The Aussiedoodle or the Aussie Poo is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. Usually, the Australian Shepherd is the mother as it is easier for her to carry pups than it is for poodles.
The designer breed came into existence shortly after the Labradoodle was developed. This can be attributed to the popularity of designer dog breeds. Their convenient sizes, immunity to most genetic issues, and hypoallergenic coats make them excellent housepets and more and more people are opting for hybrid dogs instead of purebred ones.
Aussiedoodles are a fairly new designer breed. This makes them rare and not too many breeders are developing them. Moreover, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Litter sizes are also small and breeding can sometimes be a complex process. Taking all these factors into account, the price of an Aussiedoodle puppy is considerably high. So, if you are looking to buy or adopt an Aussie poo, be prepared to shell out a significant amount of money.
It is a very good thing that you are asking the question: how much does an Aussie Poo cost? Every potential dog parent must consider this vital question. After all, the purchase/adoption costs are not the only expenses you have to consider. You must also budget for your pet’s medical costs, food, training, grooming, and other expenses that every dog owner may face over their pet’s lifetime.
That is the purpose of this guide. In it, we will cover all these major expenses of an Aussiedoodle. To summarize, here is how much it can cost to raise an Aussie poo:
Cost of an Aussiedoodle Puppy
Most reputed breeders charge between $1500 and $5000 for their healthy Aussiedoo pups. If your potential pet comes from a registered dog, then the price will be slightly higher.
Some breeders like Pine Creek Aussiedoodles are known to charge $4000 for their puppies. This is because they also include certain vaccinations, microchipping, and health certifications in this cost.
Breeders Clint and Carolyn Herschberger charge half this price for their puppies. You can check out their website for the latest puppies. Almost all are priced around $2000.
Here are the factors that can cause price variations:
Size of the pups
More and more people want smaller dogs. Since this is a hybrid dog breed, we can never predict their exact size. On average, their weight at adulthood is between 25 and 70 lb. for standard Aussieddodles and between 10-15 lb. for the mini variety. Naturally, the size is dependent upon the parents. Breeders usually charge more for small/mini/toy Aussie Poos.
Health clearances
Ethical breeders are not after making money. They are genuinely interested in the breed’s welfare. A good breeder will pass his/her dogs through various health checks and only breed those that are free from genetic health issues. Also, once the puppies arrive, the breeder will have them examined by a licensed veterinarian to ensure they are suitable for being adopted. All this can considerably increase your pet’s price.
Other factors
Factors like the puppy’s age, size of the litter, coat colors, and location can also increase or decrease the final Aussiedoodle price. An older puppy is less expensive. A puppy from a smaller litter will be priced higher. If you live in another state than that of the breeder, you have to factor in the shipping costs.
Here is a table showing the price range for your Aussie Poo:
The minimum price of an Aussiedoodle | $1500 |
Maximum price of an Aussiedoodle | $5000 |
Price bracket | $1500 to $5000 |
Average price | $2000 |
Basic Supplies and Costs for Aussie Poos
The following are some basic supplies and tools to get before your pup arrives home. This will help prevent panic at having to run to the store to get something.
Food and water bowls
Your little fur baby will need sturdy food and water bowls to eat and drink from. Choose metal, ceramic, or food-grade plastic bowls. You may want to make sure they are tip-proof and anti-skid. Cost $30.
Toys
Chew toys, balls, rope toys, Kong toys, and other dog toys can prevent your Aussiedoodle from nipping and biting you. Toys are also important to mentally and physically stimulate your little pet. Cost up to $40.
Crate and bed
Dogs do not soil in their sleeping area. So, a crate is an important tool during potty training which you must begin right away. Add in some comfortable bed, crate pads, and toys and your little Aussie Poo will be very happy to have this safe and cozy area for sleeping. Cost of crate and bed $75-$100.
Leash and collars
A sturdy no-pull leash and collar are what you will need once you start walking your Aussie poo. Your vet will tell you exactly when to start exercising your little pet. Collars with ID tags are also important to help identify your pet. Cost – up to $40.
