Full-grown Sheepadoodles are a beloved breed, known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They can grow up to 18-24 inches tall and weigh between 75-110 pounds.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Sheepadoodles are a cross between a sheepdog and a poodle, which makes them a low-shedding breed perfect for those with allergies.
Take a look at this: Cross Breed Wolf Dog
Appearance
Full grown sheepadoodles can have a square face, similar to an Old English sheepdog, or a more poodle-like domed head.
Their weight can range from 65-85 pounds, depending on whether they're bred from a standard poodle or a mini or toy poodle.
Sheepadoodles often have a patchwork of black and white markings, giving them a panda-like appearance.
These markings can sometimes fade into gray as the sheepadoodle ages, but on rare occasions, they can be red and white.
Sheepadoodles bred from mini poodles and toy poodles will be smaller in size compared to those bred from standard poodles.
Their coat can be straight or curly, and it's often hard to tell until the puppy gets a little older.
A different take: Teacup Mini Bernedoodle Full Grown
Temperament
Sheepadoodles are known for their wonderful family-friendly nature. They love attention and children, making them an excellent choice for families with kids.
Their playful and energetic personalities are a result of their Old English sheepdog and poodle heritage. This mix of breeds can lead to a wide variety of personality traits, but one thing is certain - they're always up for a good time.
Sheepadoodles are exceptionally playful and sweet, enjoying the company of other dogs. They're also very affectionate and love to be around their owners.
Here are some key traits to expect from a full-grown Sheepadoodle:
- Very bright with a high emotional IQ
- Very playful
- Love to socialize and play with children
- Very affectionate and love to please their owners
As a result of their intelligence and herding instincts, Sheepadoodles are easy to train and follow instructions well. They're also calm, kind, and extremely loyal, making them a great addition to any family.
Living Needs
Living in a house with a fenced yard is ideal for a full-grown sheepadoodle, but if you live in an apartment, regular exercise is a must.
Sheepadoodles are active dogs that require regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They love to run, walk, and hike with their owners, so finding ways to integrate your dog into your daily routine is a great idea.
A ball launcher is a fantastic way to burn off your sheepadoodle's energy with a fun game of fetch. If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, a playdate in a fenced yard is a great way for them to socialize and stretch their legs.
Sheepadoodles have thick coats that make them perfect for cold-weather climates, but in warmer climates, their owners can trim their fur a bit shorter to keep them cool.
In dog parks, sheepadoodles tend to enjoy the company of other dogs, but their herding background means they might try to round up small animals and children, so keep a close eye on them.
Here are some basic exercises you can teach your sheepadoodle:
- Walking nicely on a leash
- Greeting people politely
- Coming when called
- Friendly with other pets
Remember, exercise is crucial for your sheepadoodle's overall health and wellbeing, so make sure to provide them with regular physical activity.
Care
Sheepadoodles have a very low-shedding coat, making them a good fit for people with allergies. Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat in great condition.
To prevent matting and tangling, brush your Sheepadoodle frequently during the week. Bathing and trimming every 8-12 weeks will also help keep their coat looking its best.
Sheepadoodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so it's essential to start training them early using positive reinforcement techniques. Start with small periods of time away from you and gradually increase the duration.
Feeding Chart
Feeding your Sheepadoodle is crucial for their growth and health.
At 12 weeks, your Sheepadoodle will weigh around 18.9 pounds and need 2.7 cups of food per day.
As they grow, their weight increases significantly. At 6 months, they can weigh up to 46.5 pounds and require 3.5 cups of food per day.
Here's a chart to help you keep track of your Sheepadoodle's feeding needs:
After they reach 1 year, their feeding needs remain relatively stable. They will still need around 4.7 cups of food per day to maintain their weight of 67.6 pounds.
Grooming Needs
Sheepadoodles have a unique coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They need to be brushed frequently, ideally a few times a week, to keep their coat in great condition.
A good quality brush is essential for Sheepadoodles, as cheap pet store brushes can get stuck in the mats and pull on the fur. You can find a great pin brush on Amazon that's specifically designed for Sheepadoodles.
Sheepadoodles also need to be bathed and trimmed every 8-12 weeks to keep their coat looking its best. This can be done at a groomer, or you can bathe them yourself at home.
Regular grooming is crucial for Sheepadoodles to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the eyes. Trimming these areas is necessary to ensure your pet can see properly.
Here's a rough estimate of the costs involved in grooming a Sheepadoodle:
- Full cut and bath: $90 plus tip
- Bath alone: $50 or so
- Regular baths and trims keep their teddy bear look.
