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The Ultimate Guide to Owning a Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodle
Sheepadoodle dog. Image via Depositphotos

When you come across a dog breed that appears ultra fluffy and looks like a poodle and an English sheepdog, it’s a sheepadoodle. If you ever lay your eyes on a sheepadoodle, your will undoubtedly experience a cuteness overload.

Sheepadoodle is a well-known dog breed that is a member of many families. It has the characteristics of both an English sheepdog and a poodle. Whether you want to learn everything about the sheepadoodle or are considering adopting one, this guide will be your best friend. Let’s get to know this fluffy thing they call a Sheepadoodle!

Breed and History

sheepadoodle
Image by Lesli Whitecotton via Unsplash

In the 1960s, the U.S. military attempted to create a dog breed by crossing poodles with old English sheepdogs for use as military police dogs. However, the resulting sheepadoodle proved unsuitable for that purpose, instead becoming popular as a therapy and family dog. While they initially gained little recognition, their popularity surged in the 1980s due to their hypoallergenic qualities and spiked again in 2015 when celebrities adopted them, highlighting their friendly nature. As a mixed breed, sheepadoodles embody traits from both parent breeds, making them well-suited for various roles in family settings.

The Sheeppoo

sheepadoodle
Black and Tan Sheepadoodle. Image via Unsplash

The sheepadoodle has a variety of nicknames, such as Sheeppoo, Sheep-a-poo, Sheepdogpoo, or Sheepdoodle. Sheepadoodles typically stand between 18 and 27 inches tall, reflecting the size of their parent breeds, the poodle (10 to 15 inches) and the old English sheepdog (20 to 24 inches). They generally weigh between 65 and 85 pounds, making them larger than many dog breeds, with their curly fur adding to their perceived size. Their actual size can vary depending on whether they are crossed with a miniature, standard, or toy poodle. Sheepadoodles have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, similar to poodles and slightly longer than old English sheepdogs.

Preferred Environment

sheepadoodle
Sheepadoodle. Image via Unsplash

This mixed dog breed likes to live in a house with a yard where it can run around and play. They have thick fur; therefore, they prefer to live in cold climates. If kept in warmer weather conditions, it is advised to owners to trim their fur in order to keep them in cool spaces so that they can live happily and comfortably. The Sheepadoodle is an active dog; therefore, they like to spend much time outdoors. Even if the weather is bad, your sheepadoodle won’t hesitate to go outside.

Food

The food requirements of sheepadoodles differ widely. Typically, it should be eating food formulated for big dog breeds. The food that they need depends upon their age, size, metabolism, activity level, and health concerns. However, three to four cups of pellets on a daily basis are usually enough for an adult. Note that they gain weight very easily, so break down their food requirements into small proportions so that their weight will stay at a healthy level. Also, avoiding involving them in strenuous exercise after feeding is advised.

Health

sheepadoodle
Image by Tarah Dane via Unsplash

Poodles and old English sheepdogs are widely distinct from each other genetically. Therefore they have very few chances of developing genetic diseases. Sheepadoodles are generally much healthier than their parent breeds.

However, the health risks are never zero. They may suffer from certain common health conditions, such as:

  • Joint problems
  • Bloat
  • Skin disorder/ sebaceous adenitis
  • Addison’s disease
  • Hip dysplasia

The Sheepadoodle might also be affected by Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, Entropion, Mitral Valve Dysplasia, Glaucoma, Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia, and Ectropion. Albeit rare, they can occasionally suffer from Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA), Cardiomyopathy, Cushing Syndrome, Epilepsy, Deafness, Wobbler Syndrome, and Hemophilia. It is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your sheepadoodle through regular veterinary checkups so they don’t face any health issues. Or if they do occur, it is always best to catch any health concern early on before it progresses too far. 

Care

sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog. Image via Depositphotos

Some people are allergic to dogs because they shed a lot, but as this dog breed sheds very little. Therefore, it is one of the best choices for those suffering from dog allergies. The Sheepadoodle doesn’t really require any extensive or special care, other than the weekly care necessary for any other dog breed. This includes trimming their fur and bathing them every seven to ten weeks, maintaining good dental hygiene, cleaning their ears, brushing them frequently, and trimming their claws. However, bear in mind that they’re prone to gaining weight fast if you don’t take them on their daily walks.

Exercise Requirements

sheepadoodle puppy
Sheepadoodle Puppy. Image via Pixabay

The Sheepadoodle requires a fair amount of exercise. Therefore to keep them healthy and playful, a decent amount of activity on a daily basis is highly recommended. When you involve your sheepadoodle in everyday activities like neighborhood walks, runs, hikes, etc., they will become healthier and more energetic. Moreover, their life span will be extended so that your furry family member can stay with you for as long as possible.

Training

sheepadoodle
Sheepadoodle. Image via Unsplash

The difficulty level of Sheepadoodle training depends upon the characteristics they inherit from their parents. If the sheepadoodle inherits an independent-minded character from the old English sheepdog, it will learn every activity easily. On the other hand, if the sheepadoodle gets the nature of eagerness from its poodle parent, it will do its best to please the owners and learn every new trick. Either way, the sheepadoodle is an intelligent animal; therefore, training it is an easy task.

Personality

Poodle Puppy
Poodle Puppy. Image via Pexels

Sheepadoodles, a cross between poodles and old English sheepdogs, boast a range of unique traits, making them lively and affectionate companions. They enjoy socializing with other dogs, children, and their owners, relishing both snuggles and energetic games of fetch. While they are alert around strangers, they remain friendly rather than aggressive. With a high energy level akin to poodles, they thrive on activity. However, their strong bond with family leads to separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so it’s important to avoid extended periods of solitude to keep them happy and healthy.

Fur Coat

sheepadoodle
Image via Greg Rakozy via Unsplash

Sheepadoodles are known for their minimal shedding, making them ideal for allergy sufferers and those who dislike pet hair on furniture. Their coats, a blend of poodle and old English sheepdog traits, often feature white, brown, and black colors, with many being bicolored or even tri-colored. Their medium-length fur can be straight or curly, and they sometimes exhibit a panda-like appearance due to black patches on white. Regular grooming is essential to prevent tangles and dirt buildup, and a de-shedding comb can help manage any loose hair.

Pros and Cons of the Sheepadoodle

Like other dog breeds, these dogs possess certain beneficial characteristics. At the same time, they have some features that might not match your personality. Sheepadoodles are friendly, obedient, and easy to train, making them excellent family pets and therapy dogs due to their minimal shedding and affectionate nature. However, they may inherit nipping and herding tendencies from their old English sheepdog lineage, requiring supervision with children and other pets. They also suffer from separation anxiety, which can affect their well-being if left alone for extended periods.

    Sheepadoodle: The Final Verdict

    YouTube video
    “This Sheepadoodle is the fluffiest therapy dog around” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Hygo

    The Sheepadoodle is a mixed dog breed obtained by crossing the old English sheepdog with the poodle. Therefore the sheepadoodle possesses characteristics of both these dog breeds. This dog breed is intelligent, active, energetic, friendly, and not aggressive. However, sheepadoodles have herding and nipping tendencies and may suffer from anxiety disorder if you leave them alone. They are easy to train, and they like to spend time with family as well as outdoors. Although sheepadoodle are famous for being ideal family and therapy dogs, they also have the ability to be trained to act as watchdogs.

    If you are thinking of getting a sheepadoodle, keep all these characteristics in mind so that you will be able to develop a strong connection with your dog.

    Thank you for reading this article!