If you have wondered what kind of coat Sheepadoodles have, you have come to the right place.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about Sheepadoodle coat type and their colors. Keep reading to learn more.
The Sheepadoodle is one of the most sought-after designer dog breeds. It is a cross between a Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog.
They are intelligent, fun-loving, and energetic dogs that inherit the best qualities from each parent.
Their natural ability to read human emotions makes them excellent emotional support dogs.
They are also wonderful pets, perfect for any dog-loving family. They have a soft thick furry coat that can be either curly, wavy, or straight.
Their coat is considered hypoallergenic and does not shed as much as most other dog breeds.
Sheepadoodle Coat
The Sheepadoodle is a hybrid dog with a low to moderate shedding coat. Their shedding level depends on various factors, such as the parent the dog takes after and other external factors we will look at later.
Sheepadoodles have curly or straight coats. They can be double or single-coated. Single-coated dogs, such as the Poodle, tend to shed less.
Poodles have tight, curly coats considered hypoallergenic by the American KJennel Club.
While many people love the companionship of keeping dogs as pets, some cannot raise them because of allergies. Hypoallergenic dogs tend to have hair instead of fur.
They do not shed much and produce much dander, which can trigger allergic reactions.
It is important to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. If your Sheepadoodle inherits the coat of its Poodle parent, it will have a hypoallergenic coat that shed less.
They will have a double coat if they take after the Old English Sheepdog. Double-coated Sheepadoodles have two layers of fur.
They have a less dense outer coat and a dense undercoat. The outer coat helps repel water and dirt, while the undercoat provides insulation against cold.
Double-coated dogs normally shed their fur throughout the year. Shedding intensifies during spring and fall.
During this period, your furry friend will need proper grooming to prevent the matting and tangling of fur.
Sheepadoodle Coat Colors
Sheepadoodles come in a wide variety of colors. Here are the common coat colors.
Black Sheepadoodle
A Sheepadoodle can be all black, including its face, paws, chest, and body. The black Sheepadoodle coat is typically inherited from the Poodle parent.
Black-colored Sheepadoodles are created mainly by breeding an Old English Sheepdog with a solid black Poodle.
Since the genes are mostly inherited from the Poodle side, you can expect most black Sheepadoodles to have wavy or curly coats, like their Poodle parents.
These Sheepadoodles are considered relatively rare since they must inherit all Poodle genes.
Black and White Sheepadoodle
When someone talks of a Sheepadoodle, chances are they are referring to a Black and White Sheepadoodle.
This type of coat color comes in two different forms: it can be mostly black or mostly white. In most cases, the white color tends to be the most dominant.
However, these Sheepadoodles have white paws, noses, and white chests in all cases.
The genetics and coat color of a Black and White Sheepadoodle is inherited from the Old English Sheepdog side.
These dogs can also be referred to as parti Sheepadoodles. Some breeders will also refer to them as Tuxedo Sheepadoodles.
White Sheepadoodle
White Sheepadoodles are very similar to black Sheepadoodles. They are created mainly by crossing a light-colored Old English Sheepdog with a white-colored Poodle.
In this case, the Sheepadoodle can inherit the Poodle color and be all white.
These Sheepadoodles are rarer than multi-colored ones since they inherit the Old English Sheepdog genetics.
Tri-Color Sheepadoodle
Tri-colored Sheepadoodles are usually a combination of black, white, and brown. In this case, black and brown bind together.
While black is a dominant color over brown, you may sometimes see feds of brown in black.
Brown usually appears when you cross an Old English Sheepdog with a red or apricot Poodle. It can also show up when you cross an Old English Sheepdog with a brindle, merle, or parti Poodle.
These Sheepadoodles are highly sought after and attract high prices.
Merle Sheepadoodle
These Sheepadoodles are rare. Merle is a genetic pattern that causes patches of color on a dog’s coat.
Most Australian Shepards possess blue merle and red merle patterns. Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs can be merle-colored, although merle Old English Sheepdogs are rare.
To get a Merle Sheepadoodle, you will need a Poodle that is a dominant carrier of merle or an Old English Sheepdog that is a carrier of the M Locus gene (merle gene).
Unfortunately, Old English Sheepdogs are not carriers of the M Locus gene. This makes merle Sheepadoodles quite rare.
Gray Sheepadoodle
Gray Sheepadoodles are common because they specifically take after several Old English Sheepdog colors.
How To Minimize Sheepadoodle Shedding
Sheepadoodles are considered low shedders. However, there are other things you can do to minimize shedding around your house.
Brushing
All dogs shed, so Sheepadoodles are not an exception. No matter how often you vacuum, some fur will always be left behind on the surface. While you cannot completely stop shedding, you can minimize it.
Brushing is one of the most efficient ways to reduce shedding in Sheepadoodles. It helps remove loose and dead fur.
This keeps the dog’s coat healthy and reduces shedding. Regular brushing can also help to reduce mats and tangles, which can cause more shedding.
Using The Right Brush
When brushing your dog, choosing the right brush for its coat type is essential.
You can use a rubber curry brush or a bristle brush if your furry friend has a shorter coat. You must use a pin brush or a slicker brush if the coat is longer.
Using The Right Shampoo
Before choosing the shampoo to use, it is important to consider the type of your Sheepadoodle’s coat.
If the coat is thick, you will need a shampoo to help reduce mats and tangles. You will want to look for a hypoallergenic shampoo if they have sensitive skin.
Provide a Stress-Free Environment
Most dogs’ fur seems thinner and patchy in areas when stressed for several days. While shedding is normal, excessive shedding can signify that something is not okay.
Stress can interfere with the dog’s immune system, leading to hair loss. Therefore, you must provide your furry friend with a stress-free environment.
Healthy Diet
Giving your furry friend a healthy diet will help to reduce shedding. You can give them omega-3 fatty acids to keep the coat healthy.
Factors That Determine How Much A Sheepadoodle Sheds
Here are the factors that will determine how much your Sheepadoodle sheds.
Genetics
Genetics is the leading factor that determines how much Sheepadoodles shed.
Sheepadoodles that are 50% Old English Sheepdog and 50% Poodle will shed more than those that are 75% Poodle and 25% Old English Sheepdog.
Diet
Like with other dogs, your Sheepadoodle’s diet can impact its shedding. A Sheepadoodle fed on a high-quality diet will shed less because its fur will be well-nourished and healthy.
On the other hand, Sheepadoodles that are not well-fed are likely to have dry, brittle fur that sheds more. A good diet will also help coat and skin, making the dog less prone to shedding.
Health
Healthy dogs will always shed less than those in poor health. Various health conditions, such as allergies, can cause itchy patches and hair loss.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your furry friend is healthy to reduce shedding.
Lifestyle
Your dog will shed less if it is happy and living in a stress-free environment. Dogs locked up in a rescue center and lacking exercise is usually more stressed. Such dogs are likely to shed more.
Conclusion
Sheepadoodles are hypoallergenic and low shedders, thanks to their wavy and curly coats.
Their coats come in various colors, such as black, white, black and white, and gray. There are also merle Sheepadoodle and tri-color Sheepadoodles.