Aussiedoodle Grooming Guide: Caring for Your Active Adventurer’s Coat

Aussiedoodles are the athletes of the doodle world. Cross an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle and you get a dog that’s intelligent, energetic, and always ready for the next adventure. You also get a coat that’s been everywhere your Aussiedoodle has—which is usually everywhere.

These dogs don’t just sit around looking pretty. They herd, they run, they swim, they roll in things they shouldn’t. That stunning merle or tri-colour coat? It collects evidence of every outdoor escapade.

At WoofSpark, we see a lot of Aussiedoodles—often arriving fresh from a bushwalk or beach session. This guide shares everything we’ve learned about keeping these active companions looking their best between adventures.

What Makes Aussiedoodle Coats Different

The Australian Shepherd Influence

Australian Shepherds have a true double coat:

• Medium-length outer coat (straight to wavy)
• Dense, weather-resistant undercoat
• Moderate to heavy shedding, especially seasonally
• Feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail
• Built for outdoor work in all conditions

The Poodle Influence

• Single-layer, continuously growing coat
• Curly texture that traps loose hair
• Minimal shedding
• High matting tendency without regular maintenance

The Aussiedoodle Result

• Curly coat (more Poodle): Dense curls, low shedding, highest maintenance
• Wavy coat (balanced mix): The classic doodle look, moderate maintenance
• Straight coat (more Aussie): Often with undercoat, more shedding, lower matting risk

Many Aussiedoodles inherit some degree of undercoat from their Australian Shepherd parent—even those with curly coats. This double-layer situation creates unique challenges.

The Colour Factor

Aussiedoodles come in stunning colours: merle (blue merle, red merle), tri-colour, bi-colour combinations, and solid colours. Here’s what matters for grooming: coat colour doesn’t affect grooming needs. A blue merle Aussiedoodle needs the same brushing routine as a solid black one.

The Three Aussiedoodle Coat Types

Wool Coat (Tight Curls)

Characteristics: Dense, tight curls throughout. Most Poodle-like appearance. Minimal shedding. May still have undercoat underneath the curls. Highest matting risk.

Grooming Requirements: Daily brushing (no exceptions). Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Can mat within 3-4 days without brushing.

Fleece Coat (Soft Waves)

Characteristics: Loose, flowing waves. The most common Aussiedoodle coat type. Low to moderate shedding. Often has some undercoat.

Grooming Requirements: Brushing every 2-3 days (daily is better). Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. May need undercoat management seasonally.

Hair Coat (Mostly Straight)

Characteristics: Straighter texture resembling the Aussie parent. Usually has visible undercoat. Higher shedding than other types.

Grooming Requirements: Brushing 2-3 times weekly. Undercoat rake needed during shedding season. Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.

Essential Grooming Tools for Aussiedoodles

Must-Have Tools

• Slicker Brush (Medium to Large): Choose one with flexible pins that can work through density
• Metal Comb (Greyhound Style): Your quality control tool
• Detangling Spray: Never brush a dry Aussiedoodle coat
• Undercoat Rake: Essential during seasonal coat changes
• Dematting Tool: For working through tangles
• Rounded-Tip Scissors: For trimming around eyes and paws

The Active Dog Addition

• Microfibre Towel: Keep one by the door
• Tick Comb: Essential for Australian conditions

Aussiedoodle Matting Hotspots

Standard Doodle Problem Zones

• Behind the Ears: Fine hair that tangles quickly
• Under the Collar/Harness: Friction creates mats
• Armpits: The number one matting zone on any doodle
• Groin and Inner Thighs: Another friction zone

Aussiedoodle-Specific Problem Areas

• The Feathering: Longer fur on the ears, chest, backs of legs, and tail
• Ear Tips and Edges: Collect everything
• Chest Ruff: Collects debris during low-to-ground activities
• The “Pants”: The fluffy fur on the back legs and rear
• Tail Feathering: Mats from the base
• Between the Toes: Debris collects from active outdoor life

The Complete Brushing Technique

Line Brushing Method

1. Prepare: Choose a calm time (after exercise, not before)
2. Section and Spray: Part the coat horizontally, spray detangling spray
3. Brush from Skin Outward: Place the slicker brush at the skin line, brush outward
4. Move Systematically: Release a new section of coat (about 2cm) and repeat
5. Verify with Comb: If it catches, you’ve missed something
6. Repeat for Entire Body

Brushing Frequency by Coat Type

Coat Type	Minimum	Ideal
Wool	Daily	Daily
Fleece	Every 2-3 days	Every other day
Hair	Every 3-4 days	Every 2-3 days

How Long Should Brushing Take?

