Shepadoodle Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the Shepadoodle dog breed.

Shepadoodles are medium- to large-sized dogs. When mature, they reach about 50-80 pounds, but can be larger. They have a somewhat wide range of height and can be anywhere from 15 to 26 inches. Although they are strong at any size, they can easily be trained to walk without pulling the owner. Males and females tend to be about the same in size and weight.

As they usually come from two proud, carefully controlled breeds, Shepadoodles retain the intelligence, poise, curiosity and loyalty that define German Shepherds and Standard Poodles. They are devoted to those whom they love, play well with children as well as other pets and are very easy to train. They are wary of strangers but not aggressive unless threatened.

A Shepadoodle is best suited to large houses with expansive, fenced-in yards. They require daily exercise and not just a quick walk around the block. While they are happy just being with the family, they have a lot of energy that must be burned off or they will acquire destructive habits. For those Shepadoodles with Poodle-styled coats, the lack of shedding has its pros and cons: no shedding means no mess, but they also must be brushed frequently. Visits to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks are also practically mandatory.

The Shepadoodle is a relatively new hybrid, and there is not much history about them. It is rumored that the mix was conceived by the U.S. Army, and while this may or may not be true, it is well-known that they make good guard dogs, are intelligent, sociable, loyal and easily trainable.

The Shepadoodle comes from two breeds with significant history, however, and those histories must be considered. Bred from herding dogs that were noted for their superiority, German Shepherds were introduced in Germany in the very late 19th century and were first noted in the United States in the very early 20th century. Although they were and are strong, agile and beautiful dogs, appearance was secondary to the desire to breed for intelligence, stamina and temperament. The Standard Poodle, on the other hand, is considerably older, having first been noted during the 15th century in Europe. Bred for hunting, it is a proud and intelligent breed that has a sense of humor as well as a rich history. Both breeds exhibited extensive service in WWII.

Since the Shepadoodle comes from German Shepherds and Standard Poodles, it will have characteristics from both breeds. Not all the traits will be fully inherited and there is always the chance that your Shepadoodle may have more Shepherd, more Poodle or a balanced mix of both parents.

The Shepadoodle has a proud build, a long frame and usually possess a Poodle-styled coat of long, soft and somewhat fluffy hair, but there are those that have smooth and straight coats or slightly wavy hair. They may have a long muzzle like the Poodle or a wide one like the Shepherd. If they have hair largely granted by their Poodle parent, their head may appear big; if they have a smooth coat, their average-sized head will be obvious. They almost always have large ears that fold forward.

Shepadoodles, as hybrids, will vary more in size, coat length, texture and color than either purebred parent. There are differences among each generation of Shepadoodle and prospective owners should consult with a breeder to find out what those differences are. In general, a purebred German Shepherd is mated with a purebred Poodle to produces a litter of Shepadoodles (F1 generation). Two F1 Shepadoodles are bred to produce an F2 generation Shepadoodle, and two F2 dogs are crossed to produce an F3 litter ...and on it goes. Back crossing (F1B, F2B) occurs when breeders take a F1 or F2 puppy and mate it with a purebred German Shepherd or Poodle. This is to strengthen certain traits.

True German Shepherds come in one standard size, however, Poodles are bred in 4 sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature and Toy. Therefore, you have 4 breeding possibilities. German Shepherd and Miniature Poodle mixes are becoming increasingly popular, however, often times downsized animals often come with many health problems. Choosing a reputable breeder that offers a health guarantee is very important. Check out the pages for both parent breeds for specifics on size, coloration, and coat qualities.

Although they can make great guard dogs, Shepadoodles are also known for being wonderful guide and assistant dogs. They are very sociable and have a lot of stamina, however, and so they demand a lot of attention and activity; lots of toys are recommended too. They are highly intelligent, have a notable willingness to please and are easily trained. Their loyalty is exceptional.

The Shepadoodle is a relatively healthy hybrid but there are genetic problems that are usually associated with the hips, skin and eyes. Regular exercise, a good diet and frequent grooming will help mitigate these concerns. If lovingly cared for, they tend to live about 12-14 years.