One exceptional Doodle that doesn’t get enough credit is the Sheltidoodle. These dogs are the perfect choice for families of all types. Whether you are an experienced pet owner, or this is your first dog. The Sheltidoodle is right for you. But don’t take our word for it. Let’s look at all the Sheltidoodle pros and cons.
Pros Of Owning A Sheltidoodle
When comparing the Sheltidoodle pros and cons, you will see the pros outweigh the cons. These are all of the beautiful reasons you need a Sheltidoodle today.
#1 Hypoallergenic
The best part of owning a Doodle is that they are hypoallergenic. But what does hypoallergenic mean? Sheltidoodle hypoallergenic coats don’t continuously shed like short-haired dogs. You won’t have to clean and dust your house as often with a Doodle. And they save you money on replacement air filters.
Hypoallergenic dogs are also fantastic for specific ailments. If you suffer from eczema, seasonal allergies, or asthma, a Doodle is perfect for you. With less dander around the house, your dog is least likely to make these illnesses from flaring up.
#2 Training
Everyone loves a smart dog, and Sheltidoodle intelligence is incomparable to any other. Your Sheltidoodle catches on quickly to your commands and easy to potty train. But what makes the Sheltidoodle so smart?
One quality that makes them so brilliant is their mix. Since the Sheltidoodle is a hybrid breed, they have the best of both worlds. The purebred Sheltie originally served as a protector and herding dog. And the Poodle is an intelligent hunting breed. When you mix these two qualities, it makes for a superior dog.
Your Sheltidoodle will love training. They crave making their owners happy and learning new things. So if you get a Sheltidoodle, you should account for regular training sessions.
#3 Sheltidoodle Temperament
Sheltidoodles are one of the kindest and loyal dogs you have ever met. They love their families and stick by their sides no matter what. Many owners seek out this breed because of their potential for being a therapy dog. Your Sheltidoodle picks up on emotions well and act accordingly.
But other than affection, your Sheltidoodle also loves to run and play. They enjoy sports and activities of all kinds. So if you are an active person, these dogs will love to come along with you. Running, jumping, swimming are all activities your Doodle would love to go along to do.
#4 Lifespan
The worst part of owning a pet is saying goodbye. If we could help that, we would put that part off for as long as possible. Luckily for you, the Sheltidoodle has a long lifespan. With an average of 12-15 years, goodbye is a long way away.
And you can extend their life even longer with a few tips. Breeding is an essential aspect. If your dog has lousy breeding, making it to 15 years is difficult. But if your dog has superior genetics, they could easily live 16 or more years.
Other things to take into consideration are diet and exercise. Feeding a high-quality diet and regular exercise keeps your Sheltidoodle healthy and strong. And when you combine that with regular vet check-ups, your dog will feel invincible.
#5 Sizes
The standard Sheltidoodle weighs anywhere from 30-60 pounds. But they also come in mini sizes for those who want smaller dogs. A Mini Sheltidoodle is a cross of the Sheltie and Mini Poodle. These Sheltidoodle full grown sizes are slightly smaller than the standards. And the typical weight of a mini is 25-35 pounds, depending on the size of the parents.
But did you know that there are also Toy Sheltidoodles? The Toy Sheltidoodle is an F1B cross, meaning a Doodle crossed back to Poodle. To get these smaller sizes, the Mini Sheltidoodle is a cross of the Mini Sheltidoodle and Toy Poodle. They typically only get 15-25 pounds, but the sizes do vary depending on the breeder.
#6 Barking
If you are looking for a dog that doesn’t bark a lot, the Sheltidoodle is for you. Sheltidoodles rarely bark and are great for apartments. It also saves you peace of mind knowing that your neighbors won’t complain of your dog waking them up at 3 am.
Sheltidoodles don’t even bark at strangers, which is an excellent quality to have if you have guests regularly. But if you are looking for a watchdog, these Doodles aren’t for you.
