Do aussiedoodles shed?

What is an Aussiedoodle?

You have probably noticed that Aussiedoodles can vary widely with regard to their size and coat type. These characteristics are inherited from the dog’s parents and grandparents.

Aussiedoodles are a mix of Australian Shepherd and either a standard or mini poodle. This is known as an F1 Aussiedoodle, or an F1 mini Aussiedoodle if the poodle was a mini. If both parents were F1 Aussiedoodles, the puppies are known as F2 Aussiedoodles.

Things get a whole lot more complicated than that, with F1b (Aussiedoodle x poodle) and even F1bb (F1b Aussiedoodle x poodle), F2b (F1 Aussiedoodle x F1b Aussiedoodle) and so on.

But what impact does this have on their coat type?

Poodles are known for shedding very little. They have a single coat, meaning they don’t have a thick undercoat to shed out.

Their coat is also curly or textured so when they do shed, the hair often gets caught up in those tight curls. So you won’t find much fluff on your sofa but a poodle needs regular grooming to keep its coat in tip-top condition.

In contrast, Australian shepherds have a double coat. This means they have a thick undercoat which sheds throughout the year and more during season changes.

Australian shepherds also require regular grooming to help them shed that undercoat and keep it off your carpet!

So how much do Aussiedoodles shed?

Well, it very much depends on what type of coat your dog has inherited from its parents!

Straight coat type

Some Aussiedoodles will inherit a coat more like an Australian shepherd. Fairly straight with a thick undercoat, these Aussiedoodles will shed through the year and more when the seasons change from warm to cold and back again.

Like their Aussie relatives, they will need regular grooming to remove the thick undercoat and keep them comfortable.

You may find that you need to vacuum more often at certain times of the year.

Aussiedoodles with straight coats may not need to visit a professional groomer, brushing them out is an easy job that many owners can do at home.

Curly coat type

Many Aussiedoodles will have a coat much more like their poodle parent, with tight or fluffy curls and no undercoat.

These Aussiedoodles will shed the least, but their coat requires more maintenance to keep them in good condition.

Curly coats can get matted and dirty and they will need daily brushing, along with regular visits to a professional groomer for a bath, brush, and trim.

Wavy coat type

A wavy coat is somewhere in between a straight coat and a curly coat.

It may or may not have the thick undercoat of the Australian shepherd and this will influence how much is shed, although the wavy-coated Aussiedoodles tend to shed less than those with a straight coat.

The wavy coat is usually quite silky and is easier to maintain than a curly coat, many owners are able to brush these coats themselves without the help of a professional groomer. It is said that the wavy coat is the easiest Aussiedoodle coat type to care for.

So are Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog.

Poodles and their mixes are sometimes promoted as hypoallergenic by breeders, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that poodle mixes are better for people who are allergic to dogs.

Allergies are caused by a reaction to proteins in the dander (dead skin cells) that comes off a dog’s skin.

Even dogs who are low shedders will produce dander and are therefore not hypoallergenic. If you do suffer from a dog allergy, an Aussiedoodle may still be the dog for you.

Symptoms can be reduced by not letting your dog sleep in your bedroom, having your dog bathed and groomed regularly, avoiding having carpeted floors in your home, and hoovering regularly.

Installing HEPA filters at home can reduce the level of allergens circulating in the air. You may also be able to speak to your doctor about medication or immunotherapy.

Will my Aussiedoodle shed his puppy coat?

All Aussiedoodle puppies tend to be cute little fluff balls, but some will have curlier coats and some will be more fluffy than others.

You can use this as a guide, but it can be tricky to accurately predict what coat your Aussiedoodle will have from looking at his puppy coat.

Like other dogs, Aussiedoodles and mini Aussiedoodles will lose their puppy coat at around 6 months of age.

This is a gradual transition from puppy to adult coat. You may notice more shedding during this time and your puppy may look more scruffy for a while.

As his adult coat comes through you will see that it is different from his soft puppy coat, it may be more or less curly and it will usually be thicker.

Get your Aussiedoodle puppy used to being groomed from early on. Practice brushing him regularly at home. Also take him to meet his professional groomer so he can get used to being bathed, brushed, and standing on the grooming table.

What else will cause my Aussiedoodle to shed?

As well as genetics, losing the puppy coat and time of year, there are a few other causes of shedding that Aussiedoodle owners should be aware of.

Certain health issues can cause a dog to lose their fur so it is worth investigating these if you notice your Aussiedoodle shedding more than usual.

Poor diet or food allergy/intolerance

If your dog’s diet is lacking in essential nutrients it will start to affect his health. A well-balanced diet is essential to maintain general vitality as well as good coat condition.

Always buy your Aussiedoodle the best quality diet you can afford and avoid cheap food containing artificial ingredients.

