Shepadoodle Dog – German Shepherd Poodle Mix
Are you considering a German Shepherd Poodle mix as your next furry friend?
If you’re looking for a versatile dog that’s perfect for any family, the Shepadoodle is the breed for you! These dogs are a mix of German Shepherd and Poodle, which means they have the best qualities of both breeds.
Shepadoodles are intelligent, loyal, and loving animals that make great pets. They’re also very easy to train and can be taught to do all sorts of tricks.
Shepadoodles are perfect for families with children because they’re so gentle and playful. They love spending time outdoors playing fetch or going on walks, but they’re also just as happy cuddling up on the couch with their humans.
Whether you’re looking for an active dog or a lazy one, the Shepadoodle is sure to please!
To find out more about the Shepadoodle dog continue reading as we share everything you need to know about this special breed!
What Is A Shepadoodle?
A Shepadoodle is not a Sheepadoodle
The Shepadoodle is a cross between a purebred German Shepherd and a purebred Poodle. The result is a hypoallergenic, intelligent, and loyal dog that is perfect for families.
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, while Poodles are known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coat.
The Shepadoodle is a perfect mix of both breeds and makes an excellent family pet.
Origin Of The Shepadoodle
The Shepadoodle is a relatively new breed of dog that was first bred in the United States in the early 2000s.
The German Shepherd Poodle mix was bred in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic dog that would still retain the intelligence and loyalty of the German Shepherd.
The result was the Shepadoodle, a perfect family pet for those with allergies or who are looking for an intelligent and loyal companion.
What Is A German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a large, working breed of dog that was originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability.
They are often used as working dogs in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and guide dogs for the blind. German Shepherds are also popular family pets.
What is a Poodle?
A Poodle is a medium-sized, hypoallergenic breed of dog that was originally bred in Germany.
Poodles are known for their intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat. They come in a variety of sizes, including Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Poodles are also popular family pets.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix Appearance
The Shepadoodle is a large, muscular dog with a square-shaped head. They have a long, straight muzzle and floppy ears.
Shepadoodles have a thick, curly coat that can be either black, brown, or blond. They shed very little and are considered to be hypoallergenic.
Shepadoodle Sizes How Big Do They Get?
There are two size categories of Shepadoodles, Standard and Mini.
Mini Shepadoodles Full Grown Size
Miniature Shepadoodles, also called Mini Shepadoodles, are a medium sized German Shepherd mixed with a Miniature Poodle.
They typically weigh 25-50 pounds and stand 15-22 inches tall at the shoulder.
Standard Shepadoodle Full Grown Size
Standard Shepadoodles, also called Maxi Shepadoodles, are a cross between Standard Poodles and German Shepherd dogs.
They typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Shepadoodle Generations Explained
Understanding the different generations of Shepadoodles is important when choosing a puppy because it will help you know what to expect in terms of size, appearance, and temperament.
F1 Shepadoodle
(First-Generation)
The F1 Shepadoodle is the result of breeding a German Shepherd with a Poodle. This is the most common generation of Shepadoodle and is 50% German Shepherd and 50% Poodle.
F1B Shepadoodle
(First-Generation Backcross)
The F1b Shepadoodle is the result of breeding an F1 Shepadoodle with a Poodle. This generation is 75% Poodle and 25% German Shepherd.
F1BB Shepadoodle
(First-Generation Backcross)
The F1bb Shepadoodle is the result of breeding an F1b Shepadoodle with a Poodle. This generation is 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% German Shepherd.
F2 Shepadoodle
(Second-Generation)
The F2 Shepadoodle is the result of breeding two F1 Shepadoodles together. This generation is 50% German Shepherd and 50% Poodle.
F2B Shepadoodle
(Second-Generation Backcross)
The F2b Shepadoodle is the result of breeding an F2 Shepadoodle with a Poodle. This generation is 75% Poodle and 25% German Shepherd.
Multigenerational Shepadoodle
(Three or More Generations)
The Multigenerational Shepadoodle is the result of breeding two or more Shepadoodles of any generation together.
They are typically 50% German Shepherd and 50% Poodle, but the exact percentage can vary depending on the generations involved.
Shepadoodle Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of a Shepadoodle is 12-14 years. This is longer than the average lifespan of both German Shepherds (9-10 years) and Poodles (10-12 years).
