A Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed between a blue merle Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, resulting in a stunning and intelligent dog with a distinctive coat. With their loyal and affectionate nature, Aussiedoodles have quickly become one of the most popular hybrid breeds in recent years, and the blue merle variety is no exception.
What is a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle?
A Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is a mix between a blue merle Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. The Australian Shepherd is known for its herding abilities, while the Poodle is famous for its intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. When you combine these two breeds, you get an Aussiedoodle that has the best of both worlds. The Blue Merle Aussiedoodle’s coat can vary in color, but the most common variation is a mixture of black, white, and gray that forms a marbled or mottled pattern, which gives them their unique and beautiful appearance.
This hybrid breed is not only intelligent but also highly trainable, making them a popular choice for families and those looking for a companion dog. They are known for their high energy levels and their love for being active, which makes them a great choice for owners who enjoy outdoor activities and long walks.
The Merle Gene is a dominant gene which can be found in certain breeds. Whilst this tends to have little effect on the health of dogs it can be a danger. If two Merle genes are present then you get a Double Blue Merle Aussiedoodle. Double Merles have significant health issues and short life expectancies. Due to this it’s important never to breed two merles together to avoid the risk of having a Double Merle.
How big do Blue Merle Aussiedoodles get?
Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are medium-sized dogs, with an average height of 20 to 23 inches and an average weight of 40 to 70 pounds. The size of a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle can vary depending on the size of their parents. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, while Australian Shepherds are typically medium to large dogs.
As with any mixed breed, the size of a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is not guaranteed and can vary depending on the size of their parents. However, most Blue Merle Aussiedoodles fall into the medium-sized category.
How rare is a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle?
While the Blue Merle Aussiedoodle is a popular hybrid breed, the blue merle variation is considered rare. The Blue Merle Aussiedoodle’s unique coat is caused by a genetic mutation, which can make breeding blue merles difficult. The mutation can result in health issues such as deafness, blindness, or even stillbirth in the litter, making it a more challenging breeding process. For this reason responsible breeders often avoid breeding Merle dogs due to these health issues.
As a result, Blue Merle Aussiedoodles are less common than other Aussiedoodle variations, which can make them more expensive to purchase. However, with their beautiful and unique coat, loyal and affectionate nature, and high intelligence, a Blue Merle Aussiedoodle can make a desirable pet.
Merle Health Issues
It is difficult to know if single Merle Aussiedoodles have health issues although studies have indicated generally Merle dogs have a higher risk of health issues.
Some of the Health issues linked to the Merle gene are the following.
- Deafness – There is an increased risk of deafness or hearing issues compared to a regular Aussiedoodle.
- Blindness – Dilation of the pupils can be an issue which can lead to night blindness and in some cases complete blindness.
- Further Eye Issues – There is also a risk of eyes being off centre, additional eyelids, missing tissue or in some cases being born without eyes.
- Immune Deficiency – A high risk of a having a weakened immune system.
The above are highly likely to occur in Double Merle Aussiedoodles with the majority being deaf.
What is the Lifespan of an Aussiedoodle?
Aussiedoodles are a relatively new breed, and their lifespan is not yet fully established. However, based on the lifespan of their parent breeds, Australian Shepherds and Poodles, Aussiedoodles can be expected to live for approximately 10-12 years. Of course, like all dogs, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as their genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
To ensure your Aussiedoodle has the best chance of a long and healthy life, it’s essential to provide them with regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and proper veterinary care.
Are Aussiedoodles high maintanence?
Aussiedoodles are a low-shedding breed, which makes them a great choice for those with allergies or who prefer a cleaner living space. However, their coat does require regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling. It’s recommended to brush your Aussiedoodle’s coat at least once a week, and more frequently during shedding season.
Aussiedoodles are an intelligent and active breed that requires plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They require daily exercise, such as walks or runs, and regular training sessions to keep their minds sharp.
While they do require some maintenance, Aussiedoodles are generally considered to be low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and care compared to some other breeds. Their loving and loyal nature make them an excellent choice for families or those looking for a companion dog.
Overall, with proper care and attention, an Aussiedoodle can be a fantastic addition to any household.
Can you get a Blue Merle Pocket Aussiedoodle?
It is possible to get a Blue Merle Pocket Aussiedoodle, but it’s important to understand that there is no recognized breed standard for this particular variation of Aussiedoodle. The term Pocket Aussiedoodle is not an official name for the breed, but rather a term used to describe a smaller version of the standard Aussiedoodle.
This variation can also go by a number of other names. These being a Minituare Blue Merle Aussiedoodle and a Toy Blue Merle Aussiedoodle. These all refer to the smaller version of the Aussiedoodle and are used interchangeably but do refer to slightly different sizes.
A Blue Merle Pocket Aussiedoodle would be a smaller version of the Blue Merle Aussiedoodle, and their size would depend on the size of their Poodle parent. A toy or miniature Poodle parent would result in a smaller Pocket Aussiedoodle.
However, it’s important to note that the size of a Pocket Aussiedoodle can vary widely, even within the same litter. This is because the size of an Aussiedoodle can be influenced by multiple factors, including the size of their parent breeds and genetics.
If you are looking for a Blue Merle Pocket Aussiedoodle, it’s essential to do your research and work with a reputable breeder who can provide health guarantees and information about the parent breeds. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that designer breeds like the Pocket Aussiedoodle can be quite expensive and may require a significant investment of time and resources to care for properly.