For a standard-sized Aussiedoodle:

• Quick maintenance brush: 15-25 minutes
• Thorough session: 30-45 minutes
• Post-adventure clean-up: Add 15-20 minutes

Bathing Your Aussiedoodle

The Pre-Bath Rule

Always brush before bathing. Water tightens mats. If you bathe a matted Aussiedoodle, you’re guaranteeing a trip to the groomer for a shave-down.

Bathing Steps

1. Brush thoroughly — Remove all tangles
2. Wet completely — Take time to saturate down to the skin
3. Apply shampoo — Work through entire coat
4. Pay attention to the undercoat
5. Rinse thoroughly — Longer than you think necessary
6. Condition (recommended)
7. Final rinse — Until water runs clear

Drying: Critical for Aussiedoodles

Never air dry an Aussiedoodle. Their coat density means fur stays damp for hours, creating hot spots, musty smell, and mats.

• Best method: High-velocity dryer
• Home method: Blow dryer on cool or low-heat setting
• Critical: Brush while drying

Post-Swim Care

• Rinse with fresh water (removes salt, chlorine, pond debris)
• Dry thoroughly (every time)
• Brush while drying
• Check ears for trapped water

Professional Grooming Schedule

Coat Type	Frequency
Wool	Every 4-6 weeks
Fleece	Every 6-8 weeks
Hair	Every 8-10 weeks

Common Mistakes Aussiedoodle Owners Make

1. Assuming “Low-Shedding” Means “Low-Maintenance”: Low-shedding coats often require MORE grooming.
2. Surface Brushing Only: Running a brush over the top while mats develop underneath.
3. Skipping Brushing After Adventures: Debris and salt work into the coat immediately.
4. Waiting Too Long for Professional Grooming
5. Neglecting the Undercoat: Use an undercoat rake periodically.
6. Letting the Coat Air Dry: Dense coats hold moisture for hours.
7. Choosing the Wrong Style for Your Lifestyle

Grooming Through the Seasons (Australian Climate)

Summer (December – February)

• Book a summer clip for comfort
• Rinse after every swim
• Check for grass seeds after walks
• Early morning and evening exercise only during hot days

Winter (June – August)

• Maintain regular brushing (winter coats mat too)
• Use undercoat rake as needed
• Dry thoroughly after wet walks
• Consider belly clip for mud management

Spring (September – November)

• Increase brushing significantly during coat blow
• Use undercoat rake frequently
• Check for grass seeds after every walk
• Watch for allergy symptoms

Popular Aussiedoodle Grooming Styles

The “Teddy Bear” Cut: Medium length all over, round face. High maintenance.

The “Puppy Cut”: Even length all over, shorter than teddy bear. Moderate maintenance.

The “Working Dog” Cut: Body short, face slightly longer. Lower maintenance.

The Short Clip: Short all over. Low maintenance. No shame in keeping your Aussiedoodle short.

The Bottom Line

Aussiedoodles are extraordinary dogs—intelligent, athletic, loving, and yes, high-maintenance when it comes to coat care. That beautiful merle pattern or fluffy teddy bear appearance comes with responsibility.

The equation is simple:

Regular brushing + proper technique + professional maintenance = gorgeous, healthy, adventure-ready coat

The owners who succeed:

1. Accept that these aren’t low-maintenance dogs
2. Build grooming into the routine, not as an afterthought
3. Brush properly using line brushing technique
4. Clean up after adventures (yes, every time)
5. Work with their groomer on a realistic style
6. See grooming as bonding time, not a chore

The honest truth: If you want a dog you can adventure with and then ignore grooming-wise, an Aussiedoodle isn’t the right fit. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, healthy companion ready for whatever adventure comes next.

Your Aussiedoodle’s coat reflects the care you put in. Make it worth showing off.

Related Reading

Continue exploring our grooming guides:

• Poochon Grooming Guide: Expert Coat Care
• Irish Doodle Grooming Guide: Expert Coat Care
• Yorkipoo Grooming Guide: Expert Coat Care Tips

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