Some dogs can develop an allergy or intolerance to certain ingredients in their food and shedding or scratching can be the first symptom.

If you notice excessive shedding, bald spots, or itchiness, your dog’s diet may need to be reviewed so book an appointment with your vet.

Stress or anxiety

Have you ever noticed that your dog’s fur starts to fall out in the vet’s waiting room? Stress or anxiety can cause a dog to shed excessively.

It can also cause a dog to scratch or chew different areas of his body. If your dog is experiencing chronic stress at home, this may be why you are having to vacuum more often.

Dogs can become stressed due to changes in routine, fears and phobias, conflict with other dogs or humans in the household, or if their basic needs are not met.

Ensure your Aussiedoodle has adequate exercise and mental stimulation every day. All dogs should have somewhere quiet where they can escape the hustle and bustle of life, especially if they live with children.

If you think your Aussiedoodle is shedding excessively due to stress, speak to your vet about this. They may refer you to a behaviorist who can help.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites can all cause your dog to be incredibly itchy. You may notice them scratching excessively and this can lead to shedding.

Some dogs can develop an allergy to the parasites and their symptoms can become even worse.

Parasites are usually preventable and treatable so speak to your vet if you think your dog needs treatment.

Other medical conditions

Sometimes shedding the coat can be a symptom of more serious health conditions.

If your Aussiedoodle is shedding more than normal and you can’t work out why, or if he also has other symptoms such as lethargy, weight gain, or weight loss, then book an appointment with your vet.

How to control Aussiedoodle shedding

Some Aussiedoodles will shed more than others, especially if they have inherited that Aussie double coat.

So how can you keep on top of this shedding?

Firstly, make sure the shedding is not due to stress, poor diet, parasites, or other health conditions. If you think it could be due to one of these issues, take action to rectify the situation.

If your dog is still shedding then it’s a case of regular grooming with the right tools. Regular grooming will help to control shedding because it ensures the dog is comfortable.

Aussiedoodles who are not groomed regularly can suffer from a build-up of undercoat and mats. This can make them hot, itchy, and uncomfortable and this can lead to excess shedding.

Regular grooming also physically removes excess hair so it can’t fall out on your carpet! Schedule grooming into your daily routine and it won’t take you long at all.

Bathing your dog every few weeks can also help to remove excess coat.

Of course, you can also book regular appointments with a professional groomer but you will still need to undertake some coat maintenance at home.

There are also some dietary supplements that may help to maintain coat condition, you can ask your vet or nutritionist for advice.

What are the best tools for controlling Aussiedoodle shedding?

There are many different grooming tools available and different tools suit different coat types.

Ask your dog groomer for advice if you are unsure.

As a general guide, most Aussiedoodles can be groomed using a slicker brush. This is a brush with fine metal pins that can remove loose fur, dirt and small knots. A slicker brush is especially useful for Aussiedoodles with curly or wavy coats.

A pin brush is similar to a human hairbrush and can also be used on most coat types to remove loose fur.

If your Aussiedoodle has a straight coat with a dense undercoat, you may find a de-shedding tool helpful. This is a comb shaped like a metal rake that effectively pulls out all the loose, dead undercoat and dander. It is amazing to see just how much undercoat you can pull out with one of these tools and your dog will feel so much better afterwards.

Finally, all Aussiedoodle owners will benefit from having a fine-toothed comb for teasing out any knots or tangles and fluffing up the coat.

Read about other doodles: The Doberdoodle, Cavapoochon, Micro Sheepadoodle, Mini Bernedoodle, 

FAQ’s

Are Aussiedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately not. If they have inherited a poodle-type coat then they may shed less, but this will not make them hypoallergenic.

If you are allergic to dogs you may be able to take action to reduce your symptoms so speak to your doctor for advice.

Do Aussiedoodles blow their puppy coat?

Yes, Aussiedoodles do blow their puppy coat at around 6 months of age. This may happen gradually or all of a sudden. You may notice more shedding during this time.

Why is my Aussiedoodle shedding so much?

Your Aussiedoodle may be shedding because he has inherited a thick double coat, meaning he will shed the undercoat throughout the year and more during seasonal changes.

Your Aussiedoodle may also shed excessively due to a lack of grooming, poor diet, parasites, stress, or other health issues.

Speak to your vet if you are concerned.

Do Aussiedoodles need to be brushed often?

This depends on the type of coat your Aussiedoodle has inherited. Dogs with curly coats will need daily brushing to prevent matting and remove dirt.

They may also need to be groomed and trimmed by a professional groomer every few weeks. Wavy or straight-coated Aussiedoodles may only need brushing once or twice a week to remove loose undercoat and prevent mats.

If your Aussiedoodle does have a thick undercoat, he may need daily brushing to keep him comfortable during shedding season.