Meet the Aussie Mountain Doodle, a delightful blend of affection, intelligence, and playfulness, making it an outstanding choice for a family dog. This hybrid combines the best traits of its forebears—the energetic Australian Shepherd and the intelligent Poodle—with the robust, good-natured Bernese Mountain Dog, to create a companion that’s as capable of adventure as it is content curling up by your feet.
Researchers, like Dr. Dan O’Neill and his team, have taken a deep dive into what makes ‘Doodle’ dogs so special, revealing insights into their health and temperaments . For further in-depth discovery, you can explore texts like this informative book on Doodle breeds, which delve into their history, care, and why they’ve captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.
Whether you’re romping through the great outdoors or looking for a furry friend to light up your home life, the Aussie Mountain Doodle is a breed that promises to bring joy and vitality to your days. In the following sections, we’ll uncover the essence of this remarkable breed, from its charming quirks to its cuddly demeanor. However, don’t confuse Aussie Mountain Doodles with the Australian Bernedoodle as that is a different designer breed!
So, What is an Aussie Mountain Doodle?
The Aussie Mountain Doodle is a crossbreed dog that combines the traits of three popular breeds: the Australian Shepherd, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Poodle. It is a designer breed that aims to create a companion dog with desirable qualities such as intelligence, loyalty, and low-shedding coat.
Not only are they a visual treat, but their personalities are equally enchanting. They are typically easy to train, eager to please, and always ready for a game of fetch or a peaceful hike. Don’t let their zest for life fool you, though—they are just as keen on snuggling up for a quiet evening at home.
Aussie Mountain Doodles come in various sizes, from the sturdier standard to the compact mini, making them suitable for a range of living situations. If you’re considering adding one of these versatile pups to your family, you’ll find a friend for life who is adaptable, loyal, and endlessly loving.
They are typically made by first breeding two of the three parents to get a first-generation (F1 mix). The resulting dog is then mixed with the third parent to get the Aussie Mountain Doodle Mix.
For example, an Aussiedoodle will be bred with a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Bernedoodle. The puppies may be bred back to Poodles to get a more allergy-friendly coat, or to miniature Poodles to get a mini Aussie Mountain Doodle.
Where Did Aussie Mountain Doodles Come From? Origins and History
Origins of Doodles
Doodle mixes are extremely popular since the Labradoodle was first bred in the 1990s as a seeing eye dog. Since then we have seen countless new Doodle breeds, including the Goldendoodle or mini Sheepadoodle. These ‘Doodle’ dogs have grown in popularity recently, and are some of the most common designer dog breeds.
Though recent, this mixed dog’s parent breeds have well-documented histories alongside humans for centuries.
Origins of the Australian Shepherd
Despite the name, there is nothing Australian about the origins of the Australian Shepherd. They originated from the Basque region of Spain as capable herding dogs. The name “Australian” emerged because the Shepherds from Basque first took their dogs to Australia. Seeing the influx of these dogs from Australia, Americans started calling them Aussie Shepherds.
Origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Romans brought the Bernese Mountain Dogs to Switzerland over 2000 years ago. They are named after “Bern,” referring to their place of origin in Switzerland. They were bred to pull carts, drive cattle and protect farms from predators. They are also popular parents of designer dogs like the Golden Mountain Dog.
The Poodles have their history in Germany, where they were made to be water retrievers. They were bred to swim well, for intelligence, and given a Poodle haircut to reduce coat weight while protecting vital organs.
These parent breeds combined to create a well-balanced medium to large dog, perfect for companionship.
What Does an Aussie Mountain Doodle Look Like? Physical Characteristics
Because of their genetic variety from three breeds, you can never precisely predict how an Australian Mountain Doodle will look. They are generally medium-to-large dogs with a fluffy appearance and an athletic, well-proportioned build. You also get a smaller miniature variety. Those that have a lot of Australian Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog blood, will have thick, long, smooth double coat that sheds, like the dog in the picture below.
Multigenerational Aussie Mountain Doodles will remind you of a Poodle with hints of Aussie and Bernese. They have droopy ears that may have feathering, and long hair on their face and eyebrows. Most have patches of white in the middle of the head, chest, and paws from the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Some even have the signature Poodle afro. Mixes with dominant Aussie genes may have breathtaking merle (dark splotches on lighter coats) coats and blue eyes. Many of these dogs are tri-colored with tan points above the eyes, paws, and cheeks, along with their white markings.
Their coats range from wavy to curly, though most lean toward the curly side. They come in a variety of colors, such as:
- Bi-colored (white markings on chest, paws, head);
- Tri-color (white markings plus tan points);
- Merle;
- Red;
- Blue (faded gray);
- Brown;
- Blonde;
- White;
- Black; and
- Phantom.
How Big Does the Aussie Mountain Doodle Get?
Aussie Mountain Doodles are medium to large dogs depending on the dominant parents. Their size ranges from 19 to 25 inches (48 to 63 cm) and 45 to 80 pounds (20 to 36 kg).
