The Australian Goldendoodle can make a perfect canine companion for many families. But would a Mini Aussie Goldendoodle puppy be the best choice for you?
How big are Australian Goldendoodles when full-grown? How much do these Doodles shed? And what are their grooming requirements?
Read this care guide to find out everything you need to know about these gorgeous dogs.
Table of Contents
Australian Goldendoodle – Overview
Group:
Teddy Bear dogs
Breed:
Australian Goldendoodle
Weight:
15 – 65 pounds
Height:
14 – 23 inches
Life expectancy:
10 – 15 years
Coat type:
Can be curly, straight, or wavy
Color:
Golden, cream, red, merle
Characteristics
Rating out of 5
Affection level
Very affectionate
Friendliness
Very friendly
Kid-friendly
Typically good with older kids
Pet-friendly
Fine with dogs but might chase cats
Playfulness
Loves a game and trip to the dog park
Intelligence
Highly intelligent
Tendency to Bark
Sometimes
Amount of Shedding
Moderate to low
Characteristics
Affection level
Very affectionate
Rating out of 5
Characteristics
Friendliness
Very friendly
Rating out of 5
Characteristics
Kid-friendly
Typically good with older kids
Rating out of 5
Characteristics
Pet-friendly
Fine with dogs but might chase cats
Rating out of 5
Characteristics
Playfulness
Loves a game and trip to the dog park
Rating out of 5
Characteristics
Intelligence
Highly intelligent
Rating out of 5
Characteristics
Tendency to Bark
Sometimes
Rating out of 5
Characteristics
Amount of Shedding
Moderate to low
Rating out of 5
History
The Australian Goldendoodle was created on the back of the popularity of the Poodle crossbreeds back in the late 1980s. Originally, Doodles were bred as service dogs but soon became popular family pets, largely due to their low-shedding coats and excellent temperaments.
What Is An Australian Goldendoodle?
These dogs are often thought to be a Goldendoodle and Australian Shepherd crossbreed, probably because of their name, but that isn’t the case.
In fact, an Australian Goldendoodle is also known as a Double Doodle and is a cross between an Australian Labradoodle and an English Goldendoodle. To produce an Australian Goldendoodle, F1 (first-generation) crosses of both parent dogs are mated.
The Australian Labradoodle
The Australian Labradoodle has more than just Poodle and Labrador genes. These dogs were originally bred with English and American Cocker Spaniels to produce a dog with a low-shedding coat. However, it’s thought that there are many other breeds in there, too.
So, you can see that the Australian Goldendoodle is certainly a very mixed breed!
When compared with the Goldendoodle, the Australian Goldendoodle is slightly stockier in build.
Training
The Australian Goldendoodle is a dog that is extremely intelligent and loves to learn. These pups are also keen to please their human pack leader, making them a great choice for inexperienced owners.
It’s essential that you train and socialize your puppy from the get-go. Most vet clinics run puppy training classes, and I fully recommend that you take your Australian Goldendoodle along. Also, the AKC’s S.T.A.R. Puppy program is an excellent incentive to get involved in, and all breeds are welcome.
Licensing And Identification
In the US, unless your dog is a seeing-eye dog, a guide dog, or a service dog, you must have it licensed.
In fact, it’s an offense to not have your dog licensed each year. Failure to do so can see you being fined! Before you can get your Australian Goldendoodle licensed, you’ll need the following:
- Your dog’s current rabies vaccination certificate.
- Proof that your dog is neutered or spayed unless you’re a registered breeder.
Every dog must wear a collar carrying the following information:
- ID tags
- Licenses (if applicable)
- Rabies vaccination tags
Your dog’s ID tags must contain your name, contact telephone number, address, and your dog’s name.
Microchipping
Although having your dog microchipped is currently not a legal requirement in the US, I do recommend that you have your Australian Goldendoodle chipped.
Microchipping is a painless procedure that sees the microchip inserted underneath the dog’s skin. The chip contains the owner’s contact details, which are held on a computerized system. If a dog is handed into a police station, dog pound, or shelter, it is scanned for a microchip. So, if your dog is stolen or lost, you stand a very good chance of being reunited with your canine companion.
Feeding
Australian Goldendoodles are active, lively pups that require a high-quality, nutritious diet for good growth and optimum health.
Dogs’ nutritional needs vary, depending on the age of the dog. Always check the product packaging to make sure that protein and fat are at the top of the ingredients list.
You can read more about how to feed your Goldendoodle in the detailed article at this link.
How Much Food Do Australian Goldendoodles Need?
All dogs should generally be fed according to their weight. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when working out how much to feed your pet.
