Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Comparing Temperament, Size & Maintenance

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle – many people are confused by the differences between these two types of Doodles, and what they should be looking for in a four-legged companion. In this article, we will discuss the key similarities and differences between these two hybrid breeds, so you can make an informed decision as to which type of Doodle is best for you. Let’s get started!

About the Aussiedoodle

A hybrid cross between the purebred Australian Shepherd and Poodle, Aussiedoodles have become one of the more popular Doodle breeds. Originally called Australian Poodles, Aussiedoodles combine the loyalty and playfulness from the Australian Shepherd parent, while inheriting the intelligence and high energy levels from the Poodle. In fact, both Australian Shepherds and Poodles are known to be super smart and high energy dogs, making the Aussiedoodle one of the smartest and most adorable hybrid breeds there is. 

Similarly to other Doodles, Aussiedoodles were first created to combat the shedding Australian Shepherd coat by adding the non-shedding Poodle into the mix. As a result, we get the fluffiest little (or not so little) Dood whose personality matches its unbelievably cute looks. And since Aussiedoodles come in a variety of sizes, there’s a pup for almost anyone. 

About the Goldendoodle

Arguably the most popular Doodle breed, Goldendoodles are a cross between the curly-haired Poodle and the ever so loving Golden Retriever. They were first bred in the 1960s as hypoallergenic guide dogs. Goldendoodles are the perfect combination of the low-shedding Poodle coat and the desirable Golden Retriever temperament. 

Since the 1990s, we’ve seen a huge influx in their popularity. There’s no wonder, as Goldendoodles are well-known for their friendly and loving nature, high intelligence levels, and low to non-shedding coats. Just like the Aussiedoodle, they come in different sizes and coat types, giving a choice for many dog-lovers who otherwise might not be able to adopt a Golden Retriever due to their large size and shedding coats. 

So, now that we know a little bit about the history of both of the Doodles, let’s discover the key differences and similarities between those two popular hybrid breeds. 

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Size

Both Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes. Their size is determined by the Poodle used in the mix – either Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodles can be used to create new litters of Doodles. 

Here’s the Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle size comparison:

	Aussiedoodle	Goldendoodle
Toy	Weight: 10-15 pounds Height: up to 10 inches tall	Weight: 10-25 pounds Height: up to 15 inches tall
Miniature	–	Weight: 25-35 pounds Height: 15-17 inches tall
Medium	Weight: 15-45 pounds Height: 10-15 inches tall	Weight: 35-50 pounds Height: 17-20 inches tall
Standard	Weight: 45-70 pounds Height: 15+ inches tall	Weight: 50-90 pounds Height: 20-26 inches tall

Goldendoodles are generally larger than their Aussiedoodle counterparts, as Golden Retrievers are taller and heavier than Australian Shepherds. And although Aussiedoodles come in just three sizes, smaller Medium Aussiedoodles can technically qualify as Miniature Aussiedoodles. In the near future, we can expect there to be more recognized size standards for Aussiedoodles, as well. 

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Temperament

When it comes to Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle comparison, they are both very friendly and sociable dogs who equally enjoy playtime and cuddles. They’re both highly regarded as family-friendly, intelligent, and loving dogs. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that regardless of the Doodle breed, manners and good behavior start with proper training, socialization, and lots of love from day one. 

One important difference between the two Doods is that Aussiedoodles might show more intense personality than Goldendoodles. This is probably thanks to their herding traits from the Australian Shepherd parent. When Goldendoodles can keep themselves occupied while you’re busy doing your human things, an Aussiedoodle might require more attention. They also might be more into playtime, so if you’re looking for a pup who loves to play fetch for hours on end, an Aussiedoodle might be your guy. 

What’s more, when Goldendoodles are super friendly with strangers, Aussiedoodles might be more cautious when meeting new people. Likewise, owners have reported Aussiedoodles to be slightly less friendly towards kids and other pets compared to the Goldendoodle. Nonetheless, both Doods generally get along well with children, making them both great family dogs. 

Goldendoodle vs Aussiedoodle: Appearance

One of the more notable differences between Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles is their appearance. As we mentioned above, Aussiedoodles tend to be smaller, whereas Goldendoodles of the equivalent size are heavier and taller. 

Both Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles come in a variety of coat types and colors. As both hybrid breeds combine either the Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd with the Poodle, there’s much uncertainty involved when it comes to their looks. Both Doods can come with curly Poodle-like hair, straight hair that looks like the other original parent breed, or a wavy coat that combines the traits from both of the parent pups. 

