one back leg up
Mild cases can often be monitored with support from your vet. Persistent or painful luxations may need surgical repair to stabilise the joint and prevent arthritis.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an inherited condition that causes gradual vision loss. It’s linked to the Poodle side of the breed and can appear in Aussiedoodles without proper genetic screening.
Early signs may include:
- Night blindness
- Bumping into furniture
- Hesitation in low light
There is no cure, but dogs adapt well with lifestyle support. Reputable breeders screen for PRA to reduce risk in litters.
Dental Disease
Plaque and tartar build-up are common in Aussiedoodles, especially in smaller sizes with tighter jaws. Without daily care, dental disease can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Look out for:
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Visible tartar
- Reluctance to chew harder foods
Brushing remains the most effective prevention. Dental chews and professional cleanings also play a key role.
Read our vet-written guide: Smart Dental Care: How Proactive Steps Can Save You Money & Protect Your Dog's Health - for more prevention tips.
For daily support, browse our vet-recommended dog ear cleaning products, joint supplements, and hypoallergenic foods designed to help manage these common concerns at home.
Preventative Care Tips for Aussiedoodles
Routine Health Checks
Book wellness exams at least once a year. These visits help your vet catch early signs of joint problems, dental disease, or skin sensitivities. Puppies and older dogs may benefit from more frequent checks as their needs change with age.
Vaccination and Parasite Protection
Stay current with core vaccinations and protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms all year round. Aussiedoodles with allergy-prone skin can react strongly to flea bites, so consistent prevention is especially important.
Browse our vet recommended parasite protection
NexGard Chewables for Small Dogs (4.1 - 10 kg)
NexGard (Blue) is suitable for small dogs from 4.1 to 10 kg in bodyweight.
Make NexGard your dog’s monthly treat and you’ll have reassurance of protection against flea infestations as well as ticks (including the deadly paralysis
tick), mites, lice and flea tapeworms.
Features & Benefits
- Australia's leading monthly flea, tick, mites and lice protection product for dogs.
- Soft, tasty beef-flavoured chew that dogs love.
- Convenient monthly dosing that's easy to remember.
- Can be given with or without food.
- Safe for puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 2 kg.
- Not affected by bathing, swimming or shampooing.
- Safe to use in breeding, pregnant and lactating females.
Each chew contains
- Afoxolaner
Claims
- Rapidly kills fleas
- Treats and controls ticks, including paralysis ticks
- Treats and controls mange and mites
- Treats and controls biting lice
- Prevents flea tapeworm infestations
- Controls flea allergy dermatitis
- Effective for one month
- Tasty chew
*CEESA International Sales Services MAT Q2 2024.
See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
Advocate Green for Puppies & Small Dogs
Advocate Green for Puppies & Small Dogs weighing up to 4kg.
Advocate is an easy to use, monthly spot-on treatment that protects your dog from fleas, heartworm, major intestinal worms and ear mites.
- Protects against heartworm when used monthly
- Kills fleas and prevents re-infestation for a month
- Treats and controls most major intestinal worms, including hookworm, roundworm and whipworm
- Treats and controls ear mites
Advocate is one of the most broad spectrum topical preventative products available for your dog. It provides fast and effective relief from fleas, killing adult fleas and their larvae within 20 minutes of application, and continues to protect your dog for a whole month. When used monthly, advocate also protects your dog from deadly heartworm disease. Heartworm is spread by mosquito bite. Once matured, the adult worms live in the blood vessels of the heart and lung causing heartworm disease and sadly death if untreated. Advocate treats and controls most major intestinal worms of dogs, including roundworm, hookworm and whipworm. It also treats and prevents ear mites.
Safe for use in puppies from 7 weeks of age. The safety of Advocate in pregnant and lactating dogs has not been established.
Moxiclear for Dogs 4-10kg
Moxiclear is a monthly spot-on treatment and prevention of fleas, heartworm, sarcoptes mites, ear mites and intestinal worms.
Moxiclear has been shown experimentally to kill adult and larval fleas within 20 minutes. Death can occur due to contact by absorption via the flea intersegmental membranes. Stops fleas from feeding in 3-5 minutes. . Fleas are not required to bite the animal to receive a lethal dose.
Moxiclear may be safely applied to heartworm infected dogs and cats therefore there is no absolute requirement for a heartworm test before commencing treatment. However a diagnostic test for heartworm prior to commencing treatment is recommended to ensure the optimum health of pets.
