Sheepadoodles come in a variety of colors, with the most common being black and white.
The two parent breeds, the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle, both contribute to the diverse color palette of the Sheepadoodle.
Black and white Sheepadoodles can have a range of markings, from small patches to solid coats.
The Old English Sheepdog's influence is evident in the Sheepadoodle's tendency to have a lot of white on their face and paws.
The Poodle's genetics can result in a solid black coat, but often with a slight sheen.
Sheepadoodles can also inherit the Poodle's characteristic apricot or red color, which can range from a light golden hue to a deeper, richer tone.
The combination of the two breeds can also produce a variety of other colors, including gray, silver, and blue.
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Sheepadoodle Colors
The most common color of Sheepadoodle is black & white, and it's often the color people choose for their pets.
They come in solid black and solid white colors as well, but black & white is the most popular choice.
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The black & white coat pattern is especially appealing to children and their families, and it's a great conversation starter.
As Sheepadoodles grow older, their coat color can change due to a graying gene called the G locus.
This process typically starts between 8 to 12 months of age and can result in a gray, silver, or blue coat color.
Black Sheepadoodles, in particular, tend to fade into gray, silver, or blue tones as they mature.
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Appearance
Sheepadoodles can inherit the patchwork of black and white markings from their Old English Sheepdog parent, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Their coat color can vary, but the most common color is black and white, which is also the most popular among families.
Black and white Sheepadoodles often have a white chest and paws, a result of genes from the Old English Sheepdog's end.
In some cases, their coat color can fade into lighter shades, such as gray, blue, or silver tones, as they grow older.
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Their size can vary, with standard Sheepadoodles weighing 65-85 pounds and standing 18-27 inches tall.
Mini Sheepadoodles, on the other hand, are between 15 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 45 pounds.
Their coat can be straight or curly, and it's hard to tell until they get a little older.
Their appearance can also be influenced by their Poodle parent, resulting in a more poodle-like domed head or a more Old English Sheepdog-like square face.
Some Sheepadoodles can even have a red and white coat color, although this is relatively rare.
Their coat color can also be affected by their genetic makeup, with backcross generations more likely to have a solid black coat.
Their coat patterns can also be influenced by the fading gene, resulting in a lighter coat color as they age.
Gray Olo
The Gray Olo color Sheepadoodle is also a common variation of the breed. Gray tones can be found in both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs, making it a natural occurrence in Sheepadoodles.
This color variation is not solid gray, but rather has patches of other colors like blue, white, and black on the neck, paws, and chests, which is called the tuxedo pattern.
The tuxedo pattern is a distinctive feature of many Gray Olo Sheepadoodles, giving them a dapper appearance.
Cream
Cream Sheepadoodles have a diluted brown coat color, which is lighter compared to fawn Sheepadoodles.
They tend to have white markings on their face, muzzle, chest, and paws.
Some Cream Sheepadoodles are born with a richer colored coat, such as brown, red, or fawn, but may fade lighter as they age.
Others may retain their cream coat and not change color as they mature.
It's tricky to predict how a Cream Sheepadoodle might look once they're fully-grown, as their color can vary.
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Sable
Sable Sheepadoodles are very rare and difficult to find.
They have a solid base color, but the hairs have black tips.
The sable pattern can vary in intensity, with some pups appearing all black at first.
These Doods usually grow out of their black-tipped hairs as they mature.
However, sable Sheepadoodles may still have darker ears as adults.
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Color Variations
Sheepadoodle colors are a true delight, and there's a wide range to choose from. The most common color is black and white, with many Sheepadoodles sporting this classic look.
Solid colors are relatively rare, but you might come across a solid gray Sheepadoodle, which can have patches of white on its body, giving it a tuxedo-like appearance. Brown Sheepadoodles are also possible, but they often have other colors in their coat, such as white markings or black patches.
