Labradoodle vs. Aussiedoodle: Which Breed is Best for Your Family?

American Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles are both amazing dogs, but they are very different in their genetics, training requirements and temperaments. Let's take a look at their diverse characteristics so that you can have a better understanding of which will fit best into your life and your family. Are you considering adding a doodle to your family, but you aren't sure which breed is the right one for your family? American Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles are both amazing dogs, but they are very different in their genetics, training requirements and temperaments. We have both Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles and we love both of these breeds, but having daily contact with each of them makes it apparent how different they are. Our family-raised Labradoodle puppies are known for their friendly personalities, their adaptability and their eagerness to please, while our Aussiedoodle puppies are loved for their high intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to learn.

American Labradoodles: Genetics

American Labradoodles are a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever (English or American) and a poodle (standard, miniature or toy).

F1 Labradoodles are 50% Labrador Retriever and 50% poodle.

F1b Labradoodles are usually 25% Labrador and 75% poodle.

Multigenerational Labradoodles are Labradoodles bred to Labradoodles. Frequently, they end up being mainly poodle with minimal Labrador Retriever. I know of a case where the genetic test showed up 94% poodle and 6% Labrador.

Aussiedoodles: Genetics

Aussiedoodles are a crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd (standard, miniature or toy) and a poodle (standard, miniature or toy). The most common crosses are:

F1 Aussiedoodles are 50% Australian Shepherd and 50% poodle.

F1b Aussiedoodles are usually 25% Australian Shepherd and 75% poodle.

Labradoodle: Training requirements

Labradoodles are relatively easy to train. They are eager to please, very intelligent, and easy going. They delight in making you happy and their intelligence helps them catch on to what you want very quickly. They are relatively easy going and willing to do your bidding. Even first time dog owners will have a pretty easy time working with a Labradoodle and having them mind and learn new tricks.

Aussiedoodle: Training Requirements

Aussiedoodles are highly intelligent and loving, but it is important to remember that their parent breed, the Australian Shepherd, was bred as a herding dog. As a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd had to learn to trust their own judgement and decision making, not just act on orders. So while their intelligence makes them quick to learn new things and able to learn many tricks, they can be more willful and stubborn than a Labradoodle. They are quicker to trust their own judgement than your judgement. Usually, I find that more experienced dog families have an easier time setting solid boundaries and expectations with an Aussiedoodle.

Daily Life with a Labradoodle

Labradoodles are relatively laid back, eager to please and adaptable. They enjoy attention, long walks and a rousing game of fetch, but they also are content to curl up in a dog bed or on the couch and take a bath while you run errands or catch up on your emails.

They are great companions on an adventure. They enjoy travelling, hiking, swimming, and playing with other dogs. If you live an active lifestyle they are a great companion. At the same time, if you are a homebody who enjoys a quiet morning walk and relaxing the rest in of the day, the Labradoodle is also a great friend. They do need daily exercise to be happy, especially in their puppyhood and adolescence.

If you allow them on the furniture, Labradoodles are happy to find their perfect spot on the couch or in bed with you. They are great snugglers and enjoy being your buddy. For the most part though, they naturally can handle being alone and they are content to just have you around.

Daily Life with an Aussiedoodle

Aussiedoodles thrive with a daily routine. They enjoy a schedule and knowing what to expect next. Their ideal day starts with a long walk or a good run. They also love adventure, and are happy doing anything that you are doing. They thrive on human interaction, attention , and training. They are wired to be a "Velcro" dog and to be their human's shadow. Beyond a walk, they enjoy outside playtime and do best with at least an hour of exercise a day, but this can be broken up into smaller bits.

They are capable of learning any trick you want to teach them and love daily training time. Engaging them mentally is very important for keeping them happy and using their intelligence for good activities. They love puzzle feeders and a job: teach them to pick up their own toys and you both will be happy!

They also are happy to relax, but prefer to do it in your presence. They truly love being with their human.

Grooming Requirements for an American Labradoodle

Grooming requirements for an American Labradoodle are going to depend on their generation and what type of coat they have.

• Fleece/wool coats for F1 Labradoodles, F1b Labradoodles and Multi-generational Labradoodles are going to require frequent brushing (3-4 time a week at minimum) and anytime they get wet. This coat type also requires more frequent haircuts, many people choose to have a professional bath and haircut every 6-8 weeks. We do groom our own dogs, and this is definitely an option if you are willing to learn and let your dog be a guinea pig for a few attempts, since grooming is definitely a learning process.

  

  The fleece coat

  
  

• Wire coated Labradoodles require less grooming. Their hair is a little coarser while staying mainly no to low shed. But this coat type does not require frequent brushing to avoid mats the way that the fleece coat does. Hair cuts are much easier and can be done with much less frequency, depending on what you like your dog to look like.

  

  Wire haired and Wavy

• Straight coated F1 Labradoodles have fairly straight hair. Usually it is more wiry, but sometimes it is very soft (especially the straight coated ones with a long haired Labrador Retriever gene). This type does shed more, but it requires the least grooming. Just like a Lab, your straight coated F1 Labradoodle will love getting brushed just for the sake of all the attention, but their coat does not need it the same way that the F1 Labradoodles with wavier and finer coats do. Haircuts are pretty much totally optional for a straight coated Labradoodle.

  

  

Straight coat with Wire hair Straight Coat with the Long Hair gene

Aussiedoodle Grooming Requirements

Aussiedoodles do not have as much potential variety in their coat type as Labradoodles. They tend to have either a wavy to curly, no shed to very low shed coats or they can have wavy coats that shed when a brush is applied.

• Aussiedoodles will require brushing at least 3-4 times a week and anytime the coat gets wet to avoid matting. The curlier to coat, the more frequently you will want to cut their hair. If they have a wavy coat, you will be able to space out their haircuts a bit further.

  

  

Aussiedoodle with a Very Curly Coat Aussiedoodle with a Wavy Coat

Both Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles make wonderful family companions, but each breed has unique traits that may make one a better fit for your lifestyle. If you would like a deeper look at either breed, explore our detailed pages about Labradoodle puppies and Aussiedoodle puppies to learn even more about their personalities, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and family compatibility.

You may also enjoy reading our comparison of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles if you're still exploring which doodle breed is right for your family.

Whether you're drawn to the easygoing nature of a Labradoodle or the energetic intelligence of an Aussiedoodle, we're here to help you find the perfect puppy for your family.

Browse our available puppies to see current and upcoming litters, or complete our puppy application to reserve your spot on our waiting list. We'd love to help you find the doodle that best fits your family's lifestyle.