- One application lasts a month
- Treatment and prevention of fleas including larval stages in the surroundings
- The prevention of heartworm
- Treatment and control of roundworms, hookworms and whipworms
- Treatment and control of sarcoptic mange, lice and ear mites
Dental Care
Dental disease is common, especially in smaller Aussiedoodle types. Brush your dog’s teeth daily using a dog-safe toothpaste. Dental chews and water additives can support your routine, but brushing remains the most effective method.
Browse our vet recommended dental products
Aquadent FR3SH Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs
Transform your pet’s oral hygiene with Aquadent FR3SH™ Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs - a highly effective and palatable water additive designed to control plaque and reduce bad breath in dogs and cats. This advanced formula utilizes FR3SH™ technology, harnessing the power of natural ingredients to target and neutralize bad breath from both oral and digestive sources.
Key Benefits:
- Targeted Formula: Combats bad breath at its root by addressing both oral and digestive causes, promoting fresh breath and improved oral health.
- Convenient Use: Effortlessly integrate into your pet’s daily routine. Simply add to their drinking water using the included dosing cap.
- Veterinary Expertise: Crafted by veterinary dental specialists to ensure safety and effectiveness for both cats and dogs.
- High Palatability: Designed for easy acceptance by pets, with no noticeable reduction in water consumption.
Enhance your pet’s dental care with Aquadent FR3SH™ and enjoy fresher breath and a healthier mouth with minimal effort.
Available in: 250ml and 500ml Packs
Petosan Toothbrush
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Petosan Toothpaste Poultry Flavour 70g
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Nutrition
Choose a high-quality, vet-recommended diet that supports joint, gut, and skin health. Aussiedoodles with food sensitivities may benefit from hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient formulas. Your vet can help guide the best choice for your dog’s needs.
See our range of food and nutritional products
Dry Dog Food - Vet Approved Diets
Browse our extensive range of Dry Dog Food today and find food your puppy or adult dog is guaranteed to love. We stock a wide range of leading brands including Royal Canin, Advance, Hill's, Eukanuba, and more. Our Puppy Food range is perfect for puppies of any size, and we also offer a wide range of Prescription Diets for your dog, to help with Weight Management, Skin & Food Sensitivities, Mobility Issues, Sensitive Stomachs and more. Browse our range today on Vets Love Pets.
Wet Dog Food - Vet Approved
Enjoy our wide range of the best wet dog food in Australia for your adult, Puppy or senior dog, available in cans and pouches. We stock a wide range of leading brands including Royal Canin, Advance, Hill's and more. We also offer a wide range of prescription wet food diets for your dog, to help with Weight Management, Skin & Food Sensitivities, Gastrointestinal Health and more. Browse our range today on Vets Love Pets.
Wet Dog Food for Puppies - Vet Approved
Ensure the best for your growing puppy with our Wet Dog Food for Puppies. Made with high-quality ingredients and vet-approved for wholesome nutrition. Shop our best puppy food range today at Vets Love Pets.
Exercise and Enrichment
Aussiedoodles are energetic and intelligent. Daily walks, structured play, and training sessions help keep them physically fit and mentally engaged. Moderate, low-impact activity is best for supporting joint health, especially in growing dogs.
Browse our enrichment products
KONG AirDog Squeaker Balls Small
KONG SqueakAir Ball
The KONG story begins back in the 1970s at the hands of Joe Markham, who recognised that his ex-police dog Fritz was attempting to entertain himself by chewing rocks. Knowing the hazards this presented, Joe one day tossed Fritz a piece of Volkswagen Bus rubber suspension part that Joe was working on - and Fritz loved it! Joe then worked to make a dog toy with the same durability and feel, until he created the KONG toy that people (and their dogs) all around the world love. KONG dog toys encourage play, satisfying instinctual needs and strengthening the bond between dog and pet parent. Built for durability, KONG dog toys also offer mental and physical stimulation, all whilst meeting a dog's need to play.
The KONG SqueakAir Ball combines two classic dog toys - the tennis ball and the squeaker - to create the perfect fetch toy. The non-abrasive, high-quality material will not wear down your dogs teeth, and is ideal for an intense game of fetch!
