Their high energy merges that of kids. So, are Sheepadoodles good family dogs? Sheepadoodles are considered great family dogs.
They are loving and very gentle, making them a great fit for any dog-loving family. In addition, they are intelligent dogs that are easy to train.
The Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. This designer breed is one of the most sought-after and adorable-looking Doodle.
They are known for their adorable teddy bear appearance and awesome personality.
Before bringing a dog home, it is important to be sure that your new friend will get along well with the rest of the family.
If you plan to add a Sheepadoodle to your family, you might wonder whether they are good family dogs. Their Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents are known to be friendly dogs.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about Sheepadoodles. Keep reading to learn more.
Sheepadoodle Temperament
Before bringing a dog home, you want to ensure that its personality and temperament match your family dynamics and lifestyle. Here is what you need to know about Sheepadoodle temperament.
Intelligent
The Sheepadoodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They inherit their intelligence from both their Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents.
Because of their high intelligence levels, they are easy to train. They have also inherited the Poodle’s eagerness to please their owners.
However, this great power comes with responsibility. Their high intelligence means your furry friend will require regular mental stimulation.
Lack of mental stimulation can cause boredom which can lead to destructive behaviors like a lot of barking.
You should start training your Sheepadoodle as soon as you bring it home. You must also socialize with other pets and people of all ages. Besides, you should teach them new tricks and manners.
Affectionate And Protective
One of the reasons why Sheepadoodles are a favorite breed for many dog enthusiasts is because they are loyal, affectionate, and protective.
They are very loyal to their handlers and will do anything to protect them. Although large, they will enjoy cuddling with their owners after a long day of playtime and walkies.
With proper training, they can make excellent service and therapy dogs. They tend to keep an eye on any strange movement around the compound or house.
High Energy
Are you looking for an energetic dog? If yes, this is one of the breeds you need to consider.
While some larger Doodles are known to be quite lazy and spend most of their time on the couch, that is not the case with Sheepadoodles.
Sheepadoodles love anything to do with exercise. Because of their high energy levels, they are amazing companions for individuals who lead an active lifestyle. They will willingly join you for your morning exercises.
These dogs inherit their energy from both their parent breeds. The Poodle was first developed for hunting waterfowl, while the Old English Sheepdog was created to drive sheep and cattle.
Challenges Of Raising Sheepadoodles
Like any other breed, raising a Sheepadoodle comes with various challenges. Here are some of them.
Herding And Nipping
One of the traits that these dogs inherit from their Old English Sheepdog parents is the desire to herd other animals and people nearby.
While this behavior looks funny and cute, it can become an issue if not addressed appropriately.
The Old English Sheepdog uses the nipping technique to herd sheep. If your Sheepadoodle inherits this trait, it might be inclined to nip and herd at other pets and small kids.
Fortunately, you can combat the behavior with early socialization and proper training. Also, you should avoid leaving your furry friend with other pets in the house or small kids.
Destructive Chewing
Sheepadoodles are known to chew on anything they come across. You must start training your furry friend early to avoid this behavior.
It is not unlikely for your Sheepadoodle to learn the habit during its adolescent period.
Dogs tend to unlearn all the good behaviors and manners you taught them during adolescence.
However, if you stay consistent and firm with training, the problem will pass down soon. You should contact a professional trainer if you are struggling with a mouthy Sheepadoodle.
Separation Anxiety
Sheepadoodleas are social and outgoing dogs that get attached to their families easily.
While their affectionate and sweet nature makes them excellent family pets, it also means they can often suffer from separation anxiety. The condition can cause excessive stress on your dog.
A dog that experiences separation anxiety can start barking a lot as soon as you leave him alone. Some may become destructive and lose their appetite.
The good thing is that you can manage separation anxiety to some extent.
However, since they are prone to developing separation anxiety, they are not ideal for individuals who spend most of their time away from home.
If you are planning to leave your house, you must ensure someone in your household stays behind to be with your furry friend. You can also hire a professional pet sitter or dog walker for the day.
Energy Levels
As mentioned, Sheepadoodles tend to have high energy levels, a trait they inherit from their Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents.
High energy levels can be a con for some dog owners because it means your furry friend will exercise regularly.
If you are looking for a chilled and super laid-back that does not require much exercise, this is not one of the breeds for you.
If your dog does not get enough exercise, it can lead to various destructive behaviors and separation anxiety.
In addition, it is important to understand that mental and physical stimulation are equally good. Your furry friend will need both to thrive and live a happy life.
Not Ideal for Apartments
Sheepadoodles are fluffy, adorable dogs that make great family pets. However, they are not ideal companions for individuals who reside in apartments.
Their big size and high energy levels are not ideal for apartments.
While many smaller-sized designer breeds can live comfortably in an apartment, Sheepadoodles tend to do better in a more spacious space.
They will need a fenced yard with enough room to play, roam, and run around.
However, that does not mean that your dog should always be outside. The Sheepadoodle is an affectionate designer breed that will need to spend most of the time with you inside the house.
Do Sheepadoodles Bark A Lot?
All dogs are meant to bark, and Sheepadoodles are no exception. However, these dogs are considered moderate as they do not bark a lot.
They are eve-tempered and calm pets and are not known to be very vocal.
If your Sheepadoodle is barking excessively, something might be troubling it. Some common causes of barking in Sheepadoodles are fear, anxiety, excitement, lack of socialization, and boredom.
Barking can also indicate that your furry friend is not getting sufficient physical and mental stimulation or experiencing separation anxiety.
Sheepadoodles are intelligent dogs that are also easy to train. You can teach them easy commands and train them to handle different situations that can trigger barking.
Also, early socialization can help to deal with barking. You can reach out to a professional trainer if you have an adult Sheepadoodle that barks at anything or anyone.
Do Sheepadoodles Shed?
Sheepadoodles are considered low shedders. The Poodle was mixed with the Old English Sheepdog to achieve a low-shedding dog.
The Old English Sheepdog is known to be a heavy shedder and not suitable for individuals who suffer from dander allergy. Sheepdadoodles inherit a low shedding coat from their Poodle parent.
While Sheepadoodles share many amazing personality traits with their Old English Sheepdog parents, they do not shed as much as the parents.
They can inherit a wavy combination coat, a straight Sheepdog double coat, or a more Poodle-like curly coat.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a great family pet, the Sheepadoodle is one of the dog breeds to consider.
They are loving, playful, energetic, and affectionate dogs that can be an excellent addition to any dog-loving family.
They thrive on human interaction and are great with kids. In addition, they are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train and socialize with.