Are Aussidoodles Hypoallergenic: Do They Shed?

You’ve always wanted an Aussiedoodle. They are cute, and their energetic and loving personalities fit into your lifestyle very well. But there is one problem; someone in your household has allergies. Before you can think about bringing it into your home, let’s look at whether Aussiedoodles dogs are hypoallergenic, do they shed?

Aussiedoodle sitting on the couch
Aussiedoodle | Photo Credit: Abby Burris

Whether or not an Aussiedoodle will shed a lot depends on its coat type. Poodles are more hypoallergenic, so Aussiedoodles with a curly, poodle-like coat will be more hypoallergenic too. Like an Australian Shepherd, those with an undercoat will shed a lot.

So although there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, some are worse than others.

In this article, we will look at the different coat types of the Aussiedoodle, and how you can identify whether or not the puppy will have a more hypoallergenic coat when it is older. We also look at different things you can do to decrease pet dander and allergic reactions.

How Much Do Aussiedoodles Shed?

Aussiedoodles, also known as Aussiepoos, are an Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix breed dog.

Australian Shepherds have a double coat, that is more straight and silky. They shed a great deal. Poodles, on the other hand, have very curly, coarse coats which are known to be known shedding.

Because the coats of the parents are so different, there is a lot of variation in the coats of Aussidoodles, which can greatly affect how much pet dander they let off. This pet dander is usually made up of dead skin flakes and hair, which is what causes allergic reactions.

Fortunately, many of these differences can be identified when the dogs are young.

Curly Coat Aussiedoodles

Black curly hair AussieDoodle Dog in the Snow
Black curly hair Aussiedoodle Dog in the Snow.

Curly coat Aussiedoodles take after their Poodle ancestors more. Poodles do not shed much in comparison to other dogs. Because of this, they do not let off nearly as much dander. This means that they are less allergenic.

If the Aussiedoodle has this coat, which can easily be identified through thick, tight curls and very coarse hair, they are better for those with allergies.

Straight Coat Aussiedoodles

Aussiedoodle with straight coat
Aussiedoodle | Photo Credit: Abby Burris

Straight Coat Aussiedoodles take after their Australian Shepherd Ancestors more. Australian Shepherds are renowned for their excessive shedding, which means an excessive amount of dander. Additionally, their thick coats tend to hold a lot of dust, which means they may affect other allergies too.

If the Aussiedoodle takes after its Australian Shepherd parent, its coat will appear straight and will be silky to the touch.

Intermediate Coat Aussiedoodles

Brown Aussiedoodle puppy sitting on the field.
Brown Aussiedoodle puppy sitting outside.

This is exactly what it sounds like. A wavy-haired Aussiepoo with a coat somewhere in between that of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. These dogs shed an intermediate amount, which means an intermediate amount of dander.

These Aussiedoodles are very popular because of their shaggy appearance. But, they are not the best option for those with allergies.

Are Aussiedoodles With an Undercoat Hypoallergenic?

Australian Shepherds are double-coated dogs. Although it is rare, some Aussiedoodles can inherit this undercoat.

Blue Merle Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd Dog Showing Thick Double-Coat.

It is important to note that an undercoat is extremely thick. It is shed almost entirely in the summer months meaning the dog would let off a great deal of pet dander. Although in my personal experience, undercoat shedding happens year-round, just in different quantities.

In addition, the thick, short fur holds a lot of dust and pollen. Because of this, Aussiepoos with an undercoat are not hypoallergenic at all.

How to Identify Aussiepoo Puppies With an Undercoat?

The undercoat tends to develop more as the Aussiedoodle gets a bit older. So it may not be so obvious in puppies.

When comparing them to their litter-mates, you might find that some puppies are more fluffy-looking. These Aussiepoos may have a cloud-like appearance. Although, not all fluffy puppies have an undercoat.

You can also look at the hair on the scruff of their neck, and their ‘trousers’. If the hair in these places seems to be a slightly different texture than that of the rest of the dog, it may be a sign of an undercoat.

How to Minimize Pet Dander Allergies

Regardless of how little your Aussiedoodle sheds, there will always be some dander. This means that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic Aussipoo. But, there are some steps that you can take to minimize pet dander ever further.

Regular Grooming

When you wash any dog, they tend to lose a great amount of hair. Washing your Aussiepoo is no different.

The same is true for brushing. If you brush your Aussiedoodle outside your home, you will remove a great deal of loose hair. This will prevent it from falling from the dog in your home.

For most Aussidoodles, using a slicker brush like this one should be more than enough. Brushing should occur daily if you are worried about allergies to make sure you get as much hair out as possible.

Clean Your Home Often

Pet dander is all over the place, but it settles in a home, just like dust. Cleaning your home regularly will prevent large amounts from building up and minimize allergic reactions.

Cleaning can be as simple as vacuuming your floor daily if required and making sure that you clean all surfaces of dust with a damp cloth. Of course, flooring such as carpet will be more difficult to keep allergen-free than tiles or wood.

Make sure that you vacuum or wash things like curtains often too, as they may gather dander.

Use and Clean Air Filters

There are a variety of different air filters already present in your home. Some of these can be found in the air conditioning system and should be cleaned regularly. This will prevent the spread of dander through your home.

Additionally, you can use a HEPA filter like this one to actively remove dander and dust from the air. Just remember to clean this out as required too.

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Choosing the Most Hypoallergenic Aussiedoodle

If you have any doubts about choosing the most hypoallergenic Aussiepoo for you, it is best to ask the breeder for advice.

Some breeders will select the parents specifically with the goal of hypoallergenic puppies, while others breed for a specific look or color combination.

However, it’s important to remember that there will always be some amount of dander. If your allergies are very severe, then it may be best to avoid pets altogether.

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