The Sheepadoodle is a mixed dog breed, a cross between Standard Poodle and Old English Sheepdog. Look at their face - isn’t adorable? It is becoming a well sought-after pup due to their smart looks and personality. They are extremely friendly and love your family unconditionally. Let’s take a glimpse at the gorgeous breed with a golden heart.
Sheepadoodle conveys an impression of determination, strength, and activity with the style of a high order. They are loyal, obedient, friendly, and intelligent with adorable looks.
Sheepadoodle’s are lively, smart, and playful that connect well with the emotions of humans, hence considered as therapy or emotional support dogs. This cute pooch snuggles beside you on the couch as much as they would love to go on for a brisk walk. They go by different names including Sheepdog doodle, Sheeppoo, Sheep-a-poo, and Sheepdoodle.
Sheepadoodle are great family dogs and companion dogs for single persons. They shed very little, hence good for people with allergic conditions and people wanting a clean home.
Sheepadoodle Dog Breed Profile & Overview
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Sheepadoodle Origin
The breed came into existence in the United States by deliberate cross-breeding between a Standard Poodle, an intelligent and adaptable breed with Old English Sheepdog, an outgoing and agreeable livestock guardian. Designer breeds first appeared back in the 1980s often mixed non-shedding properties of Poodles with other popular breeds.
Sheepadoodle was among those designer breeds created to inherit hypoallergenic characteristics of Poodle. It is not exactly known when the breed originated but assumed to the timeframe of Poodle craze and likely had its start in the last 20-30 years.
Sheepadoodle Characteristics
- The Sheepadoodle dog belongs to a working breed group and watchdog.
- They are known for their docile, sweet, blissful, and loving nature.They are loyal to their owners.
- Sheepadoodles are muscular with a height ranging from 13 to 24 inches.
- This gigantic dog weighs about 60 to 80 pounds.
- Sheepadoodles sports wavy or curly coat in long and short dimensions.
- They bark rarely to alert the owner.
- Maintain an amicable relationship with other dog breeds.
- They are resilient to both hot and cold weather.
- Sheepadoodle are hypoallergenic.
- They can mingle easily with the people because of their socializing ability.
- They connect well with the emotions of people; hence they are used as therapy dogs.
- The price of this breed varies from $1000 to $ 3000.
- The life expectancy of the Sheepadoodle breed is 12-15 years.
Sheepadoodle Varieties
Sheepadoodles are classified based on their size into Standard Sheepadoodle, Moyen Sheepadoodle, and Toy Sheepadoodle.
- Standard Sheepadoodle: Cross between Standard Poodle and Old English Sheepdog,
- Moyen/Mini Sheepadoodle: A cross of Miniature Poodle and Old English Sheepdog
- Toy Sheepadoodle: Crossbred of Toy Poodle and Old English Sheepdog.
Appearance
Sheepadoodles have athletic builds with the head that can be either squarely built that of Poodle or round shaped like that of Old English Sheepdog with elongated muzzle and low hanging ears.
Eyes are small and oval and set apart in medium hair and comes in dark brown or bright blue. The skull is broad looking and appear dome-shaped and the rest of the dog, be thick or slender or anywhere in between. In short, it appears like a teddy bear with elegance.
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Size and Weight
The size of the Sheepadoodle varies from 13 to 27 inches. The weight of the breed is between 45 to 80 pounds.
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Coat & Colour
The coat of the Sheepadoodle dog is usually long and flat, wavy, or curly. Sheepadoodle coats are generally a mix of their parent's coats and colors. The main color is a mix of white and black. They come in many colors but white with large patches of black, gray, or brown are common. Some come in white and red which costs more and entirely brown or grey is relatively rare.
Sheepadoodle Temperament
1. Personality - The Sheepadoodles are extremely obedient and loyal. People describe them as lovely and lively. Even though they are friendly with people but act as great guard dogs for their households. Have an endearing personality with a cheerful face and one of the immaculate breeds among all dogs. They have imperial stature with sharp-witted traits.
