The aussie mountain doodle is a growing favorite among dog lovers who want a smart, affectionate, and allergy-friendly companion. This unique mix brings together three beloved breeds — the Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle — resulting in a dog with a friendly personality, beautiful coat, and adaptable nature.
If you want to learn more about what the aussie mountain doodle is like, its care needs, health, and temperament, keep reading. This article covers everything you need to know to decide if this breed suits your lifestyle.
What Is an Aussie Mountain Doodle?
The aussie mountain doodle is a designer crossbreed created by mixing the Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle. This hybrid aims to capture the best traits from each parent:
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Australian Shepherd: Known for intelligence, high energy, and loyalty.
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Bernese Mountain Dog: Renowned for gentle nature and calm demeanor.
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Poodle: Famous for hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat and smartness.
This mix produces a dog that often has a wavy or curly coat, moderate to large size, and a loving personality that fits well into active family life.
Physical Appearance of the Aussie Mountain Doodle
Size and Weight
The size of the aussie mountain doodle can vary depending on the generation and exact parent genetics. Usually, they fall into two size categories:
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Standard Size: These dogs typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and stand around 18 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
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Miniature Size: Some breeders also produce mini aussie mountain doodles, which weigh 25 to 50 pounds and stand 15 to 20 inches tall.
Both sizes share many traits but differ mostly in scale and space needs.
Coat Type and Colors
One of the defining features of the aussie mountain doodle is its coat. Thanks to the Poodle genes, the coat tends to be:
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Wavy or curly
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Low-shedding or hypoallergenic (though this is never guaranteed)
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Medium to long in length
Their coats can appear in many colors and patterns. Common colors include:
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Tri-color (black, white, rust)
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Merle (a mottled patchwork pattern common in Australian Shepherds)
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Solid colors like black, brown, cream, or gray
Regular grooming is necessary to prevent mats and tangles.
Lifespan
On average, the aussie mountain doodle lives between 12 to 15 years, which is typical for dogs of this size and mix.
Temperament and Behavior
The aussie mountain doodle is beloved for its friendly, intelligent, and social nature. This breed fits well with families, singles, and seniors alike due to its balanced temperament.
Key Personality Traits:
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Intelligent: The breed learns quickly and enjoys training sessions.
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Affectionate: Loves spending time with family members and is usually good with children.
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Energetic: Needs regular physical and mental activity to stay happy.
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Sociable: Gets along well with other pets and strangers when socialized early.
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Protective but gentle: Shows loyalty without aggressive tendencies.
These dogs thrive when given a purpose, such as obedience training, agility, or simple daily exercise routines.
Exercise and Activity Needs
The aussie mountain doodle has moderate to high energy levels, largely inherited from the Australian Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog sides.
Daily Exercise Recommendations:
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At least 1 hour of physical activity per day, including walks, runs, or playtime.
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Mental stimulation like puzzle toys, training commands, or interactive games.
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Access to safe outdoor space to explore and burn off energy.
Without adequate exercise, this breed may develop destructive behaviors due to boredom.
Grooming Requirements
Maintaining the aussie mountain doodle’s coat requires regular attention:
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Brush the coat 3 to 4 times per week to prevent mats and tangles.
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Schedule professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.
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Check ears weekly and clean if needed to prevent infections.
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Trim nails regularly to avoid discomfort or injury.
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Bathing frequency depends on activity level and environment but generally once every 6-8 weeks.
Consistent grooming helps keep their coat healthy and reduces shedding around the home.
Health Considerations
As a hybrid, the aussie mountain doodle can be healthier than purebreds due to genetic diversity, but it can still inherit some health issues.
Common Health Concerns:
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Hip and elbow dysplasia: Joint issues common in medium to large dogs.
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Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): An eye disease causing vision loss.
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Skin allergies: Sensitivities leading to itching or irritation.
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Ear infections: Due to floppy ears and hair growth in the ear canal.
Regular veterinary checkups and a balanced diet help maintain good health and early detection of issues.
Feeding Your Aussie Mountain Doodle
Diet is essential for the wellbeing of the aussie mountain doodle:
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Feed high-quality dog food suited to age, size, and activity level.
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Divide meals into two servings per day to support metabolism.
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Monitor weight and adjust food portions to avoid obesity.
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Provide plenty of fresh water daily.
Consult your vet for personalized nutrition advice and to address any dietary concerns.
Training and Socialization
Training the aussie mountain doodle is generally straightforward thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Training Tips:
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Start socialization early with different people, places, and other animals.
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Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise.
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Include obedience commands to build good manners and safety.
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Provide mental challenges through puzzle toys or new commands.
Consistent training leads to a well-behaved, happy dog and strengthens the human-animal bond.
Is the Aussie Mountain Doodle Right for You?
If you want a dog that is:
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Friendly and good with families,
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Intelligent and trainable,
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Moderate to high energy and enjoys activities,
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Hypoallergenic or low-shedding, and
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Medium to large size with a beautiful coat,
Then the aussie mountain doodle is likely a great fit. However, be sure you can commit to their exercise, grooming, and training needs to keep them healthy and happy.
Summary Table: Aussie Mountain Doodle Overview
Feature | Description |
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Breed Type | Hybrid (Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Poodle) |
Size | Medium to Large |
Weight | 50-90 lbs (standard), 25-50 lbs (miniature) |
Height | 18-27 inches (standard), 15-20 inches (mini) |
Coat Type | Curly or wavy, low-shedding |
Coat Colors | Tri-color, merle, solid black, brown, cream |
Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Temperament | Friendly, intelligent, affectionate, energetic |
Exercise Needs | 1+ hour daily |
Grooming Frequency | Brush 3-4 times weekly, pro grooming every 6-8 weeks |
Common Health Issues | Hip dysplasia, PRA, allergies, ear infections |
Suitable For | Families, active singles, allergy sufferers |
Final Thoughts
The aussie mountain doodle offers a wonderful balance of traits from three distinct breeds, making it a popular choice for many dog lovers. Its intelligence, friendly nature, and hypoallergenic coat make it a versatile companion that fits well in many homes.
Before deciding on an aussie mountain doodle, consider your lifestyle and ability to provide exercise, grooming, and training. When cared for properly, this breed will reward you with years of loyalty, companionship, and joy.
1. What is an aussie mountain doodle?
An aussie mountain doodle is a hybrid dog breed created by crossing the Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle. This mix produces a friendly, intelligent, and often hypoallergenic dog that suits active families.
2. How big does an aussie mountain doodle get?
The size of an aussie mountain doodle varies but typically ranges from medium to large. Standard aussie mountain doodles weigh between 50 to 90 pounds and stand about 18 to 27 inches tall.
3. Does the aussie mountain doodle shed a lot?
Thanks to its Poodle lineage, the aussie mountain doodle usually has a low-shedding, curly or wavy coat that is considered hypoallergenic. However, regular grooming is needed to maintain the coat.
4. What kind of exercise does an aussie mountain doodle need?
An aussie mountain doodle requires at least one hour of daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and mental stimulation, to keep it healthy and happy.
5. Are aussie mountain doodles good family dogs?
Yes, the aussie mountain doodle is known for its affectionate, loyal, and social nature, making it a great companion for families, children, and other pets.