No, Old English Sheepdogs do not drool excessively as a breed. However, individual dogs can vary, and some Old English Sheepdogs may drool occasionally, especially when they are anticipating food or are in warm weather. Generally, their drooling is not excessive or problematic for most people.

Yes, Sheepadoodle shed. Old English Sheepdogs are aggressive shedders who need regular grooming to keep their long coats free of mats and debris, and Sheepadoodles can inherit that coat type. However, it’s more common for Sheepadoodle coats to resemble their Poodle parent. Like a Poodle, a Sheepadoodle with a wiry hair coat will be low-shedding, but less shedding doesn’t mean maintenance-free. Sheepadoodles will require regular grooming —  from brushing to professional cuts from a groomer — to keep their coats looking good.

Sheepadoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Providing your Sheepadoodle with proper care and attention can help them live a long and healthy life.

Sheepadoodles generally reach their full size around one-and-a-half years old. However, their growth slows considerably before then. Puppies grow quickly in their first few months, and around nine months, their growth rate starts to slow down significantly.

Black and white is the most common color combination for Sheepadoodles, but they also come in many other colors. In fact, because Poodles have 10 standard coat colors and Old English Sheepdogs come in five coat colors, a myriad of combinations are possible, including solid black, solid gray, and solid white; bi-color (black and white, gray and white) and tri-color (black, white, and brown). Merle Sheepadoodles are rare but possible.

A Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, while a Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. While the mixed breeds often share similar traits in appearance and temperament, there are a few key differences between these breeds. For example, Sheepadoodles are considered better at more complex training because of their sheepdog lineage.

Sheepadoodles are popular pets because they’re smart, sweet-natured, and sensitive. They are ideal for active pet parents who want a dog to tag along on adventures and then snuggle up for a night on the couch.

Sheepadoodles are a mixed breed  — a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. There are variations in the sizes of these dogs: Miniature, Medium, and Standard are the common categories of sizes of Sheepadoodles and are determined based on the size of the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog parents. Sheepadoodles have floppy ears and curly fur (thanks to their Poodle lineage) and tend to live long lives.

Some Sheepadoodles will have the same zealous bark as their Poodle parents, while others will let out a distinctive “woof” when the situation warrants it but are otherwise quiet, like their Old English Sheepdog parent. Thanks to their high intelligence, Sheepadoodles can be trained to keep their barking in check.

Yes, Sheepadoodles are generally good with cats, but all dogs are individuals and some may not be. It’s important to socialize cats and Sheepadoodles and monitor interactions to make sure they get along. Introducing a Sheepadoodle puppy to a cat at a young age can increase your chances that your pup and cat will get along.

Yes, Sheepadoodles are smart, but that doesn’t mean they can entertain themselves. The intelligent breed will do best when both their hearts and minds are stimulated. Sheepadoodles are people-oriented and thrive on companionship, so grab the leash and head out together.

Yes, Sheepadoodles tend to take to training easily as they are very intelligent and eager to please. However, even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, teaching a dog requires a long-term commitment. Prioritize training activities such as hide-and-seek or scent training that allow Sheepadoodles to challenge their bodies and minds. Sheepadoodles can be a sensitive breed, so focusing on positive reinforcement, toys, treats, and praise will make Sheepadoodles want to master basic training.

Yes, Sheepadoodles are good family dogs as long as there are lots of activities to help them burn off their considerable energy and keep their minds sharp. These large breed dogs are happiest in homes that offer a lot of exercise and mental stimulation; without both, Sheepadoodles can become bored and destructive.

Because they are part Sheepdog, Sheepadoodles may have more of a desire to herd young children than other breeds, but training will help them keep those instincts at bay. However, as with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Sheepadoodles are generally considered to be healthy dogs, but your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems. Health issues that affect both Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles are more likely to affect this breed. Some potential health problems include: 

• Cushing’s disease: Cushing’s disease is a prominent medical condition for Poodles, which causes symptoms such as an increase in appetite, increase water consumption, lethargy, skin infections, and hyperpigmentation. Consult your vet about any concerning symptoms or behavior changes.

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, elbow dysplasia often results in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Sheepadoodle, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia.

• Addison’s disease: This is a disorder of the adrenal glands that causes them to not produce enough hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, and muscle weakness. This disease is managed with hormone replacement therapy and regular monitoring by a veterinarian.

• Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s lens, which can impair vision.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a group of genetic diseases that affect the retina. They are progressive degenerative diseases and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.

There are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds; all dogs shed allergy-inducing dander. However, “Doodle” breeds, such as Sheepadoodles, are popular because their Poodle lineage is low-shedding and believed to be more hypoallergenic. Genetically, some Sheepadoodles may inherit the same wiry coats as their Poodle parents, making them more hypoallergenic, while those who have the same long coats as Old English Sheepdogs are less hypoallergenic.