If you ask yourself what is a German Shepadoodle is, you have come to the right place.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about this amazing dog breed, including its appearance, personality, and grooming needs. Keep reading to learn more.
The German Shepadoodle, or “Shepadoodle,” is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Poodle.
While the German Shepherd and the Poodle have incredibly different personalities, they combine to make a great designer dog.
German Shepadoodles are playful, friendly, and obedient dogs that make great family dogs. They are fairly large and extra fluffy dogs.
Besides, they are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. These designer dogs are considered hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
German Shepadoodle History
As mentioned, the German Shepadoodle is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Poodle. Therefore, to understand the breed’s history, we must first understand the two parent breeds.
The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA and worldwide.
The breed originated in Germany in the 1800s. They were used as herding dogs and to protect farm animals from predators.
They were considered strictly farm dogs and were not used as pets until around WW1 because of their loving and obedient personalities.
As the breed exploded in popularity, it became the most preferred breed for military and police work and disability assistance.
Today, the German Shepherd is the second most registered dog breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The Poodle
Poodles were first discovered in Germany because of their water-resistant coats. They were used for bird hunting and various water-retrieving activities.
They are among the most intelligent breeds that make great family pets. Poodles come in different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
They also come in various colors, such as grey, blue, apricot, black, and white. They are among the most registered dog breeds on the AKC, thanks to their non-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities.
This makes them excellent dogs for individuals who suffer from dog allergies.
The German Shepadoodle Appearance
These adorable hybrid dog breeds can vary significantly in appearance. However, most of them tend to have a combination of brown and black colors.
They may also come in tri-color, white, brown, and black, but they also can be a single dark color.
The coat color of your German Shepadoodle will depend on the coat color of their Poodle and German Shepherd parents.
However, since Poodle coats come in various colors, you can narrow down what general coat color your furry friend will be based on the Poodle parent coat color.
Shepadoodles or German Shepadoodles come in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy or micro.
Toy Shepadoodle/ Micro Shepadoodle
These are the smallest size of the German Shepadoodle. They are created by crossing a Germany Shepherd with a toy or small-sized Poodle.
A fully grown Toy Shepadoodle weighs anywhere between 25 and 35 pounds.
Because of their small sizes, they are perfect for people who live in smaller spaces, such as apartments and condos.
Although they are small-sized, they are active dogs that will need exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Miniature Shepadoodle
The Miniature or Mini Shepadoodle is created by crossing a mini Poodle with a German Shepherd. They are slightly larger than toy Shepadoodles and weigh between 35 and 45 pounds.
Standard Shepadoodle
This is the largest size of the German Shepadoodle. They are larger than the mini German Shepadoodles and weigh more than 45 pounds.
It is important to note that the larger the size of your German Shepodoodle, the more exercise it will need.
Therefore, your standard Shepadoodle will need more exercise than the mini and toy Shepadoodle.
German Shepadoodle Temperament
While the Poodle and German Shepherd are two different breeds that differ in appearance, they share some personality traits. For instance, both are active dogs that were developed as working dogs.
The German Shepadoodle inherits good personality traits from its parent breeds. Shepadoodles are playful, friendly, and affectionate dogs that make great family pets.
They are also intelligent dogs that are easy to train. Besides, they are eager to please their owners. They are loving and affectionate dogs that develop strong bonds with their owners.
Therefore, leaving them home alone can easily lead to separation anxiety. Their high energy levels, mixed with high intelligence, can create a wide range of temperaments.
Because of the high energy levels, they need regular exercise, including running, walking, and stimulation.
Lack of or inadequate exercise can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing and excessive barking.
Generally, the German Shepadoodle is a perfect dog for pet owners who live an active lifestyle. They are easy to train and socialize with other pets.
Besides, they are great with both kids and adults. If you are looking for a dog that will be great with your children, look no further.
Grooming
The grooming needs of German Shepadoodle vary considerably., depending on the traits they inherit and what their coats develop into.
The coat of your German Shepadoodle may gradually change as it matures.
Like other designer dogs, you must brush your German Shepherd’s coat at least three to four times a week.
Brushing will prevent mats and keep the coat clean, especially if it is curly. It also helps to spread the natural oil throughout the dog’s skin, thus keeping it healthy and preventing various skin issues.
Regular brushing will help remove debris and dead hair for a wiry coat. Shepadoodles with longer coats may need to be brushed more often.
Also, it is essential to note that your dog’s coat may change as it grows old. Therefore, you may need to decrease or increase the amount of brushing as they get older.
You can use a slicker brush as it helps to prevent tangles. German Shepadoodles are active and playful dogs that tend to get dirty too often.
Therefore, they will need to be bathed with gentle soap once a month. You should not bathe them more than once a month as it can upset their natural skin pH and cause various problems.
Health Issues
Generally, the German Shepadoodle is a healthy dog breed. As a hybrid breed, they are less prone to various genetic health conditions common to purebred dogs.
However, this does not mean that they are entirely healthy. German Shepadoodles are prone to a few health issues you should keep in mind like other dog breeds.
Here are the common Shepadoodle health conditions.
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Degenerative myelopathy
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Temperament of a German Shepadoodle?
The German Sheepadoodle is a playful, friendly, and affectionate dog. It is also an intelligent dog with a well-mannered disposition, loving nature, and intense loyalty.
They get along with virtually everyone and love playing with kids and other pets.
Do Shepadoodles Bark A Lot?
Shepadoodles are considered quiet dogs that rarely bark when meeting new people or other dogs in the streets.
They are docile pets that like to socialize and interact with people. However, this does not mean they will not bark at all.
Excessive barking can be a sign that something is troubling your furry friend. It could be because of pain, boredom, or separation anxiety.
Are Shepadoodles Easy to Train?
Shepadoodles are intelligent dogs with calm and relaxed demeanors.
Their intelligent and easy-to-please personalities make them easy to train. The best way to train them is through positive reinforcement.
What is the Lifespan of a Shepadoodle?
Under good care and proper nutrition, a Shepadoodle can live 12 to 15 years on average.
It is essential to understand that the lifespan of your furry friend will depend on various things, such as care and health conditions.
Also, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. Therefore, Toy Sheepadoodles and Mini Shepadoodles tend to live longer than Standard Shepadoodles.
Conclusion
The German Shepadoodle is an adorable designer dog that makes a great family pet. These dogs are affectionate and loyal to their family members. Besides, they are less stubborn and easy to train.
Like other designer dogs, your German Shepadoodle will need a lot of care and grooming to live a happy and healthy life.
You will need to brush their coats at least three times a week and bathe them once a month. In addition, your furry friend will require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.