Sheepadoodle Shedding Basics and Beyond

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Posted Nov 2, 2024

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Sheepadoodles are known for their low-shedding coat, but how much do you really know about their shedding habits? Sheepadoodles inherit their low-shedding trait from their Old English Sheepdog parent.

Their coat is a result of the Old English Sheepdog's unique genetics, which produce a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat. This is a significant advantage for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.

Sheepadoodles typically require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can exacerbate shedding. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding, but it's essential to do it gently to avoid causing breakage.

Related reading: English Setter Shedding

Sheepadoodle Shedding Basics

Sheepadoodle shedding is largely determined by their coat type and genetic makeup.

Their coat type is a significant factor, as Sheepadoodles can inherit the shedding traits of their parent breeds.

Sheepadoodles can have a variety of coat types, including curly, wavy, and straight.

Their genetic makeup plays a crucial role in determining how much they shed.

Sheepadoodles can inherit the low-shedding traits of their Poodle parent, but this is not a guarantee.

Coat Types and Genetics

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Sheepadoodles come in three different coats: curly, wavy, and straight. The curly coat is the best choice for someone with allergies, as it sheds the least, but it requires daily brushing to avoid matting.

The curly coat is typically single-coated, like the Poodle parent, while the wavy coat can be single- or double-coated, leading to more shedding. Wavy-coat Sheepadoodles are the most popular, as they're easy to maintain and don't mat as much.

Genetics play a huge role in a Sheepadoodle's coat type and shedding. If a Sheepadoodle's genetic makeup has a higher percentage of Poodle, it's more likely to have a low-shedding coat. Conversely, if it leans more on the Old English Sheepdog side, it's more likely to shed.

Here's a breakdown of the different Sheepadoodle generations and their estimated shedding levels:

The F1 generation is typically the most likely to shed, as they're 50% Old English Sheepdog and 50% Poodle. However, their coat type can vary, and they may end up with a non-shedding coat or shed as much as a typical Old English Sheepdog.

Additional reading: Shetland Sheepdog Shedding

What Factors Affect?

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Sheepadoodles are known for their low-shedding coats, but what exactly affects their shedding? Genetics and coat type are the leading causes, but outside factors can also come into play.

Genetics play a significant role in determining a Sheepadoodle's shedding habits. As a hybrid breed, Sheepadoodles are categorized into different generations, which tell us exactly how much of their genetic makeup consists of either the Old English Sheepdog or Poodle parent.

The percentage of Poodle in a Sheepadoodle's genetic makeup can vary depending on their generation. For example, F1 Sheepadoodles have a 50/50 split, while F1B Sheepadoodles have 75% Poodle and 25% Old English Sheepdog.

This means that Sheepadoodles with a higher percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup are more likely to be hypoallergenic and shed minimally.

Here's a breakdown of the different Sheepadoodle generations and their potential for shedding:

It's worth noting that even within the same generation, individual Sheepadoodles can vary in their shedding habits due to other factors, such as coat type and overall health.

Genetics & Generation

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A Sheepadoodle's coat type and shedding level are largely determined by its genetics. If a Sheepadoodle's genetic makeup has a higher percentage of Poodle, it's more likely to inherit a low-shedding coat.

The generation of a Sheepadoodle also plays a significant role in determining its coat type and shedding level. For example, F1 Sheepadoodles are 50% Poodle and 50% Old English Sheepdog, while F1B Sheepadoodles are 75% Poodle and 25% Old English Sheepdog.

Here's a breakdown of the different Sheepadoodle generations and their potential for shedding:

As you can see, the higher the percentage of Poodle in a Sheepadoodle's genetic makeup, the less likely it is to shed. This is why F1BB Sheepadoodles, which are 87.5% Poodle, are often recommended for people with severe dog dander allergies.

