Breed Characteristics:
Apartment Friendly
?How well will this breed adapt to apartment living? Is the apartment size the most important factor when it comes to proper living conditions? Is the breed suitable for apartment living?
Good For First-Time Owners
?Some dogs aren't suitable for first-time dog owners. Is this breed a good match for someone with no dog experience? Can training help them be on their best behavior with owners with no dog experience? Are they suitable to be handled by someone who is just entering the canine world?
Overall Sensitivity
?Some dogs are sensitive. Certain breeds are rough on the outside, while having the softest heart on the inside. In other words, some dogs are 'thick-skinned' while some are 'easygoing.' Is this breed prone to sensitivity?
Tolerates Being Alone
?Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can affect a dog's life quality. Is this breed prone to this condition? Can you leave him alone for hours? How destructive this breed can become when bored, neglected, or not loved enough?
Affectionate With Family
?How affectionate this breed will be around his humans? Will he welcome new family friends easily or he will choose to be shy? Some breeds can be clingy with owners, while others don't attach a lot. Will this breed act as the family's best friend?
Kid-Friendly
?Some dogs will tolerate children, while others will adore well-behaved ones. Dogs and children should always be supervised, no matter how well trained the dog might be. Will this breed act as a nanny dog or he will stay away from children?
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
?Some dog breeds cannot wait to run to the dog park and run with others. Others prefer to be with their humans, and not to be a part of a multi-pet household. Is this breed dog lover or not? How friendly this breed will be toward other dogs?
Friendly Toward Strangers
?Some dog breeds tend to be reserved toward strangers and highly suspicious. Others are fast to walk away with them easily. How welcoming this breed is toward strangers?
Drooling Level
?If you love to clean all the time drooling level in dogs is a trait that you should mind. Is this breed less likely to drool, or you will always need a towel on hand?
Easy To Groom
?Heavier shedding during the shedding season is something that every dog needs to go through. However, some dogs shed just a bit all year round. Is this breed one of them? How often should you groom this dog?
Overall Health
?What can you expect from this breed in terms of health? Are there any genetic conditions to vary about? Is obesity a major issue in this breed? By knowing more about the dog's health, you are learning how to help him live a longer and healthier life.
Prone To Obesity
?Treats are a great addition to training sessions. Dogs love sweet bites of dog treats but they should be served in moderation. Treats can lead to obesity, next to poor nutrition. Can this breed gain extra weight from treats? How prone to obesity this breed actually is?
Trainability Level
?Training some dogs is easier than others. How easy this dog will be to train? What can you expect? Some dogs are huge people pleasers and they will master commands easily, while others will try to outsmart you.
Intelligence Level
?Dogs are smart beings. We do our best to train them, but they do still end up training us to adapt to their needs. How intelligent is this breed? Will he try to outsmart you? Or he will need multiple training sessions to master basic commands?
Prey Drive
?Dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Those who were bred to hunt have natural instincts to hunt, even today. This is why many dogs, like Terriers, will chase other animals. They will also have a hard time concentrating on your commands when there is something small moving. Is this breed prone to following his prey instincts?
Barking Level
?How vocal this breed is? Can you expect neighbors to ring you often to calm your dog? Or you can sleep without worries of hearing your Fido bark? Some breeds are highly vocal, others have unusual sounds, and some are silent. Is this breed prone to barking?
Energy Level
?Low-energy dogs are happy with regular walks and indoor chill times. High-energy dogs are always ready for action. Is this breed a couch potato, energetic dog, or somewhere in between?
Exercise Needs
?Some dogs are more than happy with a slow stroll down the street. Others need hours of active time to stay happy and fit. Is this breed demanding in terms of exercise? How much exercise this breed needs to stay happy and healthy?
Playfulness Level
?Some dogs never lose that puppy spirit, not even in their senior years. Others are more serious and prefer having a job to do. Is this breed demanding in terms of playfulness? Can you expect playfulness in their senior years as well?
This beautiful mixed breed called Sheepadoodle is very rare. In fact, it’s not even recognized by any major kennel club. Sheepadoodles became more popular after being bought by celebrities such as the famous ice-skaters Meryl Davis and Fedor Andreev.
Let’s start with some basic facts about this breed!
Quick Facts
Real name: Sheepadoodle
Origin: England
Breed type: Crossbreed
Weight: 23-38 kg (50-85 lb)
Height: 45-58 cm (18-23 in)
Color: Black, white, or black and white
Coat: Long, wavy, soft coat
History
This breed is a pretty young one. As the name might reveal, Sheepadoodle is not pure breed dogs which is why it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The name “doodle” which alters “poodle” was coined in 1992 in reference to the Labradoodle, the crossbreed of Poodle and a Labrador. Respectively, Sheepadoodles are hybrid dogs obtained by cross-breeding Old English Sheepdog with a Poodle.
