American Foxhound vs Aussiedoodle
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a spirited and friendly breed known for its loyalty and endurance, originally bred for hunting foxes in the United States. With its keen sense of smell and melodious bay, it excels in tracking and makes for a gentle and affectionate companion.
Large
High
11-13 years yrs
N/A
Aussiedoodle
Also known as: Aussiepoo, Aussie Poodle, Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix
The Aussiedoodle, also called Aussiepoo, brings together two of the smartest dog breeds—the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. This designer breed is known for its exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, and stunning coat that often features the merle patterns of the Aussie parent. Aussiedoodles excel in agility, obedience, and as active family companions who thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
Medium
High
10-14 yrs
35-58 cm
18-32 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | Low | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Easy |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Medium |
| Housing | Acreage | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a American Foxhound. | Active individual or family who works from home or has flexible schedule. Experienced with high-energy breeds. Ready for significant grooming commitment. Enjoys training and dog sports. |
American Foxhound Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 90-120 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Aussiedoodle Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you want a couch dog after a 20-minute walk
- Long work hours - 8+ hours away from home daily
- Budget constraints - $100/month grooming is a hardship
- No yard or outdoor space
Surrender Risk
| Factor | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | High |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | He's too hyper - energy underestimated, He nips the kids - herding instinct, Grooming costs overwhelming, Cute puppy → High energy adolescent → Backyard isolation → Barking → Surrender |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
American Foxhound Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Aussiedoodle Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly with dogs
Training
American Foxhound
- Keep training sessions short and varied
Aussiedoodle
- Use food motivation for rapid learning
- Keep sessions short and varied to maintain interest
- Channel herding instinct into controlled activities
- Start bite inhibition training early for nipping
American Foxhound Considerations
The most significant behavioral hurdle is their selective hearing. When an American Foxhound catches a scent, their ears effectively turn off. This is not stubbornness in the human sense; it is a biological override. Recall (coming when called) is notoriously unreliable, making off-leash activity in unfenced areas a dangerous gamble.
This breed does not just bark; they "bay"—a loud, musical, carrying sound designed to be heard for miles across rolling hills. In a suburban neighborhood or apartment complex, this is a recipe for noise complaints and eviction notices. They often vocalize out of boredom or loneliness.
If a gate is left unlatched or a fence is too low, they will be gone. Their stamina allows them to travel miles before they even realize they have left home.
Aussiedoodle Considerations
Both parent breeds are 'Velcro' dogs selected for close human cooperation. Aussiedoodles often cannot tolerate isolation, leading to destructive chewing, self-mutilation, and incessant vocalization if left alone for standard workdays.
The Australian Shepherd's herding instinct manifests as nipping heels of running children, chasing bicycles, or attempting to control movement of other pets. Requires consistent training from puppyhood.
Without a 'job' (agility, advanced obedience, nosework), their intelligence turns inward, resulting in obsessive-compulsive behaviors like shadow chasing or flank sucking.
Unlike purebred Aussies, the coat grows continuously. Professional grooming is mandatory every 6-8 weeks at $100-150 per session. Matting can cause skin damage.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | May harass by trying to herd them - can coexist if raised together |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Moderate risk - may harass guinea pigs/rabbits by poking/herding |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | High risk - Poodle bird dog instinct + Aussie chase drive |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Aussiedoodle: Eye -> Stalk -> Chase sequence from Aussie, Poodle adds retrieval mouthing. Generally safe with family but chase instinct is strong.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Easy |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
American Foxhound: American Foxhound puppies require consistent training and patience.
Aussiedoodle: Combines mouthiness with herding nipping and high intelligence. Will outsmart novice owners. Harder than a Cavalier (2/10) but easier than a Malinois (9/10).
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-24 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | 35-58 cm |
| Weight | N/A | 18-32 kg |
| Size Category | Large | Medium |
| Lifespan | 11-13 years years | 10-14 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 6-8 |
American Foxhound Coat
Aussiedoodle Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | speed and competitive spirit | Designer companion combining intelligence and low-shedding coat |
| Origin | N/A | North America, late 1990s/early 2000s |
Breeding Details
| Detail | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Medium |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.8m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Medium |
Health & Common Conditions
American Foxhound Health Issues
Aussiedoodle Health Issues
American Foxhound Suggested Tests
- Thrombocytopathy Screening
- Hip Evaluation
Aussiedoodle Suggested Tests
- MDR1 DNA test (MANDATORY)
- Hip Evaluation
- Eye Examination
- Adrenal Function Tests
- Skin Biopsy (if skin issues)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Medium |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Medium |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
American Foxhound Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Aussiedoodle Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Hip dysplasia progression
- Cognitive decline
- Vision loss (PRA)
Highly active brains can be prone to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Ramps may be needed for cars/beds.
Grooming & Care
American Foxhound
low maintenanceAussiedoodle
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
American Foxhound Daily Life
Aussiedoodle Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | 25-50lbs (Mini) / Over 50lbs (Standard) |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | High |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Medium |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $1,200-3,500+ |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $90–$150 | $200–$300 |
| Yearly Range | $1,080–$1,800 | $2,400–$3,600 |
| Food / Month | $60-90 | $50-80 |
| Insurance / Month | N/A | $50-90 |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $500-1,000 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
American Foxhound Lifetime Cost
N/A
Aussiedoodle Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | American Foxhound | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Low | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Medium |
Aussiedoodle Quirks
The Aussie Lean
Will lean their entire body weight against you as a sign of affection
Goose-ing
May nip the butts or heels of guests as they leave the house (herding instinct)
Counter Surfing
Intelligence allows them to solve 'kitchen puzzles' to get food
The Stare
Inherited from Aussie parent - intense eye contact to get your attention
Frequently Asked Questions
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