Shedding and Allergies

Sheepadoodles can be a great choice for people with allergies, but it's essential to understand that they still shed to some extent. Allergies and sensitivities are common in Doodles, and a diet that avoids triggering ingredients can help reduce excessive shedding.

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Food allergies can cause skin issues, leading to excessive hair loss and shedding. If you notice changes in your Sheepadoodle's behavior or appetite, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Sheepadoodles inherit a low to non-shedding coat from their Poodle parent, but how much they shed depends on their genetic makeup and coat type. Some Doodles shed very little or none at all, while others experience some degree of shedding.

F1 Sheepadoodles, being 50% Poodle and 50% Old English Sheepdog, can be unpredictable in terms of shedding. Their coats are often more wavy than curly, and some may inherit the straight coat.

F1b Sheepadoodles, with 75% Poodle and 25% Old English Sheepdog DNA, are a better choice for people with dog dander allergies. They typically have curly hair, making them one of the least shedding and more hypoallergenic Sheepadoodles.

Pet allergies are a significant issue, affecting between 15 and 30 percent of the population. Proteins in dogs' skin and saliva, not their hair or fur, trigger allergies. Sheepadoodles, being Doodles, may be a better choice for people with allergies due to their lower shedding coat.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Does English Bulldog Shed

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Sheepadoodles can still shed, and it's essential to consider this when deciding to bring one home. Their shedding can be unpredictable, and it's not possible to guarantee a completely non-shedding coat.

If you're looking for a Sheepadoodle with minimal shedding, consider backcross generations like F1b, F2b, F1bb, or F2bb. These dogs tend to have more control over shedding levels and are often more hypoallergenic.

Reducing Sheepadoodle shedding can be achieved by maintaining a healthy diet, regular grooming, and using allergen-reducing products.

Managing Shedding

Brushing your Sheepadoodle daily is the best and easiest way to tackle excessive shedding. Yes, you read it right – we absolutely recommend you brush your Dood every single day.

Grooming is the obvious answer to keeping Sheepadoodle shedding to a minimum, as it helps loosen and remove dead hair in a controlled setting like a bathtub or backyard. Brushing your dog often will prevent matting as well as spread natural, healthy oils across your dog’s skin.

A monthly bath will promote general cleanliness and get rid of any excess hair that isn’t caught by a brush. Unless your pup gets unusually dirty, they shouldn’t need baths too frequently to reap these benefits.

How Much?

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Sheepadoodles are often misunderstood as being non-shedding, but the truth is they shed based on their coat type and genetic makeup. They shed considerably less than their Old English Sheepdog parents, but the amount of shedding can vary.

Curly coat Sheepadoodles are generally considered hypoallergenic dogs and tend to shed extremely little. This makes them a great option for people with allergies.

Wavy coat Sheepadoodles might shed a little bit of hair, while straight coat Sheepadoodles with double coats might shed noticeably more. This is still relatively low compared to other breeds.

All Sheepadoodles are considered very low to non-shedders thanks to the Poodle genes in their lineage. This is one reason why they're a popular choice for people who want a low-maintenance coat.

Can You Prevent?

You can't completely prevent Sheepadoodle shedding, but you can help minimize it. Brush your Sheepadoodle's coat daily to remove dead and loose fur.

Daily brushing will help keep shedding under control. This simple habit will also help keep your home cleaner and reduce the amount of loose hair.

Feeding your Sheepadoodle a proper diet with allergy-friendly food is essential for healthy skin and coat. Avoid foods with irritants that can exacerbate shedding.

Regular grooming, including bathing and hair trimming, will also help keep your Sheepadoodle's coat healthy and shiny.

Do

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Brush your Sheepadoodle daily to remove dead and loose hair from their coat. This will help keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Feed your pup a proper diet to keep their skin and coat healthy. Make sure their food is allergy-friendly with no irritants.

Groom your Sheepadoodle regularly with bathing and hair trimming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Use an anti-shedding shampoo to help release loose undercoats.

