Aussiedoodle Coat Types And How To Care For Them

Are you thinking of getting an Aussiedoodle? Before making that decision, there is a very important factor to consider. What are Aussiedoodle coat types and how to care for them?

The most apparent variation between Aussiedoodles is their coats. And the three main coat types of the Aussiedoodle dog are curly, wavey, and straight.

Black and white Aussiedoodle
Black and white Aussiedoodle.

Aussiedoodles, also known as Aussiepoos, are a relatively popular Poodle mix. They occur when a poodle is bred with an Australian Shepherd. Australian Shepherds and Poodles are both breeds that contain a lot of variety within them.

And, when you mix them, the results can be incredibly different depending on a variety of factors, some of which include the genetics of the parents, and the generation of Aussiepoo.

So let’s look at each coat type that can appear in the Aussiedoodle breed, and how to care for them.

Curly Coat Aussiedoodles

Black curly hair AussieDoodle Dog in the Snow
Black curly hair AussieDoodle dog in the snow.

The Poodle usually has a coarse, curly coat that does not shed much. It is often hypoallergenic too. Aussiepoos with curly coats is very similar to Poodles. They are the best option for households with allergies.

Although their coats may not shed, they do mat, especially if the dog comes into contact with water or mud often. These mats can cause discomfort for the animal and may even damage the skin underneath.

Caring for Curly Coats

You would care for the coat of a curly-haired Aussiedoodle just as you would that of a Poodle.

  • Brush daily if required, otherwise two to three times a week.
  • Bath your Aussiepoo at least once a month with the correct shampoo and conditioner.
  • Blow dry after a bath to prevent matting.
  • Trim the hair around the face and the hygiene regions as required.

I recommend using an oatmeal shampoo and conditioner to prevent irritation. You can often get away with just using a slicker brush if you stay on top of the grooming, but if you can’t get the mats out with that then you may have to invest in a comb specifically designed for mats.

Overall, these coats are a pleasure to deal with if you are diligent.

Wavy Coat Aussiedoodles

Brown Aussiedoodle puppy sitting on the field.
Aussiedoodle puppy with a wavy coat

This coat is not as curly as that of a standard Poodle, and not as straight and silky as that of the regular Australian Shepherd. Instead, it falls somewhere in between. Poodles and Aussies have many variations in their coats, and if you were to think of the extreme in either then that would be about right.

The hair is wavy and extremely static. This combination causes the Aussiedoodle to appear very fluffy. It still does not shed as much as a regular Australian Shepherd, although it does shed more than a curly-haired Aussiepoo or a Poodle.

When the hair is pulled out, it tends to stick together, floating through the air in tufts. On furniture and clothing, it also clings to itself, forming small balls.

Caring for Wavy Coats

Aussiedoodle with a wavy coat | Photo Credit: Abby Burris

The wavy coats do not mat as much as the curly-haired variations.

  • Brush with a slicker brush at least once a week, or whenever the dog gets wet.
  • Mats may form behind the ears or in the ‘armpits’ of this Aussiepoo so take extra care in those places.
  • Bath every 6 to 12 weeks with appropriate products.
  • Blow dry to prevent matting.

In the case of wavy-coated Aussiepoos, blow drying can make all the difference in the world. The curlier the hair is, the more likely it is to mat. If you leave it to air dry, the hair will end up more curly than if you dried it. The drying process can also help remove any loose hair and many dogs find it enjoyable if you start young enough.

In most cases, you can use the same products that you would use for curly-haired Aussiedoodles.

But, make sure that you brush through all the fluffy layers!

Straight Coat Aussiedoodles

The straight-coated Aussiedoodle is the most similar to the Australian Shepherd in terms of its coat. They tend to be perfectly straight, although there might be a slight wave in some areas, such as on their backs, towards the rear of the dog.

Caring for Straight Coats

They are the easiest to groom in terms of matting, but the worst shedders.

  • Brush with a slicker brush once a week, getting as much loose fur out as possible.
  • Trim Hygiene areas and face as required.
  • Bath as required.

Just like the Australian Shepherd, Aussiedoodles repel dirt. They may be covered in mud, but as soon as it dries it falls off their silky coats. In my experience, patting these dogs after a tumble in the dirt may result in clouds of dust exploding from it.

This makes it difficult to tell when the dog needs a bath. My recommendation is at least every two to three months. Or when the dog starts getting itchy.

Do Aussiedoodles Have an Undercoat?

white Aussiedoodle sitting on the grass
Young Aussiedoodle (11 months old) sitting on the grass.

All Australian Shepherds and some Poodles have an undercoat. In most cases, the Aussiedoodles will not have one, especially if they have a curly coat. However, it does happen. If you have an Aussiedoodle with an undercoat, say goodbye to any ideas about it being hypoallergenic. You will also have to invest in a good undercoat rake.

Aussiepoos with an undercoat will mat significantly more than those without and will shed more in the warmer months. If the dog gets wet often, you may also notice that it starts to smell, especially if it is not dried properly. This may mean more frequent baths.

The undercoat will not, however, affect the top coat in any way.

Aussiedoodle Coats Are a Spectrum

The reality is that Aussidoodle coats are a spectrum. Curly, wavy, and straight are not the only options, and you may find something in between.

It is important to consider what you need from a dog and the level of attention that you will be able to provide to its grooming before you get it. If you cannot provide daily brushes, don’t get a curly-coated Aussiepoo! If you have allergies, straight-haired or double-coated is not for you, instead, go for a curly coat Aussiedoodle.

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