- Tough and bouncy
- Made from dual materials for added strength
- Enticing squeaker
- Non-abrasive - won't damage your dogs teeth
Buster ActivityMat, Purse
The Buster ActivityMat is an innovative activity toy for dogs. It allows you and your dog to play interactively, providing your dog with a stimulating mental challenge with plenty of variety.
The Buster ActivityMat Purse is a square task with a press stud in each corner. The purse has a Velcro closure.
An easy activity attachment for the Buster ActivityMat.
Tasks:
- Attached to the mat and left open
- Attached and closed with Velcro
Note: Buster ActivityMat is sold separately. Read and follow the safety instructions that are provided with the product.
Buster Colour Dental Rope Dog Toy 3-Knot Blue/Lime
Buster Dental Rope Toys are designed to support your dog's need to chew, while the braided material assists with gentle cleaning of your dog's teeth and mouth.
The toy is strong and durable, making it ideal for throwing and fetching games with your dog.
A durable rope toy for interactive fun while cleaning your dog's teeth.
Grooming Routine
Their coat can vary from soft waves to tight curls, but all coat types need regular brushing to prevent mats and skin problems. Schedule professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks and check ears, nails, and skin at home between visits.
Browse our vet recommended grooming products
Gripsoft Slicker Brush
Gripsoft products are easy to use and designed to give a professional finish. The soft, rubber-sheathed, non-slip ergonomic handle provides maximum comfort, grip and control.
Slicker Brush: Use to remove dead and shedding hair from your pets and help untangle mats and snarls. The version with soft pins is specially designed for pets with sensitive skin and fine, silky coats.
Gripsoft Nail Clippers
Gripsoft products are easy to use and designed to give a professional finish. The soft, rubber-sheathed, non-slip ergonomic handle provides maximum comfort, grip and control.
Gripsoft Nail Trimmers can be used to trim the nails of any breed to maintain comfortable nail length. Deluxe Nail Trimmers include a cutting guard for additional safety and ease of use.
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner is a natural, gentle ear cleaner that effectively cleans your pet's ears without irritation.
Its effective formulation means you only need to use it once a week, making it more comfortable for your pet and easier for you. It contains:
- Purified hydrolysed oats for a mild, effective product for cleaning your cat or dog’s ears.
- No alcohol, harsh chemicals or acids commonly found in other cat or dog ear cleaners, so it’s more comfortable for your pet.
Hydration and Observation
Keep an eye on your dog’s water intake and behaviour. Sudden changes—like increased thirst, restlessness, or appetite loss—can be early signs of underlying illness. If something feels off, check in with your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of an Aussiedoodle?
Most Aussiedoodles live between 12 and 15 years. With the right care, many stay active and engaged well into their senior years.
How can I tell if my Aussiedoodle comes from healthy breeding lines?
Look for breeders who provide health clearances for hip and elbow scores, and DNA test for conditions like PRA. This reduces the risk of passing on avoidable inherited issues.
What are the early warning signs of health issues in Aussiedoodles?
Watch for changes like stiffness after resting, frequent ear infections, increased scratching, bad breath, or reluctance to jump or play. Catching these signs early makes treatment simpler and often more effective.
Should Aussiedoodles take joint supplements from puppyhood?
In many cases, yes—especially for standard-sized Aussiedoodles with active lifestyles. Your vet can guide you on when to start joint support based on growth and breed history.
How often should I take my Aussiedoodle to the vet for checkups?
At least once a year, though twice-yearly visits are often advised for older dogs or those with early joint or dental concerns.
Aussiedoodles are a popular companion for good reason. They’re energetic, intelligent, and deeply loyal. But their active nature and mixed heritage come with some health risks that owners should stay informed about.
Conditions like joint issues, allergies, and ear infections are all manageable with early care. What matters most is consistency—routine vet visits, high-quality nutrition, and close observation at home.
With a proactive approach, Aussiedoodles can enjoy a long, healthy life. Stay one step ahead to keep them thriving through every stage.
This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe
References
Aussiedoodles are bright, energetic, and full of charm—but they have specific health needs. At VetLovesPets, we use veterinary expertise and trusted research to guide you through common conditions, early warning signs, and key preventative care, so your Aussiedoodle can enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life.
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Screening and Prevention in Breeding Dogs.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine Genetic Screening and Inherited Disorders.
- Wikipedia. Dog Crossbreed (VetCompass study)
