The Sheepadoodle is a cross breed between the Old English Sheepdog and Poodle dog breeds. It is a smart, playful, and loving dog that has inherited some of the best traits from the 2 parents. The sheepdoodle breed was a result of an experiment in the 60s, the dog was to be used as a military dog by the US Army. As time went on they started showing up more in homes. These adorable dogs go by the names Sheep-a-poo, Sheeppoo, Sheepdoodle, and Sheepdogpoo. This 60 to 80 pound dog can live for up to 15 years. They can be in different colours and can be a mix of black and white, but they can also be solid black and, in some cases, gray. These dogs are a great choice for allergy sufferers since this breed mix is regarded as a low to non-shedder. However, they need to be groomed roughly every eight weeks and should be brushed two to three times a week.
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How To Care For Sheepadoodles
Sheepadoodles require daily walks and games of fetch, for example for exercise. They are pretty smart pups that will also need to play mentally stimulating games in order to prevent them from being destructive due to boredom. These dog breeds also have the ability to emotionally connect with their carers and as such they have become a popular therapy and emotional support dog. However, sheepadoodles need to be around their owners and that makes it difficult to leave them home alone for long periods of time, because they require dog walks or daycare. These dogs are affectionate and even-tempered with children, in fact these dogs love being around kids as they are around adults. They also get along well with other animals if introduced gradually, and even better at an early age. Sheepadoodles are naturally intelligent and very social creatures that will enjoy the company of other pets in their household.
Sheepadoodle Puppiess
When it comes to puppies sheepadoodles are often a bit boisterous and may require training at an early age. Both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs are known to be very intelligent breeds and this makes the Sheepadoodle breed easy to train. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement and treats as rewards. They are obedient and also love to be taught a variety of tricks, because they need to be mentally stimulated. The puppies also have the ability to emotionally connect with their owners and as a result they become loyal as they become adult dogs. The sheepadoodle puppy is not only a loyal companion, but a popular therapy and emotional support dog for many. The puppies as well as the adult dogs adore children and adults they will quickly become a wonderful addition to any family.
Health
As much as the sheepadoodle may be a mixed breed, they are still vulnerable to some of the same conditions that the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog face. While most of the sheepadoodles are generally healthy, many of them can inherit conditions that both parent breeds have, which is why it is very important to maintain good care and attend regular veterinary checkups. The common health issues that these dogs are likely to face include.
- Bloating
- Hip Dysplasia
- Addison’s disease
- Joint problems
- Sebaceous adenitis/skin disorders
- Feeding issues
With regular checks at the veterinary these health problems can be prevented or treated.
Diet
The diet of a sheepadoodle should be made for a large breed with high energy. These dogs can gain weight easy and eat very quickly, so you must break their meals into portions throughout the day, but be sure to consult your veterinarian first. You should also limit the amount of treats, and ensure not to engage the dog in strenuous exercise soon after meals. As with all dogs, the sheepadoodle’s dietary needs change from the time they are puppies to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. Make sure that you consult with your veterinarian for recommendations about your sheepadoodle’s diet because there is far too much variation among each dogs, and issues like weight, energy, and health should be considered when formulating your dog’s diet. Some of the recommended food and diet requirements include canned food, kibble, dehydrated and raw. When considering what to feed your sheepadoodle, make sure that you do enough research, by speaking with other dog owners as well as with your veterinarian whilst considering both your lifestyle and your budget. Your sheepadoodle will need about 25 calories per lb per day to keep its current weight. You should feed it around 1,300 calories per day once matured and increase it to about 2,100 calories as it gets older.
What are Sheepadoodles really like?
A lot of dog owners describe sheepadoodle puppies as calm-tempered, playful, and smart. These dogs are loving dogs that make ideal family pets. This means that they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They have a friendly nature and love cuddles from their owners or kids. Just like the old english sheepdog parent, there’s a chance that they will nip at people and herd little ones. With this type of dog you don’t have to worry much since you can train and socialize your dog as a puppy and turn it into the kind of dog you like. Apart from getting along well with anyone, these dogs interact positively with other animals, as well. The sheepadoodle dog’s even temperament is their main strength, which they get from their old english sheepdog and poodle parents.
Training the Sheepadoodle Dog
When it comes to training a sheepadoodle dog it is you need to stimulate them mentally because they are smart animals. The sheepadoodle needs dog training so you can walk the dog easily on a lead and ensure that they will come back to you when you call them. They also need you to teach them not to jump up at people, or knock them over in their excitement. The Sheepadoodle requires a lot of early and ongoing socialisation to ensure that they are happy around people and other dogs too. The breed is clever and highly trainable plus it enjoys working with their owner and it will excel in training classes. The two breeds that make the sheepadoodle are very owner-oriented, thus training and handling should always be positive and reward-based.