IS THIS THE RIGHT BREED FOR YOU?

Australian Shepherds are working dogs at heart.

They are incredibly intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, but they are high drive, high energy dogs with herding instincts deeply ingrained in their DNA. Even calmer or lower drive lines require time, experience, and daily structure to thrive.

We are very selective about where our Mini and Standard Australian Shepherds go because their needs are high and non negotiable. These dogs are not suitable for people who are looking for a “low maintenance” companion, they require a prepared, experienced, and committed owner.

Daily Requirements

Exercise:

• Mini Aussie: 60–90 minutes minimum of physical activity daily

• Standard Aussie: 90–120+ minutes minimum daily

• Must include structured exercise (walks, runs, recall games, fetch) and free running/engagement time. 

A quick walk around the block is no where near sufficient.

Mental Stimulation:

• These dogs need to use their brains every day.

• Training sessions, puzzle toys, scent work, agility, obedience challenges, or herding games are essential.

• Without it, boredom quickly leads to destructive behaviours, excessive barking, and hyperactivity.

Attention & Companionship:

• Cannot be left alone for long periods; separation anxiety can develop quickly.

• Thrive when included in daily family life, errands, and routines.

• Prefer owners who can consistently interact and engage multiple times per day.

Backyard/Space:

• A secure yard is essential, Mini Aussies can adapt to smaller yards but only if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met DAILY. These guys are also great at sneaking out through small spaces, even getting through most pool fencing! Standard Aussies require significantly more space to run safely, with rural, acreage blocks being most ideal. 

• Access to parks, off leash dog beaches, walking/hiking trails, open fields, or safe off lead areas is highly recommended.

Grooming:

• Brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent mats and manage shedding.

• Regular nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care.

• Seasonal professional blowouts/desheds

Training:

• Early socialisation and consistent, structured training is critical.

• Herding behaviours (nipping, chasing, circling) must be redirected appropriately.

• Impulse control, recall, and “off switch” training should start as soon as you bring the puppy home.

Herding and Behavioural Considerations

• Mini and Standard Aussies will instinctively herd children, animals, or moving objects if not properly guided.

• They may develop nipping, ankle targeting, or chasing behaviours if boredom, overstimulation, or lack of structure occurs.

• Destructive behaviours (chewing, digging, tearing items) are often a direct result of unmet mental or physical stimulation.

• Early, consistent redirection and training is mandatory to prevent long term behavioural issues.

Ideal Home Checklist:

• Experience: We look for homes with prior experience with herding or high energy breeds. First time owners need to be extremely committed to learning breed specific behaviour.

• Time Commitment: Can provide multiple daily exercise sessions, plus mental stimulation and training.

• Lifestyle Compatibility: Works from home, flexible hours, or has arrangements for enrichment and engagement while away.

• Space: Secure backyard or access to safe open areas for off lead play; Standard Aussies especially need space to safely expend energy.

• Training Commitment: Consistent, structured training from day one; capable of redirecting nipping, herding, barking, and chewing.

• Grooming Commitment: Will maintain regular brushing, shedding management, nail care, ear checks, and dental hygiene.

• Long Term Dedication: Committed to keeping the dog mentally and physically active throughout its lifetime, these breeds can sometimes become less active with age but this isn’t every case and shouldn’t be counted on. 

The Reality:

Mini and Standard Australian Shepherds are exceptional dogs, but they are serious commitments. 

Without a prepared, knowledgeable home:

• They can become overstimulated, anxious, and frustrated.

• Herding instincts may manifest in unwanted behaviours.

• Their intelligence and drive can result in boundary testing, destructive play, or obsessive behaviours.

For the right family, however:

• They are incredibly loyal, affectionate, and responsive.

• They thrive when given structure, training, and engagement.

• They are energetic, intelligent, and loving companions who will bond deeply with their family.

We carefully screen homes because a poor match can lead to lifelong frustration for both the dog and the family and often times rehoming/abandonment/shelters.

These dogs deserve owners who truly understand their needs and are prepared for that lifetime commitment. 

Our AMDs are a unique, intelligent, and affectionate breed, carefully bred to combine the best traits of the Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle.

