Here’s Why We’re Obsessed With the Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles have become one of the most popular large poodle mixes, and we can see why.

The sheepadoodle is a cross between a poodle and an old English sheepdog. Resembling a mix between an overly enthusiastic mop and a big fluffy cow, sheepadoodles are practically the perfect mixed breed.

Here are several reasons we’d consider getting a sheepadoodle when we’re ready to bring home a new, four-legged friend.

They’re Basically Happy Rugs

Carrolyn Major / Facebook

Move over, sheepdogs. Traditional sheepdogs do, in fact, look like giant sherpa rugs, but the plushness comes with a price: shedding. Regular sheepdogs shed like nobody’s business, but sheepadoodles inherit the hair-like quality of poodle fur.

There’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, but sheepadoodles are as low-shed as a large dog breed can get. They’re not likely to trigger allergies in any but the most sensitive allergy sufferers.

Rugs That Act Like Joyful Babies

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Sheepadoodles love to play, and most of them maintain their puppyish demeanor even when they’re old enough in human years to qualify for Medicare.

Most of them also love swimming, so trips to the beach are fair game.

Their Actual Babies Are Painfully Cute

Lesley Philip / Facebook

What a cute teddy bear! Oh, wait. Its tail is wagging. Sheepadoodles vary in size depending on the size of their poodle parent. Mini sheepadoodles are a thing, when sheepadoodle breeders breed two minis together, they have a more predictable adult size than first-generation crosses.

Full-sized sheepadoodles range from 50 to 85 pounds, with the occasional giant hitting the 100-pound mark. Minis are much better suited for apartment living than their lanky counterparts, weighing around 30 to 50 pounds.

Sheepadoodles Come in Every Imaginable Color

Three different colored sheepadoodle dogs in a boat

Donna Robert Reiners / Facebook

Since sheepadoodles have standard poodle genes, it’s always possible for puppies to inherit their coloration from their poodle parent. Some are solid black, white, brown or red, but it’s much more common for them to come in a mix of black and white.

Their coats can feature different patterns, too, and their assortment of splotches and polka dots add to their charm.

Some Sheepadoodles Even Have Blue Eyes

Tri-colored sheepadoodle puppy with blue eyes

Taylor Lathem / Facebook

Blue eyes are more commonly associated with huskies and Australian shepherds, but the old English sheepdog can have blue eyes, too.

Sheepdog poodle mixes usually have brown eyes, but it’s possible for puppies to inherit blue eyes from their sheepdog side. Blue-eyed puppies are rare, so expect to pay a lot more for this kind of celeb-inspired pom pom.

Sheepadoodles Prefer to Accompany You on Every Adventure

Desiree Chacon Martinez / Facebook

Sheepadoodles have award-winning personalities. Their temperament is exceptionally snuggly, and they’re smart, too. It’s super easy to train a sheepadoodle, and potty training is rarely an issue. The only challenge worth noting is that sheepadoodles are extremely social.

For most dog lovers, that’s a good thing. For those who are away from the house for long hours most days of the week, not so much. Sheepadoodles are prone to developing separation anxiety, so get a more independent breed if you’re not a fan of velcro dogs.

They’re Full of Energy, so Outdoor Adventures Are Always a Hit

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Sheepadoodles want to be by their owner’s side at all times, so most people just get used to it and take their pup along on family outings and any errands that don’t include “service dog only” signs.

Being lonely with a sheepdog isn’t physically possible. They will find you, and they will kiss you.

But Indoor Adventures Are Fine, Too

Sheepadoodle taking a bath with his owner

Alane Levy / Facebook

As long as you’re with them, sheepadoodles are pretty adaptable. They’d prefer a game of tag to a bath, but regular grooming is a requirement if you’re going to own one of these domesticated pandas.

Ideally, sheepadoodles should be brushed at least twice a week using a de-matting brush through their entire coat. It takes at least 30 minutes depending on the dog’s size, but who’s to complain about more bonding time?

Sheepadoodles Are Known for Their Mischievous Nature

Tracy Lee Bush / Facebook

Let’s just say, you’ll want to be careful leaving any food out on the counter — unless you never want to see it again.

Sometimes, It Gets Them Into Sticky Situations

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The antics of a sheepadoodle can be messy, or even smelly, but the comedic relief they provide is part of the reason so many sheepadoodle owners adore them.

But They’re So Dang Happy, How Can You Be Mad?

Chris Murray Stover / Facebook

We’ve never seen a dog look quite this happy before. Sheepadoodles are big, cheerful bundles of sunshine that get along with almost everyone. Thanks to their sheepdog background, some sheepadoodles nip at kids in an attempt to play or “herd” them.

Luckily, the nips aren’t painful or motivated by aggression. Most pet parents find it’s easy to train them to kick the habit since they’re such an eager-to-please breed.

You Can’t, Even Though They’re Smart Enough to Know They’re in Trouble

Bashful sheepadoodle dog knows he's in trouble

Julie Urrutic / Facebook

When a mop looks at you with big, sad puppy-dog eyes, it doesn’t matter if your brand-new couch is demolished. Your rage is instantly overcome by love for your fur baby because, ya know, priorities.

Fortunately, as long as sheepadoodles get enough attention, behavioral problems are few and far between.

Staying Mad at a Sheepadoodle Is Physically Possible

Tracy Lee Bush / Facebook

It defies the laws of physics, OK? Add it to the textbooks, stat. Staying angry at a fluffy house cow isn’t possible.

If someone manages to pull it off, arrest them immediately. Sheepadoodles live up to 15 years, and every minute you share with your fluffy bestie is precious. Make each moment count.

All They Really Want Is Love

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It doesn’t matter if they’re a 5-pound puppy or a 90-pound fur beast: A sheepadoodle will think it’s a lapdog, and nothing you say or do will convince it otherwise.

If you let your sheepadoodle on the couch, it will drape over you like a ridiculously heavy throw in seconds. They’re like weighted blankets that go with you on walks.

Plus, They Make Amazing Netflix and Snuggle Buddies

Kerrsten Cauwels / Facebook

Sheepadoodles are active and playful, requiring at least 30 minutes of exercise every day to avoid destructive behaviors. Once they get all their energy out via long walks, jogs, hikes, swimming or games of fetch, sheepadoodles will gladly join you on the couch for movie night and a nap.

Not sure the sheepadoodle is a good fit for you? Check out these other unique breeds on Always Pets: