Shepadoodle | German Shepherd Poodle Mix | Poodle German Shepherd Mix Introduction
The Shepadoodle is a large-sized hybrid that was deliberately created first in the 1960s by the U.S. Army by crossing a Standard Poodle with a German Shepherd. Shepadoodles have varying appearance, temperament, weight, and size since they inherit traits from both parents. Just like the Poodle and German Shepherds, Shepadoodles are intelligent and active dogs that are happier when they have something to do. Therefore, they make great pets for outdoorsy families and experienced dog owners.
Due to the high level of intelligence, Shepadoodles need an active owner who will keep them busy and engaged to prevent boredom. Most Shepadoodles inherit the German Shepherd coat that is a dense, black and tan with a coarse texture. Although, some some have curly poodle-like coats that tend to shed a little bit. However, it is almost certain that there are hypoallergenic Shepadoodles. Other coat colors that a Shepadoodle may possess include black, cream, fawn, and white. The Shepadoodles are also suitable for homes that have a fenced-in yard where they can run freely and play.
The German Shepherds bark when there is noise from neighbors and when people are approaching while Poodles are naturally social dogs that love to bark. Therefore, Shepadoodles are not good for apartment dwellers unless the parent will able to tolerate passive glances from the neighbors in the hallway or ultimately teach the dogs the Quiet Command. Due to the high energy levels, Shepadoodles will not be mentally stimulated with just a quick walk around the block. They need hiking, swimming, and running.
Shepadoodle Origin | History
It is widely believed that the Shepadoodles were first created in 1960s by the USA Army that wanted a dog that was both intelligent and low shedding. Therefore, they combined the Standard Poodles with the German Shepherds. For this reason, the Shepadoodles were created.
However, some believe the crossing of Poodles and German Shepherds started in the 1980s after the first Poodle cross was documented, Labradoodle. This ignited an interest of crossing Poodles with other breeds including the German Shepherds. There is no formal breed registration for Shepadoodles hence little is known of their precise origin. As a hybrid and not pedigree, Shepadoodles are not recognized by AKC.
Shepadoodle Life Expectancy
The Shepadoodles have a life expectancy of 9 to 14 years.
Shepadoodle Grooming
The Shepadoodles need regular grooming whether they inherit the flat and coarse coat of a German Shepherd or the curly coat of a Poodle. The coarse coat tends to shed all-year round and twice a year when experiencing seasonal change. However, it will shed considerably less as compared to the German Shepherd parent. Therefore, regular grooming sessions helps to remove the dead hair from the coat confining it in the brush rather than spreading around the house.
The curly coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Some Shepadoodles may have a combination of the coarse and curly coat known as wavy coat. The wavy and curly coat will need a trim from a professional groomer every 6 to 12 weeks. Bath the dog every 6 to 8 weeks unless they roll in something stinky. Trim the nails of Shepadoodles every 3 to 5 weeks to prevent cracking, splitting, and overgrowth.
Clean the ears once a week using cotton balls soaked in an ear cleanser solution to remove dirt and excess debris. Brush the teeth of Shepadoodles twice a week if not daily using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush.
Shepadoodle Shedding
The F1 generation of a Shepadoodle with a coarse coat will shed a fair amount all-year round although it will be a bit less as compared to the shedding of a German Shepherd. An F1 Shepadoodle that has a curly coat will also shed though at low levels throughout the year. Shedding is kept to a minimum if the Shepadoodle with a curly coat is backcrossed to a Poodle creating an F1B generation which will shed less as compared to F1 Shepadoodles.
Shepadoodle Hypoallergenic
It is almost certain there are no hypoallergenic Shepadoodles. However, a Shepadoodle will likely be tolerable for people who suffer from dog allergies if it has more Poodle lineage i.e. F1B( 75% Poodle and 25% German Shepherd) or F1BB that is 87.5 % Poodle and 12.5% German Shepherd.
Shepadoodle Training
The Shepadoodles are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to learn making them trainable. However, even-well trained Shepadoodles need adequate mental stimulation to avoid behavior issues like destructive chewing and excessive barking. These puppies should be introduced to training immediately they join you home from the age of 8 weeks. This will help them to learn the acceptable canine behaviors before they get inclined towards bad habits.