#7 Cost
The average Sheltidoodle price is $200-$500. That’s a considerable price reduction compared to other designer breeds. Instead of spending thousands on a new pet, you could bring these Doodles home without breaking the bank. That means you can spend more money spoiling your pet with plenty of toys and accessories.
#8 Moderate Energy Levels
Some Doodles have a bad rap for their hyper personalities and never-ending energy. But the Sheltidoodle is far from that. The Sheltidoodle has a medium energy level that requires daily walks and playtime. Activities like fetch, tug-of-war, and going to the dog park are plenty enough for this dog.
Even with loving activity, your Sheltidoodle will love cuddling. On rainy days, they would like nothing more than to cuddle up close to you. But be careful! They quickly turn into couch potatoes if they don’t get enough exercise.
#9 Great Family Dogs
And the last pro of owning Sheltidoodles is that they make fantastic family pets. Your Sheltidoodle will love your kids, grandkids, and even the neighbor’s kids. Their perky and sociable personalities make them great candidates for family pets.
Cons Of Owning Sheltidoodles
Next on our Sheltidoodle pros and cons list are the negatives. Every pet has a downside, no matter how great they are. But not everyone minds these downsides. Keep reading to find out if there are any deal-breakers for you.
#1 Grooming
Having a hypoallergenic dog has so many great qualities. But it also means that they have high maintenance upkeep. When you own a Doodle, you sign up for life-long grooming and haircuts. All of which takes a little extra money and time.
The longer your Sheltidoodle’s coat is, the more work it will need. Typically, Sheltidoodle owners can expect to brush their dogs daily. This step is especially crucial to dogs with a coat longer than one inch. At over an inch, your Doodle’s coat will knot easily. The more tangles you have, the more prone to matting your dog will be.
You will also need to take your Doodle to the groomer every 6-8 weeks. During this appointment, your dog will get the works. A much-needed bath, nail trim, and hair cut is the standard, but there are several things you can add. Most Doodle owners start these appointments as young as 12 weeks to train their puppies well. So you should factor in these added costs.
#2 Separation Anxiety
Sheltidoodles are highly intelligent creatures that crave the affection of their owners. Sometimes, they need more than what we can give them. Sheltidoodles are prone to severe separation anxiety. If you work long hours, a Doodle might not be the best option for you.
There are, of course, ways to have your dream dog and work. After all, you have to pay for those haircuts and food. Some people find that hiring a dog walker to come by once a day is sufficient enough. And there are also Doggie Daycares everywhere that sell package deals.
Both of those options get your Doodle out of the house and acquainted with other dogs. It is also a great way to give your dog the exercise they need to stay fit. That way, both you and your dog can live happy lives.
#3 Health
Sheltidoodles are generally a healthy breed. But no dog is immune to illness. There are a few myths that Doodles have hybrid vigor. While being a mixed breed does reduce the chances of disease, it doesn’t eliminate it. Genetics is a fickle thing and sometimes gets passed down against all odds.
Sheltidoodles are prone to:
- Cushing’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin diseases
- Eye disease
- Addison’s
- And epilepsy
If you get a Sheltidoodle, there is a chance that any of these can affect your dog with age. And that might change your mind.
#4 Bad Breeders
As with many designer breeds, they are prone to bad breeders. People see them as a way to make a quick buck and ruin the genetic lines in the long run. When you buy from a breeder, it is a good idea to vet them. Interview them and tour the facilities to make sure their morals like up with your own.
Some of the things we look for in a reputable breeder is:
- DNA testing
- Small facilities
- Dogs treated as pets
- Birthing areas are clean and odor-free
- All puppies are vet certified
- No cages
- Climate controlled conditions
These are the basics that we look for to rule out puppy mills and backyard breeders. You are more than welcome to tailor it to your values for the best puppy ever.
Is The Sheltidoodle For You?
Did we convince you that the Sheltidoodle is perfect? Looking at the Sheltidoodle pros and cons, you can see that these dogs are the best around. They make the ideal family pet. And most of all, they are the most comforting dogs to have around. Who doesn’t want and need that?
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