Grooming
Aussiedoodles need plenty of grooming as they shed their shaggy, plush, or curly coats. You will need combs, brushes, shampoo, nail trimmer, pet wipes, dog toothbrush-toothpaste for basic at-home grooming. These can cost up to $50.
Check out some other basic supplies and their approximate costs:
Item | Cost |
Collar-leash set | $15-$40 |
Food-water bowls | $8-$20 |
Baby gates to limit your pet’s entry in parts of your house | $40 |
Treat dispenser toys | $20 |
Plush bed | From $30 |
Collapsible crate, crate pads | $50-$100 |
Mats for containing food messes | $10 |
Kong toy | $10 |
Grooming tools – brush, comb, dental supplies, shampoo, nail clippers etc. | $75 |
Poop bags | $10 |
Potty pads for indoor training | $10 |
Training Costs for Aussiedoodles
Aussie Poos are one of the easiest dogs to train as they are so in tune with humans. You can easily watch some videos and free resources online to train your buddy at home. Just remember to keep the training positive and avoid hitting or punishing your pet. Be consistent with training and soon you will have a well-trained and amazing companion that is sure to impress your guests.
If you opt for private training, then make sure you/an adult is present for the training. This will help reinforce the training steps so you can use them consistently and bring every family member on board. The cost of private training is between $30 and $100 per hour depending on the trainer.
Group training classes are also a great idea. They are cheaper and your Aussiedoodle will also get to interact with other dogs. This is important from its socialization point of view.
Group classes start from $8 to $20 per hour per dog.
Another option for dog training is board and train. Your Aussie Poo will live at the trainer’s house and learn basic obedience and other special commands. This is a great option but can be fairly expensive – as high as $1200 per week.
Group training (cost per class) | $30.00 to $50 per class |
Private obedience school (cost per session) | $20.00 to $100 |
Dog boarding and training | Weekly about $1250 |
YouTube videos | $0.00 |
Minimum puppy basic training cost (total) | $500.00 |
Aussiedoodle Food Costs
When it comes to feeding your Aussiedoodle, you will find various opinions. The best place to start is your breeder. It is always better to feed the same food to your pup that the breeder was feeding it. After all; your young pet is already going through the stress of adjusting to its new home, so you do not want to add to it s by introducing the new food.
Experts recommend foods containing calcium and at least 20% protein for pups. This is very important for your Aussie Po’s growth and development. Look for puppy food containing protein sources such as chicken, fish, turkey, rabbit, salmon, kangaroo, duck, pork, or whitefish. Typically, pups need 3-4 meals a day so their energy needs are met.
Remember that the standard adult Aussiedoodle is a medium-sized dog. So, avoid buying small breed food for it as it won’t meet its calorie needs.
Here are some more guidelines to note when feeding your Aussie Poo:
- How much food your Aussiedoodle needs depends on its age, activity levels, and overall health. An adult dog will need 2 meals per day whereas a puppy needs 3-4 meals a day. A pregnant dog will have different nutritional needs and so will a senior Aussie poo.
- For an adult weighing 50 lb., feed 2 and 2/3rd cups per day divided into 2 small meals. Feed your toy Aussie doodle just ½ to ¾ cup per day.
Here is a table showing the monthly food costs for standard Aussie Poos
Item | Monthly quantity for an adult standard Aussiedoodle weighing about 50 lb. | Cost per month |
Premium dry food | 25 | $43.53 |
Premium wet food | 75 | $139.30 |
Freeze-dried food | 75 | $130.59 |
Frozen food | 40 | $228.75 |
Raw food | 40 | $183 |
Dog treats | $30 |
Comparing Different Foods for Aussiedoodles
Feed your Aussiedoodle the best-quality kibble or wet food. You can buy it online, from a premium pet food retailer, or even from your veterinary clinic. Always discuss the food choice with your vet or breeder first, before selecting it.
In general, look for dog food containing meat as the first listed ingredient on its label. Even if you cannot afford the most expensive food, there are many decent dog foods at moderate prices. They can also be good choices for your Aussie Poo.
Avoid cheap foods containing fillers, artificial ingredients, chemicals, by-products, etc. Learn to read labels and you won’t go wrong.
