Sheepadoodle Fact #1: They are a combination of the best traits of Poodles and Sheepdogs
Poodles are well known as one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds, which is part of the reason why they were favored by the aristocracy for so long. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they were able to learn to respond to multiple commands and perform complex behaviors.
The Sheepdog, officially called the Old English Sheepdog, was a hard-working breed that helped farmers herd and drive sheep (hence the name!) and even pull carts. They are courageous, loyal, and steadfast.
The sheepadoodle, in turn, inherited the best of these two beloved breeds. Sheepadoodles have the smarts, playfulness, and trainability of a poodle and the loving, caring, and diligent demeanor of a sheepdog.
One of the great advantages of hybrid dogs is that they have a wider genetic pool to select from than purebred dogs. This tends to negate any health issues that can plague specific breeds, leading to a longer, more robust life for your pet.
Sheepadoodle Fact #2: Their hypoallergenic fur looks great but requires a lot of maintenance
Poodle crossbreeds have become more and more popular in recent years, largely due to their distinctive curly fur. When combined with a Sheepdog’s shaggy locks, the result is an irresistibly huggable soft, and fluffy pet. Sheepadoodles’ fur not only looks great but also doesn’t shed! This non-shedding quality makes them hypoallergenic since dander won’t build up around the house and trigger allergies. The more Poodle genes in your puppy’s DNA, the more hypoallergenic they will be.
However, having such a thick and luxuriant coat means that they do require regular grooming to stay tangle-free. At the very minimum, they must be brushed once a week with a de-matting brush and a long-bristled hairbrush to penetrate all the layers of their fur. Ideally, you should brush your sheepadoodle about three times a week, and if you want their coat to look its best, you can even brush them daily.
Regular grooming is a must for long-haired breeds, and sheepadoodles are no exception. They should be professionally groomed about every six to eight weeks, depending on how short you prefer to keep their coat clipped. Proper grooming, which includes washing and clipping your pet’s fur and nails as well as cleaning their ears and paws, not only keeps them looking their best but also keeps them healthy. Between visits to the groomer’s, you can use a mild shampoo to keep your sheepadoodle clean and smelling fresh as a daisy.
Sheepadoodle Fact #3: They’re incredibly friendly!
Sheepadoodles are so friendly, in fact, that although they were originally bred for military use, it quickly became apparent that they were better suited to family life than to the rigors of military life.
Their floppy ears and thick, furry legs give them the cartoonish appearance of stuffed animals, so kids tend to bond with them easily. Sheepadoodles are affectionate and social, always ready for a cuddle on the couch or walk in the park. They’ll greet you when you come home with a wagging tail and lolling tongue.
They are patient and tolerant of rambunctious toddlers and live side by side with other pets harmoniously, without any trace of the possessiveness or jealousy that can be evident in some other breeds.
Because they are so social, though, they love to be active and thrive in homes where they can receive a lot of exercise and playful attention. Two walks a day and about 30 minutes of exercise will keep your furry companion happy and healthy throughout their life.