The Latest Dog Trend That’s Breaking the Internet: Why Everyone’s Going Gaga Over the Sheepadoodle
Rocky Kanaka
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With dozens of Doodle-type designer dogs—AKA Poodle mixes—in the world, it’s hard to keep them all straight, so if you think you already know everything there is to know about the Sheepadoodle, think again! Often confused with the Shepadoodle—a mix of Poodle and German Shepherd—the Sheepadoodle is a completely different mix with super unique characteristics that have made it one of the decade’s most sought-after designer mixes.
But, what is a Sheepadoodle?
The Sheepadoodle is a cross Poodle and Old English Sheepdog sometimes also called the Sheep Poodle, Sheepdog Poodle, Sheep Dog Doodle, Old English Sheepadoodle, or the English Sheepadoodle.
Meet 6 Insta-Famous Sheepadoodles
Try to hold back your squeals of glee, because you’re about to see some of the fluffiest, most teddy bear-like dogs of your life! These 6 Sheepadoodles might not have thumbs, but their humans have generously donated theirs to make them Instagram accounts so the world can admire their beauty.
1. Milo
Milo is a two-year-old F1 Giant Sheepadoodle which means one of his parents was a purebred Old English Sheepdog and the other was a purebred Standard Poodle, and Milo is 50/50! This adorable troublemaker lives in Canada where he is always finding something to get his nose into.
2. Bayley
Two-year-old Bayley is a Mini Sheepadoodle with the sweetest little face! As you can see, Bayley is smaller than a Standard Sheepadoodle, but she’s still a medium to large dog. Bayley really is Instagram-famous with more than 400K followers, and it’s all thanks to her uncanny resemblance to a specific cartoon character.
Yep, Bayley the Sheepadoodle looks like Snoopy the dog! The resemblance is so close the Internet has gone nuts for this beloved Peanuts character come to life!
3. Annie
Annie is a super sweet three-year-old Sheepadoodle born and raised in Ohio who lives for a good game of frisbee! An excellent catch and a big fan of chasing, frisbee is the perfect game for a dog like Annie whose instincts to pursue are strong.
4. Millie
Miss Millie is a Mini Sheepadoodle with a super fluffy teddy bear coat! Full of sass and personality, Millie knows she’s a pretty girl and uses it to her advantage to get plenty of pets and treats.
5. Luna
This F1 Sheepadoodle has incredible hops and always gets lots of air when she shows off how high she can jump! Luna has Addison’s Disease, a common health issue for Sheepadoodles and other Poodle mixes, but she doesn’t let it stop her from enjoying life to the fullest.
6. Lucy
This sweet Sheepadoodle is Lucy, a fun-loving pup who looks so cute in that puppy cut! A dog that never turns down a toy, Lucy’s Instagram is full of this sweet girl enjoying her life.
Sheepadoodle Basic Info
Next time someone asks you “what’s a Sheepadoodle?” you can confidently tell them that it’s an Old English Sheepdog and Poodle mix, but what if they have follow-up questions?
Let’s get into some of the details of owning one of these mixes from the unique Sheepadoodle personality and keeping them healthy to finding an ethically bred puppy of your own. We’ll answer questions like “how big is a Sheepadoodle?” and “do they make good family dogs?” with advice and input from real-life Sheepadoodle owners.
Sheepadoodle Temperament
Sheepadoodles are extremely high-energy both physically and mentally, and require hours of daily exercise in addition to needing entertainment to prevent boredom. Thanks to their Old English Sheepdog parents, Sheepadoodles have a strong herding instinct and can be bossy, independently-minded, and territorial of their homes and families. Affectionate and loving dogs, Sheepadoodles form strong bonds with their humans and often make excellent family pets—under the right conditions.
“I’ve had 5 dogs, 2 being purebred [Old English Sheepdogs] and our 1.5-year-old Sheepadoodle has been hands down my most difficult dog including a rescue…The herding working dog trait that [Sheepadoodles] have is very strong. Even with 2 young kids to watch over she needs to walk [3+ miles] a day with some off-leash zoomies, then when we’re home it’s playing tug and throwing toys, then we still have to mentally stimulate her with training or treat puzzles. That being said, [Sheepadoodles are] an amazingly loyal breed and definitely look out for the entire household.”