Some Sheepadoodles can change color and fade as they reach adulthood, so it's essential to consider this when choosing a puppy. Here are some of the most common Sheepadoodle colors:
Remember, each Sheepadoodle is unique, and their colors may change as they grow up.
Types of Coat
The Sheepadoodle's coat is one of its most distinctive features, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common color is black and white, which is seen in about 80% of Sheepadoodles.
This color combination is due to the hereditary rule of biology, which determines that the white coat color will be dominant in some cases and the black coat color will be dominant in others. The result is a coat that is mostly white or mostly black, with white on the chest, nose, and paws.
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Black and white Sheepadoodles can also come in a pattern known as Parti, where both colors take up about 50% of the body. This is the most popular coat color in the United States.
In addition to black and white, Sheepadoodles can also come in solid black, solid white, and a range of other colors, including red, gray, and silver. Red Sheepadoodles are relatively rare, but they can be found with white or cream patches on their face, neck, chest, or paws.
Here are some of the most common Sheepadoodle colors:
As Sheepadoodles grow older, their coat color can change, with black and white Sheepadoodles often fading into lighter gray, blue, or silver tones. This is due to the fading gene, which is present in both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs.
Merle
The merle pattern is a rare and unique color variation in Sheepadoodles. It's characterized by a combination of similar tones in the coat.
Merle Sheepadoodles have a high chance of getting health issues like blindness and deafness, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who conducts thorough genetic testing.
The merle gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one pup to carry the gene to achieve a merle patterned pup. This makes it crucial to research and find a good breeder.
Merle Sheepadoodles usually have a solid base color with patches of other colors on the body, typically in various shades in the same tonal range. This unique pattern makes them highly desired by many Doodle owners.
To achieve a merle pattern, breeders need to carefully select their breeding dogs, as the merle gene is not common in Poodles or Old English Sheepdogs. This requires thorough research and genetic testing.
Blue merle Sheepadoodles are probably the most common version of the merle pattern, with a combination of similar tones of blue, gray, and white in their coats.
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Fawn
Fawn Sheepadoodles have a similar toned coat as brown or red Sheepadoodles, but the fawn is lighter and more diluted compared to the other two.
These pups often come in a fawn base color with white markings on their body and face.
Their coat color is a result of the genetics that determine their overall appearance.
Fawn Sheepadoodles are a beautiful variation of the breed, and their unique coloring makes them stand out.
Grizzle
The grizzle color is a unique mix of different colors with no particular pattern. It appears blended together and only becomes visible when you look closely.
Some grizzle Sheepadoodles have a mix of black, brown, and tan colors, while others have a mix of black and white that appears as gray.
Related reading: Black Sheepadoodle
Coat Changes and Patterns
The most common color of Sheepadoodle is black & white, and it's a popular choice among families with children.
Sheepadoodles can also come in solid black, solid white, and other colors, but black & white is the most common.
As Sheepadoodles grow up, their coat color can change due to a graying gene called G locus that's present in both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs.
This color change usually happens between 8 to 12 months old, and it's a natural process.
Black Sheepadoodles tend to fade into gray, silver, or blue coat colors, while brown Sheepadoodles fade into lighter colors like cream or silver.
Sable Sheepadoodles almost always inherit the fading gene, so if you have a sable puppy, be prepared for a new coat color as they grow older.
The black & white coat pattern is especially fascinating, and it's no wonder it's a favorite among kids and families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can sheepadoodles be brown and white?
Yes, Sheepadoodles can be brown and white, specifically chocolate/brown and white parti colors. This is one of the color variations we offer.
Sources
- Sheepadoodle Colors & Coat Patterns: A Detailed Guide (americandoodleregistry.com)
- Sheepadoodle Colors & Coat Patterns: Complete Guide & ... (doodledoods.com)
- Sheepadoodle Dog Breed Information & Characteristics (dailypaws.com)
- #31: All About Sheepadoodles! (thedoodlepro.com)
- Mini Sheepadoodle Mixed Breed Complete Guide (floridafurbabies.com)
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