Also called Sheepdoodle, Sheep-a-poo, Sheeppoo, Sheepdogpoo, Sheepdog Poodle mix
CrossbreedShort profile
From A cross of the Old English Sheepdog, an English herding breed, and the Poodle. The cross is said to date back to the 1960s and became widely popular from the 1980s through the 2000s; sources do not name a single country.123
Standard Sheepadoodles are given as 60-80 lb (about 27-36 kg); miniature versions bred from Miniature Poodles are given as 25-45 lb (about 11-20 kg). Size varies with the parents.
A big, fluffy teddy-bear of a dog. The coat is soft and thick and can be curly, wavy or fairly straight depending on how much Poodle comes through. Many have a striking panda-style black and white pattern. The coat is low-shedding, but it grows continuously and needs regular care.21
Coloursblack and whitegrey and whiteblackwhitegreybrownred and white (rare)21
Personality what they are like
Easygoing, friendly and bright, with a playful streak. Sheepadoodles tend to be loyal to their people and are usually fairly quiet, speaking up mainly to announce visitors. Personality can take after either the herding Sheepdog or the clever Poodle side.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high: around one to two hours a day of walks and play, plus things that work the brain. Many enjoy swimming, fetch and agility.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush at least weekly (two to three times a week is better) to stop tangles, book a professional groom roughly every six to eight weeks, check and clean ears regularly, especially after swims, and keep nails trimmed.21
Home where they are happiest
Happiest in a home with some space; can adjust to a larger apartment if it gets plenty of time outdoors every day. Fits families and single-person homes alike.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete food made for medium to large dogs, with portions adjusted to the dog's size and activity level.2
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and usually wonderful with children; a well-socialised Sheepadoodle generally gets on with other pets too.2
The story where it all began
The story goes that military researchers first crossed Poodles with Old English Sheepdogs in the 1960s, hoping for a clever, loyal working dog, but the result was too playful for the job and better suited to family life. Breeders later valued its low-shedding coat and friendly nature, and the Sheepadoodle grew steadily in popularity through the 1980s and 2000s.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its Old English Sheepdog parent has been the Dulux paint mascot since a 1961 advertising campaign.3
2
The Old English Sheepdog side is nicknamed the 'Bobtail', and the breed inspired the Beatles song 'Martha My Dear'.3
3
Many Sheepadoodles have a black and white coat that makes them look like little pandas.1
4
Sheepadoodles often work as therapy and service dogs.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, and its name is a portmanteau of the two parent breeds.4
I wake up and stretch my fluffy legs. My human laughs and calls me a cloud. We go outside, and I sniff the grass. I see a squirrel and give a friendly bark, but I don't chase. I like to watch. Later, we play fetch in the yard. I bring the ball back, proud. My human gives me a scratch behind the ears. In the afternoon, I help my human with gardening. I carry a small trowel in my mouth. We take a break and sit on the porch. I rest my head on their lap. At dinner, I get a kind word. I curl up and dream of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
Major kennel clubs
A designer crossbreed, not a recognised pedigree breed, with no breed standard.5
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sheepadoodle. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upevery year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Sheepadoodle tip
Sheepadoodles can be picky eaters, so use treats to encourage a healthy diet, but keep them to no more than 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain. Because this large breed is prone to bloat, feed two or three small meals a day and avoid exercise right after eating.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Sheepadoodle, and at what times?
Feed your Sheepadoodle at least twice a day for adults, and puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for portion sizes and check with your vet for the best schedule.26
What should a Sheepadoodle eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced dog food formulated for medium to large dogs is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.27
How often should I bathe a Sheepadoodle?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can adjust based on your dog's lifestyle. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks often includes a bath.8Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Sheepadoodle need brushing?
Brush at least weekly, but two to three times a week is better to prevent tangles. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every seven days.21Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Sheepadoodle's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every four weeks. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid bleeding.8Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Sheepadoodle need?
Your Sheepadoodle needs about one to two hours of daily walks and play, plus mental stimulation like fetch or agility. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily exercise.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Sheepadoodle's teeth and ears?
Brush your Sheepadoodle's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. Furry Diary suggests daily brushing and ear checks every two weeks.218Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Sheepadoodle live?
Sheepadoodles typically live between 12 and 15 years with good care.21
Is a Sheepadoodle good with children and other pets?
Yes, Sheepadoodles are usually wonderful with children and get along well with other pets when properly socialised. They are friendly and loyal.2
Can a Sheepadoodle be left alone?
It varies by individual; some Sheepadoodles may be fine alone for a few hours, but they are people-oriented and may not like long periods alone. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your specific dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Old English Sheepdog
Bernedoodle
Goldendoodle