Some Sheepadoodle owners swear by whitening shampoo to keep their dog's white fur looking bright and white. They recommend using a high-quality pin brush and slicker brush to prevent matting and tangling.
Health
Sheepadoodles are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They can live for 12-15 years, which is a great lifespan.
It's essential to know the symptoms of bloat, a condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas and expands or twists, cutting off blood flow to organs.
Feeding your Sheepadoodle slowly can help prevent stomach bloat. Try feeding half of their food in a food puzzle or maze to slow down eating.
Both Old English sheepdogs and poodles can be prone to hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism, so it's crucial to discuss your puppy's health with your breeder and vet.
Here are some common health issues that Sheepadoodles may inherit from their parents:
- Bloat
- Hip Dysplasia
- Addison's disease
- Joint issues
- Sebaceous adenitis/skin disorders
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Gastric Dilation-Volvulus
Regular checkups with your vet are vital to maintaining your Sheepadoodle's health and catching any potential issues early on.
Owning a Sheepadoodle
Owning a Sheepadoodle can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to be aware of the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. They require a lot of attention and exercise, so it's not suitable for people who work full-time outside the home.
Sheepadoodles are extremely social dogs that thrive on interaction, so they need to be around people most of the time. They also have a strong herding instinct, which means they may try to herd children or other pets, so training is necessary to manage this behavior.
One of the benefits of owning a Sheepadoodle is their intelligence and trainability. They are easy to housebreak and can learn to obey commands quickly. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
In terms of costs, Sheepadoodles can be expensive to purchase, with prices ranging from $3000 to $4000, depending on the breeder and the dog's coat pattern.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding whether a Sheepadoodle is the right dog for you:
Overall, Sheepadoodles are loyal, calm, and friendly dogs that make great family pets. However, they do require a lot of attention and care, so it's essential to carefully consider whether they are the right fit for you.
Growth and Size
Sheepadoodles can grow to varying sizes depending on their parents and generation. They typically reach half their adult size by six months, but this can range from 3.5 to 6 months due to their wide size range.
Most Sheepadoodles reach their maximum size between 6 to 16 months. The growth patterns can be unpredictable, but knowing a dog's heritage can help predict when it has reached its maximum size.
Sheepadoodles can be bred in various sizes, including toy, miniature, medium, and standard. The standard Sheepadoodle reaches 22 to 27 inches in height and weighs 55 to 85 pounds.
Here's a breakdown of the different Sheepadoodle sizes:
Sheepadoodle size is determined by their parents, gender, and generation. The smaller the parents, the smaller the Sheepadoodle, and the larger the parents, the larger the Sheepadoodle.
History and Types
The Sheepadoodle breed was originated in the 1960s in the US specifically for the US Army to use these dogs as military police dogs.
Sheepadoodles are a mixed breed resulting from crossing two purebred dogs, the Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog. A poodle is actually a group of dog breeds, including the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle.
Broaden your view: Half Wolf Half Husky Breed
Generation
First-generation Sheepadoodles, also known as F1 Sheepadoodles, are the result of breeding an Old English Sheepdog (OES) with a Poodle.
These puppies are the second generation, and are called F1b Sheepadoodles, resulting from breeding an F1 Sheepadoodle with another Poodle.
Breeders will sometimes mix a second-generation F1b Sheepadoodle with a Poodle to enhance low-shedding qualities or achieve a smaller dog.
By breeding an F1b Toy Sheepadoodle with a Toy Poodle, breeders can try to achieve a smaller, Micro Mini Sheepadoodle.
A different take: F1 Mini Aussiedoodle Full Grown
History
The Sheepadoodle breed has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1960s in the US.
It originated specifically for the US Army to use these dogs as military police dogs, which is a unique and interesting fact.
A poodle is actually a group of dog breeds, including the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle, which were initially bred in Germany for hunting waterfowl.
The Old English Sheepdog, on the other hand, developed in England, bringing a distinct heritage to the Sheepadoodle breed.
Unfortunately, the Sheepadoodle breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it does get recognition from other organizations such as the American Canines Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Sources
- Bilbo (instagram.com)
- Bunny the "talking" sheepadoodle (seattletimes.com)
- Share (facebook.com)
- Old English Sheepdog (akc.org)
- MN Sheepadoodles (flickr.com)
- When is a Sheepadoodle Full Grown? (2024) (welovedoodles.com)
- Full Grown Sheepadoodle: A Complete Breed Guide to Know (petsnurturing.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com