The Sheepadoodle: Breed Characteristics and Temperament

By /Published On: March 21, 2025/

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 likely encountered a Sheepadoodle. These fluffy, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining dogs are a perfect blend of their parent breeds—the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle. At Double U Doodles, we’ve fallen head over paws for this incredible hybrid, and we’re excited to share everything you need to know about their breed characteristics and temperament.

What is a Sheepadoodle?

The Sheepadoodle is a cross between the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle, typically the Standard Poodle. This mix results in a dog that’s as smart as it is sweet, with a hypoallergenic coat that makes them a great choice for families with allergies. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on the Poodle parent, but the most common is the standard Sheepadoodle, weighing between 50 to 80 pounds.

At Double U Doodles, we specialize in breeding Sheepadoodles with a focus on health, temperament, and ethical practices. From the moment our puppies are born, we prioritize their well-being, ensuring they grow into happy, confident, and well-adjusted dogs.

 

Breed Characteristics

Sheepadoodles are known for their striking appearance and unique personalities. Here’s a closer look at what makes them so special:

Sheepadoodle with a blue birthday boy bandana and a red leash1. Appearance

Sheepadoodles are undeniably eye-catching. They often inherit the shaggy, fluffy coat of the Old English Sheepdog, combined with the curly or wavy texture of the Poodle. Their coats are typically black and white, though variations like merle or solid colors can occur. Their expressive eyes and floppy ears give them an endearing, almost human-like expression that’s hard to resist.

2. Size

As mentioned, Sheepadoodles come in different sizes depending on the Poodle parent. Standard Sheepadoodles are the most common, standing between 18 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 50 to 80 pounds. Miniature Sheepadoodles, bred from Miniature Poodles, are smaller, weighing around 25 to 45 pounds.

3. Coat and Grooming

One of the biggest draws of the Sheepadoodle is their hypoallergenic coat, which sheds minimally. However, their luxurious fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing a few times a week and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks will keep your dog looking and feeling their best.

4. Health

Sheepadoodles are generally healthy dogs, thanks to the hybrid vigor of crossbreeding. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye issues. At Double U Doodles, we prioritize health testing for our parent dogs to ensure our puppies have the best possible start in life.

 

Temperament: The Heart of the Sheepadoodle

If you’re looking for a dog with a heart as big as their personality, the Sheepadoodle is it. Here’s what you can expect from their temperament:

Two Sheepadoodle dogs biting on a toy together1. Friendly and Social

Sheepadoodles are natural people-pleasers. They thrive on human interaction and love being part of the family. Whether it’s cuddling on the couch or joining in on a game of fetch, they’re happiest when they’re by your side. Their friendly nature makes them great with kids, other pets, and even strangers.

2. Intelligent and Trainable

Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Sheepadoodles are incredibly smart and eager to learn. They excel in obedience training, agility, and even advanced tricks. At Double U Doodles, we start training our puppies early, using techniques like Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and crate training to set them up for success.

3. Playful and Energetic

Sheepadoodles have a playful streak that makes them a joy to be around. They love outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and playing fetch, but they’re also content with indoor playtime. Regular exercise is important to keep them happy and healthy, but they’re just as happy to relax with their family after a good play session.

4. Loyal and Protective

While Sheepadoodles are friendly, they also have a protective side. They’re loyal to their families and will alert you to anything unusual. However, they’re not aggressive—just attentive and devoted.

 

Why Choose Double U Doodles?

Sheepadoodle sitting next to a bush of white flowersAt Double U Doodles, we’re passionate about raising healthy, well-socialized dogs. From the moment our puppies are born, we prioritize their care and development. Here’s a glimpse into our process:

  • Birth to 3 Weeks: We focus on weight gain and early neurological stimulation (ENS) to promote healthy development.
  • Weeks 3-4: Puppies are introduced to different sounds, textures, and surfaces to build confidence.
  • Weeks 4-6: Weaning and potty training begin, setting the foundation for good habits.
  • Weeks 6-8: Crate training helps puppies learn self-soothing and independence.
  • Weeks 8-10: Our complimentary 2-week puppy imprinting course prepares puppies for life with their forever families.

Our state-of-the-art facility and commitment to ethical breeding ensure that every puppy receives the best possible care. We’re proud to offer our families not just a puppy, but a lifelong companion.

 

The Double U Doodles Difference

What sets us apart from other breeders? It’s our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our dogs and puppies. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Double U Doodles:

1. Ethical Breeding Practices

We believe in responsible breeding. Our parent dogs are health-tested and live in a loving, nurturing environment. We never overbreed, and we ensure that every dog in our care is treated like family.

2. Early Socialization

From the moment our puppies are born, we focus on socialization. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) helps build resilience and confidence, while exposure to different sounds, textures, and experiences ensures they’re well-adjusted and ready for their new homes.

3. Comprehensive Puppy Training

We don’t just raise puppies—we prepare them for life. Our 2-week puppy imprinting course covers basic obedience, crate training, and potty training, giving your new pup a head start.

 

Close up photo on the face of a Sheepadoodle puppy

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sheepadoodles good with kids?
Absolutely! Sheepadoodles are gentle, patient, and love being part of a family. They’re great with children of all ages.

Do Sheepadoodles shed?
Sheepadoodles are low-shedding and considered hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.

How much exercise do Sheepadoodles need?
Sheepadoodles are energetic and need daily exercise, such as walks, playtime, or outdoor activities. They also enjoy mental stimulation through training and puzzles.

What’s the lifespan of a Sheepadoodle?
With proper care, Sheepadoodles typically live between 12 to 15 years.

Can I visit your facility?
Of course! We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our dogs and puppies.

 

The Sheepadoodle is more than just a dog—they’re a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a cherished member of the family. At Double U Doodles, we’re dedicated to raising happy, healthy Sheepadoodles that bring joy to their forever homes.

If you’re ready to welcome a Sheepadoodle into your life, we’d love to hear from you! Check out our available puppies or contact us to learn more about our breeding program. Your new best friend is waiting!