Here are some great food choices in premium food brands for your beloved pet:
Name | Features | Cost per lb. |
The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Human Grade Dry Dog Food – Cage Free Chicken, Cage Free Turkey, Ranch Raised Beef
| No artificial flavors, human-grade, natural food. Complete balanced nutrition for puppies and adults. | $4.9/lb. |
Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Puppy Food, Natural High Protein Kibble + Freeze Dried Raw Dry Puppy Food | Grain-free freeze-dried food containing calcium, phosphorus, and real raw meat. Made in the USA | $6.25/lb |
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food | Contains real roasted bison and roasted venison has pro and prebiotics, is made in the USA | $1.86/lb |
“I and love and you” Naked Essentials Wet / Canned Dog Food – Grain Free, Cage Free, Free Range | Grain-free, no fillers, carrageenan-free, complete and balanced, can be used as a meal or topper. | $2.94/lb. |
Aussiedoodle Medical Costs
During your pup’s first year, it will need several vaccinations and booster shots to protect it from common canine diseases. The cost of these vaccines will vary based on your veterinary practice and where you live. Most vets charge between $75 and $100 for vaccines, deworming, and flea and tick protection.
You might also want to consider spaying/neutering your Aussiedoodle before it turns 6 months old. For females, it is best to spay after their first heat cycle. Most private practices charge between $100 and $400 for spay/neuter surgery. Some low-cost clinics might do it for a lot less – usually between $50 and $200.
In addition to having your Aussie Poo vaccinated and spayed/neutered, you may want to schedule regular vet exams every 6 months. A single trip to the vet for a routine checkup can cost about $50 so if you have two such exams in the first year, you’d spend nearly $100 on it.
The following tables show average medical costs for vaccines, and routine and emergency vet procedures
Recommended age of puppy | Type | Cost |
6-8 weeks | Canine parvovirus – core vaccine Distemper – core vaccine Canine hepatitis – core vaccine | $100.00 |
16 to 18 weeks and a booster at 12-16 months and repeat as per state law | Rabies – core vaccine | $15.00 |
6-8 weeks | Bordetella bronchiseptica – non-core vaccine | $25.00 |
9-12 weeks to be repeated 2 to 4 weeks later | Borrelia burgdorferi – non-core vaccine | $25.00 |
10-12 weeks to be repeated every 4 weeks until the puppy is 1 year old | Leptospira bacteria – non-core vaccine | $50.00 |
Average Veterinary Price for Common Ailments
Item | Average cost annually |
Flea and tick prevention | $40 to $200 |
Heartworm test and prevention 7+ months | $70 |
Spaying | $100-$200 |
Neutering | $50 to $100 |
Dental cleaning | $50 to $300 |
Routine checkups | $50-$100 |
Allergy tests | $195 to $300 for a skin test and $80-$200 for a blood test |
Ear infection | $40 to $150 |
Diarrhea/stomach upset | $100 to $300 |
Emergency costs
Type | Average Cost |
Cancer | $4137 |
Chemotherapy | $4000 |
Diabetes | $2892 |
Eye issues | $319 |
Fractures | $2371 |
Arthritis | $724 |
Dental disease | $519 |
Heart ailments | $1140 |
Inherited Diseases in Aussiedoodles
Like most designer dogs, Aussiedoodles are generally hardy and have fewer inherited diseases. This is subject to you purchasing your puppy from a good breeder. Top breeders will not breed dogs that could be carriers of these health issues. In general, the Aussiedoodle could develop the following genetic conditions:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Affected dogs show decreased mobility, difficulty in running, walking, or climbing stairs, etc. This hereditary condition can be prevented by testing the dogs and preventing the breeding of affected ones. The cost of surgical treatment can run into thousands of dollars.
Collie eye anomaly
Symptoms of this eye issue include sunken eyeballs, bumping into things, etc. This too is a disease caused by a recessive gene. Good breeders will prevent the breeding of these dogs. There is no cure for Collie’s eye anomaly.
Hyper and hypothyroidism
If left untreated, thyroid-related issues can cause various complications in dogs including anemia and ulcers. There are FDA-approved drugs to treat both conditions.
