Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle combines the Old English Sheepdog's famously gentle, shaggy appearance and herding instincts with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
16–41 kg (35–90 lbs)
Height
41–66 cm (16–26 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality large breed food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Sheepadoodle combines the Old English Sheepdog's famously gentle, shaggy appearance and herding instincts with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. The result is a large, fluffy, black-and-white dog that combines the OES's bear-like appearance with a trainable, lower-maintenance coat. Sheepadoodles have become popular as therapy dogs and service dogs. The herding instinct from the OES parent may cause gentle herding of family members, especially children.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, fluffy dog — most commonly black and white or grey and white, reflecting the Old English Sheepdog's colouring in a wavy to curly Doodle coat. The effect is a large, panda-like teddy bear appearance highly sought in designer breeds.
Grooming
Very High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-3-4-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, playful, and intelligent — combines OES affection and herding instinct with Poodle trainability. May herd children gently. Excellent therapy and service dog candidate.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
-5°C to 22°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
herding behaviour, barking, destructive chewing, separation anxiety, clinginess
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours exercise daily. The wavy or curly coat requires brushing daily to prevent severe matting. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks — very high grooming commitment. Not suitable for heat.
Nutrition Notes
Old English Sheepdog × Poodle. MDR1 gene possible from OES — DNA test before medication. Bloat risk in larger sizes. Joint supplements. Addison's from Poodle.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
MDR1 drug sensitivity possible. Hip dysplasia. Bloat. Addison's. PRA. Hypothyroidism. Grooming is EXTREME — daily brushing mandatory, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. India: not suited to climate (OES heat sensitivity).
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1500 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1100 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip and elbow dysplasia from both parents. Bloat (GDV) in larger individuals. Eye conditions — progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts. OES heritage contributes hypothyroidism risk.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Grooming costs among highest of any hybrid. Black-and-white panda markings most popular. India: not recommended (heat).
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Sheepadoodle's distinctive black-and-white appearance comes from the Old English Sheepdog parent — the "panda Doodle" appearance has made it one of the most photographed designer breeds on social media.
The US Army used Old English Sheepdogs for military work in WWI — the same herding intelligence and work ethic now appears in the Sheepadoodle's above-average therapy dog performance.
