Shepadoodles may have a goofy name but these charming pups make excellent family dogs. Popular for its playful intelligence and loyalty, the German Shepherd Poodle mix is excellent both as a companion and a watchdog.
So, what exactly is a Shepadoodle? The German Shepherd Poodle mix is a cross between the German Shepherd and Poodle breeds. This crossbreed has the fierce loyalty of the German shepherd breed and the intelligence of the Poodle. This breed is typically medium-sized with a fluffy coat that comes in a variety of colors.
Hybrids like the German Shepherd mix come with a host of advantages. However, it may be difficult to predict just what to expect from a crossbred pup. Our guide will explore everything you need to know about the Shepadoodle breed including:
- Life expectancy and health issues
- Cost and where to adopt from
- Temperament
- Grooming ideas for your Shepadoodle
What Is A German Shepherd Poodle Mix Called?
A German Shepherd Poodle mix is called a Shepadoodle. This crossbreed is also sometimes referred to as a Shepherd Poodle.
The Shepadoodle is considered a doodle breed, a term that refers to Poodle hybrids. This designer breed is obtained by crossing the German Shepherd and Poodle breeds.
The Shepadoodle combines the best traits of its parent breeds. Shepadoodles are hypoallergenic, intelligent, loving, and loyal dogs. Their appearance also combines German Shepherd and Poodle traits.
Shepadoodle Size
The German Shepherd Poodle mix is a middle to large-sized breed. The weight of these dogs can vary significantly depending on which parent breed they get the most traits from. Shepadoodles typically weigh between 50 to 125 pounds while their height can range from 22 to 28 inches.
Shepadoodle Coat
Shepadoodles come in a variety of colors and coat lengths. Their coats will typically be fluffy with long or curly hair. These pups shed very little and are great companions for people with allergies.
Coat colors of Shepadoodles can range from black, black and white, tan, cream, or sable.
How Long Do German Shepherd Poodle Mixes Live For?
Crossbreeds tend to have fewer genetic illnesses than pure breeds. The German Shepherd Poodle mix is no exception.
A healthy German Shepherd Poodle mix breed has a lifespan of 12 – 14 years.
With proper nutrition and care, you can expect your fur-buddy to live a long healthy life.
Your Shepadoodle may inherit some genetic illnesses from its German Shepherd and Poodle parents. Here are some of the health problems you need to keep a lookout for.
Joint problems
Like other medium to large-sized dog breeds, the German Shepherd Poodle mix can be susceptible to joint issues.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common joint issues among Shepadoodles. They can cause your pooch pain and difficulty in walking.
Bloat
Bloat is a common condition in German Shepherds and some Shepadoodles may inherit the susceptibility to this condition. Bloat causes your pup’s stomach to become distended and can be fatal if not treated early enough.
Eye problems
Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are some eye problems that Shepadoodles can suffer from. Regular check-ups will ensure that any eye infections are caught and treated early to prevent blindness.
Pancreatitis
Both German Shepherds and Poodles are susceptible to pancreatitis. In some cases, this tendency is passed on to the Shepadoodle. Pancreatitis can be painful and debilitating for dogs and requires speedy medical intervention to avoid complications.
Thyroid disorders
The German Shepherd Poodle mix can be prone to thyroid abnormalities such as hypothyroidism. Some common symptoms of thyroid disorders include sudden weight gain, sluggishness, and skin problems.
How Much Do Shepadoodles Cost?
Designer breeds like the German Shepherd Poodle mix can be expensive. However, since these pups come with hybrid vigor and a host of other desirable traits, they are well worth the price.
So just how much does a Shepadoodle cost? A Shepadoodle costs between $1,000 to $3,000. This cost can vary from breeder to breeder. If you want specific traits such as a particular eye or coat color, the cost may be even higher. For Shepadoodles with a superior pedigree, the cost can be as high as $6,000.
Here are some of the factors that impact the cost of Shepadoodles.
Breeder
The cost of a Shepadoodle will vary from breeder to breeder. High-quality breeders that specialize in show quality dogs will on average be more expensive than backyard breeders and shelters. However, when you buy from a reputable breeder you can be certain of the pedigree of your Shepadoodle.
Coat color
One of the most distinctive features of the Shepadoodle is the hypoallergenic fluffy coat. This coat comes in a variety of colors with some being more common than others.
Shepadoodle puppies with black or black with white coats are generally cheaper since these colors are common in Shepadoodles. Puppies with rare coat colors such as red with white or chocolate will generally cost more.
Location
Shepadoodles are a rare crossbreed and with the increase in their popularity, their demand is quite high. This means that in some areas, prices can be quite high.
You may find that breeders in your location have long waiting lists for Shepadoodle puppies. In such cases, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $6,000.
