German Shepherd + Poodle = Shepadoodle!
If you’re looking for a large, athletic Doodle, look no further than the Shepadoodle! A mix of two highly intelligent breeds, Shepadoodles are fantastic companions for experienced dog owners who enjoy training and spending lots of time with their canine best friend.
Large, energetic, and deeply attached to their humans, Shepadoodles may be the hottest new Doodle of 2023. But, is the Shepadoodle the right dog for you?
Let’s Meet 5 Shepadoodles
You’ve probably never seen a Shepadoodle, and I’m not about to keep you in suspense any longer! Here are five Shepadoodles from Instagram.
1. Teddy
Teddy the Shepadoodle lives near Seattle, Washington with his Samoyed and Bernedoodle brothers.
2. Dillon
Dillon is just six-months-old, but he’s already a big boy! Let’s hope he grows into those paws.
3. Indie
Indie’s parents were a white German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle, which gave her this gorgeous light grey coloring.
4. Walter White
Walter White is a four-year-old cream F2 German Shepherd Poodle mix from Australia, and if you couldn’t tell, he’s big!
5. Lotte
Lotte is a Shepadoodle from Germany who absolutely loves to go adventuring!
Shepadoodle Basic Info
Shepadoodles are gorgeous, but they aren’t the right dog for everyone. To give you a clearer picture of the breed, here is all the basic information you need to know about the Poodle German Shepherd Mix.
What is a Shepadoodle?
Shepadoodles are mixed-breed dogs with Poodle and German Shepherd Dog bloodlines. Some Shepadoodles (especially the mini Shepadoodles) may have a genetic profile that includes other breeds. Shepadoodles are not always 50% Poodle and 50% German Shepherd, unless they are specifically F1.
Shepadoodle “Generation” Guide
Doodle breeders describe their puppies’ parentage by classifying them into different programs. It is normal to see a combination of letters and numbers when purchasing a Shepadoodle, such as F1 and F1b. Let me explain what all that means.
| Program | Parentage Details |
| F1 | Purebred x Purebred (e.g. German Shepherd x Poodle) |
| F1b | Purebred x F1 Shepadoodle (e.g. Poodle x F1 Shepadoodle) |
| F2 | F1 Shepadoodle x F1 Shepadoodle |
| F2b | F1 Shepadoodle x F1b Shepadoodle |
| F3/Multigenerational | Closest purebred is great-grandparent or older |
Shepadoodle Temperament
A dog’s personality is only partially determined by its genetic traits. Early experiences in a dog’s life and their environment determine temperament more than their breed.
However, there are some assumptions we can make based on the characteristics of German Shepherd Dogs and Poodles.
Poodles:
- Intelligent
- Social
- Emotional
German Shepherds:
- Intelligent
- Wary of strangers
- Protective
Shepadoodle Size
Shepadoodles vary in size greatly depending on their particular genetic background, but most grow to 22–28 inches in height, and 50–90 pounds in weight.
Shepadoodle Health
Because Shepadoodles are mixed breed dogs, they are less likely to inherit the health issues that their purebred ancestors may have been prone to. That said, it’s still important to know that your Shepadoodle may be at risk for:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Vision problems
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
Where Can You Buy a Shepadoodle?
The best way to find a Shepadoodle puppy for sale near you is to start with a simple Google search. If you aren’t able to find a reputable breeder with good reviews, consider looking into a Doodle-specific rescue instead.
Keep an open mind—you might discover a different dog breed that you fall in love with!
Shepadoodle FAQ
Here are some of the questions dog lovers like you have about Shepadoodles.
What is a Shepadoodle mixed with?
A Shepadoodle is a Poodle German Shepherd mix!
What is the Shepadoodle personality like?
Shepadoodles are extremely confident, energetic, alert, intelligent and loyal to their humans. Because their mix includes German Shepherd, this is not a good dog for a first-time dog owner.
Are Shepadoodles good family dogs?
Shepadoodles can be good family dogs if the adults in the family are experienced dog owners, and the children are respectful. Shepadoodles (like all dogs) should never be left alone or unsupervised with young children.
Are Shepadoodles calm?
No. Doodles in general are known for being high energy thanks to their Poodle parentage, but Shepadoodles are especially energetic due to the addition of German Shepherd. German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs, and they like to be busy both physically and mentally.
Because Shepadoodles are very smart, they can easily become bored and are prone to destructive behavior without proper exercise and enrichment.
Do Shepadoodles bark a lot?
Yes. Compared to other large breeds, Shepadoodles are heavy barkers.
How much does a Shepadoodle cost?
Ethically bred Shepadoodles can cost anywhere from $1,500—$3,000 when purchased from a breeder. If you adopt, you can expect to pay $300—$750.
Are there specific Shepadoodle breeders?
There are breeders who specialize in German Shepherd Poodle mixes, but there is no set breed standard to help you parse which breeders are the best. To determine whether a Shepadoodle breeder is legit, be sure that they allow you to:
1. Meet the parents (at LEAST the mom)
2. Tour their home or breeding facility in person
3. Read reviews and research local resources
Where can you find Shepadoodle puppies for adoption?
Doodle-specific rescues like IDOG take in all kinds of Doodles, including Shepadoodles! Keep an eye on their website and you might spot a German Shepherd Poodle mix.
Is the Shepadoodle hypoallergenic?
No. No dogs are truly hypoallergenic. Poodles are low-shedding dogs but German Shepherds are not. Shepadoodles may or may not be low-shedding, and will require regular and extensive grooming.
What’s the average Shepadoodle size?
Shepadoodles are typically 22–28 inches in height and weigh anywhere from 50–90 pounds.
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Discover another interesting Doodle—this one isn’t German, it’s Irish! Read more…