Expect care, attention of the owner, and need to be around the owner makes it difficult to leave alone at home for longer periods, hence require a dog walker or a doggy day-care. Perfectly suitable for single-person households, couples, and elderly people.
2. Behavior - Sheepadoodles are energetic and active breeds. They are humorous, obedient, and obsessed to crave the attention of the people. Known for their loyalty, serenity, and sociable, even don't feel novice after meeting the people. Fairly easy-going with other animals and amicable with other canines.
They act as a vigilant watchdog for the elder people. Sometimes express their hatred in the form of mischievous actions like staring, chewing the toys, etc. They are like happy-go-pup with a charming smile. They are much bouncier than the average dog. They don't want to be left alone.
3. Activity Requirements - The Sheepadoodles doesn't like to sit idle because of their high energy levels. Some would have acquired herding drive from Old English Sheepdog and require to burn off energy with plenty of outdoor playtime. They will feel happier if they have at least one activity in a day.
They like to swim, play fetch and please their owner by learning new tricks. A daily walk for about 30-35 minutes is enough to make their day more flexible. Daily walk keeps them motivated and make them healthy and happy. The Sheepadoodle is a gigantic dog that requires a larger home with a back yard with a space and a secured fence.
4. Trainability - Sheepadoodle must need an experienced trainer who knows their consistency and temperament. Trainability factors may vary in them due to Poodle being greatly trainable dog and Old English Sheepdog is independent-minded. They respond well to both reward-based training and appraisal with a positive clause.
They will see the fun in playing games like trick training, herding exercises, advanced obedience, agility, frisbee, and fly ball. The activities must be short and fun, otherwise, they may tend to be stubborn. Dogs with a thicker coat may even enjoy winter sports like dog sledding and skijor.
Feeding
The Sheepadoodle is a large dog breed that requires a good quality kibble to meet their age, size, and energy levels. Balanced protein food keeps them invigorating. Dry food is preferred to them as it avoids the dental problems and digestion problems like bloat. Feed the Sheepadoodle 2-3 small meals a day rather than free-fed. Avoid exercise immediately after food intake because of the potential to bloat.
Life Span
The life span of the Sheepadoodle is up to 12-15 years. They survive maximum if certain care is taken.
Sheepadoodle Care
The Sheepadoodle is somewhat high maintenance due to long and curly or wavy coat and also require regular daily long walks or vigorous exercise. Regular brushing is required and bathe once in 1-3 months is preferred. Regular brushing make hair fluffy, airy, clean and dirt free. Clean the ears to make free from debris and flea. Consult the vet doctor for prior vaccination and to keep regular health routine.
Sheepadoodle Facts
- Sheepadoodles are a crossbred between Poodle and old English Sheepdog
- They are loyal, friendly, and playful.
- They are affectionate and even-tempered with children and adults alike.
- They are good watchdogs and is an idle family pet.
- They shed very little.
- When they left alone, they are prone to develop separation anxiety syndrome.
- Brush 3-4 times a week and groom roughly every eight weeks.
- Sheepadoodle read human emotions naturally and used as therapy or emotional support dogs.
Sheepadoodle Health Issues
The Sheepadoodles are mixed breeds and are prone to some health issues like obesity, bloating, certain Cancers, Joint swelling and Pain, Hip dysplasia, Cushing’s, and Addison’s disease.
1. Hip Dysplasia
This condition occurs when a dog's hip joints are underdeveloped or dislocated from their original position, making it difficult for the dog to move or walk. Surgery is the only solution to correct the issue.
2. Obesity
Overweight is not only limited to humans but also dogs. It is inherited from the parental breeds. Obesity leads to overweight along with other complications like joint problems, diabetes. That's why watch out while feeding the dog. The food intake must be regulated monthly.