A fully grown Mini Aussie Mountain Doodle typically reaches a height of around 35-43 cm (14-17 inches) at the shoulder. In terms of weight, they usually range from 7-15 kg (15-33 pounds). These measurements are approximate and can vary depending on the individual dog and its specific lineage.
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Aussie Mountain Doodle Temperament & Personality
Aussie Mountain Doodles combine each parent’s temperaments perfectly, resulting in a well-balanced dog. While it’s difficult to predict a mixed breed’s disposition, most of these mixes are friendly, easygoing, intelligent, social, and eager to please.
The Australian Shepherd and Poodle influence make this an extremely active and intelligent dog, but the Bernese Mountain Dog’s laid-back personality should mellow it out somewhat. The Poodle’s and Aussie’s intelligence, coupled with the Bernese’s sweet nature, makes these dogs great companions.
They typically aren’t nervous around new people but can get anxious when left alone for long (separation anxiety). They can be rather sensitive, so avoid harshness and punishments and focus on positive reinforcement.
Training this mix from a young age is paramount because their active minds can soon get into trouble if they get bored. Exposure to various people and animals socializes this dog adequately and should start from puppyhood.
Suitability With Children and Other Pets
The Aussie Mountain Doodle is an ideal family pet that gets on well with children and other animals with proper socialization and training. They are not aggressive dogs and are usually good-natured. Keep in mind that the standard Aussie Mountain Doodle is a big dog that can knock a child over, so always supervise small children around any dog.
Suitable Home for an Aussie Mountain Doodle
- A home with a yard and plenty of space. These dogs are a good choice for farms or rural areas
- People with active lifestyles and plenty of time to exercise their dog
- Dog owners who like large breeds, but who are not looking for an aggressive guard dog.
- Active families with children or multi-pet households
- Dog owners committed to plenty of grooming
- They may or may not be hypoallergenic, so spending time around them determines if they’re allergy friendly.
General Care and Maintenance for An Aussie Mountain Doodle
- Hypoallergenic: Probably not
- Shedding: Mild to moderate
- Exercise: 1 to 2 hours
- Temperament: Easy-going, social, loving, and intelligent
- Trainability: Easy to train because of their high intelligence
How Long Do Aussie Mountain Doodles Live?
The Aussie Mountain Doodle is a sturdy dog that can live for 10 to 15 years. This age is impressive for dogs of large size, where nutrition and care determine how long they live.
Exercise Requirements
The Aussie Mountain Doodle needs a minimum of one hour of daily exercise, sometimes more. These dogs are impressively athletic and can excel in various sports like agility, dog shows, and tracking. Mental stimulation, such as through puzzles, keeps their minds active.
Housing Needs
An Aussie Mountain Doodle needs a yard and space to roam. This way, they’ll have more room to stretch and burn off energy, even if they still need daily walks. Mini versions can live in smaller spaces, but these are still active dogs that may struggle in apartments.
Dietary Needs
Doodle mixes need quality food made for their size, age, and health. Their diets must have quality animal protein (25%), vitamins, fiber, carbs, and minerals. Your vet can help you create a meal plan after considering all health issues that relate to diet.
Grooming an Aussie Mountain Doodle
Grooming an Aussie Mountain Doodle requires regular maintenance to keep their coat healthy and free from tangles. Due to their mixed heritage, the specific grooming needs of an Aussie Mountain Doodle can vary, but here are some general guidelines:
- Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling. The frequency of brushing will depend on the coat type of your individual dog. For wavy or curly coats, brushing every few days or weekly is recommended. Use a slicker brush or a comb with wide teeth to remove any knots or tangles.
- Aussie Mountain Doodles generally do not require frequent bathing unless they get dirty or develop an odor. Aim for bathing them every 6-8 weeks with gentle dog shampoo.
- Some Aussie Mountain Doodles may require occasional coat trimming to maintain a neat appearance. This includes trimming around the face, ears, paws, and tail. Consider seeking professional grooming services or learning basic trimming techniques to ensure a proper and even trim.
They regular teeth cleaning 2 to 3 times weekly to prevent dental problems as well as eye and ear cleaning, and nail trimming.
How Much Are Aussie Mountain Doodle Puppies?
You can expect to pay $1500 to $5000 for Aussie Mountain Doodle puppies. Aussie Mountain Doodle breeders like Blue Skye Doodles, can base pricing on factors like color, with Apricot puppies going for $3500 and Merle Tri or Merle Phantom Aussie Mountain Doodle puppies for sale for $4800.
Beware of cheap puppies from backyard breeders or puppy mills and always visit the breeder and ask to see their health test results. These dogs may be difficult to adopt from a shelter as they are rare, but you can contact Doodle rescue organizations in your area.
Training Your Aussie Mountain Doodle: A Smart and Eager Learner
Aussie Mountain Doodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable companions. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Positive Reinforcement is Key:
- Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime.
- Focus on making training sessions fun and engaging for your pup.
- Be patient and consistent with your commands.
