When it comes to the Sheepadoodle, you really won’t find a dog quite as cute! This designer dog breed has been warming hearts for many years and they have actually become very popular. While the Sheepadoodle is not a recognized dog breed by the major clubs, it still doesn’t stop people from wanting to own one. Today, we are going to learn more about this canine to see why they are now all the rage!
Made in America
Did you know that the Sheepadoodle was developed in the United States? Just like many designer dog breeds, the Sheepadoodle was first bred in America. A breeder decided that they would cross an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle. The result is the lovable and adorable Sheepadoodle!
Sheepadoodle Qualities
Easy to Train
The Sheepadoodle is a very smart dog breed that loves to learn! These dogs, which come from a cross between two working breeds, are one of the smartest canines out there. They are fast learners which makes them very easy to train. So, if you are looking for a pet that catches on quickly and is easy to work with, this could be the dog for you!
When your new pet arrives at your home, you should start training them right away. If you have other pets or small children, these dogs will need to be properly socialized with them. When you socialize a dog at a young age, they will fit in well with others and be less aggressive overall.
Since these dogs are highly active, you will need to also make sure that you train them to walk on a leash. You should teach them proper leash behavior to make sure that your new pet does not pull you around. Also, if you are going to be keeping your pet indoors, it is a good idea to begin potty training early. You may want to hire a dog trainer to help your pet learn basic commands that you can use to expand on.
Temperament
Many people wonder about the Sheepadoodles temperament. Since these dogs are on the larger size, many worry about getting one, especially if they have small children. But those worries are often unfounded because the Sheepadoodle is a very friendly dog breed. They are a quiet breed that simply loves attention and affection. This makes them great dogs for those with families and since they are very loyal, they also make great watchdogs. But keep in mind that any dog breed can be aggressive if not trained properly. These dogs just like all others will need to be socialized at an early age. This will help curb any aggression they may have, and socialization will allow them to be around other animals and people without fear.
They Don’t Bark a Lot
If you want a pet that won’t make much noise, this is the dog for you! Sheepadoodles do bark but only when they really need to. This makes them great pets to keep indoors. They have a laid back temperament that helps them stay calm most of the time. However, these animals are still great watchdogs and when someone or something comes around that they are not familiar with, they will let you know.
Loyal
Many working dogs are very loyal and the Sheepadoodle is no exception. These dogs simply love their families and would do anything to keep them safe. They are very protective but at the same time, they are not aggressive. This makes them the perfect pet to have around the house.
Full of Energy
As you have already learned above, the Sheepadoodle comes from a cross between two working breeds. This makes these dogs very energetic. They simply love to run around outside and they need lots of exercises to help them unwind at the end of the day. If you are thinking of getting one of these dogs, make sure that you have plenty of time to walk them. For those of you who live in the city, you may want to hire someone to walk your dog during the day. They need lots of space to move around in and will not do well if they are left in a small apartment all day.
Physical Characteristics
Size
Both the male and female Sheepadoodle will reach an average size of 24 to 27 inches. These dogs can weigh from 45 to 80 pounds. This makes them medium to large sized dogs. They have a strong muscular body and round or square shaped face.
Health and Lifespan
The Sheepadoodle, being technically a crossbreed dog, has a long and healthy lifespan. Most of these canines can live to be 15 years old or older! This means that you will need to able to devote much of your own life to this dog.
While these dogs are very healthy, they can run into some health issues just like any animal breed can. Some of the most common health issues that Sheepadoodles face are Hypothyroidism, Hip dysplasia, and Cataracts. Owners should keep a close eye on these issues and take them to the vet if any signs of these conditions arise. A yearly check-up is often a great way to catch many of these issues before they become severe.
Variations
There are a few variations of the Sheepadoodle. Some breeders specialize in breeding the Mini Sheepadoodle or Micro Sheepadoodle. These dogs are much smaller than their larger cousins. When producing one of these canines, a breeder will cross a Standard Sheepdog with a Miniature Poodle. These dogs weigh only 24 to 44 pounds and their height ranges between 20 inches or below. While some would say these dogs are quite large for a mini breed, they are considerably smaller than the traditional Sheepadoodle.
Coat Color
The Sheepadoodles coat is a mixture of different colors. While each of these dog’s coats can be different, most are a blend of white, black, white gray, and gray. This color pattern makes them very interesting looking and very adorable!
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, you really have to keep up with their coats. Because they have a thick coat, it means that you will need to groom them at least once a week. A weekly brushing will help keep your pet’s coat looking great. Also, you will probably need to take your Sheepadoodle to the groomers at least once a month. This will help keep your pet looking its best!
Feeding Chart
When feeding your Sheepadoodle, there are some things that you will need to keep in mind. These dogs can get overweight if you feed them too much. But being active dogs, they do require a lot of food. Below is the feeding information that will help you when it comes to feeding your new pet. Keep in mind that you should be feeding your Sheepadoodle twice a day no matter their age.
Sheepadoodle Puppies
As you might already know, puppies need to be fed with dog food that is rated for younger dogs. Puppy formula should be given to your new pet until they reach the age of one year. They need a diet of at least 2100 calories per day.
Sheepadoodle Adults
When your pet has reached adulthood, it is time to change them over to an adult formula dog food. At this age, your Sheepadoodle will need to be eating around 1300 calories per day which is much less than a puppy. While adult dogs are very active, they have stopped growing and require less calorie intake.
Sheepadoodle Seniors
When your Sheepadoodle starts to get older, they will require a food formulated for their age. Because they can become less active, they will often require a food source that has fewer calories.
Thinking of Getting a Sheepadoodle?
Visit a Sheepadoodle Rescue
Visit a Sheepadoodle RescueWhile there are many Sheepadoodle breeders out there, you may want to consider getting one of these beautiful animals from a rescue. A Sheepadoodle rescue specializes in this breed. They take in unwanted Sheepadoodle puppies and older dogs in hopes of finding them a new home. Most of these rescue shelters are often overcrowded due to the popularity of these dogs.
Rescues are a great place to find your new pet and there is probably one near where you live. So, if you want to help an animal in need and find a forever friend at the same time, you should think about going to one of these shelters.
Bring a Sheepadoodle Home Today
If you are looking for a loving pet that is great around children, the Sheepadoodle is just right for you! These dogs are super loyal and they love to be part of the family. While they do need lots of space to move around, if walked a few times a day, they are normally happy animals. Being very quiet makes them the perfect pet for those who have neighbors who live close by. So, if you are thinking of getting a new pet soon, why not make it a Sheepadoodle?
