If you’re thinking about bringing an Aussiedoodle into your life, you’re probably wondering about the price. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about the cost of an Aussiedoodle – that charming mix of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle.
We’ll break down the initial costs, including what factors might influence the price, and give you a heads-up on the ongoing expenses of owning one of these adorable dogs.
So, let’s get started and find out what it really takes, financially, to have an Aussiedoodle as your newest family member!
A Wide Range of Cost
The cost of an Aussiedoodle can vary significantly. At the lower end, you might come across Aussiedoodle puppies priced around $700. However, this might not be the bargain you think it is. Such a low price can sometimes indicate that the puppy comes from less knowledgeable or careless breeders, potentially leading to health issues.
On the higher end, there are ‘turnkey’ Aussiedoodles, or those trained as guide or service dogs, which can fetch prices up to $24,000 for an 8-month old puppy. We’ll discuss what ‘turnkey’ entails later in this post.
Please be aware that the breeders mentioned in this post are not endorsed by us. Their websites are referenced solely to indicate the sources of our information.
How Much Does an Aussiedoodle Cost?
The average Aussiedoodle price is $1,500 to $4,000. This price can vary based on factors like the dog’s size, coat color, training and even eye color. The cost for a Aussiedoodle with blue eyes and a red Merle coat can easily be $3,000 to $4,000.
8 Key Factors that Influence the Cost of an Aussiedoodle
1. Size: How Does Size Affect the Price of an Aussiedoodle?
The cost of an Aussiedoodle, a hybrid breed, is often affected by its size. Aussiedoodles come in different sizes – standard/medium, miniature, and micro mini. While some breeders charge the same price for all sizes most breeders charge a premium for a smaller sized Aussiedoodle.
- Standard Aussiedoodle: a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard Poodle, are considered to be large dogs, often weighing over 45 pounds. This size tends to be less in demand.
- Miniature Aussiedoodle: a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a miniature Poodle is slightly smaller, these weigh between 25 and 45 pounds. Miniature Aussiedoodles are often in high demand due to their more manageable size. This demand can drive up their price compared to the standard variety.
- Micro Mini Aussiedoodle: The smallest variant, an Australian Shepherd and a toy poodle, usually weighs less than 25 pounds. This is the least common size you will find. The breeding process to maintain this smaller size can be more intricate and resource-intensive, often resulting in higher prices for toy Aussiedoodles
2. Training: How does training affect the Aussiedoodle Price?
Doodles often attract first-time dog owners with their adorable, teddy-bear-like faces and the promise of being easy to train. However, this has sometimes led to tales of unruly, hard-to-manage dogs. While it’s true that most doodles inherit the Poodle’s intelligence and eagerness to please, the Australian Shepherd is a high energy dog that requires proper puppy training from someone who has the experience and time to train them.
Unfortunately, many first-time dog owners lack the necessary skills for effective dog training. To address this challenge, breeders have begun offering pre-trained puppies at an additional cost.
The extent and level of training varies among breeders. Some offer different tiers of training, while others specialize in providing fully trained “turnkey” dogs.
What is a Turnkey Puppy?
While the definition of a “turnkey puppy” is ultimately up to the trainer, it generally refers to a puppy that has already undergone extensive training before going to its new home. The term “turnkey” implies that the puppy is ready to seamlessly integrate into its new family environment, much like a turnkey home is ready for immediate occupancy.
Here’s what typically defines a turnkey puppy:
- Advanced Training: Unlike the average young puppy that may not know any commands, turnkey puppies receive comprehensive training. This can include house training, obedience commands, socialization with people and other animals, and sometimes even more specialized training like service or therapy skills.
- Older Age: Turnkey puppies are usually older than the typical 8-week-old puppy sold by breeders. This is because it takes time to provide the level of training they receive. It is common for a turnkey puppy to be 8 months old by the time they join their forever families.
- Higher Cost: Due to the extensive training and care invested in these puppies, they come at a significantly higher price compared to untrained puppies. The cost of a trained puppy is often on top of the puppy’s purchase price.
