Sheepadoodles may be the most perfect dog breed – a cross between an Old English sheepdog and a standard poodle. But before you select a sheepadoodle or any other puppy, there are several tips to keep in mind.
Tip #1: Consider the Traits of Sheepadoodle Puppies
Besides being absolutely adorable, sheepadoodles are terrific dogs! They tend to be quite intelligent; they get that from the poodle side. As a result, these pups are obedient and easy to train. They are very mellow and tend to have a relaxed temperament, which makes them good therapy dogs.
Sheepadoodles are very social dogs; they are friendly and love to play, so they are great family pets. They have a moderate amount of energy, so they require at least a half-hour daily of exercise and playtime.
One of the best traits of sheepadoodles is that they are hypoallergenic. Because they are part-poodle, they have minimal shedding, so they are unlikely to trigger allergies. If you thought that you would not be able to be a dog owner due to allergies, think again! Give the sheepadoodle a try!
You may wonder what sheepadoodle puppies look like when they are full grown. The standard sheepadoodle usually weighs between 45 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Mini sheepadoodles range from 20-40 pounds, and micro sheepadoodles are under 20 pounds. The size of your sheepadoodle often depends on the size of the poodle parent; poodles have a huge size range!
Tip #2: Consider Your Lifestyle
Before you make a sheepadoodle puppy part of your life, you should also think about whether your lifestyle is a good match. For example, sheepadoodles are very social, which is great!
However, because of that, they should not be left alone for long periods of time; they may experience separation anxiety, which can lead to barking, howling, and destructive behavior. So, if you are away from home all day at work, your sheepadoodle would appreciate a puppy sitter to come in for a while and play.
Another factor to consider is the others in your home. Because sheepadoodles are so social and good-humored, they enjoy being around other dogs. So, your sheepadoodle puppy would do well with a dog sibling. That also would help with any loneliness your sheepadoodle experiences when you are away.
Besides other dogs in your household, do you have children? Sheepadoodles are terrific family
dogs. But, particularly when it is a puppy, your sheepadoodle can “nip” at children (or other dogs or adults). This nipping (not biting – just a soft nip) is part of the herding behavior of sheepdogs, so it is a natural behavior for your puppy. Luckily, because sheepadoodles are so intelligent, they can easily be trained not to nip.
Tip #3: Things to Plan For with your Sheepadoodle Puppy
As with all puppies, there are many things to plan for with a sheepadoodle puppy. Sheepadoodles have a beautiful, shaggy coat. Therefore, they require a little more “hair care” maintenance than short-haired dogs. They should be brushed at least two times a week (daily is better), and they should be routinely groomed to keep their ears clean and their nails trimmed.
As you come close to selecting your sheepadoodle, you should also plan for puppy-proofing your house. Move medicines and household chemicals to a higher spot, and think about how you might keep your trash can away from your pup. You should also cover and protect cords, as they are a prime chewing target for puppies.
Be prepared with supplies for your sheepadoodle puppy. All inside dogs should have access to a crate – their own private den. Also, a crate will come in handy when you aren’t home or when you take them to the vet or to the groomer. You will also need high-quality food; ask your breeder for the best options. Finally, be sure to have plenty of toys for playtime!
Sheepadoodles are calm, loving, and intelligent dogs, and your sheepadoodle puppy will make a great family companion for many years. Contact us to buy a sheepadoodle now – new litters are expected soon!