Standard Sheepadoodle as a Family Pet

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They're perfect for families with kids due to their gentle and patient nature.

Standard Sheepadoodles are a cross between a Standard Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog, making them an excellent choice for families with children.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a breeze to teach, even for inexperienced dog owners.

They're also relatively low-shedding, which is a plus for families with allergies.

In terms of exercise, Standard Sheepadoodles are relatively high-energy dogs that require daily walks and playtime.

Sheepadoodle Basics

Sheepadoodles are a popular crossbreed that combines the intelligence and hypoallergenic traits of the Standard Poodle with the gentle and herding instincts of the Old English Sheepdog.

Their curly, non-shedding coats make them a great choice for individuals with allergies, and they come in a variety of colors including black and white. Sheepadoodles are typically medium to large in size, with a sturdy build and expressive eyes that reflect their friendly and affectionate nature.

Their friendly and sociable personalities make them excellent family companions, and they tend to get along well with children and other pets.

Breed Overview

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The Sheepadoodle breed is a cross between a male Old English Sheepdog and a female Standard Poodle.

They are known for their lack of shedding, making them a popular choice for people with allergies.

Their intelligence ranks second in the world, right after the Border Collie, which makes them relatively easy to command.

Sheepadoodles are medium to large dogs with a sturdy build and expressive eyes that reflect their friendly and affectionate nature.

Their coats come in a variety of colors, including black and white, and require regular grooming to prevent matting.

Their playful and spirited disposition means they enjoy physical activity and mental stimulation, so regular exercise and interactive play are essential to keep them happy and well-adjusted.

Size

The Sheepadoodle is a relatively new mixed breed, so there aren't many standards when it comes to size. They can range in size depending on the type of poodle parent they inherit, but most Sheepadoodles weigh between 60 to 80 pounds.

Their height can vary as well, typically ranging from 16 to 22 inches at the shoulder. If you're planning to get a Sheepadoodle, it's a good idea to consider a larger dog crate, as recommended by Pet Crates Direct.

Care and Feeding

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To keep your Standard Sheepadoodle healthy, it's essential to establish a regular veterinary checkup routine to detect any health concerns early.

Your vet can help develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy, including daily walks and games of fetch for exercise to prevent weight gain and joint damage.

Sheepadoodles are prone to weight gain, so it's crucial to trim their nails regularly, usually one or twice a month, to prevent them from clicking against the floor.

You should also brush their teeth daily to maintain good dental hygiene, and consult your veterinarian for proper guidance on how to do so.

A high-quality food is essential for your Standard Sheepadoodle, and they will typically eat around 3-4 cups a day as an adult.

Health

Health is a top priority for any dog owner, and Sheepadoodles are no exception. They can be prone to certain health issues, so it's essential to be aware of the potential problems.

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Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary intervention. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your Sheepadoodle's stomach and watch for signs of discomfort or distension.

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that can cause pain and discomfort. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help maintain healthy joints.

Addison's disease is a hormonal disorder that affects the adrenal glands. Lifelong hormone replacement therapy is usually required to manage the condition.

Sheepadoodles can also suffer from joint issues, such as arthritis, luxating patella, and cruciate ligament injuries. These conditions can be painful and may require pain medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

Sebaceous adenitis is a skin disorder that affects the sebaceous glands, leading to hair loss, flaky skin, and dryness. Treatment involves medicated shampoos, supplements, and sometimes topical or oral medications.

Here are some common health problems Sheepadoodles may face:

  • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, GDV)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
  • Joint Issues (arthritis, luxating patella, cruciate ligament injuries)
  • Sebaceous Adenitis/Skin Disorders

Feeding

When feeding your Sheepadoodle, it's essential to break their meals into portions throughout the day, especially since they tend to gain weight and eat quickly.

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You should consult your veterinarian first to determine the best feeding schedule for your dog. Limit the amount of treats to prevent overeating.