Socialization is key to raising well-mannered and well-adjusted Shepadoodles. This training exposes the dog to a wide variety of people, situations, animals, surfaces, smell, sight, and sounds like sirens, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, whistles, door bells, and lawn mowers. Enrolling Shepadoodles in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. Keep the training sessions short and upbeat to avoid boredom and distraction.
Make use of interactive toys, verbal praise, treats, playtime, and petting to encourage positive behaviors. Avoid use of harsh correction methods that make training counterproductive. Teach Shepadoodles basic commands words immediately they join your home. Effectively housebreak Shepadoodles by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training.
Shepadoodle Temperament | Characteristics
- Trainable.
- Intelligent.
- Eager to learn.
- Active.
- Vocal.
- Social.
- Athletic.
- Loving.
- Affectionate.
- Good-natured.
- Friendly.
Shepadoodle Exercise
These are active and athletic dogs that will not be satisfied with only a daily walk. The Shepadoodles need to run, play, hike, swim, and even jog. They also love some nose work where they are allowed to sniff while on a leash while going for walks. The Shepadoodles may also excel in canine activities like flyball, obedience, and agility.
Shepadoodle Barking
Due to their background, Shepadoodles are likely to bark to notify the owner when someone or there is noise in the neighborhood making them great watchdogs. Therefore, they are suitable for a fenced-in yard as compared to an apartment unless they are taught the quiet command.
Shepadoodle Height
Mature Shepadoodles have a height of 22 to 28 inches ( approx. 56 to 71 cm ).
Sheepadoodle Weight
The Shepadoodles have a weight of 60 to 90 pounds ( approx. 27 to 41 kg ).
Full Grown Shepadoodle | Full Grown German Shepherd Poodle Mix | Size
A full grown German Shepherd Poodle Mix( Sheepadoodle) is a large-sized dog with a height of 22 to 28 inches ( approx. 56 to 71 cm ) and a weight of 60 to 90 pounds ( approx. 27 to 41 kg ).
Mini Shepadoodle
Most popular Shepadoodles are Standard sized although some may be mini but not small-sized with a height of 15 to 22 inches ( approx. 38 to 56 cm ) and a weight of 25 to 50 pounds ( approx. 11 to 23 kg ).
Shepadoodle Health Problems
If Shepadoodles are bred by responsible breeders, they are quite healthy. However, they may suffer from certain health issues including gastric torsion, hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Other Dog breeds include:
Shepadoodle Food | Dog Food
The amount of food that Shepadoodles feed on depend on their metabolism level, body build, activity level, and size. These hybrids will thrive with either commercial dry or wet food, home-made, or a raw diet. Parents should ensure the dog has access to fresh clean water at all times. The Shepadoodles may be susceptible to overfeeding hence parents should watch the calorie consumption and weight level. Familiarize yourself with the human foods that are safe for the dogs.
Shepadoodle Price | Cost | German Shepherd Poodle Mix Price
The price of Shepadoodles is $1200 to $2500 depending on the age of the dog, the location of the breeder, and the popularity of the breed where you reside.
Do Shepadoodles Shed
Yes. Shepadoodles with a coarse coat shed at moderate levels though considerably less as compared to the German Shepherd while curly coated Shepadoodles will shed at low levels.
Are Shepadoodles Hypoallergenic
A Shepadoodle is considered allergy friendly if it has more Poodle lineage as compared to the German Shepherd. F1B and F1BB Shepadoodles may be tolerated by people who suffer from dog allergies.
How Much Does A Shepadoodle Cost
The cost of Shepadoodles is $1200 to $2500 depending on the location of the breeder, age of the dog, and the popularity of the breed in your area.
Shepadoodle Quick Facts
- They are athletic and energetic hybrids that need constant mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom.
- Shepadoodles were first created in the 1960s by the U.S. Army by crossing the Poodle with German shepherds.
- The Shepadoodles are social dogs that suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long hours.