Let’s discuss some pros and cons of owning a Shepadoodle to see if they match your household. In your quest for the perfect Doodle, you may have come across the Shepadoodle.
Shepadoodles are a cross of the German Shepherd and Poodle, combining the best of both worlds. But you may have questions about what it is like owning one.
Pros
Temperament
Number one on our pros list is the fantastic Shepadoodle temperament. When you own a Shepadoodle, you get a dog entirely devoted to everything you do.
Shepadoodles are known for their intelligence, ability to read people, and courageous spirit. Shepadoodles are very sure of themselves and never waiver in decision-making.
But don’t be discouraged by this serious demeanor. They are also very playful and loving pets that enjoy quality time with their owners.
Intelligence
German Shepherds and Poodles are both highly intelligent breeds. Which makes the Shepadoodle get a double whammy of brains.
Shepadoodles are driven by pleasing their owners and completing tasks with excellence. Your new Shepadoodle will look forward to training sessions and rising to the top of any class.
They retain information well and have the memory of an elephant. Training your puppy in basic commands and moving on to more complicated tricks will not take long.
Shedding
The Shepadoodle was created to be a low-shedding dog. They were great for cops who had allergies but needed a canine unit.
The low-shedding coats of Shepadoodles make them great for kids, asthmatics, or allergy sufferers.
But this isn’t the only plus to having a low-shedding dog; it also means less cleaning and more playing time.
You will no longer worry about your Shepadoodle shedding all over your house before company comes over.
Lower Cost
Shepadoodles are relatively common all over the USA. Since German Shepherds and Poodles are very common and reasonably priced, making it no different for Shepadoodles.
Since the rise in popularity of the Shepadoodle, you can get one for as low as $250. But beware of cheaper puppies.
These lower costs don’t always mean the best quality. The higher-quality puppies will cost around $1,800. Aiming for a middle ground is the best way to steer clear of backyard breeders.
Common
Another factor that makes the Shepadoodle so economical is that they are common. Choosing a common breed means that the costs are down in all directions.
You will not have to pay a hefty deposit or be on a waiting list for long. You also won’t have to worry about transporting your new puppy from another location.
Transporting fees can be pricey and stressful for young puppies.
Energy Levels
If you have a very active lifestyle, the Shepadoodle is right for you. Your Shepadoodle will be running right along at your side, regardless of your favorite hobbies.
But they are not all gone. They also love to have relaxing days, spending quality time with their families.
As long as they get a good walk-in before bed, your Shepdoodle will thrive. They love playing and running just as much as their lazy days.
Maturity
Shepadoodles are known to be mentally mature a little faster than most Doodles.
Shepadoodles tend to inherit the majestic intelligence and demeanor of the German Shepherd and calm down quicker than other dogs. Most Doodles only calm down after about three years.
But your Shepadoodle will start to slow down his hyperactivity early. This maturity doesn’t mean they won’t love to rough house. It just means that they will reserve playtime for when it is acceptable.
Sizes
Another great feature of the Shepadoodle is its size. Ask your breeder about minis if a 50-90 pound Shepadoodle seems daunting.
Depending on your breeder, these Mini Shepadoodles will only get 30-40 pounds. These medium-sized dogs can be better for smaller houses or houses with small yards.
They can also be better around kids than larger breeds that could knock down infants.
Life Spans
A Shepadoodle lifespan can be anywhere from 12-14 years. This is longer than most large breed dogs; you can extend it with tender love and care.
You will have plenty of time to love and care for your new best friend. Longer lifespans are hard to find in large breeds because they mature so quickly, but with the Shepadoodle, that rule seems not to apply.
In fact, it’s not uncommon to see healthy senior Shepadoodles beyond 15.
Guard Dog
One significant trait of the Shepadoodle is that they are very protective. Shepadoodles will guard you and your home with little training to do so.
They have the instinct to be loyal and watchful built into their genetics. They will defend you and all those close to you. This loyalty and defensiveness made them such great police dogs and military dogs as well.
Great For Families
Shepadoodles are great family dog. They are careful around children and will keep them from harm. It will be like your children have a furry watchdog over them.
Shepadoodles are great at judging people’s sensitivities and weaknesses. They are careful and mindful of when they should be close or when they need time away.
Cons
Moderate/High Energy
While high energy levels can be a pro for some, it can also be a con. If you do not leave the house enough, your Shepadoodle will start developing bad behaviors.
Their built-up energy will cause them to chew, mark, become aggressive, dig, or engage in other ill behavior.
They must have a decent backyard and daily walks. But it is ok to miss a couple of walks here and there.
Not Great For Apartments
Shepadoodles, even minis, require more space than an apartment can provide them. Even if you take them on multiple walks daily, they will not have the space to feel comfortable.
Your Shepadoodle will feel closed in small spaces without room to roam free. It would feel claustrophobic, which can cause many other issues.
Need A Lot Of Training
Shepadoodles, by nature, need to have a lot of training. Not in the sense that they have a lot of behavioral issues, but that they need the enrichment.
You will spend at least 30 minutes daily doing training exercises or agility training. Shepadoodles need this enrichment to keep their minds sharp and to fulfill their need for a task.
Without having tasks and challenges, your Shepadoodle might develop nervous habits.
These anxious feelings can cause your dog a lot of emotional distress and can release itself by doing behaviors they know are wrong.
Advanced
In addition to needing a lot more training, a Shepadoodle is not for a beginner dog owner.
This breed can be a magnificent dog for an advanced owner, but in the wrong hands, you could be looking at a problematic dog.
Shepadoodles need owners who can spend much time with them throughout the day. They need an owner that is willing to exercise and train them regularly.
They need an owner that can dedicate their time and effort to them without distractions.
Grooming
Doodles are highly sought after for their low-shedding coats. But few owners consider the grooming necessary to maintain these coats.
You will need to spend time every day detangling and brushing your Shepadoodle. You will likely have to invest in a few grooming supplies the average dog owner does not need.
And also, you will need to pay for professional grooming every 6-12 weeks for life. This is an added cost that most owners do not consider.
Health
While there are always medical concerns with every breed, this may be an essential factor for some owners.
Shepadoodle health concerns include eye, hip, joint dysplasia, blood clotting, and skin diseases. You can get DNA tests and X-rays to prevent these traits from being passed to other generations.
But, these tests can be incomplete. It is best to talk about your concerns with your breeder and vet before deciding on any puppy.
Socialization
Another con to think of is socialization. When done correctly, socialization will bring a dog that behaves well in all situations.
But, if you do not start early, your seemingly beautiful puppy will grow into a dog that does not like people or other animals.
A Shepadoodle that is not properly socialized can cause trouble and accidents later. Socialization is just as important as training.
In Conclusion
If you are still with us through all the Shepadoodle pros and cons, then a Shepadoodle might be the right dog for you. Choosing just one breed is never easy to do, but hopefully, this list will direct you in the right direction.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
