Sheepadoodle Breed: Your Complete Guide

The sheepadoodle is a cross between the gentle Old English sheepdog and the clever poodle. If you’ve been struggling to decide if they’re the perfect four-legged addition to your life, you’re in the right place. We’ll equip you with all the information you need to make the best decision.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about sheepadoodles – their unique traits, care requirements, characteristics, and so much more.

Quick Look at the Sheepadoodle

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Sheepadoodles?

The sheepadoodle is a relatively new designer dog breed, having originated in the United States during the late 20th century. It was made by crossing the Old English sheepdog, known for its gentle nature and herding abilities, with the poodle, a highly intelligent and hypoallergenic breed.

They wanted to make a dog that merges the best traits of both parent breeds, including intelligence, low shedding, and a friendly disposition, which is what makes sheepadoodles the charming and versatile dogs they are today.

if you have allergies, then you’d be happy to know that the sheepadoodle gets hypoallergenic qualities from its parent breeds, so they’re perfect for you!

What Do Sheepadoodles Look Like?

While black and white are the predominant colors you’ll see in sheepadoodles, they may also be brown, cream, or silver! These variations in colors showcase the breed’s versatility in terms of appearance. Each color has its own unique charm, giving you a wide array of options when choosing your furry friend.

What Size Is a Sheepadoodle?

Sheepadoodles are a comfortably mid-sized dog with very few variations in their average height and weight. If you’re looking to get a sheepadoodle, you can expect it to have the following height and weight:

Height: 18-22 inches

Weight: 65-85 pounds

What Is a Sheepadoodle’s Coat Type and Length?

Sheepadoodles tend to have a thick curly coat that’s medium in length. Not only is it visually appealing, but it has an added bonus of being hypoallergenic, making it the perfect breed for people with allergies. They don’t shed as much as other dogs.

Their coat is silky to the touch and because it’s thick, sheepadoodles are great for cold climates.

What Is a Sheepadoodles Temperament?

Sheepadoodles have friendly, smart, and loving personalities. They like people, including kids and other pets. They’re clever and can learn things fast. They’re also loyal and protective of their families. You’ll have to devote some time to exercise when it comes to these dogs because they love playing and running around.

Sheepadoodles are flexible and can live in different places, like houses or apartments. Make sure you give them an adequate amount of attention and love because these dogs love to cuddle.

Don’t let their friendly disposition fool you, though. They make excellent watch dogs. If they sense danger, they’ll immediately start barking to alert their owner.

They are very receptive to training, which means teaching them tricks and how to behave well will be very easy.

Are Sheepadoodles Good With Kids?

Sheepadoodles are like big, fluffy playmates for children. Not only are they friendly, but they’re also patient, meaning they can tolerate kids’ playfulness.

These dogs have lots of energy, so they enjoy running and playing games with kids. They might even act protective around children, which can be reassuring for parents. Their loving nature makes them great companions for kids.

Are Sheepadoodles Good With Other Animals?

Sheepadoodles can act differently around other animals, like cats or small pets – some of them can be friends with them, while others might want to chase or play too rough. Generally, you’ll find that sheepadoodles get along just fine with any other animals.

If you introduce a sheepadoodle to other animals when they’re young and teach them to be gentle, they’re more likely to get along. Training is also important. If you teach your sheepadoodle to listen to commands like “stop” and “stay,” it can help them behave around other animals.

That being said, it’s important that you keep an eye on your dog when it’s with another animal, especially if they’re meeting for the first time. Some sheepadoodles might have a strong urge to chase smaller animals because of their herding background.

Are Sheepadoodles Aggressive?

As you can probably tell at this point, sheepadoodles are a fairly tame breed of dogs that just like to run around and play with anyone or anything around them:

Sheepadoodles are typically friendly and not prone to aggression. However, any dog can potentially show aggressive behavior if they feel threatened or fearful, or if they haven’t been properly socialized or trained.

