Sheepadoodle Breed: Everything You Want To Know

Petcare MagNovember 6, 2023

5 7 minutes read

Sheepadoodles have been making quite a buzz in the world of canine enthusiasts. These adorable dogs are a crossbreed between Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles, resulting in a unique and highly sought-after breed. If you’re considering adding a Sheepa doodle to your family or want to learn more about this captivating breed, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Sheepadoodle dogs.

Sheepadoodle Overview

OFFICIAL NAME	Sheepadoodle
COMMON NAME	Sheepadoodle
PET HEIGHT	18 to 27 inches
PET WEIGHT	65 to 85 pounds
LIFESPAN	12 to 15 years
GOOD WITH	children, dogs, families
TEMPERAMENT	friendly, outgoing, and playful
INTELLIGENCE	high
SHEDDING AMOUNT	infrequent
EXERCISE NEEDS	high
ENERGY LEVEL	active
VOCAL LEVEL	infrequent
DROOL AMOUNT	low
BREED GROUP	hybrid
BREED SIZE	large (61-100 lbs.)
COAT LENGTH	curly, medium
COLORS	black, white
PATTERNS	bicolor
OTHER TRAITS	cold weather-tolerant, easy to train, good for first-time pet owners, good hiking companion, loves water

That is an extremely fluffy, goofy sheepadoodle, a cross between an Old English sheepdog and a poodle that is not a soft animal. Recent years have seen an increase in their popularity due to their amiable dispositions, minimal shedding of fur, and teddy bear-like stature.

As the sheepadoodle is not classified as a pure breed, precise regulations pertaining to its dimensions, pigmentation, and aesthetics are non-existent. The most prevalent coat, however, features a black-and-white mosaic design. In accordance with whether the Old English sheepdog was bred with a standard poodle, miniature poodle, or toy poodle, the sheepadoodle’s dimensions can vary.

Appearance

In appearance, the sheep doodle may resemble one parent or the other; some will have the square visage of an Old English sheepdog, while others will have the domed head of a poodle. However, the pattern of black and white markings that occasionally gives sheepadoodles the appearance of pandas is shared by almost all of them. As the sheepadoodle matures, these black and white markings may sometimes fade to gray (similar to the coloring of an Old English sheepdog). Rarely does a sheep doodle exhibit a red and white coat.

Sheepadoodle puppy laughs at the camera while laying down

Sheepadoodles bred from standard poodles typically range in height from 18 to 27 inches and weigh 65 to 85 pounds. Toy poodles and Sheepa doodles derived from the former will be more compact.

Like the majority of poodle mixtures (adoringly referred to as “doodles”), the sheepadoodle’s coat can be more straight or curly; however, it is typically difficult to distinguish until the puppy reaches a certain age.

Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles, a cross between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog, are frequently contrasted. Bernedoodles resemble enormous stuffed animals in that they have large, fluffy paws, shaggy features, and furry, floppy ears. In contrast, Bernedoodles are more colorful and exhibit a greater number of personality traits that are reminiscent of the Bernese mountain dog.

Temperament

The sheepadoodle’s laid-back disposition can be largely attributed to the Old English sheepdog. This hairy, good-natured breed was originally developed to assist in the transportation of sheep and cattle to markets.

“Sheep doodles have been described as a playful and active breed,” according to Pumpkin Pet Insurance veterinary expert Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM. “A noteworthy characteristic of these canines is their hybrid designer breed status, which increases the likelihood that they will acquire distinct qualities from each parent strain via their DNA. As a result of this crossbreeding, individual dogs may exhibit a considerable diversity of personality traits.

Sheepadoodles are typically fantastic family pets that adore both attention and children. They favor the companionship of other canines and are exceptionally affectionate and playful. Although they may bark to warn you of a passing stranger, they are generally a bit more subdued than varieties bred for home protection.

Training a sheepadoodle will be contingent on the characteristics that the canine gains from her parents. In contrast to the occasionally independent nature of Old English sheepdogs, poodles are typically extremely eager to please their owners by learning tricks and sitting on command. Sheepadoodles also possess the working dog herding instincts of an Old English sheepdog and a great deal of intelligence from their poodle ancestors.

Living Needs

Sheepadoodles, excluding miniatures and toy mixes, are generally substantial canines that thrive in residences with fenced-in yards. You should be able to devote sufficient time to exercise your sheepadoodle if you reside in an apartment.

Choczynski Johnson states, “Sheepadoodles are active canines; therefore, exercise is essential for their overall health and well-being.” She suggests finding methods to incorporate your dog into your daily routine, such as taking them on walks around the neighborhood, hikes through the woods, and runs.

“Using a ball launcher for a good game of fetch is a great way to burn off energy,” according to her. “If your sheepadoodle enjoys the company of other dogs, a playdate in a fenced yard would be a great way for them to socialize and stretch their legs.”

