Have you ever met a dog that feels like a living, breathing teddy bear? One that combines the intelligence of a valedictorian with the charm of a comedian? If so, you’ve probably met a Sheepadoodle. Fluffy, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining, this hybrid of the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle is one of the most beloved doodle breeds in the world.

At Double U Doodles, we’ve fallen head over paws for this incredible breed. We’re proud to raise healthy, happy Sheepadoodles and to educate families about what makes them such special companions.

In this guide, we’ll explore where the Sheepadoodle comes from, what makes it unique, how to recognize ethical breeding, and why families everywhere are choosing this extraordinary dog.

What Is a Sheepadoodle Mixed With

A Sheepadoodle is a cross between two remarkable purebred dogs: the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle. Together, they create a dog that’s clever and cuddly, gentle yet full of energy, and perfect for families of all kinds. Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, Sheepadoodles can be bred in standard or miniature sizes.

The Old English Sheepdog: The Shaggy Herding Dog

Origin: Bred in England in the early nineteenth century to herd livestock.
Traits: Big-hearted, fluffy, and playful, with strong family loyalty.
Temperament: Gentle and affectionate yet lively and intelligent.

The Poodle: The Brilliant, Low-Shedding Companion

Origin: Developed in Germany as a water retriever and refined in France as a companion.
Traits: Exceptionally intelligent, athletic, and low-shedding.
Temperament: Social, eager to please, and adaptable to all kinds of lifestyles.

When you combine these two, you get the Sheepadoodle, a dog with the Sheepdog’s affectionate heart and the Poodle’s brilliance. The result is a loving family companion that’s fun, loyal, and easy to train.

The History of the Sheepadoodle

Unlike ancient breeds with centuries of background, the Sheepadoodle is a modern hybrid that gained popularity in the late 20th century. The first intentional Poodle mixes appeared around the same time as the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. Breeders aimed to combine the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat with other beloved breed traits, leading to the rise of the Sheepadoodle.

Why Sheepadoodles Were Developed

Hypoallergenic qualities: Families loved the Old English Sheepdog’s personality but struggled with heavy shedding. Crossing with a Poodle reduced allergens and coat maintenance.
Improved trainability: Old English Sheepdogs can be a bit stubborn, but Poodles add focus and responsiveness.
Family compatibility: Both parent breeds are famously gentle with children, making the Sheepadoodle a dream family pet. Learn more about this in Are Sheepadoodles Good Family Dogs?.

By the early 2000s, Sheepadoodles had captured hearts worldwide with their teddy-bear looks, loving nature, and suitability for allergy-sensitive families.

Breed Characteristics

Appearance

Sheepadoodles often inherit the shaggy coat of the Old English Sheepdog combined with the soft curl or wave of the Poodle. They typically come in black and white, but variations like merle or solid colors are also common. Their expressive eyes and floppy ears give them an almost human charm.

Size

Standard Sheepadoodle: 50–80 pounds, 18–27 inches tall.
Mini Sheepadoodle: 25–45 pounds, smaller and more compact.
Learn more about sizes in our guides to the Mini Sheepadoodle and Standard Sheepadoodle.

Coat and Grooming

Sheepadoodles are often described as hypoallergenic dogs. While they shed very little, their luxurious coats need regular brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks to prevent matting.

Health

Crossbreeding can introduce “hybrid vigor,” but responsible breeders still perform health testing. Common screenings include hip dysplasia, eye evaluations, and heart exams.
At Double U Doodles, we prioritize health testing for every parent dog to give our puppies the best possible start.

Temperament: The Heart of the Sheepadoodle

Friendly and Social

Sheepadoodles are people-oriented dogs that thrive on companionship. They bond closely with their families and are wonderful with children, other pets, and even visitors.

Intelligent and Trainable

Thanks to their Poodle lineage, Sheepadoodles excel at learning. We begin foundational training early at Double U Doodles through Early Neurological Stimulation and crate conditioning, which helps them transition smoothly to their new homes.

Playful and Energetic

These dogs love outdoor fun—from hiking and swimming to playing fetch. Regular activity and healthy exercise keep them mentally sharp and physically fit.

Loyal and Attentive

Sheepadoodles form deep bonds with their families. They’re alert without being aggressive, making them great watchdogs and affectionate companions.

Why Sheepadoodles Are More Than Just a Trend

Sheepadoodles have staying power for a reason:

• They are adaptable for both active families and relaxed households
• They are intelligent and trainable for obedience, therapy, or service roles
• They are available in a range of sizes to fit every home, from Mini Sheepadoodles to Standard Sheepadoodles

Their combination of brains, beauty, and affection ensures they’ll remain one of the most loved hybrid breeds for years to come.

The Double U Doodles Difference

At Double U Doodles, our mission is to raise Sheepadoodles who are not only adorable but also physically sound, emotionally balanced, and ready to thrive with their families.

Our Ethical Breeding Program

• All parent dogs are health-tested and live in nurturing environments
• Puppies are socialized daily and introduced to new sounds, textures, and experiences
• We follow a structured timeline that includes early crate confidence, potty training, and exposure to gentle handling
• Each puppy completes a two-week puppy imprinting course to prepare for life at home
• Every family receives a health guarantee and lifetime support.

From birth to eight weeks, our puppies receive unmatched care, early development, and love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sheepadoodles

What is a Sheepadoodle mixed with?
A Sheepadoodle is a mix between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, usually Standard or Miniature.

Are Sheepadoodles recognized by major kennel clubs?
They are not recognized by the AKC but are listed in the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Breed Registry (DBR).

Do Sheepadoodles shed?
They are considered low-shedding and often hypoallergenic with proper grooming.

How much exercise do Sheepadoodles need?
Plan for daily walks and mental stimulation like puzzle toys or obedience work.

What is the lifespan of a Sheepadoodle?
Typically twelve to fifteen years with proper health care and nutrition.

Can Sheepadoodles work as therapy or service dogs?
Absolutely. Their intelligence and sensitivity make them great candidates for service or therapy training.

Final Thoughts

From the loyal Old English Sheepdog to the brilliant Poodle, the Sheepadoodle embodies the best of both worlds—loyalty, playfulness, and charm.
At Double U Doodles, we honor that legacy through ethical breeding, early socialization, and lifelong support for our families. If you’re ready to welcome a Sheepadoodle into your life, explore our available puppies or contact us to learn more about our breeding program.
Your new best friend might just be a Sheepadoodle away!