Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Sheepadoodle is a special kind of dog. It’s not just one breed, but a mix of two breeds: the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle. These dogs are really clever, fun to play with, and full of love.
People call them by different names like Sheep-a-poo, Sheeppoo, and Sheepdoodle. Sometimes, you can even find them in shelters looking for a loving family to adopt them. So, it’s better to adopt instead of buying from a store!
These cute pups are great for families and people who live alone. They’re good at understanding how we feel, which is why they often become therapy dogs. If you want a cuddly, protective, and playful dog that will always keep you happy and your home safe, a Sheepadoodle might be the perfect choice!
When you’re thinking about getting a Sheepadoodle, it’s best to adopt one from a shelter or rescue group. But if you decide to buy one, make sure you find a good breeder. A good breeder cares about the health and behavior of their dogs.
They check their dogs’ health regularly, give them lots of love, and make sure they grow up happy and healthy. This way, you can bring home a furry friend who’s healthy and happy, and you can help stop bad breeding practices.
Overview of Sheepadoodle
Hypoallergenic Fur: Sheepadoodles often inherit the hypoallergenic traits from their Poodle parent, making them an ideal choice for individuals with allergies.
Friendly and Sociable: These dogs are well-known for their friendly and sociable nature, easily getting along with both children and other pets.
Intelligent and Easily Trained: With Poodle lineage, Sheepadoodles are highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in obedience and various dog sports.
Low Shedding: Their coat sheds minimally or not at all, which is advantageous for those who prefer a clean home and minimal grooming requirements.
Loving and Affectionate: They exhibit a loving and affectionate disposition, forming strong bonds with their families and providing loyal companionship.
Variety of Coat Colors: Their coats come in various colors, with black and white being the most common, contributing to their unique appearance.
Adaptable: They can adapt to various living environments, whether it’s a family home or an apartment, as long as their exercise and mental needs are met.
Excellent Family Pets: Their friendly and patient nature makes them excellent family pets and loyal companions for individuals or couples.
Playful and Energetic: Sheepadoodles love to play and have lots of energy. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
History of Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle is a mix of two types of dogs. While they might have existed naturally, they became more popular in the 1980s. People liked them because they usually didn’t cause allergies.
Breeders wanted to create a big dog that doesn’t shed much and is friendly. They wanted a dog that could be a good friend and also protect the house.
Even though Sheepadoodles started as a special breed, some end up in shelters. If you want one, think about adopting from a shelter or rescue group.
You can find Sheepadoodles in shelters, or you can look for groups that specifically help this kind of dog. Sometimes, rescue groups for Poodles or Old English Sheepdogs also have mixed breed dogs like Sheepadoodles.
Size of Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle size can vary due to its status as a relatively new mixed breed, resulting in few standards when it comes to size. It primarily hinges on whether they have a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle parent, which directly influences their size.
Typically, if the Sheepadoodle has a Standard Poodle parent, they tend to be larger, with potential weights ranging from 60 to 80 pounds and heights averaging between 16 to 22 inches. Conversely, if they inherit genes from a miniature or toy Poodle parent, they’ll be smaller in size.
Personality of Sheepadoodle
Sheepadoodle dogs are really friendly and full of life. They love to cuddle with you on the sofa and go for walks outside.
Some Sheepadoodles get their herding instincts from their Old English Sheepdog parent. They need to play a lot outside to use up their energy. They enjoy swimming, playing fetch, and learning new tricks to make you happy. They’re loyal and can also be good guard dogs.
When Sheepadoodle puppies are young, they can be a little wild. It’s important to train them early. They’re smart, so training them is not too hard. They like getting treats as rewards. They’re also eager to learn new tricks to keep their brains busy.
Sheepadoodles are great at forming emotional bonds with their owners. They’re not just pets, but also popular as therapy dogs. They love being around both kids and adults, making them perfect for any family.
But because they love being with their owners so much, it’s tough to leave them alone for long. You might need someone to walk them or take them to daycare when you’re away.
Sheepadoodle Coat Color And Grooming
Sheepadoodle fur comes in a blend of colors from their Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents. They’re often black and white, but they can also be all black or gray.
Their fur is usually long and can be flat, wavy, or curly. People with allergies often find Sheepadoodles a good choice because they don’t shed much. But they need grooming every eight weeks and regular brushing to keep their fur from tangling.
Because their fur is long, Sheepadoodles are fine in cooler weather. But in hot weather, it’s better if their fur is trimmed short, as they might get too warm with long fur.
Nourishing of Sheepadoodle
For your Sheepadoodle, it’s important to have a diet made for big dogs with lots of energy. They can easily get chubby and eat too fast, so it’s best to give them small meals throughout the day. But before you do anything, talk to your vet! Don’t give too many treats, and avoid tough exercise right after they eat.
Just like all dogs, Sheepadoodles need different kinds of food as they grow up and get older. Your vet can help you figure out what’s best for your Sheepadoodle because every dog is different – they vary in weight, energy, and health.
Health of Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle is a special kind of dog that comes from two different breeds, the Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog. Even though they’re a mix, they can still get some of the same health problems as their parents.
