Sheepadoodle Dog Breed Facts & Information

By Heather Logue

This charming combination of Poodle and Old English Sheepdog is bound to race straight into your heart (and across the living room, and into the backyard…). Basically, this bundle of joy takes the best of both worlds—the energy and friendliness of the Sheepdog, and the intelligence and elegance of the Poodle—and wraps them up into one adorable, irresistible package.

Though Sheepadoodles do require plenty of attention (the coat, the high energy level, etc.), the pleasure of their fun and friendly company more than makes up for any extra work that goes into keeping them around.

Is a Sheepadoodle the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile.

Breed Characteristics

Key

Low
Medium
High

Origin: United States
Size:
Weight: 60-80 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Breed group: Mixed
Activity level:
Barking/howling level:
Good with dogs: yes
Good with kids: yes
Good with cats:
Shedding:
Easy to groom:
Easy to train:
Protective:

Sheepadoodle Breed Appearance

Though a good-looking bunch all around, these doodles have the same chance of variance that other mixed breeds do. This means that they can end up looking more like a Sheepdog or a Poodle, depending on the genes they inherit. Some Sheepadoodles have more of a square Sheepdog-shaped face, while others have the more dome-shaped noggin of a poodle.

When it comes to their thick, fluffy coat, they’re usually all rocking the same lovey, wavy locks. And most Sheepadoodles have a patchwork of black and white markings that can give them the appearance of a cuddly panda bear.

Sheepadoodle Personality

The fact that this breed is often called a “Gentle Giant” should give you some insight into their personalities, and to why they are considered such gems in the doodle world. They are very friendly and sociable, and do well with children and with other animals (though they may playfully try to herd them from time to time!).

Though they don’t actually bark much, they do make good watch dogs because they’re naturally protective of their loved ones, and alert to what’s going on around them. They’re also very intelligent and curious, which means they require plenty of mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored.

Their high activity level and athleticism also means that they love outdoor activities, particularly swimming and playing games. And since Sheepadoodles are descendants of working dogs, they’re always eager to please and constantly strive to make their pet parents happy.

Ideal Environment for a Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles really thrive in an environment where someone is home with them most of the time. They love to be around their families (even children and other pets!), and if left alone for too long, they can get bored and destructive. But, if you are prepared to give this breed plenty of attention and stimulation, you’ll be rewarded with a happy and well-behaved dog.

Sheepadoodles also need space to play and exercise, which means that a house with a backyard is an ideal environment – though they’d be happy with long walks and jogs as well. They’re also able to handle places with cooler climates thanks to that thick Old English Sheepdog coat.

Ideal Human for a Sheepadoodle

The perfect person for a Sheepadoodle is someone who is willing to devote lots of time and energy to their happiness. Ideally that person (or persons) would live an active lifestyle, and take this pup along for plenty of walks, games, and adventures. They can adapt to apartment living if they’re still given lots of time to exercise outside, but they don’t like to be left alone, so a pet parent who works from home would be the most ideal.

Sheepadoodle Dog Training

Luckily this breed is easy to train since they’re extremely intelligent and always eager to please. It’s a great idea to start training them early on—especially since they can get fairly large, and will need to learn to not jump up on people. It’s also important to keep their training sessions fun (involve their favorite toys, etc.) and short, so they don’t get bored or stressed out.

Sheepadoodles respond well to positive training, meaning they perform and thrive best when they’re offered treats and praise for a job well done, as opposed to a scolding for getting things wrong. So give them lots of love, and you’re bound to have a well-behaved, responsive dog on your hands.

Sheepadoodle Grooming

When it comes to grooming Sheepadoodles can be a bit high-maintenance. Though their soft, shaggy coat is fluffy and cuddly, it does require some work to keep it looking its best.

It’s very important to keep a regular brushing routine with this breed, since painful mats and tangles are common with this kind of coat. We recommend brushing them a few times a week to keep their coat in good shape, plus that will give you the chance to remove anything stuck in their fur (which happens with Sheepadoodles who love rolling around in the Great Outdoors).

Every couple of months you’re going to want to give them the full grooming treatment. Soft, floppy ears are a trademark of the Sheepadoodle, but they require a little more maintenance since their size can keep their ear canal extra moist while the thick hair around the ears can collect dirt and debris, making them prone to ear infections. Make sure to keep the fur around their ears tidy and trimmed up, and clean the ears when necessary to keep them healthy (with a vet-approved cleaner, of course).

Sheepadoodle Breed Health

Though they’re generally a healthy mix, Sheepadoodles are prone to certain health issues including skin disorders, joint issues (because of their size), Addison’s Disease, hip dysplasia and bloat. They can also be prone to weight gain if they aren’t exercised properly—so make sure to get them outside and running! Your vet will be able to advise you on how to prevent, avoid and treat any signs of these that your dog may develop, especially as they get older.

Sheepadoodle History Facts & Information

Though Sheepadoodles were originally bred in the 1960’s by the United States Army for use as military dogs, it wasn’t until the 1980’s that the rest of the world began to take notice of this breed as an option for dog-lovers who suffered from allergies. Though no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, Sheepadoodles don’t shed a much as other breeds, making them a better option for those with sensitivities.

Getting a Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodle breeders

It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other, and this is especially important when choosing a crossbred dog, since you can see just what size the parents are. A good, trustworthy breeder (like this one) should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.

Since Sheepadoodles aren’t officially recognized by the AKC, you’d need to start your search for a reputable breeder elsewhere, and luckily, due to the popularity of these dogs, they shouldn’t be too tricky to track down. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.

Adopting an Sheepadoodle

As with many highly popular breeds, Sheepadoodles often find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.

A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search.

A Sheepadoodle can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.

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