What is a Sheepadoodle?

“Sheep-a-poo”

 
“ stunning dog breed with remarkable personality, serious good looks, and exceptionally cuddly, like a big teddy bear. ”
— https://animalso.com/breeds/sheepadoodle/

shepaDOODLE
BREED TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS

  • Height: 16 to 22 inches

  • Weight: 45-80 lbs

  • Lifespan: 12-15 years

  • Litter Size: 5-8

Introduction

Looking for a pup that's clever, affectionate, and downright adorable? Meet the Sheepadoodle! A delightful mix of an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, these furry pals are gaining popularity for all the right reasons. With their goofy antics, endless energy, and loving nature, Sheepadoodles make fantastic family companions. Ready for a deep dive into all things Sheepadoodle? Let's dive in!

These dogs are a clever cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. They're known for being brainy, affectionate, and having coats that are great for allergy sufferers. Usually medium to large in size, Sheepadoodles sport fluffy, curly fur that needs regular TLC. Their emotional intelligence is off the charts, making them incredible therapy dogs, especially adept at sensing their owner's needs.

Friendly, loyal, and oh-so-playful, Sheepadoodles have that classic "shepherd" personality—protective of their family and a bit reserved with strangers. But don't let that fool you; they're bundles of affection for their loved ones.

These designer dogs are tailor-made for those seeking an obedient, lively, and loving furry friend. Great with kids and other pets, they thrive on love and attention. They're smart cookies, easily trainable and capable of learning tricks and tasks.

When considering a herding breed like the Sheepadoodle for your family, remember their intelligence, loyalty, and high energy. They need mental and physical stimulation to keep them content. They're fantastic with kids, but each dog is unique, so doing your research and finding the right fit for your lifestyle is key.

Speaking of possessions, like any dog, Sheepadoodles may show possessive behaviors. It's important to address these early on through training and positive reinforcement. Professional trainers or behaviorists can assist in modifying this behavior, ensuring a happy and well-adjusted pup.

Remember, these social butterflies thrive in active households, lovingly sharing affection with everyone. If you're away, they'll miss you dearly, so plan for their sociable nature and enjoy the wonderful companion they'll be when you're together!

Origin and History

Panda, our Old English Sheepdog

The Sheepadoodle is a hybrid or 'designer' breed that originated in the United States around the 1960s. The breed was initially created by crossing an Old English Sheepdog with a Standard Poodle, combining the Sheepdog's affable nature and the Poodle's high intelligence. Over the years, the Sheepadoodle has stolen hearts worldwide, thanks to its friendly disposition and striking looks. Despite being a relatively new breed, Sheepadoodles have swiftly carved a niche for themselves in the canine world.

Temperament and Personality

Sheepadoodles are often described as friendly, intelligent, and a little goofy, making them perfect for families with children and other pets. Their outgoing and playful nature guarantees fun-filled days and a house full of laughter. These dogs are highly social and love being part of family activities. They're also known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent companions. Despite their size, Sheepadoodles consider themselves lap dogs and will often try to cuddle up with their owners at every opportunity!

Health and Care

Like all breeds, Sheepadoodles can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Some common concerns include hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, and allergies. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can go a long way in keeping these issues at bay.

When it comes to grooming, the Sheepadoodle's coat can range from wavy to curly and requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangles. Weekly brushing is recommended, along with professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Their coats can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, or a combination of the two, adding to their unique charm.

Training and Exercise Needs

Sheepadoodles are highly intelligent and curious, which makes them quick learners. However, their intelligence also means they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Early socialization and obedience training are recommended to help them grow into well-rounded dogs. Their high-energy levels require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Activities like fetch, long walks, and swimming are great to keep a Sheepadoodle engaged.

Suitable Living Conditions

The adaptable Sheepadoodle can thrive in a variety of living conditions. They are equally comfortable in a city apartment as they are in a house with a big backyard. However, due to their size and energy levels, they do require space to move around comfortably. If living in an apartment, it's crucial to provide enough exercise to keep them satisfied. If you happen to have a yard, a secure fence is a must to keep these curious dogs safe.