Sheepadoodles were first bred in England. The first generation of doodles, in general, have better health and less health issues. The reason why people choose poodles for cross-breeding is because of their non-shedding quality. Similarly, Sheepadoodles shed very lightly and are hypoallergenic.
These smart dogs are sometimes confused with “Shepadoodles” obtained by cross-breeding a standard Poodle and a German Shepherd.
Breed Origins
Let’s outline a few interesting things about Sheepadoodle’s parent breeds: The Poodle and The Old English Sheepdog.
The Poodle is known as one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds. They are popular for their good adaptation to the apartment environment and their hypoallergenic coat. What people don’t know that actually these elegant dogs used to be amazing water retrievers. Actually, their name comes from a German word “pudel” or “pudelin” which means “the splash in the water”.
The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog breed that was often used in helping farmers with cattle. What makes the Old English Sheepdog special is his easygoing temperament. They love the comfort of living at home and are very adaptable, playful and intelligent.
Fast fact: Did you know that there are today more than 50 different Poodle mixes?
It looks like Sheepadoodles have some amazing heritage from both of the breeds.
Physical Appearance
This fluffy creature is really outstanding when it comes to this breed’s looks. But let’s get into details of their overall appearance.
Sheepadoodles are small to large sized dogs that are characterized by their soft and curly coat. They are usually black and white in color but can be all white or all black at times. Some might have a peculiar patch of the opposite color fur around one or both eyes, like panda bears, which makes them even more adorable.
Sometimes, Sheepadoodle’s fur can turn grayish over time. This is a peculiarity these dogs have inherited from the Old English Sheepdogs. There are even cases when sheepadoodles get shades of sable in their coat, but this happens rarely.
Their constitution varies depending on the Poodle parent’s size and on the Sheepadoodle parent’s size. The standard sized Sheepadoodle grows to about 18 to 23 inches(45 to 58 cm) and reaches a maximum weight of 50 to 80 pounds (22 to 36 Kg).
However, their size depends on the height of the old English Sheepdog parent. A Sheepadoodle pup might surprise you to grow a bit larger than other puppies of their breed if their parent is large.
Depending on the parents, Sheepadoodles can come in different sizes. The difference stands in the type of the poodle the cross-breeding is done with.
Tiny Sheepadoodles are obtained by crossing a Toy Poodle with an Mini Sheepadoodle. They can be from 15 to 30 lbs.
Mini Sheepadoodles are obtained by crossing a Miniature or Toy Poodle with an Old English Sheepdog. They can weigh from 25 to 45 lbs.
Medium Sheepadoodles are obtained by crossing a Moyen Poodle with a Mini Sheepadoodle. These Sheepadoodles are typically 35-55 lbs.
Standard Sheepadoodles are obtained by crossing a Standard Poodle with an Old English Sheepdog. Usually, they can weigh from 50 to 80 lbs.
Personality
The personality and temperament of Sheepadoodles are definitely their main strength. They owe this to an amazing set of genes from both sides of their parent breeds.
Sheepadoodles are playful and loving dogs that make ideal family pets. They also love being indoors and spending time with its family, so they are not really fan of being left alone for longer periods of time. If trained properly, a Sheepadoodle will be a perfect companion for children of any age, as they are very affectionate with kids. They like being cuddled as much as possible.
A Sheepadoodle will always be eager to learn because of his high intelligence. That’s why training these pups won’t be a hard task to do. As a result of their smart genes inherited from the Poodles, they will surely be pleased if challenged mentally often. So make sure you spend enough time teaching him new stuff.
Despite their ability to adapt easily into the comfort of your home, they are also quite energetic and enjoy being outdoors. Sheepadoodles require proper training and exercise.
They will surely be the most loving pets if you just give it enough attention and affection.
Sheepadoodle as a pet
You’re wondering if Sheepadoodle is a perfect dog for you? Then you should explore every aspect of this breed, before deciding to buy one. That’s where we step in. Let’s discover what are other traits this beautiful dog has.
Grooming (Shedding)
Their fur is soft, long and curly. The fortunate combination of this cross-breed makes their fur beautiful and moderate-maintenance.
Having the non-shedding properties of the poodle, but also the long, curly coat of the Sheepdog, a Sheepadoodle will require regular brushing, but will not shed much.
Anyway, you should keep in mind that curly hair tends to tangle with time, which can be prevented with proper brushing. Also, while non-shedding properties benefit you and your home, they might cause problems for your dog if you don’t practice regular coat trimming.
For instance, the ears should be checked regularly for dirt and wax buildup, because when combined with the hair growing inside the ear, they might result in infection.
However, Sheepadoodles inherited the best attributes of the Poodle’s fur. It is considered as relatively hypoallergenic because it might still contain some of the allergens. Nonetheless, they won’t leave a bunch of hair all over your apartment which makes them a great fit for apartment owners.
