Sheepadoodle | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

An incredibly loving and highly intelligent breed, the Sheepadoodle is the perfect pet for anyone looking for an animal companion for life. The Sheepadoodle is a cross between the Poodle and the Old English Sheep Dog and has inherited the best of both parent breeds. Very sensitive to human emotion and brimming with affection and playfulness, this dog is guaranteed to make a great addition to any loving home.

Origin & History of Sheepadoodles

The Sheepadoodle, also known as the Sheeppoo or the Sheepdogpoo, is believed to have been around through natural breeding well before any intentional breeding of the two-parent dogs began. The Sheepadoodle grew in popularity in the 1980s and has since become a favorite family pet and loving animal companion to several people. In crossing the Poodle with the Old English Sheepdog, breeders hoped to get a pup that would grow up to have a large build, a low-shedding coat, perfect for those wanting a hypoallergenic dog, as well as the gentle and affectionate nature of a dog ideal for families with children.

Personality and Temperament

Sheepadoodles are filled with equal amounts of love and energy. These high-energy dogs love spending time outdoors and look forward to playtime as a way to release all of their pent-up energy. They love a good game of fetch and are incredibly athletic. Also, due to their active and energetic nature as well as their high intelligence, the Sheepadoodle is incredibly eager to please and is thus very easy to train. They will happily pick up tricks to impress their owners. As much as they love running around and swimming, they will be equally happy to cuddle up next to their owners and enjoy some nice quiet time. The Sheepadoodle is incredibly affectionate and gentle and is a perfect dog for families with children. They are generally friendly dogs that love spending time around humans, due to which they should not be left alone for long periods of time and instead should be left either at a doggy daycare or with a dog sitter. They are incredibly sensitive to changes in their human moods and emotions, making them loyal companions as well as perfect therapy and emotional support dogs. In addition to this, they can also serve as great guard dogs thanks to their Old English Sheepdog genes.

Sheepadoodle Size

The size of the Sheepadoodle depends on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy, Miniature, or Standard. Most breeding takes place with Standard Poodles, and so the Sheepadoodle can be expected to have a relatively large build. An average Sheepadoodle can weigh anywhere around 60 to 80 pounds and stand around 16 to 22 inches tall.

Sheepadoodle Health

The Sheepadoodle is a generally healthy breed. However, there are some conditions that the dog may be predisposed to due to their parent genes. It is important to take your Sheepadoodle for regular checkups at the vet’s clinic. They should be examined for any potential illnesses at least once a month so that any issues can be dealt with in a timely manner, making sure your pup stays happy and healthy. Some conditions that the Sheepadoodle may be predisposed to include gastrointestinal issues such as bloat, hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, joint issues, and various sebaceous and skin disorders. It is also important to stay alert when it comes to signs of developing an ear infection, such as a foul odor.

Sheepadoodle Care and Training

Due to the highly energetic nature of the Sheepadoodle, these dogs require regular exercise. Your Sheepadoodle would need mentally stimulating exercises such as games of fetch in order to keep their boredom at bay and prevent any destructive behavior. Daily walks should be incorporated into their routine, and they should be given ample space to run around. This breed also has a tendency to gain weight, so daily exercise is imperative when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and protecting your Sheepadoodle’s joints from any damage as they grow older. Thanks to their high intelligence and sensitivity, these dogs are incredibly eager to please. This characteristic makes them easy to train since they gladly pick up tricks to make their owners happy. While the Sheepadoodle generally does not suffer from any dental issues, good oral hygiene is important. It is recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth regularly to avoid any buildup

Feeding

An ideal Sheepadoodle diet is one for a big dog with a lot of energy. However, since the dog’s dietary needs will vary depending on age, size, and energy level, it is best to speak to a professional when formulating a diet plan for your pup. Sheepadoodle’s tend to eat very fast, gulping up food within seconds. In order to prevent them from gaining weight due to overfeeding, it is best to give them a few small meals per day as opposed to a single large meal (since this can also trigger bloat). Try to keep treats to a minimum and save the strenuous exercise for before meals.

Coat Color, Types, Shedding

The Sheepadoodle’s coat and color vary according to the coat and color of their Poodle and Old English Sheep Dog Parents. This breed can come in a wavy, straight, or curly coat and is largely considered a good fit for people with allergies due to the non to low-shedding nature of their coat. Their coats are usually a combination of black and white, much like their Old English Sheepdog parent. However, some can also be one solid color, such as black and grey.

Sheepadoodle Grooming

The thick coat of the Sheepadoodle allows the breed to stay warm in winters. However, a trim is recommended for the summer months to keep your dog feeling cool. Due to the length of their coat and the volume of their hair, brushing can feel like a chore, but the results make it worthwhile. It is recommended to brush your Sheepadoodle’s coat for at least 10 to 15 minutes daily with a pin or bristle brush.

Deciding on a Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is a right fit for you if:

You are looking for a dog that is easy to train and will not give novice dog owners a difficult time
You are looking for an affectionate and gentle animal companion or an emotional support dog
You are looking for a dog that can keep watch and guard your home

The Sheepadoodle is not a right fit for you if:

You want a calm dog that does not require a lot of exercises
You need a dog that can stay on its own for long periods without any human interaction
You want a dog that does not require regular grooming

Getting a Sheepadoodle

How Much is a Sheepadoodle Puppy?

You can expect a Sheepadoodle bought from a breeder to come with a price tag of anywhere between $1000 and $3000. The price varies depending on coat type, age, eye color, and size, with smaller varieties being more expensive than the larger Sheepadoodles.

Sheepadoodle Breeders

Rescue and Adoption

While the Sheepadoodle is a “designer breed”, there is no reason you should look for your new Sheepadoodle friend only through breeders. There are many Sheepadoodles in shelters across the country waiting to be placed into loving homes. Remember, when it comes to dogs, it is always better to adopt from a shelter than to buy from a breeder. Here is a list of organizations specializing in Sheepadoodles (among other breeds):