Appearance of the Sheepadoodle
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| Under its abundant double- or single-coated coat, the Sheepadoodle is a medium to large hybrid with an athletic build that can range from thick to thin, and a head that can be either square like that of the Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail), or slightly domed like that of the Poodle. They also have a long muzzle which, like the rest of the dog, can be thick, thin or intermediate. Their oval eyes are generally dark brown, but some Sheepdoodles can inherit one or two bright blue eyes from the Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) breed. The ears are usually set just at or below eye level, and hang flat on the side of the head. They can come in many colors, but white with large black, brown or gray patches seems to be the most common configuration. |
Temperament of the Sheepadoodle
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| This is generally a very good-natured, sociable animal that is very attentive without being particularly needy. Although all interactions between young children and dogs must be carefully supervised to avoid unexpected incidents, these dogs are generally calm, trustworthy and protective with children, making them a suitable pet even for young families. Sheepadoodles are also fairly easy to live with other animals, but while most gregarious instincts have been eliminated from many Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) bloodlines, some dogs may try to herd children and other animals by circling them, prodding them with their noses and sometimes even biting their heels. These dogs are highly intelligent, but their trainability can vary somewhat. The Poodle's parent breed is renowned for its trainability, but the Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) is very independent and, although it is likely to understand what you want, it may be more difficult to persuade it to follow your instructions. |
Needs and activities of the Sheepadoodle
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| These dogs were bred to be athletic working dogs and, although they're generally gentle and won't nag you to walk them, they'll be much happier and healthier if they can get at least an hour of vigorous activity a day. Fortunately, Sheepadoodles are versatile, and there are many activities you can do with this dog depending on the traits he inherited, including herding exercises, advanced obedience and trick training, agility training or Frisbee and flyball. Hybrids that receive the thick, insulating coat of the Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) can even enjoy winter sports like dog sledding and ski joëring. |
Maintenance of the Sheepadoodle
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| This canine requires a fair amount of grooming effort, due to its abundant curly or wavy coat. Sheepdoodles that have inherited the coat of the Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) require daily grooming, as they are prone to matting and shedding. Even if they don't need frequent bathing, it can be difficult to ensure that all the fur is both clean and dry. Those who have inherited the Poodle's characteristic single layer of ever-growing curly hair will need to be bathed and clipped more frequently, every three weeks to a month, but they tend to shed very little and are less likely to drag debris around the house. If you're looking for a hypoallergenic dog, it may be wise to consider an adult Sheepadoodle rather than a puppy, as the quantity and quality of the dog's coat can change considerably between puppy and adult. |
English (United Kingdom)