Our AMD’s are:

• 41.5% Bernese Mountain Dog

• 33.5% Poodle

• 25% Australian Shepherd

This combination produces a medium to large dog (20–30 kg) with a generally calmer and more laid back temperament than an Aussiedoodle. The higher Bernese percentage makes AMDs more relaxed and family friendly, but the lower Aussie percentage means they may have slightly less natural drive and desire to please than Australian Shepherds or Aussiedoodles.

⚠️ Important: While this makes AMDs easier to manage in some ways, their slightly reduced drive means training may require more patience and creativity. They may not have the instinctive obedience motivation of a full Aussie or Aussiedoodle, so consistent, engaging training is essential.

Their coats are also much thicker and denser, requiring more regular, extensive brushing. 

Daily Requirements:

• Exercise: 60–90+ minutes minimum per day, including walks, play, and structured engagement. They still need consistent activity to stay happy and balanced.

• Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, obedience, scent work, agility, or structured games every day. Without it, boredom can lead to destructive behaviours or anxious habits.

• Attention & Companionship: Thrive on family interaction and dislike long periods alone. Inclusion in daily life is important.

• Backyard/Space: Medium to large secure backyard is recommended for off lead play. Access to parks, trails, or open fields is ideal.

• Grooming: These guys have thicker, denser, fluffier coats. This means much more daily brushing, being very intentional and ensuring all parts of the coat can have a metal tooth comb pass through it easily. 

Brushing 5-7 times per week, professional grooming every 6–12 weeks. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are essential.

• Training: Early socialisation, desensitisation, training and consistent, structured guidance is critical.

Behaviour and Personality Considerations

• Calmer Temperament: Higher Bernese content makes AMDs gentler, more relaxed, and family friendly.

• Reduced Drive: Lower Aussie percentage may reduce natural energy and instinctive motivation to please. Owners need creativity, patience, and consistent engagement to train effectively.

• Herding Instincts: Still present from the Aussie influence, but generally milder; redirection is necessary, particularly around children or small pets.

• Intelligence: High intelligence remains from Poodle and Aussie ancestry, so mental stimulation is essential.

• Loyalty & Affection: AMDs form deep bonds and enjoy participating in family activities.

Ideal Home Checklist:

• Can provide daily exercise, mental stimulation, and engagement.

• Will commit to structured, consistent training and redirection of herding behaviours.

• Has a secure backyard or access to safe open spaces suitable for a 20–30 kg dog.

• Can maintain more intense grooming schedule, nail care, ear hygiene, and dental health.

• Will include the dog in daily family life and consistent socialisation.

• Understands AMDs may be slightly less motivated than Aussies, and training requires patience, consistency, and creativity.

The Reality

Aussie Mountain Doodles are exceptional family companions: loyal, intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable. Their calmer temperament makes them ideal for families seeking a standard size, intelligent, and affectionate dog that is slightly easier to manage than a full Australian Shepherd.

However, they are not low-maintenance or “easy” dogs. They still require daily exercise,  extensive grooming, mental stimulation, and structured training to thrive. For families who can meet these needs, AMDs reward their owners with deep bonds, loyalty, and lifelong companionship.

Before applying, ask yourself:

• Time availability: Can you commit to daily exercise, training, play, and enrichment?

• Experience: Do you have experience with high energy or herding breeds, or are you willing to educate yourself thoroughly?

• Lifestyle: Are you home enough to meet attention needs, or do you have resources for enrichment when away?

• Space: Do you have a secure backyard or access to open areas for safe off lead exercise?

• Grooming & health care: Can you maintain coat, nails, ears, teeth, and general care consistently?

• Training readiness: Are you ready to start training from day one and continue through adulthood, including redirecting herding, nipping, chewing, and jumping behaviours?

✅ Final Thought

Aussiedoodles, Australian Shepherds, and AMDs are truly exceptional breeds: intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and deeply connected to their families.

But they are not for every household. 

They require realistic expectations, dedication, and a willingness to meet their physical, mental, and emotional needs.

If you are prepared for the commitment, these dogs will reward you with:

• Unmatched loyalty and affection
• Intelligence and eagerness to learn
• Engaging, interactive companionship
• Positive channelled instincts and energy

If you’re unsure, it may be better to wait or consider a breed better suited to your current lifestyle.