Start Early with the Essentials:
- Puppy socialization: Introduce your pup to different people, places, and sounds during their critical socialization window (from 3 to 16 weeks old) to build confidence and prevent future anxieties.
- Potty training: Establish a consistent potty schedule and reward successful potty breaks outdoors with praise and treats.
- Basic commands: Teach essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” and “leave it” using positive reinforcement techniques.
Embrace Their Intelligence:
- Aussie Mountain Doodles thrive on mental stimulation.
- Keep training sessions short and engaging, incorporating interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and trick training.
- Consider enrolling in puppy obedience classes to learn effective training methods and socialize your dog in a controlled environment.
Addressing Common Challenges:
- Chewing: Provide your pup with plenty of appropriate chew toys and redirect them if they chew on unwanted objects.
- Barking: Identify the cause of the barking (excitement, fear, boredom) and address it accordingly. Reward quiet behavior and redirect barking with a command like “quiet” followed by a treat when they comply.
- Leash pulling: Use a gentle leader or harness and practice loose leash walking during training sessions. Reward your pup for walking calmly beside you.
Additional Resources:
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) can help you find a qualified dog trainer in your area.
Remember, patience and consistency are key to successful training. With dedication and positive reinforcement, your Aussie Mountain Doodle will become a well-mannered and happy companion.
Finding The Best Aussie Mountain Doodle Breeder
Aussie Mountain Doodles are energetic and intelligent companions, but finding a responsible breeder is crucial. Here are some tips to help you in your search:
- Look for breeders who prioritize health testing: Reputable breeders will test their breeding stock for genetic diseases common in Australian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Poodles.
- Ask about the parent dogs’ temperaments: Well-bred Aussie Mountain Doodles should be friendly, confident, and eager to please.
- Inquire about the living conditions of the dogs: Responsible breeders raise their dogs in a clean, healthy environment and prioritize socialization from a young age.
- Be wary of breeders with low prices or readily available puppies: Responsible breeders often have waiting lists for their puppies.
Here are some resources to help you find reputable breeders:
- Doodle Organizations: The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) and the Poodle Club of America (PCA) may have resources for breeders of doodle mixes. Another great resource to find a reputable and ethical Aussie Mountain Doodle breeds is the Doodle Club.
- Online Directories: The Doodle Owners Club and the International Doodle Registry may list breeders in your area. Be sure to follow up on the breeder’s reputation beyond the directory listing.
Remember: Always visit a breeder’s facilities in person before making a commitment. Ask questions, meet the parents of the puppies, and get a sense of the overall breeding operation.
The Health of an Aussie Mountain Doodle
The Aussie Mountain Doodle is typically very healthy and has a longer lifespan than most dogs their size. The heightened health is because of “hybrid vigor” from the widened gene pool, making them healthier than purebreds. However, these dogs can experience health problems in their Aussie, Bernese, and Poodle parents.
The biggest risk is hip dysplasia, where the joint and bone don’t align properly, causing intense pain. This condition is prevalent in all three breeds involved in breeding the mix. According to the OFA, about 82% of Bernese Mountain dogs have hip dysplasia, and can easily pass this on to the Aussie Mountain Doodle.
Chances of bloat (GDV) are also heightened in this large to medium mix because of the deep chest. Bloat is one of the biggest causes of simultaneous fatality in dogs and can be prevented using surgery called gastropexy.
They are also susceptible to eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and heart conditions like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). A study on cancer-related incidences listed Bernese Mountain Dogs as among the most affected. The breed could pass this cancer propensity to the mixed breed.
These are the health risks you may encounter with your Aussie Mountain Doodle.
Severe Health Issues
- Hip and elbow dysplasia;
- Heart conditions like arrhythmia, DCM, and valve disease;
- Neurological conditions like spinal and vestibular diseases;
- Eye problems like cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy;
- Cancer;
- Immune disorders like Addison’s disease;
- Bloat; and
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD).
Mild to Moderate Health Problems
- Allergies;
- Skin conditions;
- Obesity;
- Dental issues; and
- Stomach sensitivity.
Occasional Risks
- Epilepsy; and
- Multidrug Resistance Mutation (MDR1) affects how a dog processes drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Aussie Mountain Doodles Like To Bark?
Aussie Mountain Doodles may be prone to barking, especially since the Australian Shepherd and Poodle parents do like to bark. Give them plenty of exercise and a job to do to avoid excessive barking and beware of dog barking laws in your area.
Are Aussie Mountain Doodles Hypoallergenic?
These mixes are unlikely to be hypoallergenic. Even though Poodles are low-shedding dogs, Australian Shepherds and Bernese Mountain Dogs shed plenty, meaning most Aussie Mountain Doodles will shed to some extent. F1B and F1BB Aussie Mountain Doodles that are between 75% and 88% Poodle may have a more hypoallergenic coat because they have far more Poodle genetics.
Final Thoughts
Aussie Mountain Doodles are great family dogs for people that prefer larger dogs, but they also have an adorable miniature version. They blend physical and behavioral attributes from the parent breeds excellently, resulting in a happy and healthy dog.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.