What To Feed Australian Goldendoodles
Wet Or Dry Food?
Senior dogs and young pups can do well on a diet that includes wet food, as that’s more comfortable to eat for dogs who have missing teeth and sensitive gums.
I recommend that you feed your adult Doodle dry food. Biscuits or kibble are perfect for scraping away bacteria from the dog’s teeth that would otherwise cause plaque, leading to gum disease and canine periodontal disease in the dog’s later years.
Your dog needs the following key nutrients in his diet to keep him healthy:
Protein
Your dog needs lots of meaty protein in his diet to maintain healthy growth and muscle development.
When choosing a food for your Australian Goldendoodle, make sure the diet contains at least two sources of protein that are derived from whole meat products. Take a look at the list of ingredients on the packaging, and you want to see that protein is the first item. Although many dog foods contain peas, veggies, and some pulses, such as lentils as a protein source, meat should always be at the top of the list.
Fat
Australian Goldendoodles derive the majority of their energy requirements from fat. So, the food you choose should include sources such as canola oil, chicken fat, and flaxseed.
Fatty acids are very good for your dog’s coat and skin and for the development of a puppy’s brain and eyes. So, look for Omega-6 and Omega-3 in the ingredients list.
Fiber
Like many Doodles, Australian Goldendoodles tend to have delicate tummies, so you need to make sure that your pet eats plenty of fiber.
However, avoid foods that are packed with cereals, which are added to bulk out the food and contain no real nutritional value. A better source of fiber includes vegetables and rice.
Carbohydrates
Like people, a high-carb diet is not ideal for dogs, as it can cause weight gain and the associated health problems that go with that. However, a small quantity of low-glycemic carbohydrates are okay as that won’t trouble your dog’s blood sugar levels.
What Not To Feed
Now you know what to feed your Doodle, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t feed him.
There are several items that are a big no-no when it comes to feeding dogs:
- Chocolate, which is highly toxic to dogs.
- Excessive treats that can cause tummy upsets and weight gain.
- Grapes and raisins, which cause kidney failure even when eaten in small amounts.
Although your dog would love to munch on a bone to get at the marrow contained within it, I would caution against offering your pet any form of natural bone. Many types of bones are prone to splintering, potentially sticking in your dog’s throat, causing choking or even tearing the intestine, which could cause fatal peritonitis.
Grooming
Many Doodle owners like to groom their dogs at home, although a trip to the professional groomer every six to eight weeks for a clip can help to keep the dog looking tidy and smart.
You will need to give your Australian Goldendoodle a brush several times each week to get rid of any tangles or knots in the fluffy undercoat that could develop into painful mats.
If your dog gets down and dirty while out enjoying a walk, you can bathe him. Ideally, you shouldn’t bathe your dog too frequently, as that can cause the skin to become dry and flaky. Always use a good quality dog shampoo on your pet rather than a product that’s designed for humans.
Dental Care
Just as with humans, if you don’t look after your dog’s oral health, he can develop serious dental conditions such as gum disease and canine periodontal disease. If your Doodle develops stinky “dog breath,” contact your vet immediately, as smelly breath usually indicates dental problems or some other serious health condition.
You should clean your dog’s teeth every day using a special dog toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog! The formula for human toothpaste is not suitable for pets and will make your pup sick.
Shelter
All Goldendoodles are totally family-focused, and they don’t do well when separated from their human family.
For that reason, you can’t keep your Doodle outside in a kennel, as that will probably cause separation anxiety and stress for your pet. That said, you can use a crate to train a Doodle puppy, and that will also provide him with a place that he regards as a safe den throughout his adult life.
What Your Australian Goldendoodle Will Need
For his comfort, your Doodle needs:
- A good quality, chew-resistant plastic bed.
- A comfortable, mashing-washable bed to put inside the plastic bed.
- A training crate.
- A selection of soft cushions and fluffy blankets.
You might also want to buy some puppy pads to use while house training your Doodle.
Physical Needs
Australian Goldendoodles are lively, playful dogs that enjoy plenty of exercise every day to keep them happy and healthy.
You can take your Doodle hiking with you, go to the dog park for some off-leash fun, and enjoy some fun and games in your backyard, too. Remember that this breed is very intelligent and loves to interact with people, so make time to play with your pet every day.
Health
Australian Goldendoodles can live for up to 15 years and are typically hardy dogs. That said, there are several health conditions you need to keep in mind, and we’ll discuss those later in this guide.
Neutering/Spaying
Most breeders insist that you have your Australian Goldendoodle neutered or spayed. In fact, many ask you to sign an agreement to state that you won’t breed from your dog. That’s to prevent backyard breeding that could potentially produce puppies with genetic health problems.