The life expectancy of a Shepadoodle can be affected by a number of factors, including diet, exercise, and genetics.
How To Care For Your Shepadoodle
It is important to take good care of your Shepadoodle to ensure a long and happy life. Here are some tips on how to care for your Shepadoodle.
Shepadoodle Exercise Requirements
Shepadoodles are high energy dogs that need a lot of exercise. They should be taken on long walks or runs daily and given plenty of opportunities to play and burn off energy.
Shepadoodles are also intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise. Training, puzzle toys, and interactive dog toys are all great ways to keep your Shepadoodle’s mind active.
Shepadoodles are not a good fit for families who are not active and do not have the time to commit to daily exercise.
Diet and Nutrition for Shepadoodles
A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Shepadoodles. Shepadoodles are prone to weight gain and obesity, so it is important to feed them a nutritious diet that is high in protein and low in fat.
Shepadoodles should also be given plenty of opportunities to chew, as this helps keep their teeth clean and healthy.
There are a variety of dog foods on the market, so it is important to consult with your veterinarian to find the best diet for your Shepadoodle.
Shepadoodle Training and Socialization
Shepadoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and petting.
Shepadoodles should be socialized from a young age to ensure they are comfortable around people and other animals.
Exposing them to a variety of people, places, and situations will help them grow into well-rounded adults.
Shepadoodles can be stubborn at times, but they are ultimately eager to please their owners.
Cleaning And Grooming Your Shepadoodle
Shepadoodles require regular grooming to maintain their coat and prevent mats and tangles.
Bathing Your Dog
Bathing your Shepadoodle too often can strip their coat of natural oils and cause dryness and irritation.
As a general rule, you should only bathe your dog when they are dirty or smell bad. This is typically every 2-4 weeks.
You should use a dog-specific shampoo that is gentle and will not strip their coat of natural oils. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.
Drying Your Dog
After bathing your dog, you will need to dry them off completely. The best way to do this is to use a dog blow dryer.
Start by towel drying your dog to remove as much water as possible. Then, use the blow dryer on a low or cool setting to finish drying their coat.
Be sure not to hold the blow dryer too close to your dog, as this can cause irritation.
Brushing Their Coats
Brushing your Shepadoodle’s coat is important to prevent mats and tangles. It is also a good way to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck in their fur.
You should brush your dog’s coat at least once a week, using a dog brush that is specifically designed for their coat type.
If your dog has a long coat, you may need to brush them more often to prevent matting.
Cleaning Their Ears
You should check your dog’s ears regularly for any dirt, debris, or wax buildup.
If you notice any of these things, you should clean your dog’s ears with a dog-specific ear cleaner.
You should never use cotton swabs or any other objects in your dog’s ears, as this can cause damage.
Cleaning Their Teeth
It is important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent dental problems. You should brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week, using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
Never use human toothpaste on your dog, as it can be toxic.
If you are not comfortable brushing your dog’s teeth, you can give them dental chews or treats that are specifically designed to help clean their teeth.
Grooming – Cutting Their Hair
If your dog has a long coat, you will need to have it trimmed or cut periodically. This is typically done every 6-8 weeks.
You can have your dog’s coat trimmed or cut by a professional groomer, or you can do it yourself at home.
If you decide to trim or cut your dog’s coat yourself, be sure to use sharp scissors or clippers and take care not to cut your dog.
Trimming Their Nails
It is important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent them from getting too long. If your dog’s nails get too long, they can cause your dog pain and make it difficult for them to walk.
You should trim your dog’s nails every 4-6 weeks, using a dog-specific nail trimmer. Be sure to only trim the tips of your dog’s nails and avoid the quick, as this can cause bleeding.
If you are not comfortable trimming your dog’s nails, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Anal Gland Expression
Anal gland expression is the process of manually emptying your dog’s anal glands.
Your dog’s anal glands are two small sacs located just inside their anus. They produce a foul-smelling liquid that is used to mark their territory.
If your dog’s anal glands become full, they can cause your dog discomfort and may leak.
Anal gland expression should be done by a professional groomer or veterinarian
Shepadoodles and Other Pets
Shepadoodles generally get along well with other pets. They are typically friendly and playful, and they love to be around people. However, like all dogs, they should be properly socialized from a young age to ensure that they get along well with other animals.