As a large breed with high energy, your Sheepadoodle will need a diet formulated for their specific needs. A high-quality food is a must, and you can expect them to eat around 3-4 cups a day as an adult.

Don't give your Sheepadoodle too many snacks, as they can easily become overweight. Fresh water should always be readily available to them.

Their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, so be sure to ask your veterinarian for recommendations about their diet.

Care

Regular veterinary checkups are essential for detecting any health concerns early on in your Sheepadoodle's life. Your vet can help develop a care routine that keeps your dog healthy.

Sheepadoodles are prone to weight gain, so daily walks and games of fetch are a must for exercise. You should also play mentally stimulating games to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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Trim your dog's nails before they get too long, usually one or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help you with this.

Good dental hygiene is important, even if Sheepadoodles typically don't have oral health issues. Brush their teeth daily, and your veterinarian can instruct you on how to do so properly.

Here are some common health problems Sheepadoodles may face:

  • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, GDV): A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists upon itself.
  • Hip Dysplasia: A common orthopedic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing pain and discomfort.
  • Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): A hormonal disorder where the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.
  • Joint Issues: Conditions like arthritis, luxating patella, and cruciate ligament injuries that result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
  • Sebaceous Adenitis/Skin Disorders: A skin disorder that affects the sebaceous glands, causing hair loss, flaky skin, and dryness.

Dog Care

Regular veterinary checkups are a must for Sheepadoodles to detect any health concerns early on. Your vet can help develop a care routine to keep your dog healthy.

Sheepadoodles need daily walks and games of fetch for exercise to prevent weight gain and joint damage. They also need mentally stimulating games to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Trim your dog's nails before they get too long, usually one or twice a month, and check their floppy ears for debris. Cleaning them as recommended by your vet is essential.

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As Sheepadoodles tend to eat quickly, break their meals into portions throughout the day, and consult your veterinarian first. Limit the amount of treats to prevent overeating.

Sheepadoodles can weigh between 60 to 90lbs, and their diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight, so a high-quality food is essential, and they should eat around 3-4 cups a day as an adult.

Fresh water should always be available to your Sheepadoodle, and you should keep an eye on their weight to prevent overeating.

Pet Crate Size

Pet Crate Size is a crucial consideration for Sheepadoodle owners. Pet Crates Direct recommends a 42” dog crate for most adult Sheepadoodles.

However, due to variances in lineage, a larger or smaller size may be required.

Coat and Grooming

The Standard Sheepadoodle's coat is a beautiful mix of their Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents' coats and colors, often featuring a mix of black and white, solid black, and gray.

Suggestion: Black Sheepadoodle

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Their coats can be flat, wavy, or curly, and they tend to be a great choice for allergy sufferers since they are considered a low to non-shedder.

Sheepadoodles need to be groomed roughly every eight weeks, and regular brushing is a must to prevent matting. Brush them two to three times a week to keep their coats looking their best.

They can handle cooler weather well, but in warm weather, it's best to trim their coat short to keep them comfortable.

The F1 Sheepadoodle's coat type is determined at random, and they can have coats that are flat, wavy, curly, or a combination of all these.

F1B Sheepadoodles, on the other hand, tend to have curly or wavy coats like a Poodle's.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent tangles and mats, and brushing several times a week is usually sufficient.

An occasional bath will keep them clean and smelling nice, and trimming their hair from time to time will keep them looking neat and tidy.

Broaden your view: 8 Week Old Standard Poodle

Family and Training

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Standard Sheepadoodles are naturally intelligent and highly trainable, making them a great fit for families with children. They excel in obedience competitions and agility exercises, and with positive reinforcement, they'll learn new tricks in no time.

Their calm nature makes them good listeners, but they can be a bit rebellious if not properly trained. Early socialization is key to bonding with people and other pets, and firm training is recommended to prevent unwanted behaviors.

Sheepadoodles are generally easy to potty train, thanks to their larger size and ability to hold their bladders longer. Brain game type training is also essential to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.

