Sheepadoodle Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Sheepadoodle?

It is said that this mixed breed was bred experimentally at first as a cross between English Sheepdogs and a Poodle to be used in the Military and only really gained popularity at the end of the 20th century when people began looking for a family-friendly and hypoallergenic dog breed. 

While the history of this designer dog might not be as clear, their parent breeds have long stories to tell. 

Their Poodle parents are arguably some of the oldest breeds in Europe and have been housed by French and German aristocrats alike. 

As their name already suggests, their Old English Sheepdog parent has been used as herding dogs in Britain to manage farmers' livestock and herd sheep.

Who are Sheepadoodle dogs best for?

It is always recommended to only get a dog if you feel up for the task and have the time and energy to give them the attention and lifestyle each breed requires. 

With that being said, these warmhearted canines are a perfect addition to single-headed households. And thanks to their even temper, they are great with children, making them a great family pet. 

Depending on the size you are going for, you will have to make sure that their living environment fits their needs. This means that a medium to a large-sized Doodle will do best in a house with a fenced garden or yard, while the miniature version can be totally fine in an urban setting or apartment. 

Thanks to their high intelligence and loyalty levels, they have an impressive ability to read human emotions and therefore are sometimes even used as emotional support dogs! 

If you are looking for a loyal companion, can spend lots of time with your pup and are keen to take him to the dog park to play fetch to make sure your Sheepadoodle is getting some serious exercise, this canine is paw-fect for you! 

How much grooming does a Sheepadoodle need?

Most dogs of this breed come with a wavy or curly coat; however, few of them might have a flat coat overall. This breed is not prone to shedding, which makes them great for being kept inside the house as they won’t leave their hair everywhere on your precious furniture. 

With that being said, no shedding does not mean no grooming is needed. Make sure to brush your Sheepadoodle’s coat at least once, or more ideally, twice to three times a week to avoid it getting mats. 

On top of that, Sheepadoodle coats need to be trimmed every two to three months by a professional dog groomer (if you don’t feel up for the task of a hairstylist!).

While you're at it a Mani and Pedi session is also recommendable, as Sheepadoodles tend to have too long nails, which will cause pain when walking and running.

Do Sheepadoodle bark much?

Barking is a dog’s way of communicating and, therefore, should never be seen as something purely negative unless it becomes excessive of course. 

Compared to other dog breeds, this dog is silent and barely barks. However, if left alone for long periods, barking can occur as a form of separation anxiety. 

Do Sheepadoodle bite?

Sheepadoodles are not aggressive dogs at all, but Sheepadoodle puppies may try to nip on ankles and toes thanks to their herding instincts. This is a trait stemming from their Old English Sheepdog parent’s side. 

With adequate training from a young age, this behaviour should be relatively easy to stop, and excessive biting can be avoided quite quickly. 

Nonetheless, as with any animal, it is advised to never leave them unattended with strangers and especially children, as this can always cause unexpected behaviours and responses from your dog. 

What is the temperament & personality of a Sheepadoodle?

A Sheepadoodle is arguably one of the best family dogs out there. Their even temper, high energy, and affectionate nature make them perfect for being around young kids and adults alike. 

They are a loyal and very loving mixed breed and can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. This can cause them to become a little destructive when starting to chew on household items and furniture.

Therefore, it is best if you always have a chewy toy around for them to calm their anxiety. 

This is a highly energetic breed. This dog loves to play with its family and requires about an hour of daily exercise outside. 

What is the weight & size of a Sheepadoodle?

Depending on the size you are going for, these are the specifications you can expect your Doodle to come in: 

• Toy/ Micro (under 38cm and a light weight of 8-12kg)

• Mini Poodles (38 to 45cm and 12-15kg)

• Medium (45-55cm and weighing between 15-25kg)

• Standard Poodle to large (55-70cm and 25-40kg in weight)

How much training does a Sheepadoodle need?

A Sheepadoodle is very smart, and therefore, the training should come easy to these quick respondent dogs. 

Thanks to their loyal nature, they are very obedient dogs that are eager to please. 

As soon as your Sheepadoodle puppy is fully vaccinated, it is highly recommended to introduce them to other dogs and socialise them as much as possible with other animals and humans, as this will teach them how to interact with new people and dogs in different situations. 

Their high intelligence also makes them ideal for mental stimulation activities and games. Buying them engaging toys is therefore also recommended. 

What are some of the most common health issues for a Sheepadoodle?

While being a robust dog, there are still certain things that you should be on the lookout for with a Sheepadoodle. Here are some of the most common health problems, as described by dog breeders:

• Hip Dysplasia 

• Joint Issues

• Ear Infections

• Cataracts 

• Addison’s Disease

What is the lifespan of a Sheepadoodle?

According to the American Kennel Club, a Sheepadoodle dog can live between 10 and 15 years, depending on its size and health.

How much should you feed a Sheepadoodle?

Always consult your local vet to find out what is the right food for your pet. Especially since the size and weight of each Sheepadoodle can vary, it is important to individualise a Sheepadoodle's diet and ensure they are getting high-quality dog food at all times. 

This dog breed requires high-protein dog food, which can be a mix of wet food and kibbles, which is focused on good joint and bone health, to help prevent hip dysplasia. 

What is the price of a Sheepadoodle in Australia?

A Sheepadoodle can range from anything between $1000 to even $5000 in Australia, depending on the size and colour you will be going for.

Adoption and giving a dog a second chance for a forever home is also always a great and less expensive option, especially if size and looks do not matter as much to you.