There are a few other reasons for having your pet desexed:
- You can’t license your dog in most US states unless the animal is spayed or neutered.
- There are thousands of unwanted puppies produced every year, which is why shelters are overflowing. So, have your dog desexed to avoid unwanted pups.
- Entire male dogs have a habit of roaming looking for females. That can cause traffic accidents and untold mayhem in your neighborhood, so get your boy dog desexed!
- Australian Goldendoodles are pretty mellow characters. However, having your dog desexed can help to prevent straying, excessive barking, jumping up, and even aggression.
Parasites
One very important aspect of your Doodle’s care is a parasite control program. Sometimes, your dog will come into contact with other pooches that are carrying fleas, and he could easily pick up a tick or two if you take him hiking in areas where there’s long grass.
Dogs also have a nasty habit of eating whatever they can get their jaws around while you’re out and about. That can include slugs, scraps of food, dead animals, and even other dog’s poop! All those revolting snacks can contain worm eggs or larvae that could spell big trouble for your dog if he isn’t protected from these parasites.
So, you need to treat your pet with parasite medication that will prevent worms, ticks, and fleas from causing problems for your dog. Have a chat with your vet clinic for more information and advice on what products to use.
Vaccinations
There are several serious diseases that can infect and potentially kill dogs. So, you must have your dog vaccinated every year against the following diseases:
- Rabies (if it’s a problem in your region)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease, especially if you take your dog wilderness hiking
- DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Note that all boarding kennels, daycare facilities, and most dog training and activity groups will not take your dog if he isn’t vaccinated up to date.
Common Health Problems In Goldendoodles
Like most crossbreeds, Australian Goldendoodles are generally pretty healthy and sturdy dogs. However, there are a few problems that can affect the breed.
Avoid Puppy Farms!
Puppy farms are usually backyard operations where puppies of particular popular and trendy breeds are churned out in huge numbers. The sole purpose of puppy farms is to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, that means that the parent dogs are usually kept in terrible conditions, often without seeing the outside of a cage and being bred continuously. The puppies they produce are generally not vaccinated and frequently die or fall seriously sick within a few days of arriving in their new homes.
Sadly, many would-be owners are seduced by the cheap prices and sales patter of these unscrupulous breeders, which helps to fuel the industry. So, don’t buy a cheap Australian Goldendoodle puppy – it’s probably come from a puppy farm.
Licensed Breeders Are Best!
Always buy your puppy from a well-established, reputable licensed breeder that has a good track record of producing small numbers of high-quality Australian Goldendoodle puppies every year.
The parent dogs should both be DNA tested and health-screened for genetic abnormalities, and the puppies should all undergo veterinary health checks before going to their new homes.
What Genetic Health Conditions Are Australian Goldendoodles Prone To?
There are several genetic health problems that could affect your Australian Goldendoodle, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Sebaceous adenitis (skin disease)
- Subaortic stenosis (a heart condition)
- Addison’s disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
For both the puppy’s parents, the breeder should be able to show you:
- Canine Eye Registry Foundation certification
- Hip certification by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- O.F.A. heart clearance
- D.N.A. tests for Progressive Renal Atrophy (P.R.A.)
- O.F.A knee clearance
Check out the Goldendoodle Association of America website for full details of the health screening requirements for the breed.
Cost And Availability
Thanks to the recent huge upsurge in demand for Goldendoodles of all varieties, prices are quite high, typically starting at around $2,600 and increasing, depending on the quality of the puppy’s breeding.
Most good breeding kennels and smaller breeders have a waiting list for their puppies. You’ll also need to undergo an application process and vetting before you will be permitted to “adopt” a puppy.
Product Recommendations
Once you’ve saved up for your puppy, the expense doesn’t stop there!
Here’s a list of everything that you’ll need for your Australian Goldendoodle:
- High-quality dog food and treats
- Food dishes
- Water bowls
- Toys, including safe chew toys
- Brushes, comb, etc.
- Nail clippers
- Collar with license and I.D. tags
- Harness for walks
- Leash
- Carrier (for small dogs)
- Crate for training and in-car transport
- Sturdy plastic dog bed with comfortable, washable lining
- Soft blankets and cushions
- Dog toothbrush and pet-specific toothpaste
- Puppy training pads
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Australian Goldendoodles!
These beautiful, friendly, intelligent dogs are easy to train and great fun to own. And they don’t shed very much, making them the ideal dog for a home with allergy sufferers who still want the enjoyment of owning a furry friend.
If you enjoyed this article, please remember to share it! And don’t forget to tell us all about your Australian Goldendoodle!