The Vet’s Guide to Sheepadoodles: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Big, fluffy, and full of charm, the Sheepadoodle is a lovable designer breed that blends the loyal, gentle temperament of the Old English Sheepdog with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Known for their affectionate nature and playful spirit, Sheepadoodles make excellent family pets and companions for those who can match their energy and grooming needs.

Background

Sheepadoodles first gained popularity in the United States during the early 2000s as part of the growing trend of “Oodle” crossbreeds. Bred to combine the Old English Sheepdog’s friendly, even-tempered personality with the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, Sheepadoodles were initially used as therapy and service dogs. Though not recognised by major kennel clubs, they’re now cherished for their good looks and loving, loyal nature.

With their thick, often curly coats and large frames, Sheepadoodles require consistent grooming to stay comfortable and looking their best. While they are often low-shedding thanks to their Poodle heritage, their coats can easily mat and trap debris if not cared for properly.

Shedding and Coat Types

Sheepadoodles can have a range of coat types — from loose waves to tight curls — depending on their genetic mix. Those with curlier coats tend to shed less and are often considered more allergy-friendly. Straighter coats may shed a bit more and require more frequent brushing to manage loose fur.

Regardless of coat type, all Sheepadoodles benefit from a regular grooming routine. Their dense fur can trap dirt and moisture, making it prone to matting and skin issues if neglected.

Brushing Routine

To keep their coat healthy, Sheepadoodles should be brushed at least three to four times a week, and daily if they have a longer or curlier coat. Focus on areas prone to tangling, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar. Use a slicker brush or grooming rake designed for thick coats to remove tangles and reduce mat formation.

Bathing Tips

Bath your Sheepadoodle every 4–6 weeks, or more often if they’ve gotten particularly dirty or smelly. Always brush them thoroughly before a bath to avoid locking in tangles. Use a gentle dog shampoo followed by a moisturising conditioner to help keep their coat soft and manageable.

After bathing, towel dry and, if possible, blow dry their coat on a low setting while brushing to prevent matting as it dries.

Nail and Ear Care

Due to their size and activity levels, Sheepadoodles’ nails may not wear down naturally and should be trimmed every 3–4 weeks. Check their ears weekly — floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to infections. Clean with a vet-approved ear cleaner as needed, and always dry ears thoroughly after baths or swimming.

Sheepadoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain inherited health conditions. Regular vet visits and preventive care are key to catching any issues early and maintaining their well-being.

Hip Dysplasia

Common in larger breeds, hip dysplasia can affect Sheepadoodles and cause discomfort or mobility issues over time. Signs include limping, stiffness, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact exercise like swimming can help reduce joint strain.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Sheepadoodles, especially those with deep chests, may be at risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, and unproductive vomiting. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous activity after eating can reduce risk.

Eye Conditions

Sheepadoodles may inherit eye problems such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular eye checks and monitoring for changes like cloudiness or vision loss can help manage these conditions early.

Hypothyroidism

This condition involves an underactive thyroid gland and can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. A blood test can confirm the diagnosis, and it is typically managed with daily medication and monitoring.

Skin and Coat Issues

Their thick coats can sometimes hide skin irritations, hot spots, or allergies. Regular grooming and coat checks can help catch skin problems early. If you notice excessive itching, redness, or hair loss, consult your vet to rule out allergies or underlying conditions.

Sheepadoodles are intelligent, eager-to-please, and quick to learn — all qualities that make them highly trainable companions. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, they thrive on mental stimulation, while their Old English Sheepdog side gives them a strong desire to work alongside their humans.

Intelligence

With their high IQ and love of human interaction, Sheepadoodles excel in obedience training and structured learning. They quickly pick up on basic commands and are also capable of learning more advanced tasks and tricks. Their trainability makes them suitable for first-time owners, provided consistent, positive reinforcement is used.

Socialisation

Early socialisation is essential for Sheepadoodles. Between 12–16 weeks of age, expose them to various people, dogs, environments, and sounds. Positive early experiences can reduce anxiety and help them develop into calm, confident adults.

Benefits of Puppy School

Puppy school is an excellent starting point for Sheepadoodles. These classes help with socialisation, basic commands, and polite behaviours in a structured, vet-approved environment. They also give owners the tools to build a strong foundation for ongoing training.

Obedience

Sheepadoodles thrive in obedience classes. They are eager to please and enjoy learning when sessions are engaging and rewarding. Regular training keeps them mentally stimulated and well-mannered, especially as they reach adolescence, when their energy levels peak.

Common Training Issues

While generally cooperative, Sheepadoodles can sometimes be headstrong or overly enthusiastic. Their size and strength mean early lead training and impulse control are essential. Use a gentle but consistent approach, rewarding good behaviour with treats, praise, and play.

Sheepadoodles are active, energetic dogs who love to move and think. Providing daily physical exercise and mental enrichment is crucial to prevent boredom and keep them physically and emotionally balanced.

Exercise Needs

These dogs need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. This can include brisk walks, runs in the backyard, or off-leash play in a secure area. They enjoy variety, so try mixing walks with games of fetch or structured play sessions.

Mental Enrichment

Sheepadoodles are intelligent and easily bored without mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, scent work, treat-dispensing games, and learning new tricks are great ways to keep their minds engaged. Daily training sessions, even just 5–10 minutes, can provide important mental exercise.

Indoor Play

On rainy days or in smaller living spaces, keep your Sheepadoodle entertained with indoor games like hide-and-seek, interactive toys, or tug-of-war. Always supervise play to prevent accidents, especially when they’re excited and active indoors.

