So, if you plan to add a German Shepard Poodle mix to your family, we’ve put together 15 facts about a German Shepadoodle; you have come to the right place.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about this adorable and intelligent hybrid dog breed. Read on to learn more.
A German Shepadoodle is also known as the “Shepadoodle.” It is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Poodle. This hybrid dog breed is one of the many Poodle mixes.
Each Poodle mix is unique in its way. The Shepadoodle has the German Shepherd’s regal stance and the Poodle’s compact design.
Also, it is an intelligent, playful, and affectionate dog that can be a perfect addition to any family. Their non-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities make them a favorite for many designer dog lovers.
Developed in the 1960s
The United States Army first developed the German Shepadoodle in the 1960s. They wanted to create a hybrid dog that would be used as a service dog.
The Army wanted an intelligent dog that could not shed much. They were created by crossing a German Shepherd with a Poodle.
The German Shepherd and the Podle are known to be some of the most intelligent dog breeds. Intelligence increases the dog’s trainability, which makes the breed perfect for the army.
The German Shepadoodle inherits the intelligence of its Poodle and German Shepherd parents. It is easy to train and teach new commands. This makes them ideal for the roles of working dogs.
They Are A Designer Breed
Designer dogs have become a favorite for many dog lovers. The German Shepadoodle is no exception.
It is considered a designer breed because it was created by crossing two breeds (the German Shepherd and Poodle) to gain both breeds’ best attributes and traits.
The Designer Breed Registry recognizes the German Shepadoodle, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has not yet recognized the breed.
They Come In A Variety Of Colors
While the Poodle comes in solid colors, the German Shepherd comes in pleasant color patterns. Therefore, you can expect the German Shepadoodle to come in various colors.
While some have the pattern of a German Shepherd, others have the solid colors of the Poodle parent. The solid German Shepadoodle colors are gray, sable, silver, golden, and black.
If your German Shepadoodle has the pattern of its German Shepherd parent, it will also have the mixed coat coloring of that breed, with patches of black, cream, tan, brown, blue Belton, and bronze.
The color pattern of your furry friend’s coat will depend on which parent genes are dominant. In addition, Shepadoodle coats can come in various styles and lengths.
They Are Hypoallergenic
Many people would want to add a dog to their families but are unfortunately allergic to them. They might suffer from allergies or respiratory issues that get irritated by dog dander.
The Sheepadoodle is one of the best options for individuals who suffer from dog allergies. They are considered hypoallergenic dogs and are suitable for anyone intolerant of dog hair.
They tend to shed less. You can reduce their shedding by grooming them regularly. It would be best to brush their coats at least four times weekly to reduce shedding.
The hypoallergenic qualities are because of the Poodle genes. The German Shepadoodles F1 generation has a wavy coat that sheds less. The F1B generation has a curly coat that is nearly non-shedding.
So, if you bring a German Shepadoodle home, you will never have to worry about dander fouling your indoor air quality.
However, while German Shepadoodles are considered hypoallergenic, it is essential to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
They May Not Always Be Ideal For Apartments
If you live in smaller living spaces, such as an apartment or condo, a German Shepadoodle may not be the right dog for you. They are active and energetic dogs that need plenty of space to play around.
They inherit the energy, desire to play, and need to burn energy from their lineage. The German Shepherd is considered one of the most active and energetic dogs.
Therefore, the German Shepadoodles are suited to homes with a large garden where they can play, walk, and run around.
You will need to take your German Shepadoodle out for a walk or run at least twice a week. They are affectionate dogs that love companionship and will appreciate walking with you.
Lack of exercise can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing and excessive barking.
German Shepadoodles Need Moderate Maintenance
Dogs with shorter coats need little hair maintenance than those with longer coats because there will be minimal tangling or matting.
Fortunately, German Shepadoodles have shorter coats. This means you will not have to spend most of your time maintaining their coats.
The thicker coat needs a little work. However, you will only have to brush your furry friend’s coat a few times a week instead of daily.
Regardless of the hair length, they do not shed much. In addition, you will not have to bathe them often since their fur hardly emits an odor.
Bathing them once in two months is enough. It is advisable not to bathe them too often as it can affect their natural oil on the skin.
You will need to keep an eye on them as they can be prone to infections. Moisture and debris lead to infection and irritation.
You can consider taking your furry friend to a professional groomer at least once a year.
They Make Wonderful Family Pets
A well-socialized and trained German Shepadoodle will bring great joy to your family. The Shepadoodle is a kid-friendly, free-spirited, and fun-loving dog that loves being around its family.
However, you will need to supervise interactions between them and your kids before they are socially trained.
They Come In Different Sizes
German Shepadoodles come in three different: toy, mini, and standard. Toy Shepadoodles are the smallest version created by crossing a Toy Poodle with a German Shepherd.
Mini Shepadoodles result from crossing a Miniature Poodle with a German Shepherd. Standard Shepadoodles are created by crossing a German Shepherd with a standard Poodle.
German Shepadoodles Are Easy To Train
The German Shepadoodle is an intelligent dog with an easy-to-please temperament. This makes them easy to train and socialize with people and other pets. They will quickly learn basic dog commands at an early age.
Like designer dogs, training, socialization, and discipline should be introduced early. If you purchase an older German Shepadoodle, you can seek assistance from a professional dog trainer.
The best way to train your dog is through positive reinforcement.
They Are Prone To Some Health Conditions
The German Shepadoodle is prone to health issues like any other dog breed. The common health issues are Von Willebrand’s Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Cancer, Bloat, and Dental disease.
Your furry friend may also be susceptible to ear infections and allergies. The lifespan of a healthy German Shepadoodle is between 12 and 15 years.
The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Breed
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize hybrid dog breeds.
Since the German Shepadoodle is a hybrid dog created by crossing a German Shepherd with a Poodle, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
However, the breed is recognized by other registries in the USA, like the American Canines Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Conclusion
The Shepadoodle or German Shepadoodle is an intelligent, friendly, loyal, and playful dog that makes a great family pet.
The dog’s intelligent and easy-to-please personality makes it easy to train and socialize with humans and other pets.
These adorable dogs shed less and are considered hypoallergenic. Therefore, they are a great choice for individuals who suffer from dog allergies.
Like other dog breeds, your German Shepadoodle may be prone to some health conditions, such as hip dysplasia and Von Willebrand’s disease.
They also need regular grooming to maintain a healthy and quality coat.