Sheepadoodle Dog Breed

Below are the details and specs for the Sheepadoodle dog breed.

Sheepadoodles are usually 24-30 inches in height. As pups, they are deceptively small; as adults, they can be rather large if the Sheepdog genes predominate. They are on the large size, maturing to about 70 pounds. They will appear far larger than their actual size due to their thick, shaggy coat. There are, however, specially bred miniature Sheepadoodles that are no larger than about 15 inches high.

There are fewer even-tempered dogs than the Sheepadoodle. They get along great with kids and they love to play or just hang out with their owners. Other pets and the friends that may come over unannounced should pose no problem for this breed. Train them early, however, or they may misdirect their energy later in life, and their size can make for a frustration if they are not trained to behave.

Sheepadoodles are somewhat high maintenance and require daily long walks (or even better: jogs) as to keep them from being too playful in the home. There is also the hair, which needs to be often and carefully brushed. Clipping by a professional every eight or so months is also advised. Training should be enjoyable with these quick and easy learners. They do tend to have bone and hip problems that they inherit from both the Sheepdog and Poodle sides as well as a number of eye problems.

The Sheepadoodle is often regarded as a "designer breed." There is not much current history about the Sheepadoodle mix; it is a very current hybrid said to have originated in the very early 1990s. The crossing of an Old English Sheepdog with a standard Poodle may seem a bizarre experiment, but the result has produced a lovely, fluffy, smart and remarkably resilient hybrid that is becoming popular. The Sheepdogs have a history that dates to the start of the 19th century in the southern part of England. They are recognized by the Kennel Club of London in 1873. The Poodle has been a mainstay since the 15th century and was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887.

Most notably, the sheepadoodle has thick, wavy with hair that is especially prominent on the face and ears. Due to this abundance the breed has a prominently large nose that seems to "pop out" and it can appear the long legs have no paws. They tend to take much more from the general Sheepdog appearance than Poodles, but they don't have the double coat of the former and do not portray the poise of the latter. However, their big heads and long muzzles make their friendly personality all the more noticeable.

Sheepadoodles are often white with large black spots, but there are those that are primarily black with some white. Many have masks over their eyes in such a manner as to hide the eyes, a feature that makes the nose appear to "pop out" even more. Perhaps the most interesting trait is that they tend to change color when they mature — not always, but frequently enough.

White and Black

Sheepadoodles are usually 24-30 inches in height. As pups, they are deceptively small; as adults, they can be rather large if the Sheepdog genes predominate. They are on the large size, maturing to about 70 pounds. They will appear far larger than their actual size due to their thick, shaggy coat. There are, however, specially bred miniature Sheepadoodles that are no larger than about 15 inches high.

Hybrid dogs display a much higher degree of variation in traits than their purebred predecessors. One example for Sheepadoodles is their size. Second generation Sheepadoodle puppies tend to be smaller than first generation. It is also possible to have Mini Sheepadoodles if a Miniature Poodle is used somewhere along the breeding process. Typically, smaller Sheepadoodles are achieved when the Miniature Poodle is used as a mating partner during a first generation cross and then the resulting Sheepadoodles are also mated with the Mini Poodle.

Another variation is in the coat length and texture. Most Sheepadoodle will have abundant, hypoallergenic coats but some will be slightly shorter and straight while others will be longer and wavy.

Sheepadoodles are extremely friendly and usually are not reported to take their temperament from the Poodle side. They are early and quick learners. Hospitable to both friends and strangers, they may be overly enthusiastic; if not trained well they may tend to jump up — which can be a slight concern if they are on the larger side. They are extremely easy to train and eager to please.

There are few breeds that are better with children than Sheepadoodles. They love to play with children, and are not in any way aggressive. They have a fluffy appearance and friendly demeanor that are irresistible to kids. They can be left alone with them for hours, if the child is an appropriate size, and are a perfect family pet.

Getting along with other pets, alongside the tendency to play with kids, is part of the Sheepadoodle's charm. Sheepdogs are well known for herding, and they bring to the hybrid that amiable disposition that allows them to be confident without overbearing and strong without being forceful.

A guard dog, the Sheepadoodle is not. They make friends easily, even with strangers. They will be curious but never aggressive, so if you want to put new friends at ease, the friendly demeanor of a Sheepadoodle is exactly what you need.

Below are pictures and photos of the Sheepadoodle dog breed.

Sheepadoodles are somewhat high maintenance and require daily long walks (or even better: jogs) as to keep them from being too playful in the home. There is also the hair, which needs to be often and carefully brushed. Clipping by a professional every eight or so months is also advised. Training should be enjoyable with these quick and easy learners.

The definitive feature — that massive mop of hair — is both a plus and minus for those who choose a Sheepadoodle as a companion. The positive is that the hair is hypoallergenic and should not shed, but the negative is that it must be brushed and clipped regularly. The latter task is better done by a professional, however, this may be costly. Failure to brush regularly will result in matted hair and all the attendant problems that brings. Attention to the mouth, eyes and ears is very important, as the long hair may obscure these areas from natural cleaning mechanisms.

Sheepadoodles are great indoor pets, but they need significant exercise. The stamina of herding is bred into their line, and a lengthy jog is perfect for their health. Long daily walks are the recommended minimum.

Although this breed has a historical preference for large fields filled with grazing cattle, sheep or other farm animals, they are comfortable indoors provided there is some room and preferably a yard in which to run. They are accustomed to a moderate amount of noise, activity and such, and are not easily upset. Even if you have a small apartment, they will be very happy if you take them out daily for a long walk or brisk jog.

Although they have abundant coats, Sheepadoodles do not have the double coats of the Old English Sheepdogs. While they are not suitable for extremely hot temperatures, they are fine in warm or cold weather.

Due to the Sheepadoodle being a cross between two pure breeds, genetic variation allows for a better quality of health. Many potential eye diseases from the Poodle side, as well as skin irritations from the Olde English Sheepdog genes, are far less a problem for Sheepadoodles. Nevertheless, keeping the eyes clean under all that hair helps greatly. They usually live to about 12 to 15 years.

• Allergies
• Cataracts
• Heat Intolerance
• Hip Dysplasia
• View all 4...

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Sheepadoodle as a dog breed:

• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Dog Registry of America Inc.
• International Designer Canine Registry

Interested in the Sheepadoodle? Contact a breeder below:

Breeder Name
Feathers And Fleece Farm LLC.
Apple Creek Doodles

• Sources
• http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle/
• http://www.sheepadoodledreams.com/learn-more.php
• http://www.101dogbreeds.com/sheepadoodle.asp
• http://www.dogslife.com.au/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog
• http://sheepadoodle.net/Grooming.html
• http://www.dogbreedplus.com/dog_breeds/sheepadoodle.php