The Sheepadoodle is a great dog to be around and will no doubt charm everyone in the family with their smarts and good looks. The breeds that make up the Sheepadoodle are Old English Sheepdog and the Standard Poodle, two friendly and playful dogs that pass on plenty of their good traits to the Sheepadoodle puppy. The aim of this cross is to get an Old English Sheepdog type that doesn’t shed and includes the characteristics of the Poodle. Sometimes a Miniature Poodle is used to produce a smaller dog but this is rarer.
Depending on how they have been bred, there are varieties in size, shape, coat types and temperaments. In theory, the Sheepadoodle can be a first cross (with one Old English Sheepdog parent and one Poodle parent) or can be bred back to one of the original breeds or be two Sheepadoodles bred together.
In reality, this is a very rare cross (usually a first cross only), so there is slightly more consistency in size, shape and temperament. However, this depends on the breeder, so make sure you look out for those breeders that breed them responsibly and ensure all parents are health tested.
The need-to-know
- Dog suitable for owners with some experience
- Some training required
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming daily
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Guard dog. Barks and alerts
- May require training to live with other pets
- May require training to live with kids
Personality
Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Sheepadoodle depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared.
Old English Sheepdogs are protective, intelligent, loving and watchful dog with appealing personality who bonds closely to their owners. They enjoy being involved in all activities, but can become overly boisterous without training.
History and Origins
Given the relative low numbers of Old English Sheepdogs and the breed club’s desire to protect the breed, the Sheepadoodle is an unusual crossbreed in the UK.To understand more about the origin of the Sheepadoodle, we need to look at the two breeds that go into its formation.Country of Origin: England
Nutrition and Feeding
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients compared to smaller-breed dogs. Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition?scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.
Exercise
It is difficult to predict the exercise needs of this cross, but you can usually expect a dog with moderate to high levels of activity. The Poodle is an active working dog who needs plenty of exercise, thrives on having a job to do, and loves training and exercising their busy brains. The Old English Sheepdog is calmer but still active and clownish - and of course he is a working dog at heart. As such, the Sheepadoodle will need 1-2 hours a day exercise but will also enjoy training, and time outside in the garden along with playing with their owner. Old English Sheepdogs have huge coats and are designed to withstand the cold - and so they do not do well in the heat of the summer so exercising first thing in the morning and last thing at night when the sun is cooler may be necessary. Take advice from both your breeder and your vet as to how much dog exercise they will need as they grow up.
Other Information
Health and common issues
One aim with crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within one or other of the breeds. This dilution or elimination is only likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, all parents should be health tested prior to breeding: Old English Sheepdog - eye test and hip scoring should be done plus there is a DNA test for Primary Ciliary Syskinesia which is also strongly recommended Poodle - eye tests and hip scoring should be done
Potential issues
Plenty of early and ongoing dog socialisation is important in such a large breed. It is also important to build up their social skills in order to counteract any potential guarding issues that may come with the protective Old English Sheepdog temperament. Jumping up can be an issue and so polite greeting behaviour should be taught from puppyhood.
Space requirements
The Sheepadoodle is a large active dog who needs a good-sized living space. Plus, they will also appreciate a large garden and access to the great outdoors.
Training the sheepadoodle dog
This is a large breed who will need dog training so you can walk them easily on a lead and ensure they will come back to you when you call them. They also need to learn not to jump up at people, or knock them over in their enthusiasm! The Sheepadoodle needs plenty of early and ongoing socialisation to ensure they are happy around people and other dogs. Both breeds are clever and highly trainable. They will enjoy working with their owner and can excel in training classes. The two breeds that go into the Sheepadoodle are very owner-oriented, and so training and handling should always be positive and reward-based. It is important to train a Sheepadoodle to enjoy handling and grooming (as they will need a lot of it).
Family friendly dog breeds
If the Sheepadoodle is sourced from a reliable breeder who prioritises temperament and health, and is well-trained from puppyhood, they will make fabulous family dogs, be a joy to own and will get on with everyone.