Sheepadoodles are comparable to Goldendoodles with the following differences:

  • Sheepadoodles are usually larger

  • Sheepadoodles are usually more likely to be a watchdog

  • Sheepadoodles generally come in black and white varieties. Panda carries grey. We offer rare merle Poodles as well with our Standard Poodle, Bo.

  • Sheepadoodles typically have blockier head shapes

  • Both are outstanding with children, are typically very healthy, and tend to love the water

When walking your Sheepadoodle, you'll be pleasantly surprised by their friendly nature towards all dogs. This crossbreed is extremely tolerant and rarely initiates fights. They make wonderful companions with their playful and well-natured traits. Sheepadoodles have floppy ears that require extra maintenance. Their moist ear canal and thick hair can collect debris, making them prone to ear infections. Keep their ears clean with vet-approved ear cleaner to maintain their cuteness.

COAT

Sheepadoodles can have black and white, solid black, or gray coats. Their fur can be flat, wavy, or curly. They may have a black patch over one or both eyes, earning them the nickname "Panda dogs." However, they can also inherit cream or red fur from the poodle parent. Most Sheepadoodles are considered hypoallergenic, though some breeders prefer to call them "relatively hypoallergenic" due to the OES genes. Some Sheepadoodles may turn gray over time due to their double coat. The unpredictable nature of crossbreeds adds to their charm.

Training

Sheepadoodles are very smart because they have inherited intelligence from both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs. They are eager to please their owners and enjoy following commands to gain approval. Training a Sheepadoodle puppy should not be difficult. However, owning a Sheepadoodle also means having responsibilities. They require mental and physical stimulation, so you will need to spend extra time playing games, teaching new tricks, and providing interactive toys compared to other dog breeds.

Play

A Sheepadoodle should thank Poodles for being good swimmers. Poodles were bred as water retrievers for hunters. They have webbed feet for swimming well. Sheepadoodles are playful and make great friends for kids. They are gentle and not easily bothered like other breeds. Sheepadoodles are often cuddly but it depends on their personality and gender. Females are more accepting of hugs, while males prefer to play. Overall, Sheepadoodles are friendly, loyal, and intelligent pets for families. They have loving and playful personalities and fit well in different homes. Make sure to research and see if a Sheepadoodle is right for your household before getting one.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT Sheepadodoles

  • Regarding size, Sheepadoodles can vary in size, as it depends on the size of the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog used in breeding. They generally range from medium to large, with weights varying from 50 to 80 pounds and standing anywhere from 13 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. It's crucial to ask the breeder about the sizes of the parent dogs to get a better estimate of the potential size of the Sheepadoodle.

  • View our Pricing here:

    From $3000

  • Shedding: While they are often advertised as hypoallergenic due to their Poodle lineage, Sheepadoodles can still shed to varying degrees, depending on their genetics.

    Grooming Needs: They may require regular grooming due to their thick, curly, or wavy coats, which can become tangled or matted if not properly cared for.

    Health Issues: As with any mixed breed, Sheepadoodles can inherit health issues from their parent breeds. It's essential to get them from responsible breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs.

    Exercise and Mental Stimulation: They're typically energetic and intelligent dogs, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.

  • As for maintenance, Sheepadoodles can be moderately high maintenance due to their grooming needs. Regular brushing, occasional professional grooming, and attention to their ears, eyes, and teeth are essential for their overall health and appearance.

  • Chewing on your household items can cause a lot of distress. There are some simple ways to prevent this. First, remember that a Sheepadoodle is very intelligent, but you must have realistic expectations. Your puppy cannot have free reign of the house and be expected to not chew on forbidden objects. Puppies are teething and have a need to chew. They do not innately know that shoes and other objects are not to be chewed on. This is a lesson that you must teach by doing the following:

    Prevention is key! Chewing is usually the result of boredom and too much energy. Try to make sure that your dog is getting regular and adequate exercise. Then make sure that you keep an eye on your puppy when you are home and she is wandering the house. Make sure that shoes, toys and other intriguing objects are put away. When you leave your puppy at home alone, make sure she is in her crate or in a restricted area and give her a bone or toy of her own to chew on.

    When you leave your puppy home alone make sure that your departure and arrivals are calm and quiet. Sheepadoodles can experience separation anxiety and if you make a fuss over your puppy when you come and go this can increase her anxiety and her need to chew. Putting on some soothing music in the background could help keep your puppy calm and less lonely while you are away.