It’s really important to take good care of them and take them to the vet regularly to keep them healthy. Some common health issues that Sheepadoodles might have are:
Sebaceous Adenitis: Sebaceous adenitis is a skin problem in dogs that affects glands which make oil for the skin. Dogs with this issue might lose hair, have flaky skin, or have dry skin. To manage it, they might need special shampoos, extra vitamins, or sometimes medicine on their skin or in their mouth.
Other skin issues in dogs can be caused by allergies, infections, or problems with the immune system, and each one needs its own type of treatment.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common issue in dogs where their hip joint doesn’t grow right. It can hurt a lot and make it tough for them to move around. If not treated, it might lead to arthritis. But don’t worry, there are ways to help, like giving them medicine, doing physical therapy, or even having surgery.
Joint Issues: Joint issues in dogs mean they have problems with their joints, like arthritis, where the joints hurt and become stiff. There are other issues like when the kneecap moves out of place or the ligaments in the knee get hurt.
These problems can make it hard for dogs to move around comfortably. To help with this, they might need pain medicine, exercises, or sometimes surgery.
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): Addison’s disease in dogs is when their adrenal glands, which are important for making certain hormones, don’t work properly.
This can cause problems like feeling very tired, throwing up, having diarrhea, and having imbalances in the body’s salts. To help manage this, dogs might need to take replacement hormones for the rest of their lives.
Bloat: Bloat is a very serious problem where a dog’s stomach gets filled with gas and twists. This can make the dog’s belly expand quickly, block blood flow, and cause a lot of pain. It’s an emergency and needs the vet’s help right away to fix it.
Care of Sheepadoodle
Your Sheepadoodle needs regular checkups with the vet to stay healthy. The vet can make a plan to keep your dog well. Sheepadoodles can gain weight easily, so they need daily walks and playtime. They’re clever, so they need games to keep their minds busy and stop them from breaking things when they’re bored.
Keeping them at a healthy weight helps their joints stay strong as they get older.Check their floppy ears and clean them like the vet says. Trim their nails once or twice a month so they don’t click on the floor. Ask your groomer for help.
While Sheepadoodles usually have good teeth, it’s smart to brush them every day. Your vet can show you how to do it right.
Sheepadoodle Pros and Cons
Considering adding a Sheepadoodle to your family. Here’s a look at the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Intelligent and trainable
- Good with families
- Low shedding
- Unique appearance
Cons:
- Grooming needs
- Exercise requirements
- Potential health issues
- Size variability
- High energy levels
Sheepadoodle Children And Other Pets
The Sheepadoodle mix, a mix of Old English Sheepdog and Poodle, might try to herd children by nipping at their heels. But they’re loving and calm around kids and adults. It’s important for kids to learn how to behave around pets, even gentle ones like Sheepadoodles.
Kids who understand how to treat dogs will enjoy having these lively pups as friends. When it comes to other pets, Sheepadoodles can make friends as long as they’re introduced slowly and calmly when they’re young. They’re smart and like being around other animals in the house.
Generally, Sheepadoodles get along well with cats or dogs in the same home. It’s all about training, getting them used to others, and their own personality.
Sheepadoodle Rescue Organizations
It might be tough to locate a rescue dedicated only to Sheepadoodles because they’re a mix of two breeds. But you can still check out rescues that focus on Old English Sheepdogs or Poodles since they often take care of mixed breeds too. Here are some places you can look into:
Sheepadoodle Breed Organizations
Choosing a good dog breeder is super important when getting a new furry friend like a Sheepadoodle. The best breeders care a lot about making sure their puppies are healthy and friendly. They check their parent dogs to make sure they’re healthy too.
Plus, they spend time with the puppies to help them get used to people and the world around them. And they’re there to help you out even after you bring your puppy home.
But then there are backyard breeders who are mostly interested in making money. They might not check if their dogs are healthy before breeding them. And they might not spend time with the puppies, so they might not be as friendly or healthy. So, if you get a puppy from a backyard breeder, it could have some health or behavior problems.
Explore adorable Sheepadoodles for sale and find your newest furry family member! Sheepadoodle Australia loved for their smart, loyal nature and adorable curly coats, they’re cherished companions all over the country.
Facts of Sheepadoodle
Origin: Sheepadoodles are from the US.
Size: Standard (50-80 lbs), Miniature (30-50 lbs), Toy (15-25 lbs).
Breed: Mix of Old English Sheepdog and Standard Poodle.
Sheepadoodle lifespan: 12-15 years.
Coat: Fluffy, low-shedding, various colors.
Sheepadoodle Temperament: Friendly, loyal, playful.
Intelligence: Highly intelligent, easy to train.
Exercise: Moderate to high needs.
Training: Early socialization and obedience advised.
Health: Generally healthy, watch for hip, elbow, and eye issues.
Fame: Bayley, a Mini Sheepadoodle, famous for resembling Snoopy.
Note: If you’re considering adding a new furry friend to your family, explore the selection of adorable Sheepadoodle puppies for sale! Sheepadoodle prices range from $1,000 to $3,000+, with ongoing costs like food, grooming, vet care, and insurance adding up yearly.
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