Use a slicker brush, a de-shedding tool, and a hydration-focused de-shedding shampoo to help minimize shedding. A slicker brush is a must-have for any Sheepadoodle owner, and a high-quality brush is worth the extra cost.

Make sure your dog drinks enough water to keep their skin healthy and hydrated, which will help reduce shedding. Aim for an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.

Consider investing in a vacuum made specifically for dog hair, even if your Sheepadoodle only sheds a little.

Take a look at this: Water Dogs That Dont Shed

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Here are some recommended grooming tools:

  • Slicker brush: Chris Christensen Big G (Large), Big G (Medium), or Baby G
  • De-shedding tool: Furminator De-Shedding Tool (long hair option)
  • De-shedding shampoo: Burt's Bees Shed Control Shampoo (all-natural and puppy-safe)

By following these tips, you can help minimize your Sheepadoodle's shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Health and Stress

Sheepadoodles can experience anxiety for a variety of reasons, including separation anxiety, not getting enough mental or physical stimulation, boredom, and changes in routine.

Excessive licking and scratching can be a sign of stress in Sheepadoodles, leading to more hair falling out from those spots.

Pups experiencing higher levels of stress will often lick themselves or scratch themselves more, causing more hair to fall out.

Health

A proper diet is a huge factor in any dog's overall health, and it's especially important for Sheepadoodles to get all the necessary micro and macronutrients to keep a healthy coat.

Sheepadoodles need a balanced diet to prevent hair loss and hair breakage, so make sure to choose a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs.

Excessive shedding can be a sign of health problems in adult Sheepadoodles, so it's essential to monitor their shedding and seek veterinary care if you notice any unusual changes.

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If your Sheepadoodle is struggling with skin and coat problems like dryness or itchiness, look for formulas that are high in good fats, such as salmon, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids.

Switching to a different protein source in their diet can help alleviate shedding issues, and many dog food brands offer formulas with different protein sources to minimize digestive upset.

Unexpected vet visits can be costly, so it's a good idea to invest in good pet insurance to help you deal with any unforeseen pet medical bills.

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress can have a significant impact on your Sheepadoodle's health, leading to excessive shedding.

Pups experiencing higher levels of stress will often lick themselves or scratch themselves more, causing more hair to fall out. This is because excessive licking and scratching can lead to hair loss in those areas.

Separation anxiety is a common reason for anxiety in Doodles, and it's not uncommon for them to get anxious when left alone for extended periods.

Not getting enough mental or physical stimulation can also contribute to anxiety in Sheepadoodles, leading to excessive shedding and other behavioral issues.

When Do Dogs?

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As dogs grow and mature, their coats change significantly. Most puppies lose their puppy coat between 5-12 months of age, just like losing baby teeth.

This transformation is a normal part of a dog's development, and it's not a good indicator of future shedding. You won't be able to tell how much your dog will shed until they're about 2 years old, when their adult coat finishes growing in.

Testing Summary

Dogs with the SD/SD genotype are known to have a higher shedding rate, but this can be influenced by their genotypes at the SD and IC loci.

The SD/SD genotype is associated with high shedding, and dogs with this genotype will pass on the SD allele to 100% of their offspring.

Dogs with the sd/SD genotype have moderate shedding, and they'll pass on the SD allele to 50% of their offspring and the sd allele to the other 50%.

This means that if you're looking to breed dogs with low shedding, it's best to focus on those with the sd/sd genotype, as they'll pass on the sd allele to 100% of their offspring.

Here's a breakdown of the genotypes and their associated shedding rates:

Jenny Koss

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Jenny Koss is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and a knack for uncovering unique tales. Her writing career has taken her from the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of the city, where she's covered a wide range of topics with curiosity and enthusiasm. With a keen eye for detail and a love of adventure, Jenny has tackled subjects as varied as truffle hunting, where she immersed herself in the ancient art of foraging for the world's most prized fungi.