Are Shepadoodles Hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic however Shepadoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs.
This is because they are a cross between a Standard Poodle parent and a German Shepherd dog, both of which are hypoallergenic breeds.
Shepadoodles inherit the low-shedding coat from the Poodle, which is what makes them hypoallergenic.
Shepadoodle Temperament And Personality
Shepadoodles are generally friendly and playful dogs that love to be around people. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them great family pets.
However, like all dogs, they should be properly socialized from a young age to ensure that they get along well with other animals.
Shepadoodles are also known for being loyal and protective of their family and home, which makes them great guard dogs.
Are Shepadoodle Puppies Good For Families?
Shepadoodle puppies are typically good for families. That is because they are loving, friendly, and intelligent, which makes them great pets for children.
Shepadoodles Health
While Shepadoodles are generally healthy dogs, there are a few health conditions that they are more prone to than other breeds.
These health conditions include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and epilepsy.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
are two of the most common health problems in Shepadoodles. Dysplasia is a condition where the joints are not properly formed, which can cause pain and lameness.
Hip dysplasia is more common in larger dogs, while elbow dysplasia is more common in smaller dogs.
Von Willebrand’s disease
Is a blood clotting disorder that can be dangerous if not treated.
To help ensure that your Shepadoodle stays healthy, you should take them to the vet for regular check-ups and follow any recommended health screenings.
Shepadoodle Price Range
The price of a Shepadoodle puppy can vary depending on the breeder, the litter size, and the coat color.
Generally speaking, the average price of a Shepadoodle puppy is between $1000-$2000.
Puppies with rare coat colors, such as blue or silver, may cost more.
Larger litters may also be more expensive than smaller litters.
When buying a Shepadoodle puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the health of the parents and if they have any health conditions that are common in the breed.
Shepadoodle Coat Colors
Shepadoodles can come in a variety of coat colors, including black, white, cream, brown, and silver.
The most common coat color is black, followed by white and cream.
Silver Shepadoodles are the rarest coat color.
When choosing a Shepadoodle puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the coat color of the parents to get an idea of what the puppies will look like.
Are Shepadoodles Good Guard Dogs?
Shepadoodles can make good guard dogs. They are loyal and protective of their family and home, which can make them good at deterring intruders.
However, they are not typically aggressive dogs, so you should not expect them to attack an intruder.
If you are looking for a guard dog, be sure to ask the breeder about the temperament of the parents and if they have any guarding instincts.
Don’t Get Shepadoodle Puppies From Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for the pet industry.
Puppies from puppy mills are often sick and poorly socialized, which can lead to behavioral problems later in life.
To help prevent this, be sure to only buy Shepadoodle puppies from reputable breeders.
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a registry of purebred dog breeds in the United States.
International Designer Canine Registry
The International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) is a registry of designer dog breeds from around the world.
Designer dogs are created when two purebred dogs of different breeds are bred together.
The IDCR recognizes over 400 designer dog breeds, including the Shepadoodle.
Choosing A Shepadoodle Breeder
When choosing a Shepadoodle breeder, it is important to find one that is reputable and has a good reputation.
A good way to find a reputable breeder is to ask your veterinarian, local animal shelters, or rescue groups for recommendations.
You can also search online for Shepadoodle breeders in your area.
When contacting a breeder, be sure to ask questions about the health and temperaments of the parent breeds, the size of the litter, and the coat colors of the puppies.
You should also visit the breeder’s facility to meet the puppies and see the conditions they are being raised in.
Do not buy a Shepadoodle puppy from a pet store, as these puppies often come from puppy mills.
Is A Shepadoodle Puppy Right For You?
Now that you know all about Shepadoodles, it’s time to decide if one of these dogs is right for you.
Shepadoodles can make great family dogs. They are loyal, protective, and good with children.
They are also relatively easy to train and can be good guard dogs.
Keep in mind that Shepadoodles need plenty of exercise and should not be left alone for long periods of time.
If you think a Shepadoodle is the right dog for you, be sure to find a reputable breeder and ask lots of questions.
Conclusion
A Shepadoodle is a very beautiful mixed breed dog and they are also very active and enjoy many outdoor dog sports and activities. So if you and your family have an active lifestyle and enjoy being outdoors, a Shepadoodle may just be the right dog breed for you.