About Sheepadoodles

The Sheepadoodle is a hybrid cross between an Old English Sheepdog and Poodle. Because of their amiable temperament, Sheepadoodles make exceptional family dogs and personal companions.

Sheepadoodles originated as an experimental military dog in the 1960s by the US Army. They were sought after for their intelligence, keen intuitive nature, loyalty, and bravery. However, because their temperament is also very playful and even carefree, they were soon retired. The term “Doodle” was first coined in 1992. But it was not until 2007 that the Sheeepadoodle first started to appear. The breed really gained momentum in 2017 and is becoming more and more popular in America and Europe. 

Sheepadoodles colors are typically Grey and White and also Grey and White. It is a bit rarer to find additional colors such as Brown & White, Tri-Color, Merle, and solid Black. The color patterns of Sheepadoodles are often Parti and traditional "Sheepdog" (Irish Spotting) with white head and chest with collar. Sheepadoodles and Old English Sheepdogs are born with the black and white puppy coat (with the exception of the brindles and browns). They go through a few coat changes as they mature. After the puppy coat, you will start to see a lighter grey coming in at about 8-9 months, usually starting around the back of the legs, across the shoulders then gradually turning a lighter grey. This is called the junior coat. The coat will continue to change to the fully mature coat, at around 2-3 years old. However, because of the hybrid cross, some Sheepadoodles will stay black and white. It's all in the genes and we can't be 100% sure which ones will change and which won't.

Sheepadoodles come in a variety of sizes. The average size of a standard Sheepadoodle is between 50 and 60 lbs, mediums are between 40 and 50 lbs, and minis are typically between 30 and 40 lbs. 

While there is a general expected temperament for Sheepadoodle, each individual puppy has its own "personality". Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing can help you determine the natural temperament of the individual puppies. This testing will reveal which puppies in a litter are more assertive while others may be better suited as “fireplace” dogs, and others as "service dogs". You will also be able to identify which puppies in the litter are natural fetchers. Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing is an absolute must for those who are acquiring a puppy for future use as a service dog, or if you’re looking for the ideal dog for your family and/or lifestyle. Learn mnore about Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing

A Sheepadoodle is tolerant, loyal and super affectionate... even a bit silly! They make wonderful family dogs and personal companions. They're fun loving dogs possessing a positive and playful temperament! Their exuberant playful nature will make you laugh and fill your emotions with joy! Sheepadoodles love kids and get along well with other animals. Due to this breed’s exceptional intuitive nature, a Sheepadoodle is also quick to indicate who is friend and who is foe. Because Sheepadoodles are very brave, they have proven to be excellent protectors and guards against wrong doers. Much of this special trait comes from their Old English Sheepdog heritage.

Because Old English Sheepdogs are considered medium shedders (they do not "blow" their coat like heavy shedders) and because Poodles are non-shedding, most Sheepadoodles do not shed, or shed very little. By 6 weeks of age, an experienced breeder can usually tell you which puppies in the litter will shed.

Typically a dog that is non-shedding is also hypoallergenic. Once a puppy reaches 6 weeks of age, an experienced breeder can usually tell which pups will shed, which indicates the high probability of the dog being hypoallergenic as well. If having a hypoallergenic dog is a requirement or concern for you, ask the breeder about the possibility of being able to return the dog to the breeder if allergy symptoms arise.

Sheepadoodles that do not shed have coats that continue to grow (hair) and definitely need regular grooming and haircuts. We recommend brushing out your Sheepadoodle on a weekly basis and a haircut every 2 to 3 months to maintain a nice sharp look. 

Because Sheepadoodles are affectionate, tolerant, loyal and love to romp and play, they make wonderful family dogs and personal companions. Sheepadoodles really love kids and get along well with other animals. They don't usually bark, except to warn of a stranger on your property. Because Sheepadoodles aim to please, your puppy can be easily trained to proficiently obey all basic obedience commands by just 11 weeks of age! My Sheepadoodle can help you accomplish this. 

Generally speaking, most Sheepadoodles need a moderate amount of exercise and do best in homes with large yards and with people who have active lifestyles. A morning and evening walk (15 minutes) on a daily basis would be bare minimum for this breed. However, the requirement of exercise depends a bit on the Sheepadoodles natural born temperament which can be discovered by Volhard Testing young puppies and also by observation. Puppies that inherently have low anxiety will require less exercise than a puppy with high anxiety. My Sheepadoodle can help you select the right puppy for your lifestyle.

Because of the strong genetics of the Sheepadoodle and Poodle, their life span averages between 12-15 years. This is based on the study of Poodles living 13-16 years and Sheepadoodles living to be 12 -14 years of age. Actual studies on the life span of the Sheepadoodle have not been concluded as this is still a fairly new breed. It is of worthy note to mention that this lifespan average does not take into consideration the “Hybrid Vigor” factor.