Are Shepadoodles Good Dogs? Temperaments Of Shepadoodles
Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are known for their loyalty. So, what do you get when you cross these two exceptional breeds?
Loyal and protective
The Shepadoodle is a loyal companion who is devoted to their family. Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs and companions.
Intelligent
The Shepadoodle is a notoriously smart breed. These pups are easy to train and pick up commands and tricks very fast. Keeping your Shepadoodle engaged with toys and physical activities is important since these smart pups can get easily bored.
Calm and well-mannered
If you want a calm pooch that will not be a noise nuisance, the Shepadoodle is perfect.
Shepadoodles are naturally calm and not prone to incessant barking. These dogs are also well-mannered and will get on well with children and other pets.
Affectionate and playful
Shepadoodles are affectionate and playful dogs that love to cuddle. These social dogs thrive on attention and can be prone to separation anxiety. You should not leave your pup alone for too long since this breed likes to be around people.
Energetic
Like its parent breeds, the German Shepherd Poodle mix is an energetic dog breed. Your pooch will need daily exercise and sufficient room to run around in. Since this is a medium-sized breed it will do well in an active environment with plenty of space.
Strong prey instincts
Shepadoodles can be prone to herding due to their strong prey instincts. While this dog breed is naturally calm, if not properly socialized it can develop herding tendencies. Dogs with herding tendencies may be prone to chasing after children or smaller animals.
Do Shepadoodles shed? Grooming Tips For Shepadoodles
If you are prone to allergies, the low-shedding German Shepherd Poodle mix is an ideal fur-buddy to adopt. Shepadoodles are hypoallergenic and typically shed very little. However, like other crossbreeds, coat lengths and colors may vary from long and thick to short and fluffy.
Shepadoodles are not high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Here are some grooming tips to help you keep your pup clean and healthy.
Brushing
The fluffy coat of the Shepadoodle can mat easily. Daily brushing is required to keep the coat tangle-free. A de-shedding tool like the Furminator Undercoat Tool is perfect for long-haired breeds like the Shepadoodle. This de-shedding tool efficiently removes loose hair and makes grooming hassle-free.
- For Large dogs with long hair: designed especially for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds.
- Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the...
- FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease.
Even low-shedding dogs like Shepadoodles will occasionally leave hair on furniture and carpets. The handy iRobot Roomba i3 Vacuum makes cleaning up after your pup a lot easier. This high-tech vacuum is designed to efficiently pick up pet hair. It also comes with AllergenLock Bags that trap 99% of allergens such as pollen and mold.
- POWERFUL CLEANING—SCHEDULED AROUND YOUR LIFE - Whether you’re relaxing at home or out enjoying life, Roomba i3+ EVO...
- CLEAN BY ROOM, YOU’RE IN CONTROL - Roomba i3+ EVO learns your home and creates an Imprint Smart Map so you can direct...
- DON’T LIFT A FINGER FOR MONTHS- The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal allows the i3+ EVO to empty itself into an...
Bathing
You can bathe your Shepadoodle every 6-8 weeks or as needed depending on their activity levels. To keep your dog’s skin healthy and clean, use an organic shampoo like Paws & Pals 5-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. This shampoo will leave your dog’s coat moisturized and free of odor. It also minimizes tangling making grooming a lot easier.
- THE MOST EFFECTIVE NATURAL PET SHAMPOO FOR YOUR LOYAL COMPANION: Our Pet Wash Shampoo is a premium coat and skin...
- QUALITY SHAMPOO FOR YOUR DOG WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Your dog is a loving member of your family, does he or she not deserve...
- NOURISHING FORMULA: Our shampoo includes oatmeal, which will help moisturize and soothe itchy skin. It may also help...
Eye cleaning is important for your Shepadoodle too and should be done at least once every two weeks. This will reduce the risk of eye infections.
Related Questions
How Much Is A Mini Shepadoodle? A mini Shepadoodle costs between $1,000 to $3,000. A Mini Shepadoodle is obtained by crossing a German Shepherd with a Miniature poodle. The cost of the Mini Shepadoodle can vary based on factors such as coat color, location, and breeder.
Which Is Better Shepadoodle VS Bernedoodle? Shepadoodles are better than Bernadoodles. Shepadoodles are hypoallergenic which makes them low maintenance and easy to take care of. The calm and playful nature of Shepadoodles also makes them great with kids and other pets. Shepadoodles are also more energetic compared to Bernadoodles and are a better choice for active lifestyles.
What Is The Difference Between Shepadoodle And Sheepadoodle? The difference between a Shepadoodle and Sheepadoodle is that the Shepadoodle is obtained by crossing the German Shepherd breed and the Poodle while the Sheepadoodle is obtained by crossing an English Sheepdog with a Poodle.