- Ease of Transition: The main advantage of a turnkey puppy is the ease of transition into a new home. The extensive training helps reduce the common challenges associated with integrating a new puppy, like housebreaking and basic obedience training.
The cost of getting a trained puppy can be anywhere between $2,500 for a month’s worth of training to over $24,000 for an eight-month-old puppy.
Disadvantages of a Turnkey Puppy
Choosing a turnkey puppy, while convenient, also comes with several disadvantages that you should consider.
- Higher Cost: The most significant disadvantage is the price. The extensive training that turnkey puppies receive significantly increases their cost compared to standard puppies. This can make them prohibitively expensive for many people.
- Missed Bonding Opportunities: Early puppy-hood is a crucial time for bonding between a dog and its owner. With turnkey puppies, owners miss out on this early bonding period. The experiences and challenges of training can strengthen the bond and understanding between a dog and its owner, which is diminished when the puppy arrives already trained.
- Limited Understanding of Training Methods: Owners of turnkey puppies may lack understanding or experience in maintaining and reinforcing training. If the owner isn’t familiar with the training methods used, they may struggle to uphold or advance the training, leading to confusion or regression in the dog’s behavior.
Tip: If you choose to get a trained puppy, make sure you know exactly what is included in the training as it varies by breeder.
3. Coat Color: What color Aussiedoodle is the most expensive?
The pricing of Aussiedoodles can be influenced by their coat color, with some colors being more sought after and therefore more expensive. Here are some general trends:
- Rare or Unique Colors: Dogs with rare or unique coat colors tend to be more expensive. For example, coats with a merle pattern can fetch higher prices due to their distinct appearance.
- Parti-Colored Coats: Dogs which have a coat with two distinct colors in a specific pattern, can also be costlier. The uniqueness of each parti-colored coat makes these puppies particularly appealing to some buyers.
- Solid Colors: While still attractive, solid-colored Aussiedoodles may be less expensive than their uniquely colored counterparts.
In our survey we found that the premium cost for a puppy with a merle coat can be $300 to $500 over the regular asking price.
4. Eye Color: How does eye color affect the price of an Aussiedoodle?
If an Aussiedoodle has a rare eye color like bright blue or heterochromia, where each eye is a different color, you may be asked to pay a premium for them. But just know that the eye color doesn’t affect the dog’s health or personality – it’s all about that unique look.
In our survey we found that some breeders will request a $300 to $500 premium for light colored eyes.
5. Quality of the Breeder: How does where you get your pup affect a puppy’s price?
The source from which you acquire a puppy significantly influences its price. Here are some key factors based on different sources:
1. Reputable Breeders
A reputable breeder is someone deeply committed to the well-being and improvement of their breed. They focus on enhancing the breed’s health by meticulously selecting the best breeding pairs, underpinned by thorough health testing of their breeding dogs. Additionally, they offer long-term health guarantees against avoidable genetic conditions.
The extensive care, health care, and testing that quality breeders invest in mean that their prices are generally higher.
In our survey we found that for a health-tested Aussiedoodle puppy, the average price range you can expect is between $2,500 to over $3,500. This price reflects the high standards and ethical practices of responsible breeding.
2. Backyard Breeder
Backyard breeders offer puppies at some of the lowest prices. These individuals typically breed their family pet to earn extra income, without a deep understanding of healthy breeding practices. Consequently, the puppies from these breeders may face health issues due to substandard breeding practices.
A key way to identify a backyard breeder is by asking detailed questions about the breed and their breeding methods. Often, they lack the knowledge to provide thorough answers. Additionally, they usually do not perform health testing on their breeding dogs, nor do they offer contracts or health guarantees.
It is advisable to avoid purchasing a puppy from backyard breeders, as this supports irresponsible breeding and potentially compromises the health and well-being of the dogs.
Backyard breeders typically charge between $700 to $1,500.
3. Puppy Mills
Puppy mills might offer lower initial costs than reputable breeders, but they’re not a wise choice. These facilities breed dogs en masse in poor conditions, often leading to health and socialization issues in puppies.