While sheepadoodles are generally not prone to snapping or growling, it’s important to remember that all dogs use these behaviors as a way to communicate. They may do so if they are uncomfortable or anxious. Proper socialization and training can help reduce these behaviors.

Sheepadoodles are not typically known for being highly territorial. However, some dogs may exhibit protective instincts, especially if they have been trained to do so.

Like many dogs, sheepadoodles can display food aggression if they feel threatened while eating. It’s important to teach them good mealtime manners and avoid disturbing them when they’re eating to prevent food-related aggression.

Do Sheepadoodles Bark?

Like all dogs, sheepadoodles definitely do bark, but they’re not particularly loud as a breed and shouldn’t cause trouble where other breeds might:

They might bark when they see something strange or want to alert their owners of someone’s presence. Keep in mind, though, that this is a rare occurrence and doesn’t happen very often. They might bark sometimes when they’re playing or having fun with their owners.

Sheepadoodles have a tendency to bark more when they feel lonely or bored. Making sure they have things to do and spending time with them can help.

Some sheepadoodles might bark to protect their home, but it’s not constant and can be managed with training.

Are Sheepadoodles Affectionate?

The temperament of sheepadoodles certainly leans towards playfulness, friendliness, and an outgoing nature, making them an absolute treat to be around. They’re considered a very affectionate breed and they often express it through these actions:

Cuddling and Petting: Many sheepadoodles like to cuddle and be petted by their owners, and just generally enjoy being close and getting attention. However, not all of them are the same, and some might like it more than others.

Staying Close: Sheepadoodles are not tiny dogs that can fit on your lap because they are medium and, in rare cases, large in size. But they do enjoy being near you and being part of family activities and if you can handle it, even sit in your lap!

Meeting New People: Sheepadoodles are generally friendly, but some may take a little time to get comfortable around people they don’t know. If introduced to new people when they are young, sheepadoodles tend to grow accustomed to socialization.

Are Sheepadoodles Intelligent?

Sheepadoodles inherit their intelligence from their poodle parent, which is one of the smartest dog breeds out there. This means they can learn quickly and are often eager to please. They excel in training and can pick up new commands and tricks with relative ease.

These dogs also tend to be curious by nature. They like to explore their surroundings and investigate new things. Their curiosity can make them fun and engaging companions. Along with that, they have a good sense of awareness. They can be attentive to their environment and may alert you to unusual or unexpected events, making them effective watchdogs.

Are Sheepadoodles Energetic?

As a breed, sheepadoodles are very energetic and will often want a lot of attention from you when it’s playtime. That said, you won’t struggle with keeping up with their energy, but you will have to put in some effort to understand their nature.

Sheepadoodles have a good amount of energy, which is typical of both their parent breeds (the Old English sheepdog and the poodle). They are often always ready for activities and play.

They require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This can include walks, playtime in the yard, or even interactive games. They enjoy being active. Playtime is important for sheepadoodles. They like to play games like fetch or chase, and they enjoy mental challenges like puzzle toys.

Are Sheepadoodles Easy to Train?

Sheepadoodles are smart dogs, thanks to their poodle heritage. They tend to pick up on commands and tricks relatively easily. This makes them great for basic obedience training and even learning more advanced tricks.

Many sheepadoodles can learn complex tricks because they enjoy mental challenges. With patience and consistent training, they can master a variety of commands and behaviors.

Sheepadoodles can also excel in agility training. Their agility and intelligence make them well-suited for navigating obstacle courses and performing various tasks in agility competitions.

Are Sheepadoodles Good Watchdogs?

Sheepadoodles can be good at keeping watch because they’re naturally alert and protective. They’re quick to notice when something isn’t quite right, and they’ll bark to let you know. This makes them helpful in alerting you about strangers or unusual things happening around your home.

It’s important to know that they’re not usually aggressive. They’ll warn you to let you know something is amiss, but that’s where their job ends. They won’t try to attack an intruder and that’s why they don’t make good guard dogs.