Dog Sports and Outdoor Adventures

Sheepadoodles often excel in agility, obedience, and rally sports due to their smarts and enthusiasm. They also enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking or swimming. These types of activities burn energy while also strengthening your bond.

Sheepadoodles are known for their friendly and easy-going personalities, but like any intelligent and energetic breed, they can develop behavioural issues if their needs aren’t consistently met. Understanding common challenges and how to address them can make all the difference in raising a well-mannered dog.

Chewing

As an energetic and curious breed, Sheepadoodles may chew on furniture, shoes, or other objects, particularly if they’re bored or under-exercised. This is common during teething but can persist into adulthood without proper redirection.

To prevent destructive chewing, provide a variety of appropriate chew toys and ensure they’re getting enough daily physical and mental activity. Rotate toys regularly to keep them interested.

Separation Anxiety

Sheepadoodles are deeply bonded to their people and can become anxious when left alone for long periods. Signs include barking, pacing, whining, or destructive behaviours. Gradual training, crate use, and providing distractions like puzzle toys or long-lasting chews can help ease their stress.

Introduce these enrichment tools while you’re home, so they don’t become triggers for your departure.

Barking

With their watchdog instincts, Sheepadoodles can be prone to barking at noises or people they are unfamiliar with. While some alert barking is normal, excessive barking can be managed with early training, redirection, and ensuring their daily exercise and stimulation needs are being met.

Use a calm, consistent “quiet” command and reward them when they respond appropriately.

Herding Behaviour

Inherited from their Old English Sheepdog side, some Sheepadoodles may exhibit herding tendencies, such as nipping at heels or trying to control movement, especially with children or other pets. While not aggressive, this behaviour should be gently discouraged early on using structured play, redirection, and obedience training.

Feeding your Sheepadoodle a balanced, breed-appropriate diet is essential to support their growth, energy, and coat health. As a medium to large breed, they benefit from quality nutrition tailored to their size, age, and activity level.

Nutritional Balance

Sheepadoodles thrive on high-quality dog food with real meat as the first ingredient. Their diet should include balanced levels of protein, fat, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed) support skin and coat health, which is particularly important for dogs with dense, curly fur.

Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial additives, or low-quality by-products.

Puppy Needs

Sheepadoodle puppies grow quickly and require a puppy-specific formula with added protein, DHA, and calcium to support bone development and cognitive function. Feed them 3–4 smaller meals a day, gradually adjusting to 2 meals as they grow. Your vet can help you determine the ideal portion size and meal frequency.

Special Considerations

Because Sheepadoodles are prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia, consider feeding a joint-supportive formula that includes glucosamine and chondroitin. They may also be sensitive to certain ingredients, so monitor for signs of food intolerance like itching, ear infections, or digestive upset.

If needed, speak to your vet about limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diets.

Portion Sizes

It’s important to avoid overfeeding, as excess weight can put strain on joints and contribute to long-term health problems. Use feeding guides as a baseline, but adjust portions based on age, activity level, and metabolism. Healthy treats should be given in moderation, particularly during training.

Choosing the right Sheepadoodle starts with understanding their grooming needs, energy levels, and affectionate, people-focused temperament. These dogs thrive in homes where they’re included in daily life, exercised regularly, and mentally engaged. Unfortunately, some Sheepadoodles are surrendered when their needs are underestimated, making adoption a meaningful path to consider.

If you're looking to adopt, start with breed-specific rescues or reputable animal shelters. Sheepadoodles and other Oodle mixes sometimes appear in rescue networks, and many thrive in new homes with the right care and training.

If you’re purchasing from a breeder, it’s vital to choose one who prioritises the health and well-being of their dogs. Responsible breeders will screen for inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and thyroid issues, and will raise puppies in a clean, social home environment.

Key questions to ask a breeder:

• Have the parents been screened for common genetic health issues?
• Can I meet the puppy’s parents and see where the puppies are raised?
• What socialisation and early training have the puppies received?
• Do you offer a health guarantee or ongoing support after purchase?

Avoid buying from pet shops or online marketplaces where transparency about the dog’s background is lacking. Ethical breeding starts with open, honest communication and a genuine commitment to the puppy’s future well-being.

Love the Sheepadoodle’s loyal, playful personality and low-shedding coat? Here are a few other breeds and crossbreeds with similar traits you might also consider:

Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle) – Larger and laid-back, Bernedoodles are affectionate, gentle, and often good with children. They have a thick coat and love being part of the family.

Labradoodle (Labrador × Poodle) – Friendly, intelligent, and energetic, Labradoodles make excellent family dogs with a love for play and learning.

Groodle (Golden Retriever × Poodle) – Social and easy-going, Goldendoodles combine the loyalty of a Golden with the smarts of a Poodle, making them ideal for active families. 

Old English Sheepdog – For those drawn to the Sheepadoodle’s herding instinct and fluff, a purebred Old English Sheepdog offers a loyal, gentle-natured alternative with a similar size and coat.

Standard Poodle – Elegant, highly trainable, and hypoallergenic, Standard Poodles are a great option for those seeking predictability in coat and behaviour.

Sheepadoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and full of charm — the perfect mix of playful energy and loyal companionship. With their striking looks and gentle nature, they make wonderful family pets, but they do best in homes that can meet their grooming, exercise, and social needs.

From early training and mental stimulation to regular vet care and a balanced diet, raising a Sheepadoodle is a commitment that comes with great rewards. Whether you're welcoming a puppy or adopting an adult, giving them the right foundation will help them grow into a well-adjusted, loving companion.

This article was written by Dr Carly Brownlow