Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is a hybrid dog produced by crossing an Old English Sheepdog with a Standard Poodle, combining the warmth, sociability and shaggy-coated character of the Old English Sheepdog with the Poodle's intelligence, trainability and lower-shedding coat qualities to produce a large, affectionate and capable companion that has attracted considerable interest from families seeking a large dog with reduced shedding and high trainability. The Sheepadoodle is not a registered breed with the Kennel Club and does not have a formal breed standard, meaning appearance and character can vary between individuals depending on which parent's traits dominate in a given litter.

The typical Sheepadoodle is a large, well-built and fluffy dog with a wavy to curly coat that inherits elements of both parent breeds, usually in black and white markings reflecting the Old English Sheepdog colouring, though other colours are possible. The coat is typically lower-shedding than that of the Old English Sheepdog parent but is not truly non-shedding, and it requires significant grooming commitment to prevent matting in the dense, soft texture. Adults typically stand 53 to 66 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 27 to 40 kilograms.

The character is sociable, affectionate and gentle, reflecting the warmth of the Old English Sheepdog and the intellectual capability of the Poodle. The Sheepadoodle is typically very good with children, sociable with other dogs and enthusiastic about engagement and activity. Both parent breeds are working dogs - the Old English Sheepdog as a drover's dog and the Poodle as a water retriever - and the cross inherits real drive, energy and intelligence that must be met with adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Training is a genuine strength. The cross is highly intelligent and responds brilliantly to positive, consistent training from an early age.

Health testing of both parents is essential. Hip Dysplasia, eye conditions and Bloat are the primary concerns. As with all large hybrid dogs, buyers should not purchase from breeders who cannot produce evidence of health testing for both parent animals. The coat type in Sheepadoodles is not fully predictable in F1 crosses - some individuals inherit a coat closer to the Old English Sheepdog parent, which sheds significantly more than the Poodle-type coat. Breeders with experience of multi-generational lines can give better guidance on coat outcome probability, and meeting both parent dogs before purchase gives useful information about the likely character and coat of the litter.

Purchase prices from health-tested breeders range from £1,500 to £3,000. Monthly running costs average £120 to £200. No breed-specific club exists - general hybrid dog resources and the Doodle Trust are the primary rescue contacts.

Sociable, affectionate, gentle and playful. Good with children and other dogs. The combination of Old English Sheepdog warmth and Poodle intelligence produces a good-natured, engaging companion. Devoted to its family. Active and enthusiastic. One of the more family-friendly of the large doodle crosses.

Highly intelligent - both parent breeds are capable working dogs with considerable trainability. The Sheepadoodle responds brilliantly to positive reinforcement and engages enthusiastically with training. Excels in obedience and dog sports. Early socialisation is important given the eventual large size.

Needs 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Both parent breeds are energetic working dogs and the cross inherits real drive and enthusiasm. Mental stimulation through training, nose work and enrichment is as important as physical exercise.

Health testing of both parents is essential. For the Old English Sheepdog parent: Hip Dysplasia, eye testing and Hereditary Cataract DNA testing. For the Standard Poodle parent: Hip Dysplasia, Sebaceous Adenitis assessment, Progressive Retinal Atrophy DNA testing and Neonatal Encephalopathy assessment. Bloat is a risk in large, deep-chested individuals. Always request evidence of health testing before purchasing.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a large active breed. Two meals daily to reduce bloat risk given the deep chest. Monitor weight. Large breed nutrition is important during the growth phase.

The coat varies from wavy to curly and is typically lower shedding than the Old English Sheepdog parent alone, but it is not low-maintenance. Thorough brushing three to four times weekly is essential to prevent the dense coat from matting. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is standard. This is a high-maintenance coat.

Purchase price from a health-tested breeder: £1,500 to £3,000. Monthly running costs: £120 to £200 given the size and grooming requirements.

Suits active families and individuals seeking a large, intelligent and lower-shedding companion. Requires substantial daily exercise and regular coat maintenance. Health testing of both parents essential - Hip Dysplasia, eye testing and relevant DNA panels for both OES and Poodle lines. Not suited to sedentary households given the size and energy.