And although your sheepadoodle may enjoy splashing through the water like her poodle parent, “land-based play” is recommended by Choczynski Johnson due to the time-consuming nature of cleansing after swimming.

Due to the thickness of their coats, sheep doodles thrive in frigid climates. According to Choczynski Johnson, in warmer temperatures, owners should trim their pets’ fur to a shorter length and provide them with calm, well-ventilated indoor spaces.

Sheepadoodles generally take pleasure in the companionship of other canines and park activities. Nevertheless, due to their herding heritage, sheepadoodles may attempt to round up small animals and children on occasion; therefore, it is prudent to monitor them in dog parks that permit the coexistence of large and small canines.

Care

Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the Old English sheepdog and the poodle produce offspring with exceptionally low-shedding coats, even in their first generation. Because of this, individuals with dog allergies may find sheepadoodles to be a suitable companions.

You should maintain an immaculate coat, brush her frequently throughout the week, and have her bathed and groomed every 8–12 weeks in order to care for a sheepadoodle properly. As with any dog, you should routinely remove debris and wax from her ears and trim her nails.

If left alone for an extended period, certain sheepadoodles may develop separation anxiety due to their strong attachment to their families.

Irith Bloom, a certified dog trainer and member of the board of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, remarked, “All of the doodles are extremely attached to their owners and do tend to become a little bit anxious when left alone.”

Bloom advises beginning positive reinforcement training as soon as you bring home your sheepadoodle puppy.

cute sheepadoodle puppy wearing a blue bandana sitting on a rock outside

“Start training them right away [so] that small periods away from you are OK,” according to her. Progressively extend the duration in 30-second increments until the infant begins to perceive it as unimportant. When faced with extended periods apart from your dog, consider a doggy daycare or investing in a dedicated walker.

It is crucial to approach sheepadoodle training with the adult dog in mind, as is the case with all breeds that mature from small puppies to large dogs: Do not permit or encourage your puppy to engage in any behavior that you would not want a 90-pound sheepadoodle to do in a year.

Health

A potential benefit of a mixed-breed dog is hybrid vigor, which refers to the notion that genetic diseases are less likely to manifest in progeny descended from two radically distinct genetic lines. “So a lot of times, if there’s a genetic predisposition to a disease in the one breed and you breed to another breed, sometimes you can cover that up so that the problem doesn’t happen,” according to Bloom.

However, some scientists dispute the notion that hybrid canines are inherently more healthy than their purebred counterparts. When searching for a purebred or sheepadoodle puppy, it is advisable to contemplate a breeder who possesses a commendable history of conducting health screenings on both parents.

Despite this, sheepadoodles are, by all accounts, robust canines with a lifespan of 12–15 years.

It is crucial to be aware of the indications of bloat, a condition in which the stomach of a large dog absorbs gas and subsequently dilates or distorts, obstructing blood circulation to vital organs.

“For all dogs, but especially deep-chested dogs, I encourage feeding half of the food in a food muzzle of the maze,” Choczynski Johnson suggests. Slowing down the eating process can prevent bloating in large canines. Additionally, your puppy will gain mental stimulation and learn to have some independence while feeding.

Furthermore, due to the susceptibility of both Old English sheepdogs and poodles to conditions such as hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia, it is vital to consult your sheepadoodle breeder and veterinarian regarding the health of your puppy.

History

The genesis of the sheepadoodle is, at best, obscure: Although dogs have been crossed-bred by humans for as long as breeds have existed, sheepadoodles, a unique hybrid variety, have only gained significant popularity in the last ten years or so. According to some articles, the “doodle” naming convention began in 1992; this could be the year that the practice of combining poodles to produce a line of low-shedding canines gained momentum.

However, the ancestors of the sheepadoodle have extensive historical origins. Old English sheepdogs originated as drovers or canines that assisted livestock in traversing the dusty highways to market in the western region of England. Indicating that they were working dogs, their tails were docked; this also prevented their seats from becoming entangled in errant hooves, hence the breed’s moniker “bobtail.”

Contrary to the sheepadoodle, the poodle is an even older purebred dog, having originated in Germany as a duck-hunting dog from France. It is regarded as one of the most aged purebred canines. Their exceptional intelligence, combined with their curly pelt that shielded them from cold water, rendered them notable retrievers.

Fun Facts

There is no denying the fact that individuals adore their sheepadoodles. Otis, a large, fluffy boy who travels with a small companion named Sully, Zammy, a huge floof who also serves as a therapy dog for children’s hospitals, and Millie, a tiny sheepadoodle who loves to smile for the camera, are prominent sheepadoodle proponents on social media.
TikTok celebrity Bunny the “talking” sheepadoodle is well-known for her humorous button-speech dialogues.
Olympic figure skaters Meryl Davis and Fedor Andreev’s announcement that they had adopted a miniature sheep doodle named Bilbo boosted the hybrid breed’s popularity even further.