They sell through pet stores, online brokers, or disguise themselves as reputable breeders online. Always inquire about health tests and breeding practices when choosing a breeder to ensure you’re supporting ethical breeding and getting a healthy pet.
Aussiedoodle puppies from a puppy mill can cost between $750 and $3,000.
6. Health Testing: How does health testing affect the Aussiedoodle price?
The cost of an Aussiedoodle is significantly impacted by health testing, a crucial process that ensures the breeding dogs are free from specific genetic health conditions. Breeders invest in a range of tests, such as evaluations for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia—common in larger breeds —and eye exams and genetic screenings for conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), prevalent in Poodles.
Not all dogs, however, pass these tests, meaning not every puppy is suitable for breeding. This selective breeding process, aiming to only breed the healthiest individuals, adds to the breeder’s costs.
As a result, the expense of comprehensive health screenings is mirrored in the higher price of the puppies. While health tested dogs typically fetch a higher fee, having a higher cost does not guarantee health testing.
7. Aussiedoodle Generations: How the generation affects price.
The generation of an Aussiedoodle can significantly affect its cost due to the varying characteristics and breeding complexities associated with each generation. Here’s a breakdown of how different generations might influence pricing:
- F1 Aussiedoodles (First Generation): These are the direct offspring of a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Poodle. They often exhibit a mix of traits from both parent breeds and can have a varied coat type. F1 Aussiedoodles are generally sought after for their hybrid vigor, but their characteristics can be less predictable, affecting their price.
- F1 b Aussiedoodles (Second Generation): An F1b is the result of breeding an F1 Aussiedoodle back to a purebred Poodle. This generation typically has a more hypoallergenic coat, making them ideal for families with mild allergies. The predictability of their coat type and temperament often leads to a higher price point.
- F2 Aussiedoodles (Second Generation): These are the offspring of two F1 Aussiedoodles. Their traits can be even less predictable than the F1 generation. This unpredictability can sometimes result in a lower price compared to F1b Aussiedoodles.
- F2b and Multigeneration Aussiedoodles: As you go further in generations (like F2b, F3, etc.), where Aussiedoodles are bred with other Aussiedoodles or backcrossed with Poodles, the predictability in coat type and temperament increases. Breeders might charge more for these generations due to their more consistent and desirable traits.
8. Coat type: How does an Aussiedoodle’s fur affect their price?
The coat type of a Aussiedoodle plays a significant role in determining its cost. This is because certain coat types are more desirable and may require more complex breeding strategies to achieve. Here’s how different coat types can affect pricing:
- Curly Coat: Often seen in Doodles with a higher percentage of Poodle genetics (like F1b generations), curly coats are highly sought after because they are typically more hypoallergenic and shed less. These qualities make curly-coated Doodles particularly appealing to families with allergies, and thus, they often command a higher price.
- Wavy Coat: A blend between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, the wavy coat is quite common in Aussiedoodles. It’s typically low-shedding, though not as much as the curly coat, and has a soft, slightly tousled appearance.
- Straight Coat: Straight coats are less common and typically indicate a stronger genetic influence from the Australian Shepherd parent breed. While still attractive, straight-coated Doodles might shed more and be less hypoallergenic, which can lead to a lower price compared to curly or wavy coats.
The price difference between an Aussiedoodle with a curly coat or a straight coat can be $1000 or more.
Where to find an Aussiedoodle puppy for less?
Finding an Aussiedoodle puppy at a lower cost requires some research and patience. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Rescue Organizations and Shelters: Aussiedoodle Rescues may occasionally be found in animal shelters or with rescue groups. Adopting from these organizations is usually more affordable than buying from a breeder. Prices for adoption can range from $250 for an older dog to $700 for a puppy. However this is highly dependent on where you get them.
- Older Puppies: Reach out to reputable breeders and inquire about older puppies from previous litters. Breeders may offer these puppies at a reduced price.
- Breeder Discounts: Some breeders offer discounts for military personal and first responders.
