Doodles are becoming more and more popular around the globe. But there is one particular kind of Doodle that we’d like to talk about today – the magnificent Sheepadoodle.
These designer dogs, just like many others, are a little bit more pricey compared to other, more “regular” dog breeds.
However, apart from their stunning appearance inherited from the beautiful mixture of some Poodle and Old English Sheepdog genes, these dogs are widely adored for their amazing temperament traits.
You finally decided to get a dog. Ever considered getting yourself a cute, fluffy Sheepadoodle puppy?
Sheepadoodle is what you get when an English Sheepdog is mixed with Poodle, and there are many reasons why you should consider welcoming this breed into your home.
Let’s see what are all the facts you should know about them before finally deciding to reach out to the closest breeders.
1. Sheepadoodles Come In All Sizes
Since Sheepadoodles are dogs developed from cross-breeding Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs, their size depends on the size of the Poodle breed parent.
Therefore, if you want one of these fluffy puppers, you can find tiny, mini, medium, and standard Sheepadoodles. However, not all breeders have all sizes.
The most common one is the standard-sized, so, if you want a mini Sheepadoodle, make sure to start your research on time.
Although there are some average height and weight predictions for each Sheepadoodle size, some Sheepadoodles still outgrow their “average height” by a lot.
This mostly occurs when the other parent breed (Old English Sheepdog) is unusually large for its breed, which inevitably makes the cross-bred litter slightly bigger than usual.
In order to have a clearer insight on how Sheepadoodle’s size may vary, we’ll tell you only that they can weigh from 15-30 lbs (tiny Sheepadoodles) to 50-80 lbs (standard Sheepadoodles).
If you’re living in a small apartment and want to own this gorgeous crossbreed, make sure your breeder gives you all the information on both parents’ breed and their sizes.
2. Sheepadoodles Come In Different Colors
Old English Sheepdogs are dogs of black and white fur that can often turn grayish as well. Poodles, on the other hand, come in different colors and can be red, black, white, brown, cream and so on.
Sheepadoodles, however, usually come in black and white. It is quite common for these pups to have a black patch over one or even both of their eyes in combination with white fur covering the rest of their body which is why they are also called Panda dogs.
But, since they are crossbreed, they can inherit the poodle’s fur color and have cream or red fur instead of black. Whichever color variation you get, be prepared for one of the fluffiest furs you’ve ever seen.
A dog of any color is still the best dog that you can get, right? As for this furball, you can usually expect to see Shepadoodle in black and white tones.
Combining the Poodle’s curls and Old English Sheepdogs’ long hair, Sheepadoodles really get the most wonderful fur traits that will make you never want to stop cuddling them.
3. Sheepadoodles Are Playful And Smart
These dogs have an exceptional personalities and they represent one of the most loving creatures that love to run around and play. Thanks to their Poodle genes, they are often very into games and tricks.
In addition, since both of its’ breed parents are exceptionally smart dogs, Sheepadoodles will easily pick up on your house rules and look at you as if they understood every word you said. They look so smart with their focused, but still charming gaze.
If you don’t have enough time (or family members) to play a lot with your Sheepadoodle throughout the day, make sure you get a lot of toys that will keep your Sheepadoodle busy.
4. They Are Relatively Hypoallergenic
Most Sheepadoodles are considered to be suitable for people with allergies. But since their fur is not 100% Poodle material because of the OES genes, breeders sometimes prefer to call them “relatively hypoallergenic”.
This is a safe way to protect themselves in case someone suffers from severe allergies and asthma. However, most people allergic to dogs have minimal or no reaction at all to Sheepadoodles.
That’s also the reason why breeders might even provide you with a certificate that will state the hypoallergenic condition of a sheepadoodle’s fur.
5. Training A Sheepadoodle Will Be A Real Breeze
Thanks to their perfect set of genes, Sheepadoodles have inherited intelligence from both of their parents.
Poodles are already known as the smartest of all dog breeds, while Old English Sheepdogs have pretty developed cognitive skills thanks to the herding function they had in past.
In addition, Sheepadoodles like to please their owners and love obeying commands in order to get their owner’s approval. Therefore, training a Sheepadoodle puppy shouldn’t be a difficult task to do. But being smart comes with another set of duties you will probably have as a Sheepadoodle owner.
Sheepadoodles love being mentally and physically stimulated (They probably inherited this trait from their Poodle parents), which basically means that you will have to spend more time playing games, coming up with a new tricks or buying interactive toys than you would with another dog breed.
Keeping your Sheepadoodle entertained is the best way to ensure he is happy and satisfied.
6. Sheepadoodles Are Great Swimmers
Being a good swimmer is another thing a Sheepadoodle should thank Poodles for.
Actually, poodles were bred as water retrievers that accompanied hunters. Their job was to retrieve the pray shot by hunters. They would jump in the river or lake and bring the pray.
Few people know this, but Poodles actually have webbed feet that enable them to swim faster and better.
If you love spending time outside, chilling beside a lake, or jogging next to a riverbank, a Sheepadoodle will easily adapt to your rhythm.
Don’t get surprised if he gets attracted by water and jumps inside the river all of a sudden.
