Aussiedoodles, an Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix, are smart, energetic, people-loving dogs that come in mini to standard sizes, often in eye-catching merle colors. Their soft, fluffy coat looks easy, but it keeps growing, can mat quickly and needs brushing and haircuts on a schedule, especially for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Coat type: Curly / wool coat
- Routine: Plan for a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks, closer to 4 to 6 for longer, fluffier styles.
- Key tools: Slicker brush, long-tooth metal comb, detangling spray or conditioner
What kind of coat does a Aussiedoodle have?
Aussiedoodle coats range from loose waves to tight curls, depending on how much of the Poodle coat each dog inherits. Wavy and curly coats shed little but trap loose hair, so mats form behind the ears, under the collar or harness, in the armpits, on the legs and on the feathered tail. Dogs with a straighter, more Aussie-like coat can shed more and may blow some undercoat in spring and fall.
Coat type, more than breed name, is what decides how often a dog needs a bath, a brush or a haircut. Mixes and individual dogs vary, so treat the schedule below as a starting point and adjust it to your dog's lifestyle, skin and how quickly the coat gets dirty or tangled.
How often should you groom a Aussiedoodle?
Plan for a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks, closer to 4 to 6 for longer, fluffier styles. Brush 3 to 4 times a week, daily during the puppy-to-adult coat change. Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks, keep the hair around the eyes and between the paw pads short, and check and dry the ears weekly and after every swim.
How to bathe a Aussiedoodle at home
- Brush out and comb the entire coat before getting it wet. Water tightens existing mats like felt.
- Wet the coat with lukewarm water, pressing the water in rather than scrubbing in circles, which tangles curls.
- Shampoo with a gentle dog shampoo, squeezing it through the coat.
- Rinse thoroughly and apply a conditioner, which helps the comb glide through curls.
- Rinse again until the water runs clear.
- Blot with a towel (no rubbing), then blow-dry while brushing in sections. Brushing while drying gives a fluffy finish and prevents new tangles.
Always use a shampoo made for dogs; human shampoo is formulated for a different skin pH. Keep water out of the ears, and give a treat at the end so bath time stays positive.
Brushing routine
Line brush with a slicker brush in small sections, working from the skin out, then run a long-tooth metal comb through. If the comb glides from skin to tip, that section is done. Aussiedoodles love the outdoors, so check the legs, belly, tail and between the toes for burrs, sand and grass seeds after walks.
Short, frequent sessions beat one long struggle. Two to ten minutes, a few times a week, keeps most coats in good shape and gives you a chance to spot skin problems, lumps, ticks or sore spots early.
Fitting the routine into your week
Treat brushing like brushing your own teeth: a little, often. Ten minutes every other day is far better than an hour once a month. Book the next grooming appointment before you leave the salon so the haircut cycle never slips, and choose a length you can realistically maintain between visits. After swimming or rain, dry the coat fully and brush it out.
Tools you'll need
- Slicker brush
- Long-tooth metal comb (the comb test tells you if you really reached the skin)
- Detangling spray or conditioner
- Moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner
- Blow dryer on a cool or low setting
- Nail clippers or a grinder
Tools from the Pawradise shop: Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush · Stainless Steel Grooming Comb (2-Pack)
Mango's guides: a happy coat between grooms
Printable PDF guides from our groomers, with Mango as your coach. Instant download after checkout, anywhere in the US. English and Spanish editions included.
- Mango's Starter Kit: Brushing Guide + Calendar · $19.99 (best value)
- Mango's Between-Visits Brushing Guide · $14.99
- Mango's Goldendoodle Complete Kit · $29.99 (all 3 guides)
Common Aussiedoodle grooming mistakes
- Brushing only the surface. "Line brushing" (lifting the coat and brushing in rows down to the skin) is what actually prevents mats.
- Bathing a matted dog. Water turns tangles into tight pelts. If the coat is already matted, a shorter clip is usually the kindest option.
- Stretching grooming appointments too far. Curly coats keep growing, so waiting months between haircuts usually ends in a shave-down.
- Expecting every Aussiedoodle to be non-shedding. Coats vary a lot within the same litter. If your dog sheds or the coat feels thick near the skin, add an undercoat rake to the routine and ask your groomer about a deshed with each visit.
Aussiedoodle grooming FAQ
Do Aussiedoodles shed?
Most shed little, but it depends on the coat. Curly coats shed the least, while straighter, more Aussie-like coats shed more. Either way, loose hair gets trapped in the coat, so regular brushing matters.
How often should an Aussiedoodle be groomed?
Every 6 to 8 weeks for most, closer to 4 to 6 for longer styles, with brushing several times a week at home.
What is the best haircut for an Aussiedoodle?
A teddy bear or puppy cut, about 1 to 2 inches all over, is the easiest to keep mat-free in Florida heat and humidity.
Are Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Many Aussiedoodles shed little, but coats vary from dog to dog, even within the same litter.
How often should I bathe a Aussiedoodle puppy?
Puppies usually need fewer baths than adults: bathe only when dirty, with a gentle shampoo made for dogs, and keep them warm until fully dry. Use short, positive sessions to get them used to water, brushing, nail trims and the dryer. Ask your vet when your puppy is ready for a professional groom.
Can I groom a Aussiedoodle at home?
Yes, most of the routine can be done at home: brushing, baths, ear checks and nail trims. Haircuts for curly coats are harder to do well at home, so many owners brush at home and book a professional cut.
How much does it cost to groom a Aussiedoodle?
It depends on the salon, your dog's size, coat condition and the haircut. Aussiedoodles range from mini to standard size, and their wavy or curly coat needs a full groom with a haircut, so a bigger or matted dog takes longer and costs more. A professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks with brushing at home keeps each visit quicker and the price more predictable. See what affects dog grooming prices. New to our Boca Raton salon? Get $10 off your first groom with code PAWFILE10 (teeth brushing is always included).
This guide offers general grooming information. For skin, ear or coat problems that don't improve, talk to your veterinarian. More Pawfile breed guides.