    If your puppy does chew a forbidden object, remember that you need to catch her in the act so that she will understand. You can even set up a tempting scenario for her while you are in the room. Place a shoe by her or whatever tempting object you have out and her bone. Watch her nonchalantly and if she puts her mouth on the shoe tell her "no" and take it away and give her her bone. Repeat this a few times with her. Remember to be consistent and repeat daily.

    Try to give her objects to chew that are different from the forbidden objects. Don't give her one of your old shoes to chew on if you don't want her chewing on your new shoes. This would be really difficult for her to distinguish between the acceptable and forbidden shoes. Buy her bones, KONG toys, rawhide, whatever it is she likes that is very different from objects in your home. Sheepadoodle puppies tend to prefer objects that are a bit softer to chew like lamb and cow ears, beef tendons and beef tripe twists.

    Spray objects, baseboards, walls, etc. with Bitter Apple Spray. This is successful for most dogs. Test the spray first to make sure it won't damage your target object first, but it should be totally harmless and just repel your dog from continuing to chew it. Reapply often and follow directions on the bottle. Remember to always have some of her favorite chew objects on hand to give her when she feels the need to chew.

  • Jumping up to greet people is a very natural puppy habit, but it is also very annoying and can even be scary for some people and children. It is best to break this habit before your puppy gets too old and start with good manners right away. Consistency is key to breaking this habit and that means that there are no exceptions, don't allow your puppy to jump up on you and not other people because this will confuse her and make it more difficult to train. Make sure that she will not be allowed to jump up on any person. Here are a few good options to teach your puppy to not jump on people.

    When your puppy is about to jump up stick your hand out so that her head hits your hand. She will not like this unpleasant experience and it will help her stay down or even to sit. This will help her eventually stop jumping and learn to greet you and others by sitting.

    When your puppy jumps you can grab her front paws and calmly hold them. Tell her "no" and hold her paws until she starts to get wiggly and uncomfortable then hold on for a few more seconds. Put her paws down and make her sit. After several times of this she will start to understand that she is to sit instead of jump when greeting you.

    If she is jumping up when visitors arrive, make sure to put her on her leash before your visitor comes. Greet the visitor with her on a leash and ask them to stoop down to calmly greet the puppy. Have your puppy sit while being greeted. This method will also reinforce that she needs to sit when greeting people.

  • This is a bad habit and can be especially scary for children. It can even break skin and the older they get the worse it will get. As said before, remember that your puppy has a very short attention span, so it is important that she receives a consequence for her actions in the moment they are committed. There are a few methods you can use to break this habit. Pet your puppy and when she starts to bite at your hands. . .

    Place one hand around her muzzle and keep it tightly shut (not too tight, you don't want to hurt her) and put your other hand around her rear and scoop her up so that she is between your legs and can't get free. Tell her a firm "no". Repeat this 3 or 4 times in a row so that she starts to understand. Be consistent and repeat it whenever she nips again.

    You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice into her mouth if you have some handy. This will give her a disagreeable consequence for her actions.

    Possibly the most effective consequence is to give your puppy a 30 second time out. Prepare a room that is "puppy proof" where tempting objects are put away and there aren't any toys or food for her. When she bites too hard or bites a child simply pick up the puppy and say "too hard" or "time out" whatever phrase you'd like to use consistently and place her in the room with the door shut for 30 seconds. Then let her out and try again. You'll need to repeat this many times. If she won't stop biting then you can crate her or send her outside until she settles down.

    All of these options will give your puppy a quick and disagreeable consequence for her actions which is what she needs in order to stop bad habits.

SHEEPADOODLE Puppies for Sale in Wisconsin

We specialize in medium merle doodles, offering a delightful combination of the gentle and intelligent Old English Sheepdog and the loyal and affectionate Poodle. Our Sheepadoodles are carefully bred for health, temperament, and beauty. With their unique merle coat patterns, these medium-sized doodles are sure to turn heads wherever they go. Whether you're looking for a loving family companion or a furry friend for your daily adventures, our Sheepadoodles are the perfect choice.