To make sure they’re great at being a watchdog, it’s a good idea to teach them about different people and situations when they’re young, so they can be both friendly and watchful, making them reliable protectors for your family.

Are Sheepadoodles Good Service Dogs?

Sheepadoodles’ traits make them great at many things, and being a service dog is certainly included in that list:

Some sheepadoodles have the intelligence and temperament needed to be service dogs. They can be trained to perform specific tasks to assist people with disabilities, including psychiatric service dog tasks like providing emotional support during anxiety or panic attacks. They’ll also have to pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test in order to qualify as a service animal.

Sheepadoodles can also make great ESAs. Due to their affectionate nature, they are able to form strong bonds with their owners and can offer comfort and companionship to those who need emotional support. However, it’s essential to meet legal requirements and obtain the necessary documentation, such as an ESA letter, for your dog to become an ESA.

They also make wonderful therapy dogs. They are often friendly and well-behaved, making them suitable for providing comfort and emotional support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.

How to Care for a Sheepadoodle?

Sheepadoodles are energetic, so they need daily exercise. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through games and puzzles are essential to keep them happy and healthy.

Their curly or wavy coats require regular grooming. Brush them at least a few times a week to prevent matting and consider professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important.

Keep their minds busy with interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions. Sheepadoodles are intelligent dogs and enjoy mental challenges.

Sheepadoodles are affectionate and enjoy being part of the family. Provide love and attention, and ensure they feel like valued members of your household. They are social dogs and thrive on companionship. Spend quality time with them and provide opportunities for social interaction with other dogs and people.

Do You Need to Groom a Sheepadoodle?

Grooming is an extremely important part of caring for a sheepadoodle. You’ll need to make sure they’re being professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks, brushed for mats every week, and the regular dog-care essentials also need to be ensured alongside this (nails, ears, dental care).

Do Sheepadoodles Shed?

Given the nature of their coat, sheepadoodles don’t shed frequently and also have certain traits that make them hypoallergenic, mainly due to their poodle and Old English sheepdog heritage.

What Health Problems Do Sheepadoodles Have?

Sheepadoodles can have a number of health issues, some of which are hereditary:

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion): Bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in deep-chested dogs like sheepadoodles.

Skin and Coat Problems: Sheepadoodles’ curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and skin issues.

Addison’s Disease: This is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.

This may sound like a lot, but you can prevent all of these health problems from occurring pretty effectively by choosing a good breeder, feeding the dog well, visiting the vet regularly, and keeping it clean and groomed.

How Long Do Sheepadoodles Live?

Sheepadoodles typically live anywhere between 12-15 years, with slight variations depending on individual factors, such as how you care for the dog and its overall health.

What Should a Sheepadoodle Eat?

Give your sheepadoodle good-quality dog food that matches their age and size. Puppies, grown-up dogs, and older dogs need different kinds of food, so pick the right one. In terms of how much to feed, follow the feeding instructions on the dog food bag.

Usually, sheepadoodles eat about 1 to 2.5 cups of dry food per day, split into two meals. You should also consult your vet if you’re concerned about a special diet or allergies for your sheepadoodle.

Is a Sheepadoodle the Right Dog for Me?

Sheepadoodles are an excellent breed of dog and it’s hard to think of a person they’re not right for. That said, there are certain factors that’ll make them a particularly good fit for you! Since they’re affectionate dogs that aren’t very loud, they’d be perfect if you live in an apartment and also love snuggling in with your dog from time to time.

Plus, if you want your dog to be a service animal or even just a watchdog, sheepadoodles can do both for you since they’re an intelligent breed and are really easy to train.

Another important factor is that these dogs are hypoallergenic, which makes them perfect for families where one or more individuals might be allergic to dogs. They’re good with kids and other animals because of their playful and friendly nature. Sheepadoodles might just be the perfect family dog breed.