SHEEPADOODLE FACTS
WHAT IS A
SHEEPADOODLE?
Known for its calm temperament and love of people, a Sheepadoodle is a great family dog. They are a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle. Here are twelve interesting facts about Sheepadoodles.
1. Sheepadoodles Come in a Variety of Colors
Old English Sheepdogs (OES) are usually grey and white (though standard colors also include grizzle, blue or blue merle) but poodles can be anything from black to white, to cream to red. Since Sheepadoodles are a mix of the two breeds, the colors of their pups can vary greatly.
Their coats can also lighten as they age, with pups appearing black and white, and then lightening to grey as they mature. This is due to the double coat that they have inherited from their OES genetics.
2. Sheepadoodles Come in Various Sizes
The size of the Sheepadoodle is not a constant, since genetics, once again, come into play. The pups can take after the Old English Sheepdog in their genes, or they can take after the Poodle in their genes. Here at Life Unleashed Farm, we expect our pups to be anywhere from 50 to 65 lbs, and 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder, depending on if they take after their heftier Sheepadoodle Sire or their lean Standard Poodle Dam. Females do tend to be a little smaller than their male counterparts.
3. Sheepadoodles are Playful and Smart
As their Poodle genetics will show, these dogs are very intelligent and enjoy games and tricks to stimulate their minds. Their intelligence leads them to be very in tune with every word you say as well as your body language! Old English Sheepdogs are also very intelligent dogs, so you will have one smart cookie in your home.
4. Sheepadoodles are Hypoallergenic (for the most part)
Sheepadoodles tend to be a great option for people with allergies, due to their Poodle genes. But they aren’t 100% hypoallergenic since they are part OES.
5. Sheepadoodles are Easy to Train
This is, again, where the Poodle genes come in for the win! Poodles are known to be one of, if not THE smartest breed around. But let’s not undermine the wonderful genetics of the OES either. Both breeds are very intelligent.
Both breeds, which in turn means the Sheepadoodle as well, are very willing to please their human companions. In fact, they thrive on it! So it won’t take much (but it will take consistency) to train these pups.
6. Sheepadoodles Require Regular Grooming
As with other breeds that don’t shed, your Sheepadoodle will need to be groomed regularly. This includes daily brushings as well as a trip to the groomer for a hair and nail trim. Otherwise, you will have a matted and not very happy, Sheepadoodle on your hands!
7. Sheepadoodles are Great Family Pets
Kids love to play, which makes Sheepadoodles a great fit if you have children. These pups are happy to play and are very gentle with their families, despite being on the larger side. They do love to please their people, so they will enjoy the happiness they bring to their families.
8. Sheepadoodles are Healthy
Combining genetics from different breeds increases their resilience to disease and other health conditions. This is sometimes called ‘hybrid vigor.’ Sheepadoodles' life span is between 12 and 15 years. Unfortunately, like all breeds, there are certain conditions that may arise like Addison’s Disease, Cushing’s Disease, Joint Issues, Skin Issues, and Bloat. A healthy diet and exercise, as well as general knowledge of these conditions, may help to keep your dog healthy throughout its life.
9. Sheepadoodles and Apartment Living
Sheepadoodles are great at adjusting to most home environments because of their ability to learn the rules of the home. While they may prefer a big yard to run around in, if you give your Sheepadoodle adequate exercise, in the way of long walks, apartment living will suit them just fine.
10. Sheepadoodles Love to Cuddle
While each dog’s personality is different, for the most part, your Sheepadoodle won’t mind, and may even enjoy, being snuggle on. Thankfully, due to them not shedding nearly as much as your average dog, your snuggle time won’t lead to having to lint roll every time you snuggle your pup.
11. Sheepadoodles Prefer to not be Alone
These dogs love their families, and truly do prefer to be with them as much as possible. This means that they don’t always do well when left alone for long periods of time. These dogs are highly sociable and thrive when they are able to be with their humans. If you work away from home, and the dog will be left alone for long periods of time, this may not be the breed for you.
12. Sheepadoodles Love Other Dogs
These dogs are known for being very tolerant of other dogs. They are very well-natured and playful towards other dogs.