Even though both Doods often rock the signature scruffy Doodle looks, it’s not uncommon to come across flat coat Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles. What is a flat coat Doodle, you may ask? The term flat coat Doodle refers to a pup who has inherited the improper coat gene from the Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever parent. Flat coat Doodles do not carry coat furnishings, a.k.a. longer hair on their face. Instead, unfurnished pups resemble more of the original breed parent – the Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd. 

However, the color combinations of Goldendoodle vs Aussiedoodle tend to be different for both hybrid breeds. As you might guess, Goldendoodles often inherit the signature golden or caramel coats from the Golden Retriever parent. Other common colors are solid black, white, cream, apricot, and chocolate. In addition to that, Goldies can sometimes also come in a variety of patterns like black and white parti, white and apricot parti, caramel and white parti, and merle. 

On the other hand, Aussiedoodles most commonly come in various color combinations, instead of solid colors. For example, bi-colors and tri-colors like sable, phantom, blue, chocolate, or red merle, black and white, black and tan. 

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Grooming & Maintenance

When it comes to Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle, both Doodles are high-maintenance pups who require daily maintenance. As their lineage includes the infamous curly-haired Poodle, you should know that both require daily brushing, occasional hair trims, and bathtime. Both Aussies and Goldies have similar coat types. They inherit traits from the Poodle, and both Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds originally come with water-repellent coats. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that a Doodle’s generation will play a key role in their coat type. For example, if you’re after a curly coat Doodle, you should look into F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb Aussiedoodles or Goldendoodles. 

In regards to both Goldies and Aussies, their coat type is a determining factor in their daily upkeep. For instance, curly coat Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles are usually the least shedding of them all, but they also demand the most attention on your part. In contrast, straight coat Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles aren’t as prone to matting, but they tend to shed considerably more than their curly and wavy mates. Therefore, you might be able to get away with brushing just a few times a week. 

Nevertheless, if you’re looking to adopt either of these Doodles, regardless of their coat type, you should be prepared to take good care of their beautiful fluffy coats. It might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly worth it!

Goldendoodle vs Aussiedoodle: Health & Wellness

Hybrid breeds like Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles are considered healthier than their purebred parents thanks to hybrid vigor. However, this does not mean that they’re always 100% healthy. Just like any other breed, both Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles are at a risk of certain health problems and hereditary diseases that can be carried onto the puppies from the parents. 

The most common health problems in Aussiedoodles include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or Collie eye anomaly (CEA), multiple drug sensitivity, Cushing’s disease, pancreatitis, and epilepsy.

Similarly, Goldendoodles are at a higher risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and cataracts. Additionally, they might struggle with subvalvular aortic stenosis, sebaceous adenitis, and Addison’s Disease. 

Even so, both Goldies and Aussies are prone to many of the same health conditions, just like other Doodles. These include allergies, skin and tummy sensitivities, and ear infections. In addition to that, very small or very large Doodles might be at a higher risk of developing joint problems. 

Keeping in mind the puppies’ health, it’s especially important to carefully select a responsible breeder who only uses healthy and genetically tested parents for breeding new litters. If you’re unsure about the breeder’s practices, always ask to see proof and certifications for health testing. Equally important is feeding your Doodle a healthy and balanced diet and providing them plenty of exercise and playtime. 

When comparing Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle, it’s important to keep in mind that they’re both active dogs. Neither of them is a couch potato, so you should be prepared for lots of exercise. Such as daily walks, playtime, and jogs. For Goldendoodles, the minimum requirement is 60 minutes of exercise per day. However, as Aussiedoodles tend to be more active, you should aim for at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. 

Goldendoodle vs Aussiedoodle: Lifespan

As we mentioned earlier, Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles benefit from hybrid vigor. This refers to superior health in Doodles, as we’re combining two unrelated breeds. As a result, there’s a smaller chance of inheriting breed specific diseases and health conditions. This also means that both Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles can live longer and healthier lives than the purebred Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd parents. However, it’s important to note that hybrid vigor is more prevalent in first-generation Doodles (F1), and it tends to diminish with each consecutive generation. 

So, Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle – what is their expected lifespan? The average life expectancy of Goldendoodles is 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, Aussiedoodles have a slightly shorter life expectancy than Goldendoodles – around 10 to 13 years. 

