The Shepadoodle is a cross between a German and a Poodle. So, what colors do Shepadoodle dogs come in?
This designer dog inherits the best traits from both parents. The two parent breeds combine to make an intelligent and affectionate dog that makes a great family companion.
These loving pets are great for families with kids. These dogs are friendly, playful, obedient, and easy to please. If you are looking for an excellent pet, this is one of the best options.
They are also easy to train, thanks to their high intelligence. These dogs are relatively large and extra fluffy. However, their size depends on the Poodle used in the breeding program.
The Shepadoodle is an increasingly popular doodle trend thanks to its hypoallergenic and non-shedding qualities. Therefore, they are ideal for people with allergies.
Considering that German Shepherds and Poodles come in a wide variety of colors, you can expect their offspring (Shepadoodle) to come in different colors, too.
If you plan to add a Shepadoodle to your family, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the Shepadoodle, including its colors, grooming, and health issues.
Keep reading to learn more.
Shepadoodle Colors
As mentioned, the Shepadoodle is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Poodle with a German Shepherd. The two parent breeds come in a wide range of colors.
For instance, the Poodle comes in around ten coat colors recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Poodles can be black, white, apricot, blue, red, brown, silver, or gray.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd can be black, silver, black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, or white.
They can also be sable, silver, gray, blue, or bi-color. The American Kennel Club accepts all these colors.
There is no standard look when it comes to the Shepadoodle. The German Shepherd genes combine with the Poodle genes to give offspring of various colors.
The common Shepadoodle colors are gray, black, tan, and white. Your furry friend can also have a tri-color coat (black, white, and brown).
Shepadoodle coats can be one solid color or a combination of colors depending on the color of the parent breeds used in the breeding program.
However, even considering their parents’ coloring will not provide certainties. A recessive gene can sometimes mask the dominant color in the parent breeds.
This means your Shepadoodle puppy may sometimes develop colors you did not expect.
In addition, your furry friend’s coat color may change as they develop from puppyhood to adulthood. As with human beings, older Shepadoodles can go gray.
Since the Shepadoodle is not an official breed, any coat color is accepted.
Shepadoodle Size
Generally, Shepadoodles are considered large dogs. However, their size largely depends on the Poodle used in the mix.
Poodles come in different sizes: Toy, Mini, and Standard. Here are the popular Shepadoodle sizes.
Micro or Toy Shepadoodle
The Micro or Toy Shepadoodle is the smallest size for this hybrid dog breed. It results from crossing a small-sized Toy Poodle with a medium-sized German Shepherd.
When fully grown, a Toy Shepadoodle weighs between 25 and 35 pounds. These small-sized dogs are ideal for people in small living spaces, such as condos and apartments.
Mini Shepadoodle
A mini or miniature Shepadoodle is larger than a toy Shepadoodle but smaller than a standard Shepadoodle.
They are the most popular Shepadoodles and are great for families with kids. They weigh between 35 and 45 pounds when fully grown.
If you want a Shepadoodle to play with your kids, this is the right size to consider. They are great for people who live in small houses, condos, and apartments.
However, despite their small size, they are active and energetic dogs that need regular exercise. You should take them out for a walk at least three to four times weekly.
Standard Shepadoodle
The Standard Shepadoodle is the largest Shepadoodle size. It is any Shepadoodle weighing over 45 pounds.
A Standard Shepadoodle may not be the right dog for you if you live in an apartment or condo. They are ideal for people with larger living spaces.
It is essential to remember that the larger your Shepadoodle’s size, the more exercise your furry friend will need daily.
Standard Shepadoodles need a lot of exercises compared to mini and toy Shepadoodles.
Since they are active dogs with high energy levels, lack of exercise can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking.
Health of The Shepadoodle
The Shepadoodle is a hardy and healthy dog that easily lives to be 15 years old despite its size. However, as with other dog breeds, your furry friend will need good care and proper nutrition to live longer.
While Shepadoodles are healthy and hardy dogs, that does not mean they are immune to health issues.
They can be susceptible to common health issues in both parent breeds. Here are the common Shepadoodle health issues.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy is a common health condition in German Shepherds. It leads to weakness of hind limbs due to progressive damage to the spinal cord.
In severe cases, it can lead to complete paralysis of the hind legs. Unfortunately, this condition does not have a known cure. However, you can help your furry friend through medications.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is also a common health condition in German Shepherds. It is a degenerative malformation of the hip joint that causes pain, lameness, and difficulty walking.
The condition can be diagnosed and treated by x-rays of the hip to stop its progression. However, the final solution is to have your furry friend undergo surgery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a hereditary eye condition that causes irreversible degeneration of the Shepadoodle’s retina. In severe cases, it can result in total blindness of the dog.
The condition is common in their Poodle parents. While there is no known effective treatment for the condition, it is slow, progressive, and painless. This allows your dog to adjust to their loss of vision gradually.
Gastric Dilation and Gastric Torsion
This is a fatal health issue in which the Shepadoodle’s stomach fills with gas and fluid, expands and twists on itself, compressing other organs and arteries and obstructing blood circulation.
It is common in large-sized dogs (Standard Shepadoodles) and is caused by rapid intake of abundant water or food, followed by physical exertion.
Shepadoodle Grooming
Like other designer dogs, your Shepadoodle will need regular grooming to maintain its health and quality coat.
Grooming their coats can help prevent the formation of dreadlocks and knots that can affect their health and prevent proper skin transpiration.
Whether your Shepadoodle has the curly, smooth coat of the Poodle or the coarse, straight coat of the German Shepherd, it is recommended to be brushed at least four to five times a week.
Brushing will help prevent the formation of mats and tangles. Shepadoodles tend to shed less, thanks to the genetic influence of their Poodle parents. Therefore, coat care is more effortless.
In addition to brushing, you must bathe them once every two months. Frequent bathing is not recommended as it can damage their skin.
Because of the amount of hair on these adorable dogs, it is essential to check their ears regularly and remove excess hair.
Cleaning their ears thoroughly once or twice a month will help prevent ear infections. Also, you will need to trim their nails.
Conclusion
Shepadoodles are playful, affectionate, friendly, and loyal dogs that make great family pets.
Considering that their Poodle and German Shepherd parents come in many colors, you can expect the Shepadoodle to come in various colors.
They can be gray, tan, black, white, or a combination of two or three colors. Shepadoodles also come in different sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle used in the breeding program.