3. Addison's Disease
Poodles are prone to Addison’s disease which is the reason Sheepadoodle might get this disease. It is a hormonal disorder caused by the deficient production of adrenal gland hormones, aldosterone, and cortisol.
Cortisol is a steroid which regulates stress and Aldosterone regulates water and electrolytes in the body. The deficiency is also called as Hypoadrenocorticism. The symptoms are depression, dehydration, weakness, weight loss, excess thirst, vomiting, and slow heartbeat, etc.
Sheepadoodle Grooming
Sheepadoodle requires a large commitment to grooming due to their long, curly, or wavy coat. Irrespective of the type of coat, it requires frequent brushing. Brush a minimum 3-4 times a week to keep hair neat, clean, and dirt and debris free. Either wire pin brush or slicker brush is used for brushing but pin brush is more preferred along with greyhound comb.
If you see tangle or mat while brushing, work out with fingers and then with end teeth of the comb. For extra-stubborn tangles, cut them at half or even one fourth with scissors, if unable to work out, cut out entirely.
Bathe once in one to three months based on the type of coat. Poodle type coat requires frequent bathing or else coat look unkempt and frizzy. Use canine shampoo and conditioner if desired for bathing as human shampoo has a different PH which irritates dog skin. Gentle care is taken while applying the shampoo and brushing the hair because they don't maintain steadiness during this.
Brush the teeth regularly to avoid the plaques and gum disorders. Trim the nails with nail clippers at regular intervals. Ears need to be cleaned regularly which makes them free from wax and dirt.
Despite all, they still need a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks in a year. Regular grooming avoids all types of skin diseases if prior care is taken. Otherwise, the problems like hair loss may occur.
Shedding
They are low shedding dogs and shed mostly during fall and springtime. They are hypoallergenic and good for people with allergies. Sheepadoodle is the right choice for people who want indoor dogs without all the hair.
Price
The cost of this breed varies from $1000 to $ 3000.
Sheepadoodle Habitat
They can live in a house with a spacious yard easily. It takes time to adjust in the apartment environment if provided vigorous exercise daily.
Pet Names
- Male : Jack, Monty, Ford, Tommy, Berkley
- Female : Happy, Lexa, Ella, Noodle, Daisy
Things to Consider Before Buying
Pros
- Robust in nature.
- Maintain social relationships with other canines.
- They are low shedders and hypoallergenic.
- Charismatic look at first sight.
- They are obedient and clever.
Cons
- They are expensive.
- They destroy any item by chewing if exercise requirements are not fulfilled.
- They are a bit stubborn.
- They incur high maintenance on grooming.
- They are highly prone to separation anxiety syndrome.
Sheepadoodle Dog Breed FAQs
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0="h3" question-0="Do Sheepadoodle Hurt Small Children?" answer-0="Sheepadoodle is affectionate and even-tempered with children. They behave alike with children and adults and an idle pet for families with children." image-0="" headline-1="h3" question-1="What Is The Maximum Life Span Of Sheepadoodle?" answer-1="The life span of Sheepadoodle is 12-15 years. They suffer from Bloat, Obesity, Hip dysplasia, and Addison’s disease, etc. Care should be taken while feeding to reduce bloat and obesity. If proper care is taken it may live up to maximum15 years." image-1="" headline-2="h3" question-2="Do Sheepadoodle Are Tolerant Of Weather Conditions?" answer-2="They are tolerant of both hot and cold conditions. They have thick coat and dense fur, hence tolerant of cold climate. During hot seasons, cut the hair to make it comfortable." image-2="" headline-3="h3" question-3="Are Sheepadoodle Are Apartment-friendly?" answer-3="Sheepadoodle is a giant dog and have high energy levels, hence not suitable for apartments unless you provide vigorous daily exercise." image-3="" headline-4="h3" question-4="Do Sheepadoodle Bark A Lot?" answer-4="They rarely bark just to alert the owner. Even though they are people friendly, they are great watchdogs." image-4="" count="5" html="true" css_class=""]