Addison’s disease
Dogs diagnosed with Addison’s disease tend to have alopecia, weight loss, anorexia, and other debilitating symptoms. The monthly cost of treating Addison’s Disease is between $50 and $100 depending on the medications.
Pet Insurance for your Aussie Poo
Once your Aussiedoodle becomes a part of your household, you’d want nothing but the best for it. In the event an illness or injury strikes, you would want it to get the best treatment available, the same as you’d want for any human family member.
In recent years, vet bills have been steadily increasing as you can see from the tables above. Certain treatments for major medical issues can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. The ability to pay those bills can make all the difference between providing your pet with the treatment it needs and making the decision to euthanize it.
With pet insurance, you can pay most of those bills. Many pet insurance plans provide coverage for major illnesses and accidents. Some plans can even pay for continuing treatment after surgery/hospitalization.
It is always better to consider pet insurance before the emergency strikes. A few minutes is all it takes to fill in a form and get quotes from various companies. Here is a table for a quick comparison of popular insurance companies in the USA:
Company | Pros | Cons | Plan costs |
Embrace | Coverage for exams, Rewards program, Great customer service | Does not cover pre-existing conditions | Basic coverage starts from $7 |
Pet Plan | Coverage for adverse events can be customized in numerous ways | Restrictions on older animals | Start from $20 |
Pet’s Best | Very low premiums, direct vet reimbursement | Complicated accident and illness plans | Accident only plans start at $9 per month |
Trupanion | Great customer service, all plans have 90% coverage | No discounts, few customization options | Plans start from $29 per month, |
Additional Cost of Raising an Aussiedoodle
In addition to the food, training, and medical costs, your Aussiedoodle might also need the following services:
Microchipping and registration
This is a small, standard procedure that costs up to $45 for all dogs irrespective of their size. Vets insert a microchip in your puppy which can help you track it down in the event it gets lost. In some states, the cost of the procedure also covers the registration cost.
Grooming
Aussie Poos can have different coat types. Some have curly coats like their Poodle parent while others can have a smooth, long, and wavy double-coat like the Aussie. In any case, you will need to groom your buddy. If you opt for basic professional grooming, then it covers services like bathing, anal gland cleaning, nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc. This can cost about $30-$50 depending on your area.
Dog walking/travel/pet-sitting
Dog walking services can be useful in the event you are unable to walk your pet daily. Your Aussie Poo needs exercise and without it, it can get restless, bored, and even depressed. Most walkers charge between $10 and $30 for a 30-minute walk.
Traveling with your Aussiedoddle can be a rewarding experience. However, if it entails air travel, then be prepared to spend at least $200 on one-way airfare. The other option is to board your pet. Pet boarding hostels charge about $40 per night. If your pet isn’t comfortable in a kennel, you can choose to hire a pet sitting service. These charge about $40 to $100 per day depending on the services.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does an Aussiedoodle Cost?
Purchase price
The most important thing to consider before you buy or adopt your Aussie Poo is the purchase price. Most breeders charge between $1500 and $5000 for these pups.
First-year costs
In addition to the purchase price, be prepared to spend at least $200 on basic dog supplies like crates, beds, blankets, toys, collars, leash, etc. Then, you need to factor in the medical costs – two routine checks every 6 months along with costs for vaccination, deworming, and flea prevention. Spaying and neutering can also cost around $200. Be prepared to spend about $1500 to $2000 in the first year.
Monthly expense
The approximate monthly expense of owning an Aussie Poo is about $150-$300 mainly on its food, emergency medical care, grooming, flea and tick prevention, etc. You might also spend on dog walkers or pet-sitting services.
Annual cost
After the first year, the cost of dog ownership drops a bit since you won’t spend on supplies, toys, etc. You can expect the cost to come to about $750 to $1000, mainly on food, medical expenses, etc.
Lifetime
The life span of an Aussiedoodle is about 10 to 13 years. So, you can expect to incur a cost of $12000 to $15000 over its lifetime.
We hope this guide helps you plan financially for your Aussiedoodle.