7. They Require Grooming Sessions And Brushing On A Regular Basis
Just like other dog breeds that don’t shed, or shed only minimally, Sheepadoodles require regular grooming and brushing sessions.
This means you will need to brush your dog on a daily basis, or at least every two to three days.
When their fur is left unbrushed for longer than a couple of days, dead hair remains stuck in their coat creating mats and tangles that can be difficult to untangle.
A professional groomer will also be needed in order to have a well-maintained Sheepadoodle. Consult your vet on the best local groomer that will also take care of your pup’s nails.
People often want to know if Sheepadoodles parents shed, which is something that should be clarified.
So, do Old English Sheepdog shed? What about the Poodle? Yes, both of them shed, just in different amounts.
8. Sheepadoodles Are Great For Kids
Having such a playful personality, Sheepadoodles will easily become your kid’s best friends from the mere start. These dogs remain curious until their mature years.
They will hop in your children’s game and quickly pick up the atmosphere. With a Sheepadoodle, you ensured yourself a playmate for a lifetime.
Despite being a relatively big dog breed, Sheepadoodles are very gentle towards kids.
They are also not really sensitive as other breeds, which makes them great for younger kids’ games that can get a little bit rougher from time to time.
9. Sheepadoodles Are Quite A Healthy Crossbreed
Crossbreeding not only helps breeders develop gorgeous designer breeds of beautiful, mixed traits, but it also helps in improving the gene pool of the new litter.
As genes from different parent breeds combine, they become more resistant to different diseases and conditions making the offspring healthier and stronger.
Therefore, Sheepadoodles are generally a very healthy breed. They usually live from 12 to 15 years, which is quite a lot for a medium/large dog breed.
However, each dog breed has some weak points, and the same goes for Sheepadoodles too.
The most common health issues these dogs develop throughout life are: Addison’s Disease, Cushing’s, Joint Issues, Skin Issues, and Bloat.
10. Sheepadoodles Are Suitable For Apartment Living
Thanks to their minimally shedding fur and their ability to learn and adjust to new rules, Sheepadoodles might also be a good choice for people living in apartments.
However, a Sheepadoodle, just like most other dogs, will be much happier with a big yard that will enable him unlimited runs on a daily basis.
Make sure you walk your Sheepadoodle at least for an hour every day in order to avoid any destructive behavior at home. These dogs are highly energetic, so, getting less than 60 minutes of physical activity per day might make them pent up with energy.
11. Sheepadoodles Can Change Their Coat Color With Time
Sometimes your black and white Sheepadoodle puppy can turn grey with time. Still, there should always be that Sheepdog puppy look in your Sheepadoodle, no matter how old he might be.
This is a feature that occurs in some breeds because of the breed’s coat type. This usually means that the breed has a double coat of two different colors that merge with time.
This trait happens in Old English Sheepdogs and is therefore passed on to some Sheepadoodles as well. The beauty of owning a crossbreed is that you can never fully predict what your dog’s final appearance will be.
12. They Are Usually Very Cuddly
Most Sheepadoodles are very cuddly dogs. However, not all of them might be equally happy to snuggle up with you at any times. These differences depend on the dog’s character, and, in some cases, on the dog’s gender.
Usually, female Sheepadoodle is far more receiving. They are more calm and acceptable of your hugs, while males can be more restless and would prefer to play rather than cuddle.
In any case, if you get a Sheepadoodle you will surely have a lot of cuddling time with your fluffy ball of fur.
13. Sheepadoodles Don’t Like Spending Time Alone
Since Sheepadoodle’s personality is fully shown only when surrounded with his family members, these dogs love getting attention and being praised by their owners.
Unlike dog breeds that can handle well some alone time, Sheepadoodles prefer to stay besides their human friends and spend time with them.
Therefore, getting a Sheepadoodle while working full-time without the possibility to bring your dog with you to work, might not be a good idea.
When they spend too much time separated from their owners, Sheepadoodles can develop depression or separation anxiety that could even lead to some destructive behavior.
Their nature is highly sociable and these dogs strive in big families with a lot of kids.
14. Sheepadoodles Are Highly Friendly Towards Other Dogs
Whenever you walk your Sheepadoodle, you will be surprised how friendly he will be towards all dogs.
This crossbreed is known to be very tolerant of other dogs. It might be his playful nature that leads him to be completely friendly to other puppies.
So, you can always expect your Sheepadoodle puppies to be social and friendliest in the dog park.
No matter to which degree a Sheepadoodle is friendly, they almost never initiate fights when in presence of other dogs. This gorgeous crossbreed is truly well-natured and will always be the perfect human companion, no matter the circumstances.
15. They Are Often Confused With Shepadoodles
Because of their similar name, Sheepadoodles often get confused with Shepadoodles (especially online).
While Sheepadoodles are Poodles mixed with Old English Sheepdogs, Shepadoodles are the result of crossbreeding German Shepards with Poodles.
You have to agree that German Shepard’s and Old English Sheepdogs have quite different personalities and appearance traits, which is why it is important to pay attention to how you pronounce the correct crossbreed’s name when you’re contacting your breeder.
When they are puppies you might not see the difference and end up growing a Shepadoodle instead of a Sheepadoodle.