Poodle Mixes as Family Dogs

Poodle mixes are naturally intelligent and highly trainable, making them a great addition to families with children. They excel in obedience competitions and agility exercises.

Poodles are often easy to train, but they require a lot of affection to be at their happiest and reach their full potential. They are people-oriented and sensitive, so they need to be around their family members a lot.

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Sheepadoodles, in particular, are a cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog, and they inherit the intelligence and trainability of both breeds. They are highly energetic and loving, and they make great family dogs.

Poodle mixes are generally good with children, but it's essential to teach kids how to interact with them properly. They have a herding instinct and may nip at children's heels, so it's crucial to socialize them well.

Sheepadoodles are also great with other pets if introduced gradually and calmly. They are naturally social animals and enjoy the company of other pets in their household.

Poodle mixes are highly trainable, but they can be a bit rebellious or stubborn at times, especially if they inherit the Poodle genes. Firm training and positive reinforcement are essential to bring out their best behavior.

Potty training a Sheepadoodle is usually a breeze, as they are larger and can hold their bladders longer than small dogs. They quickly catch on to the concept and are eager to please.

Overall, Poodle mixes make excellent family dogs, but they do require attention, affection, and regular training to reach their full potential.

F1 vs F1B

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F1 vs F1B Sheepadoodles can be quite different in terms of their coat types, with F1s having a more unpredictable mix of flat, wavy, curly, or a combination of these.

Their F1B counterparts, on the other hand, tend to inherit a curly or wavy coat from their Poodle parent.

F1 Sheepadoodles often shed more and are less hypoallergenic, making them less desirable to many owners.

In contrast, F1B Sheepadoodles are often preferred due to their lower shedding and increased hypoallergenic properties.

The genetic makeup of an F1B Sheepadoodle is predominantly Poodle, which influences their coat type and characteristics.

F1 and F1B Sheepadoodles may look similar at first glance, but their differences are notable and worth considering when choosing a new family pet.

Breed History and Genetics

The Sheepadoodle's breed history is fascinating, and understanding its genetics can give you a glimpse into its temperament and characteristics. The Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English sheepdog and a standard poodle.

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This mix of breeds was likely created in the 1980s as a low-shedding companion animal. Breeders wanted to combine the best traits of both parent breeds to create a loyal and loving family pet.

Crossbreeding has been done for decades to "cherry-pick" desirable characteristics and lose less desirable traits. This is exactly what happened with the creation of the Sheepadoodle.

The result of crossing an Old English sheepdog and a Standard Poodle is an F1 Sheepadoodle, where both breeding dogs must be purebred. This means the F1 Sheepadoodle is 50% Old English Sheepdog and 50% Standard Poodle.

Additional reading: Shetland Sheepdog Standard

Coat and Color

Sheepadoodles have some amazing coat and color variations that make them stand out. The most common color variation is black and white.

Sheepadoodles can also be solid black, a result of their Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents' coats. Red and white is another color variation, typically seen in Sheepadoodles with a red standard Poodle parent.

If this caught your attention, see: Red Sheepadoodle

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Their coats can be flat, wavy, or curly, and they tend to be longer than average. This means they're a great choice for cooler weather, but may need extra care in warm weather.

Their coats can fade to an old English sheepdog gray due to the D-Locus gene, which is carried by their parents. This can result in some inconsistency with coloration, but it's all part of their unique charm.

Here are the main color variations of Sheepadoodles:

  • Black and White
  • All Black
  • Red and White

Sheepadoodles typically have a long curly single coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the downside of sheepadoodles?

Sheepadoodles require regular social interaction and attention, and prolonged alone time can lead to anxiety, depression, and destructive behavior. They thrive in homes with active owners who can provide consistent companionship.

Edwin Grimes

Senior Assigning Editor

Edwin Grimes is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, Edwin has established himself as a trusted expert in his field. Edwin's areas of expertise include canine diet and nutrition, where he has successfully overseen the development of numerous articles and series.

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