In order for your Sheepadoodle to look his best, you should find a groomer that will regularly trim his hair. Bathing shouldn’t be done excessively, every once in a while is completely fine.
Training
Both of sheepadoodles parent breeds are fast learners which makes this dog a perfect pet that will pick up quickly everything that you try to train him.
Poodles being the synonym of canine intelligence, can be trained to completely overcome their already low levels of aggression. The same stands for our Sheepadoodles, they will surely satisfy your behavior expectations if trained and socialized early.
On the other hand, English Sheepdog has also passed some herding instincts to this breed. These might sometimes result in the dog’s need to “herd” small children or animals. This is also easily prevented with a good socialization.
Also, the best way to train your Sheepadoodle is with praise and rewards instead of punishment. Because of their intelligence, they might perceive punishment as a reason to make troubles afterward. You should start training him at an early stage, and you will notice that they are quite eager to please and quickly pick up commands.
Credits: @dognamedsushi
Another thing to know is that Sheepadoodles have quite big and strong bladders, which makes potty training easy-peasy.
Make sure your Sheepadoodle spends enough time with both humans and other dogs, and he will be the sweetest dog there is. Sociable, playful and affectionate.
Exercise
Sheepadoodles are large dogs that have a lot of energy. You will probably have to develop a certain exercise routine and provide your puppy with a lot of play time. These pups also love swimming, so you can bring them to a lake or river.
Regular physical activity will also help prevent potential obesity and joint issues.
You should pay attention to challenge him on a daily basis both mentally and physically in order to tame his herding instincts and satisfy his poodle intelligence.
Read more: Learn these 15 facts about Sheepadoodles.
Health And Longevity
These lovely dogs have an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.
Due to “hybrid vigor”, a condition cross-bred dogs have, these puppies are generally very healthy. This condition is a nature’s play where the cross-bred dogs are free from the health issues parent breeds experience.
Nevertheless, there are several health issues that might be present among Sheepadoodles.
Most Common Health Problems
The most common health issues these beautiful creatures might experience during their lifespan are: Canine Hip Dysplasia, Sebaceous Adenitis, Diabetes, Addison’s disease, Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, and Bloating.
Other minor concerns that Sheepadoodles might suffer from are: cataracts, glaucoma, entropion, ectropion, deafness, and Red Mange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic?
Most Sheepadoodles are hypoallergenic, but sometimes they’re not completely allergenic free. This depends on the genes inherited from his parent breeds. They probably wouldn’t trigger your allergic symptoms but they cannot be firmly suggested to people with really strong allergies.
How Big Can Sheepadoodle Get?
How big your Sheepadoodle pup will get depends on the genes of its parent breeds. The Old English Sheepdogs can sometimes grow to be bigger than their standard size, which can affect your Sheepadoodle’s size. But usually, they are medium to large sized dogs and don’t exceed the height of 27 inches (69 cm).
Can I Buy A Sheepadoodle if I’m Living In An Apartment?
Sheepadoodles love being an active part of the family and are generally people oriented. As long as you make sure he’s getting enough exercise and playtime, he won’t be making mess indoors. Early training can prevent any chaotic behavior, as this dog is quite obedient and likes to be praised.
Is Sheepadoodle a Good Family Pet?
Yes, yes, yes! This playful dog will fill you with joy and entertain your kids as well. In some cases, they might nip people or herd little children. But if trained and socialized well in an early stage, he will be the most loving dog you could ever get!
To make it easier for you, Sheepadoodle is a perfect companion for you if you’re searching for a dog with following features:
- Medium to large sized
- Cute and affectionate
- Playful and energetic
- Obedient and intelligent
- Almost no significant health issues
- Relatively hypoallergenic
- Doesn’t shed much
- Good family pet
However, if you’re trying to avoid some of these characteristics in your dog, then maybe Sheepadoodle isn’t the right fit for you:
- Is quite expensive
- Needs daily brushing
- Doesn’t enjoy being alone
- Can herd or nip small children and animals
Conclusion
Sheepadoodles are real, loyal companions that will show you their love every day. Being exceptionally intelligent, he will fill your time with play and funny moments.
They are very easy to train and love to obey your commands. A Sheepadoodle dog is people-oriented and loving. He will surely be the best pet there is, as long as you provide him with lots of love and challenges.
They are energetic, but still not too much. You can bring your Sheepadoodle to go swimming or running with you, and he will have some wonderful time. Seriously, this breed seems like one of the best-tempered dogs out there.
So if you finally get a Sheepadoodle, you will surely never regret it!
Here’s a cute infographic on these terrific dogs!
If you like it, please share it with your friends!
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Featured image courtesy of: Poodles 2 Doodles
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