A Sheepadoodle is a designer dog breed that is a cross between a Standard Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. A Miniature Sheepadoodle is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. A Sheepadoodle can be an F1 or an F1b. F1 Sheepadoodles are a first generation, which means their parents are an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. An F1b Sheepadoodle’s parents are a Sheepadoodle and a Poodle. They are often confused, at least in name, with Shepadoodles, but they are not the same dog. A Shepadoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a German Shepherd.
Sheepadoodles are beautiful inside and out. They tend to be extremely friendly and absolutely love their families. Because they are mixed with a Poodle, there is a chance that their coat will be low-shedding. Their kind disposition and energetic personality make them a good fit for families. Although they are not a purebred dog, and therefore are not recognized by the AKC, they are recognized by several designer dog registries and clubs, including the International Designer Canine Registry, American Canine Hybrid Club, and more. In addition to making a great family pet, Sheepadoodles also make great therapy dogs.
The Sheepadoodle is an intelligent and active dog who tends to be naturally friendly, calm, and sociable. They tend to get along well with other dogs, pets, and children. Sheepadoodles tend to be expressive and intuitive. They seem to innately know how to be gentle and quiet with younger children. Plus, they’ll keep you entertained with their playful personality, comedic antics, and expressions. They are a combination of a companion and working dog that loves their family and is devoted to them.
This dog breed is moderately adaptable. Due to their exercise needs, they tend to be a better fit for homes with large yards. They can adapt to apartment living, as long as they get plenty of serious exercise every day. They tend to do best in moderate and cooler climates, but can adapt to other types. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they love their families and have a lot of energy, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
Because the Sheepadoodle is a mixed breed, they can inherit none of the health issues of their parent breeds or can inherit the health issues from one or both of them. Some potential health issues to be aware of in your Sheepadoodle include Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, certain types of cancer, joint swelling, joint pain, and bloating. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential health concerns.
The Sheepadoodle is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please their owners. This tends to make them obedient, fast learners who are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although they are alert and natural watchdogs, they will have to be trained to bark at strangers. Because they seek the approval of their owners, they tend to be sensitive. Harsh scolding or tones can hurt their feelings and could cause them to be withdrawn or unresponsive to training. They respond best to positive ongoing training methods that are consistent.
Sheepadoodle coats can vary from straight to curly and coat colors can be any combination of those common in Poodles. This means you can have a Sheepadoodle that is black, brown, gray, white, or a mix of colors. Although they are often low-shedding, you will still need to brush your dog’s coat regularly to reduce tangles and prevent matting. You will likely need to brush your Sheepadoodle’s coat daily and have them professionally groomed every couple of months to keep it healthy and maintained. They only need to be bathed as needed, so having it done while at the groomer is usually a good fit.
Aside from coat care, there are other grooming tasks all dogs need to stay healthy. Trimming nails, checking ears, and dental care should all be a regular part of your grooming routine. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed ensures they do not grow too long and start making movement painful or uncomfortable. Usually, trimming your dog’s nails monthly is sufficient. It’s also important to check your dog’s ears regularly, especially ears that flop over. Floppy ears are more likely to trap dirt, debris, and moisture, which can lead to ear infections. By checking ears regularly and carefully cleaning as needed, you can help keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy while also reducing the chance of developing ear infections.
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. It is also one of the most preventable. By implementing good dental care for dogs, you can decrease the tartar buildup that causes gum disease and tooth decay. Things like brushing your dog’s teeth or using enzyme toothpastes every day paired with dental chews, a special diet, and more can all help prevent dental disease in your dog. It’s also a good idea to get your dog used to having their mouth, paws, and ears handled as a puppy so grooming is much easier as they grow.
A Sheepadoodle is a high energy dog breed. They need plenty of exercise and structured exercise routines to be happy and healthy. Their high energy and intelligence mean they need a lot of exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Giving them a job to do can help satisfy their working dog tendencies. They also tend to love water, so going swimming with your dog can be a good activity. Because they are also sociable, taking a trip to the dog park could be another great way to get rid of excess energy.
Because this is a mixed breed, height and size can vary a little based on the size of the parents. Usually, a Sheepadoodle will stand 13 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 45 and 80 pounds. A Mini Sheepadoodle usually stands less than 20 inches tall and weighs between 24 and 44 pounds.
A Sheepadoodle will typically live 12 – 15 years.
Figure Skaters Meryl Davis and Fedor Andreev own a Mini Sheepadoodle named Bilbo Baggins.