MINIATURE SHEEPADOODLE PUPPIES
Social. Easy-going.
Also called Sheepapoo, Sheepadoo, and Sheepoodle, the Mini Sheepadoodle is the result of crossing the Old English Sheepdog with a Miniature Poodle. Because the breed is known to be gentle, patient, affectionate, and playful, it is known to be good with children and other pets. These dogs are smart and eager to please, making them generally easy to train. They are typically happy and easy-going with a love for playing and spending time outdoors. They can be an ideal companion for active families who don’t mind taking care of their shaggy, luxurious coats.
Temperament
They are very social pups. They love spending time with their people and will want to be included in your activities as a full-fledged family member. They love to play and meet new people, and they do best when they are not left alone very long.
This breed often displays herding behavior because of its Sheepdog genetics, but early training can help you manage it.
Happy, affectionate, outgoing, and active, the Mini Sheepadoodle can be an ideal family pet or therapy dog.
Appearance
They will generally look like a lot of other popular Doodle breeds, but their striking coats set them apart from the rest. Most have a luxurious, wavy coat that can make them seem bigger than they really are, though some end up with loose curls.
The black and white color combination is the most common by far, but they can also be found in:
- Solid black
- Red and white
- Solid chocolate
- Chocolate and white
- Shades of brown (solid or with white markings)
- Silver or Gray
- Tricolors (though rare and highly sought-after)
Mini Sheepadoodles are typically about 18 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 40 pounds.
Exercise
They love going with you on a brisk walk or hike. You can also keep them busy with stimulating toys and backyard games like playing fetch. They can be good swimmers, and they’ll often get a good amount of exercise just keeping up with the kids around your house and yard.
We recommend 30–45 minutes of moderate activity a day, and five or six miles of walking per week.
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Health concerns to be aware of:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Heart disease and defects
- Patellar luxation
- Skin conditions, such as sebaceous adenitis and allergic responses
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison’s disease
If your Sheepadoodle’s coat is more than a few inches long, they will need to be thoroughly brushed about every other day. Shorter coats may only need brushing once a week. They will need a full-body trim every four to six weeks to keep the coat at a manageable length and prevent mats, which can be painful to the skin underneath. They should be bathed monthly with a gentle shampoo, and a nourishing conditioner can help you manage their shaggy coat. Your dog may inevitably need an extra bath if they get into something messy or smelly, but bathing too often can irritate the skin and dry out the coat. As with all dogs, your Sheepadoodle needs their ears cleaned every few weeks, their nails trimmed monthly, and their teeth brushed several times a week.
Because your Mini Sheepadoodle is so smart and eager to please, you will likely find them easy to train. Just keep your training sessions short and interesting and be sure your commands are consistent. Some Sheepadoodles have a stubborn streak that can make training challenging at times, but you can overcome it with patience and persistence.