Although it’s certainly not a topic that many of us want to think about, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for what’s to come. We all want our furry companions to live healthily as long as possible, so it’s important you nurture your Doodle with a good diet and exercise, and lots of love. 

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Training & Environment

What’s great about Doodles is that not only do they look absolutely adorable, they’re also highly intelligent. As a result, they’re usually considered easy to train, as they tend to pick up new skills and tricks with no difficulty. What’s more, both Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles love to please their owners, which also contributes to them being easy to train. 

In comparison, Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle both do well in terms of trainability. However, as Aussiedoodles tend to be more detail oriented, they might pick up new cues and skills slightly quicker than Goldendoodles. 

The downside (which isn’t even much of a downside!) of super smart Doodles like Aussies and Goldies is that they both need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. If your pup does not get to express their most natural needs, they might start to exhibit behavioral problems or even become destructive. That’s why it’s especially important you have time set aside every single day for your four-legged family member – for playtime, exercise, and training. 

Additionally, all puppies, regardless of their breed, should be introduced to obedience training and socialization early on. This ensures that your new puppy will grow into a well-behaved and well-rounded adult. And it’s not just about your own convenience that your puppy knows good manners. It also helps your pup to become adjusted to new situations, people, smells, sounds, and other pets. This in turn leads to a healthier and more fulfilled life for your furry companion. 

Lastly, as both Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles are affectionate dogs, they do become attached to their families very easily. This might be more true for Aussiedoodles, who compared to Goldendoodles might be more codependent. We recommend you check out our article on How To Help A Dog With Separation Anxiety, where we explain more about how you can help your Dood overcome these problems. 

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Cost

As both Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles are in high demand, you can expect to pay at least a few thousand dollars for both of these pups. The typical price range starts from $2000 and you can pay upwards to $5000 for a healthy Doodle puppy. 

In terms of ongoing costs, you can expect to pay roughly the same amount of money for Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles. However, the costs of food, grooming, and other necessities are also determined by your dog’s size. For instance, a Toy Aussiedoodle eats considerably less than a larger Standard Aussiedoodle. 

We cannot stress enough how important it is to choose a reputable breeder who has put a lot of time, effort, and money into breeding healthy dogs. The factors that determine the high price of Doodles are breeders’ and your own location, health and genetic testing, breeding stock, demand, and what size, generation, and coat type you’re after. 

Although you might be tempted to opt for a breeder who offers Doodle puppies at a much lower price point, we urge you to avoid suspiciously low prices. Unfortunately, oftentimes these are puppy mills and Doodle scammers just acting for their own financial gain. 

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Are They Family Friendly?

Last, but not least: Goldendoodle vs Aussiedoodle – which one is better suited for families with children? Based on our own survey results from actual Aussiedoodle and Goldendoodle owners, we can safely say that they’re both affectionate with their families and tend to get along well with children. Goldendoodles are reported to be most friendly towards children, but Aussies do not fall far behind. Similarly, Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles are both usually friendly with other dogs. In terms of cat friendliness, owners have reported mixed results for both Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles. Although most owners found both Doodles mostly friendly towards cats, it all boils down to how the pups have been socialized to their feline companions. 

Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Which Is The Puppy For You?

To sum up our Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle comparison, we’re going to highlight the traits and characteristics of both Doods and why they’re more suitable for different types of owners. Neither of the Doodles is superior to the other, and they both are wonderful companions, loved by many Doodle owners. 

The Aussiedoodle is the right pup for you if you:

• are highly active and want a dog who will join you on daily jogs and hikes;
• are looking for a pup who likes to play, a lot;
• have plenty of time to spend with your dog during the day.

Opt for a Goldendoodle if you:

• prefer a pup who is slightly more independent;
• want a dog who is super friendly towards anyone and everyone, all the time;
• are looking for a more established Doodle breed with better control over their breeding standards. 

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Aussiedoodle vs Goldendoodle – which breed is better? Picking the right dog for you and your family may be a tough decision. The key differences between these two breeds are in their appearance, but both breeds have similar temperaments and traits that make them great companions. If you’re looking to adopt or purchase a new puppy based on our research into Goldendoodles vs Aussiedoodles then we hope this article has helped narrow down your search! With so many different dogs out there, it’s hard to know which one will best suit your needs. After all, you’re making a huge commitment by adopting a new dog who will become a full-fledged member of your family for years to come.