Mini Sheepadoodles are a fluffy cute miniature version of a Standard Sheepadoodle. They look like eternal puppies that will always be at your side and love you with a passion. We understand the draw to these puppies more than anyone else. That is why we have put together a list of all you need to know about Mini Sheepadoodles. By the end of this article, you will be an expert.
Mini Sheepadoodle Size
The first thing you need to know about is the Mini Sheepadoodle size. These small dogs only grow to be 30-35 pounds, which is a lot smaller than the standards. Your Mini Sheepadoodle will stand mear 15-20 inches tall to the shoulder. These small sizes are great for saving you money, easy travel, and many more perks.
Space Needs
Mini Sheepadoodles might seem like the perfect compact dog for any home. But do they actually need space? Mini Sheepadoodles can live comfortably in apartments as long as they have adequate exercise. You will likely have to go on several potty walks a day since you don’t have a yard, but these potty breaks don’t count as exercise. You will still need to take at least an hour-long walk daily to keep your puppy sane inside smaller housing. People with larger homes and backyards will be able to accommodate potty breaks easier than someone in an apartment, but they will also need to take walks around the neighborhood.
Different Names
When looking for a Mini Sheepadoodle, it is important to know other names that they go by. Depending on your area and breeder they can be called:
- Micro Sheepadoodles
- Mini or Micro Sheep-a-poos
- Mini or Micro Sheeppoos
- And Mini or Micro Sheepdogpoos
If you are having a hard time finding a breeder in your area, try searching for these alternative names instead.
Lifespan
Considering lifespan is another crucial aspect when choosing a dog breed. Mini Sheepadoodles have an average life expectancy of 12-15 years. That’s 12-15 years of cuddling your best friend at your side. Who wouldn’t want that?
Sweet Temperament
All you need to know about Mini Sheepadoodles are in their temperament. Your Mini will be the sweetest and kind-hearted dog you will ever know. They will love you through thick and thin and will always be by your side. But they also have a fantastic sense of humor. These little balls of energy will love playing and being their goofy selves.
Family Dog
As mentioned, the Sheepadoodle has a fantastic temperament. Their sweet disposition and understanding of emotions make them great for families. Your Mini Sheepadoodle will accept your children with incredible patience. And don’t worry, if your kids step out of line, your Sheepadoodle will herd them back into place.
Great Watchdog
Mini Sheepadoodles might not be much for protection, but they are an excellent alarm system. Sheepadoodles inherited the drive to protect from their Old English Sheepdog roots. Sheepadoodles will bark and warn of any dangers, but they don’t bark all the time. You won’t have to worry about a yappy little dog that barks at every little thing. But when they do bark, it is always with a purpose.
High Energy Needs
Though the Mini Sheepadoodle loves to cuddle, they are also very high energy. Mini Sheepadoodle puppies will need up to 2 hours of playtime, and they stay high energy until about two years old. So if you live in an apartment, be prepared for lots of walks and playtime to keep your mini happy. Adult Mini Sheepadoodles still have a lot of energy, but they do eventually calm down. You can expect to go for an hour-long walk daily along with some high-intensity games.
Intelligent
Mini Sheepadoodles have a double dose of intelligence with their parents. Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles have high intelligence and ease of training, and the Mini Sheepadoodle is no different. Your Mini will love training and crave the work. You will find that they train faster than most dogs, even if they are going through a stubborn streak.
Mental Stimulation
Since the Mini Sheepadoodle is so intelligent, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. You can give your Doodle stimulation by having training sessions, agility training, and puzzle toys. There are thousands of different games and puzzles you can play with your dog to keep their minds active. If your Sheepadoodle gets bored, they might start looking for trouble, and we don’t want that.
Separation Anxiety
Though Sheepadoodles are intelligent, they also crave attention. Doodles of all breeds are prone to getting separation anxiety. They don’t do well if they are alone for most of the day and could develop serious behavioral problems. Your Sheepadoodle will do best if they have someone with them for most of the day. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. After all, how could you afford to spoil your dog if you never worked? You could hire a dog walker or look into local doggy daycares. Both of these are great options for people who work longer hours.
Hypoallergenic
No doubt that what first drew you to the Sheepadoodle is that they are hypoallergenic. Sheepadoodles don’t shed as much as the Old English Sheepdog, but they do shed to some extent. Since Doodles are a mixed breed, it can be hard to predict what genes pass down to each puppy. Especially with Mini Sheepadoodle puppies, it can be hard to predict before six weeks old. If you are aiming for a Doodle that doesn’t shed much, you will want to seek for a curlier coat type. The curlier a Doodle’s coat is, the less it sheds.
The Amount Of Grooming
All you need to know about Mini Sheepadoodles is that they need lots of grooming. Even if you don’t do anything else according to the books, this needs to be done. Hypoallergenic dogs require a lot of brushing. You can expect to brush your dog for at least 20 minutes daily to keep it healthy and mat-free. You will likely have to buy a few grooming tools for home use, and you will probably use them all daily. Just keep in mind that the longer your dog’s hair is, the more maintenance it is.
Your Micro Sheepadoodle will also need to have a haircut every 6-8 weeks. Since their hair grows continually, these haircuts are crucial for their well-being. Without regular trims, you will spend more time every day to keep your dog’s hair manageable.
Medical Conditions
Before buying any dog, you might want to look into possible conditions they are prone to in the future. Some of these medical conditions are inherited and tested for with a blood test. But others can’t, and they present themselves later in life. Knowing these possible medical conditions can help you plan for the future. Some things that Mini Sheepadoodles are prone to are:
- Bloating
- GI tract issues
- Allergies
- Joint problems
- Seizures
- Eye disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Addison’s disease
- Cushing’s
Not all Sheepadoodles have these issues, but it is possible. Keeping up with check-ups and being knowledgable of the signs can help catch it early.
Cost Of A Sheepadoodle
The average cost of a Mini Sheepadoodle is anywhere from $2-4k. This price can vary depending on your state and your breeder. Mini breeders are not as common as standards, so therefore they will cost more. In some cases, you can find a Mini Sheepadoodle rescue that can cut these costs down by more than fifty percent. But these are just the costs of the Mini Sheepadoodle puppies.
You can expect as a first-time dog owner to spend another $1,000 for all the essential supplies. Then you will have your monthly costs and grooming costs. The average Sheepadoodle owner spends about $60 monthly on food, treats, and toys and another $80 bi-monthly for grooming. Then you have your yearly medical expenses for shots and exams, which can cost about $200-$300. And this doesn’t even include hiring a dog walker or daycare when you are away. Mini Sheepadoodles can get expensive, but they are so worth the cost.
Mini Sheepadoodle Rescue
While most areas don’t have a Sheepadoodle rescue, there are a few things you can look for. Searching for Doodle rescues in your area is one way to go. Doodles are given up every day because their owners can’t care for them anymore. Some recent studies have shown that Doodles in shelters are on the rise every year due to their popularity. These dogs could still be the perfect fit for your home with no mental issues despite the myth. Another route to take is looking for Old English Sheepdog rescues.
It might seem impossible to find a Mini Sheepadoodle going this route, but you could be surprised. Good things always come to those who wait.
Did You Learn It All?
Learning all you need to know about Mini Sheepadoodles can seem like a lot. But once you bring home your puppy, you will see how easy and rewarding owning a Mini Sheep-a-poo can be. They are a quirky little ball of fuzz that we just can’t get enough of. And once you meet one, you will see the draw as well.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
