Australian Doodles: Breed Information and Health Concerns

Australian Doodles – also sometimes called Australian Labradoodles or Aussie Poos – are some of the smartest, friendliest, and cutest dogs on the planet. They also happen to shed very little, which makes them a good choice for those with allergies. If you’re thinking of getting an Australian Doodle, be sure to read this entire article so you know what to expect as far as temperament and potential health issues.

Australian Doodles Origin

You might think an Australian Doodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, but that’s not the case. These pups were created by crossing a Labrador Retriever, a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. While there is Lab and Poodle in here, do not confuse this dog with a Labradoodle.The mixed-breed gets its name because it originated in Australia in the 1980s and was specifically designed to be an allergy-friendly guide dog or canine companion.

Australian Doodle Appearance

If you were to look up “adorable” in the dictionary, there is a very good chance you would find an image of an Australian Doodle. No seriously, this mixed-breed looks almost exactly like a little stuffed teddy bear with big, dark expressive eyes.

When it comes to size, the Australian Doodle comes in three varieties:

Miniature

This pup stands between 14 and 16 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. These pups get their diminutive-ness when mixed with a miniature Poodle.

Medium 

Medium-sized Doodles stand between 17 and 20 inches tall and can weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. 

Standard

Moving up the sizing chart, standard Australian Doodles stand between 21 and 24 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. 

Coat & Color

These pups are known for their gorgeous thick, curly coats. Depending on their genetic makeup, Australian Doodles come in a variety of colors including deep browns, milk chocolate brown, caramel and cream. You will even sometimes see pups that are apricot, red, silver and blue in color! They are all just magnificent-looking and have a wonderful personality to boot!

Australian Doodle Temperment

Once you realize the Australian Doodle has been bred for the past 40 years to be service and therapy dogs, you begin to understand why they are so incredibly loving and people-oriented. These joyful canines are highly-intelligent and equally entertaining. Need some good laughs? Be sure to have an Australian Doodle around, who will make you giggle with their silly antics. These pups make excellent family pets because they get along well with children of all ages as well as other pets. 

The question here is not whether or not Australian Doodles make wonderful companions, the question is, can you make a wonderful pup parent? With their sharp minds and need for an activity or job to do, your pup will require direction and guidance early on. Training is highly recommended as is patience, encouragement and dedication. Put in the work with your pup when they are young and you will have a companion who blows you away on a daily basis with how amazing they are!

Australian Doodle Health Issues

All breeds of dog are genetically prone to certain health issues. In the case of the Aussiedoodle, they will share similar health traits with their parents (Lab, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel).

It’s important for pup parents to be aware of potential health risks so they can keep a keen eye on their Doodles. This way they can notice any potential health issue early and get treatment before the condition worsens. 

With this in mind, the following are some of the most common health issues for Australian Doodles.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and Elbow dysplasia is often seen in larger breeds such as German Shepherds and great Danes, but all sizes of dogs can experience the condition. Dysplasia refers to a joint that has not developed normally. The result is that over time, the joint can dislocate again and again, which leads to further deterioration. 

Signs of hip or elbow dysplasia include: 

• Limping
• Decreased activity
• Lethargy
• Muscle loss
• Pain
• Swollen joints

Depending on the severity of the condition, there are a few different treatment options. Mild cases may only need supplementation and medication to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Some cases may need physical therapy, while more severe cases warrant costly surgical intervention.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease refers to a condition where your dog’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, a stress (fight or flight) hormone. The disease can be caused by tumors in the adrenal or pituitary gland or by excessive use of steroid medication. 

Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease include:

• Muscle wasting
• Thinning of skin
• Infections
• Increase in appetite and thirst
• Increased urination
• Lethargy 
• Loss of hair

Treatment for Cushing’s typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. If surgery is not an option, the disease can often be managed with medications. 

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ responsible for producing and secreting digestive enzymes when food enters the stomach. With pancreatitis, these enzymes are released with or without ingesting food. Should the stomach be devoid of food, the enzymes will begin digesting anything else, including GI tissues. Should the disease progress, the enzymes will begin to digest the pancreas itself, which causes the dog intense pain.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Diarrhea

Treatment is based on the severity of the case. Mild cases may only require temporary use of antibiotics, IV fluids and a change of diet. More severe cases may require hospitalization, IV fluids and pain management.

Pancreatitis is a bit tricky. Sometimes there is an obvious cause, as in your dog got into the mashed potatoes and gravy you left out on the counter. A high fat diet and eating something they shouldn’t is a primary cause. But sometimes there are pancreatitis attacks that seem to come on for no apparent reason. A dog may have one attack in their life and never have another one, or they may develop chronic pancreatitis and have flare ups through their older years.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the dog’s brain. Seizures can be caused by an underlying disease such as cancer, toxic poisoning, or nutritional deficiency. Seizures can be fatal, so it’s important to recognize one and get your pup help ASAP should one take place. Symptoms include:

• Wobbly movements
• Muscle twitching
• Temporary loss of vision
• Stiffening
• Excessive drool
• Falling

There is no cure for epilepsy but the condition can be managed with medication. Some dogs with epilepsy can live a long and otherwise healthy life.

Keep Your Australian Doodle Healthy with a Pet Insurance Policy

We hate to think that our pup could become seriously ill. But as you saw, Australian Doodles are prone to some serious illnesses that can cost a lot to treat. Should something happen, would you be able to afford potentially thousands of dollars in vet bills?

More and more pet parents are discovering the benefits of enrolling their fur babies into a pet insurance plan. Their pets get the best care they need when they need it and they don’t have to empty their savings account. That’s a win/win!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get a free quote from multiple providers. It’s free and only takes 2 minutes to get peace of mind.

References:

1. https://www.doodlesofoz.com/what-is-an-australian-labradoodle “What’s an Australian Labradoodle?”
2. https://www.loveyourdog.com/australian-labradoodle/ “Australian Labradoodle Breed Information: Facts, Traits & More”
3. https://www.everythinglabradors.com/post/are-australian-labradoodles-healthy “Are Australian Labradoodles Healthy?”

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.