Reddit comment
While Sheepadoodles can be a ton of fun for an active family with kids, it’s also important to know that Sheepadoodles are not always appropriate pets for families with small children. Sheepadoodles tend to be mouthy, and many go through a phase affectionately dubbed “Sharkadoodle” where they bite and use their mouths constantly. This can be unsafe with small children, and because Sheepadoodles can be difficult to train, this phase can last for months or even years.
“Our [Sheepadoodle] is almost 2 years old and still a handful. Endless energy and excitement, but she’s sweet and goofy. The mouthing and biting are no joke and a lot of work to train. The Sharkadoodle phase is wild. Just constantly putting something in their mouth…we’re still working on her mouthiness at 2. If you have an active lifestyle they are great companions, always down for an adventure…Our [Sheepadoodle] loves to hike, play with other dogs, run, morning and evening zoomies, swimming, sand, snow—you name it. But [she] will also cuddle up on the couch with you.”
Reddit comment
Unfortunately due to their high levels of energy and the clash of their parent breed instincts, Sheepadoodles are often prone to separation anxiety which can turn into unwanted behaviors like destructiveness, excessive barking, going potty indoors, and even redirected aggression. Because of this, Sheepadoodles should not be left alone for long periods, and we only recommend this breed for people with large yards and lots of time to spend training and socializing.
Sheepadoodle Size
How big do Sheepadoodles get when they are full-grown? The size of an adult Sheepadoodle is somewhat variable due to a few factors. First, the breeding of Sheepadoodles is unregulated and there is no breed standard, so sizing can vary enormously. Second, Sheepadoodles can be a mix of Old English Sheepdog and any size of Poodle including toy or miniature. Finally, because Sheepadoodles are a mix of two very different breeds, the look and size of their puppies can be unpredictable and highly variable.
With this said, let’s look at the average sizes for full-grown giant Sheepadoodles, minis, and micros.
| Sheepadoodle Type | Height | Weight |
| Toy/Micro Sheepadoodle | 15 inches or less | 10–25 pounds |
| Medium/Mini Sheepadoodle | 15–22 inches | 30–55 pounds |
| Giant/Standard Sheepadoodle | 18–27 inches | 60–85 pounds |
Sheepadoodle Health
Sheepadoodle health is not particularly well documented, since this is a relatively new mix of breeds. To know what to expect from your Sheepadoodle’s health, take a look at some of the common health issues known to impact purebred Old English Sheepdogs, purebred Poodles, and other Poodle mixes.
- Eye and vision issues (e.g. progressive retinal atrophy)
- Joint issues (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia)
- Bloat
- Adrenal gland complications (e.g. Addison’s Disease, Cushing’s Disease)
- Hypothyroidism
Where To Find a Sheepadoodle Puppy
Because the vast majority of “designer breeds” are produced by backyard breeders and puppy mills, we cannot recommend seeking out Sheepadoodle breeders. Often bred without proper genetic testing and medical care, most Sheepadoodles were bred for profit rather than to create the healthiest, happiest dog possible.
If your heart is set on a Sheepadoodle, we recommend searching for a rescue that fits the description. A good place to start is with a breed-specific rescue like IDOG that specializes in rehoming Poodles and Poodle mixes. For information on rescuing an Old English Sheepdog or OES mix, visit the Old English Sheepdog Club of America’s list of region-specific rescues.
Sheepadoodle FAQ
Owning an Old English Sheepdog Poodle mix isn’t for the faint of heart or for the inexperienced dog owner. A complex mixed breed with lots of specific needs, so you need to consider everything before introducing a Sheepadoodle dog into your family. A huge commitment when full-grown, Sheepadoodle puppies might be almost irresistibly cute, but we urge you to resist until you’ve put a lot of thought into your decision.
Here are some of the questions you should know the answers to before you purchase an Old English Sheep Dog and Poodle mix.