- Guardian Homes: Many breeders use guardian homes, where a breeding dog lives with a family but remains part of the breeder’s breeding program. Once the dog’s breeding responsibilities are complete, the guardian home has the opportunity to fully adopt the dog, often at a reduced cost or even at no cost.
Beyond the initial price of an Aussiedoodle
When considering bringing a Aussiedoodle into your life, it’s important to understand the associated costs of proper care for this unique breed. Owning an Aussiedoodle involves more than just the initial purchase price; it includes various annual costs related to their health, maintenance, and well-being.
Due to their size, which can range from mini to large, and potential health problems, the expenses can vary significantly. These costs encompass everything from routine veterinary check-ups and possible health issue treatments to daily care necessities like food, grooming, and training.
First Year Costs* – $1,500 to $3,500
- Veterinarian Care: Initial vaccinations, spaying/neutering, micro-chipping, and other routine health checks – $400 to $600.
- Food: the cost for food will depend on the size of your dog and the type of food you feed them. $400 to $800
- Toys and treats $200 to $600
- Pet Supplies: Includes items like a bed, crate, leash, collar, food and water bowls, snuggle puppy and toys. – $200 to $550.
- Training Classes: Basic obedience classes or professional training sessions to ensure a well-behaved pet– $150 – $300
- Dental Care: toothbrush and dog safe toothpaste – $15 to $20
- At Home Coat Maintenance: Slicker brush, poodle comb, shampoo and conditioner – $200
- Professional Grooming: $400 – $600 or more
- Full Grooming at Home: Clippers, air dryer, etc. $400 -$800 first year.
- Pet Insurance: Optional – will vary based on policy – $45 to $100
- Miscellaneous Costs: Includes expenses like dog walking, pet sitters, or boarding for times when you might be away.
Ongoing Annual Costs* – $1,250 or more
- Veterinarian Care: $250 to $400 this includes the cost of vaccines. Maybe more if illness or accidents happen.
- Food: cost of dog food depends on the size of your dog and type of food- $600 to $1200
- Toys and treats: $200 to $600
- Grooming: Professional grooming $600 – $1,200
- Coat Maintenance: Shampoo and conditioner $100
- Pet Insurance Renewal: If opted for, this will be an annual cost.
- Replacement Supplies: Replacing or upgrading things like beds, collars, leashes, toys, bowls and grooming supplies as needed.
- Emergency Savings: It’s wise to set aside funds for unexpected vet bills or emergencies.
- Miscellaneous Costs: Continuing expenses for dog walking, pet sitting, or boarding as needed.
* Note: the actual cost will depend on your buying choices.
Is an Aussiedoodle a good family dog?
Aussiedoodles are generally excellent family dogs, known for their loving, playful nature and suitability with children. They are highly intelligent and trainable, a trait inherited from their Australian Shepherd and Poodle parents, making them quick to learn and responsive to commands.
These dogs are perfect for active families, as they have a lot of energy and enjoy being outdoors and engaging in various activities. Many Aussiedoodles also have a low-shedding coat, which is beneficial for families with allergy concerns.
However, owning an Aussiedoodle comes with challenges. Their high energy levels require consistent exercise and mental engagement to prevent boredom and potential destructive behavior. Early and consistent training is crucial due to their intelligence and occasional stubbornness.
Aussiedoodles can also develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, and their grooming needs can be demanding, depending on their coat type. Additionally, some may inherit a herding instinct from their Australian Shepherd side, which might need management, particularly around young kids.
Overall, Aussiedoodles make wonderful companions for families ready to meet their physical and mental needs.
You may also want to look into other doodle breeds, like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, or Bernedoodle.
Bringing home your Aussiedoodle puppy
Once you decide on a breeder, you should start thinking about what you will need for when you bring your puppy home. Puppies require many things, but one of the things you might not think about is where your puppy will go to the bathroom. Having an established place to train your puppy to go will make potty training easier. To learn more, check out our posts on Potty Training a Puppy: Made Easy and Outdoor Dog Potty Area Guide.