Do Sheepadoodles shed?
Yes. Sheepadoodles have a low-shedding coat that requires regular brushing and trimming from a professional groomer.
Are Sheepadoodles hypoallergenic?
No. Sheepadoodle shedding is a year-round affair, and people with allergies to dogs will likely react to the dander they drop in addition to the allergen proteins found in dog saliva and urine. Despite being a Poodle mix, the Sheepadoodle is not considered hypoallergenic.
What is an F1 Sheepadoodle?
An F1 Sheepadoodle is a Sheepadoodle with two purebred parents: a purebred Poodle parent and a purebred Old English Sheepdog parent. The size of the Poodle determines the size of the Sheepadoodle, but all sizes can be categorized by the same guidelines.
All Doodles—including Sheepadoodles—can be sorted into one of these generation categories based on their parent breeds:
*Note that a puppy whose parents were—for example—two F2 Sheepadoodles would also be considered “multigenerational.”
What is a mini Sheepadoodle?
Sheepadoodles come in three standard sizes: the toy Sheepadoodle, the mini or medium Sheepadoodle, and the standard or giant Sheepadoodle.
Mini Sheepadoodles are a mix of miniature Poodle and Old English Sheep Dog. Depending on their “generation,” mini Sheepadoodles can also be crosses of miniature Poodles and standard or giant Sheepadoodles. Full-size Sheepadoodle weight and height will vary depending on their specific parentage.
Let’s take a closer look at the three sizes of Sheepadoodle and what their parentage might look like. Remember that Doodle breeding is not an exact science and there are few if any regulations. This means that the parentage of—for example—your F2 Sheepadoodle can look very different from someone else’s.
How much does a Sheepadoodle puppy cost?
On average, Sheepadoodle breeders ask for between $1,500–$3,000 per puppy, regardless of size.
Remember that there are no breed standards and no regulations for Sheepadoodle breeding, and the vast majority of these pups come from backyard breeders and puppy mills who set pricing based on demand. Unfortunately, many of these puppies are bred unethically and without appropriate genetic testing or veterinary care. Essentially, the quality of Sheepadoodle breeding programs and the health of their puppies are rarely worth the high price tag.
Are Sheepadoodles high maintenance?
Yes. Old English Sheepdog Poodle mixes are considered a relatively high-maintenance dog breed thanks to their high energy, constant need for mental stimulation, and thick, constantly growing coat.
Are Sheepadoodles good apartment dogs?
No. Sheepadoodles are large, high-energy dogs that often suffer from separation anxiety. Thanks to their Old English Sheepdog parents, Sheepadoodles are loud barkers, and the addition of the often high-strung Poodle energy can make these dogs far too vocal for apartment life.
How long can Sheepadoodles be left home alone?
Sheepadoodles often don’t do well when left alone, and few can go longer than 5 hours maximum. Many struggle to make it more than 1–2 hours without interaction from their humans, so this is not a dog breed for someone who works long hours away from home.
How much daily exercise does a Sheepadoodle need?
Sheepadoodles are high-energy dogs that require daily physical and mental stimulation. At a minimum, most Sheepadoodle mixes need around 1–2 hours of exercise daily, which does not include walks.
For a mix like the Sheepadoodle, a walk is really more about mental stimulation and a chance to potty than exercise. Unless your walks are vigorous hikes, your Sheepadoodle will need additional time to run, tug, and exert physical energy.
Are Sheepadoodles easy to train?
No. Although Sheepadoodles display a distinct eagerness to please, this mix is not easy to train. Once a Sheepadoodle understands something, they will often do their “job” without any issue, but getting them to the point of understanding can be an exercise in patience and commitment. New dog owners and people inexperienced with working breeds will often struggle with this mix despite the friendly, teddy bear persona.
Related Articles:
- Why Get a Doodle When You Could Get a Poodle Instead?
- The Bordoodle: The Smartest Mixed Breed Dog You’ve Never Heard Of [With Photos]
- 6 Best Dog Foods For Poodles That Even The Pickiest of Them Will Love
