One of the many sought-after miniature breeds is the mini Sheepadoodle, and it’s not hard to see why. This hybrid dog is a cuddly canine companion that looks exactly like a teddy bear and is about the same size, too!
Whether you’re interested in adopting one or just looking to learn more about this mixed breed, it’s important to know as much as possible because the mini Sheepadoodle is a rare, one-of-a-kind breed.
In this article, you’ll find the basic information you need to know as well as frequently asked questions about the miniature Shepadoodle. Read on to see if this is the perfect dog for you!
What Is a Mini Sheepadoodle?
A miniature Sheepadoodle is a pint-sized version of the classic cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle. These small pooches weigh between 25 and 35 pounds and stand 15 to 20 inches tall. They are also known as Sheeppoos, Sheep-a-poos, and Sheepdogpoos.
Mini Sheepadoodles are highly energetic since they descend from a line of herders and hunting dogs. They are also friendly and hypoallergenic coats, making them great dogs for families with young children.
Its regular-sized counterpart, the standard Sheepadoodles, was the result of an experiment in the ‘60s. They were intended to be used as US military dogs, but down the line, they became more popular as family dogs.
Since these pups are not purebred, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not acknowledge them as an official dog breed.
However, standard Sheepadoodles are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, the American Canine Hybrid Club, as well as the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Mini Shepadoodle Size and Weight
Full-grown mini Sheepadoodles can measure between 15 and 20 inches and weigh 25 to 35 pounds. Remember, though, that this can differ from dog to dog, and some may grow bigger than the given ranges.
Despite their miniature nature, mini Shepadoodles experience massive growth spurts in the early stages. When they reach around 11 to 12 months, they gradually stop growing.
If you’re wondering how drastic the size difference between a standard and mini Sheepadoodle can be, keep in mind that a regular-sized Sheepadoodle can stand around 18 to 23 inches in height.
While this measurement might not prove drastic, the real difference lies in their weight.
A standard male Sheepadoodle can weigh between 60 and 85 pounds, whereas females tip the scales between 50 and 75 pounds.
Mini Sheepadoodle Appearance
Take the best qualities you can think of in an Old English Sheepdog and a miniature Toy Poodle. Now, mix these adorable aspects, and ー voila! You’ll get the cutest crossbreed in the form of a mini Sheepadoodle.
Despite its minuscule size, the mini Sheepadoodle has a solid and sturdy build. This makes them perfect companions for kids since they can handle high intensities and lengthy periods of play.
Overall, a fully grown mini Sheepadoodle’s head appears dome-shaped. It takes after the standard Poodle in this case. However, it can sometimes inherit the more rectangular and thick skull of an Old English Shepherd.
The breed’s ears are triangular and hang at eye level, drooping down the sides of its head. Considered their trademark, the floppy ears of a mini Sheepadoodle require extra attention and care.
As opposed to dogs that have perky ears, the miniature Sheepadoodle’s ear canal can often get damp. Their heavy fur around the ears tends to collect dirt and other debris, which could lead to ear infections in the long run.
The mini Sheepadoodle’s snout can be elongated like the Poodle or thick and broad like an Old English Sheepdog.
One standout feature of a full-grown mini Sheepadoodle is its fur. It combines the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle with the soft fur of an Old English Sheepdog.
The breed sheds minimally, which makes its coat grow faster and continuously. Depending on which parent it takes more after, a mini Sheepadoodle’s hair could be straight and shaggy or wavy and curly.
A mini Sheepadoodle’s coat comes in three range colors: white, black, and brown. While a miniature Sheepadoodle can sport a single-color coat, it is more common to find any combination of two colors.
In some cases, both parents carry the D-locus gene. This is responsible for the dilute coloration of a dog’s coat, resulting in the traditional grey tones like that found on an Old English Sheepdog.
To give you an idea of what healthy mini Sheepadoodle pups look like, check out this cute video:
Mini Sheepadoodle Temperament and Personality
Both the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle are known for being great family pets. Therefore, it is no surprise that the mini Sheepadoodle takes after its parents’ gentle and sweet nature.
These lovable pooches have inherited the intelligent and playful nature of Sheepdogs in addition to the friendly disposition of a Poodle. Mini Sheepadoodles are calm, obedient, and highly sociable.
They are relatively quiet dogs and can keep up with the high-level energy required in playing with young children. They also do not make unexpected loud noises that could cause annoyance at home.
Despite being active dogs, full-grown mini Sheepadoodles do not need lots of constant activity every day. These good-natured pups will be content to sit around and bask in the company of their “pack.”
Since these furballs thrive on the affection of their family members, they get along pretty well with almost everyone and other animals. Unfortunately, they do not do well with being left alone for long periods.
Lastly, mini Sheepadoodles are also very loyal. They make great watchdogs when provided with the right training. These dogs are vigilant and likely alert their family about intruders and suspicious events.
Mini Sheepadoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
If cared for properly, a full-grown mini Sheepadoodle can live between 12 and 15 years, all thanks to hybrid vigor.
In essence, crossbred pups acquire fewer health issues than purebred ones. This means that mini Sheepadoodles are healthy by nature. Given the right amount of exercise and nutrition, these canines can certainly live longer!
However, miniature Sheepadoodles aren’t invincible. Like any other dog breed, they are still susceptible to illnesses and other hereditary health issues.
As such, it is important to acquaint yourself with probable complications your pooch can acquire.
Here is a quick run-down of the most common health problems faced by mini Sheepadoodles:
- Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV): GDV or bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach is filled with gas, food, or fluid that makes it unreasonably expand. Sometimes, the stomach will twist, trapping blood and blocking blood flow to the heart.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic ailment passed down from the mini Sheepadoodle’s purebred parents. Hip dysplasia causes a loose fit or the instability of a dog’s hip joint. It results in painful joint friction, which could eventually lead to immobility.
- Addison’s Disease: Also referred to as hypoadrenocorticism, Addison’s disease can affect multiple aspects of a dog’s health, including irregular metabolism and a weakened immune system. This condition is common among Poodles and has therefore been inherited by miniature Sheepadoodles.
Although these mixed-breed dogs are generally healthy, they are still at risk of developing illnesses that can be caused by genetics and environmental factors. Hence, keeping an eye on your dog’s lifestyle and health is a must.
Regular visits to the vet will also go a long way in ensuring your dog’s health. Detecting the illnesses early on will prevent the complications from worsening, which can be expensive to treat.
How to Care for Your Miniature Sheepadoodle
Like any other breed, your mini Sheepadoodle deserves well-rounded care. This dog’s feeding and diet, grooming, and exercise needs should be carefully considered if you want it to live a long and healthy life.
This section will provide you with useful tips and guidelines on how to maintain a mini Shepadoodle properly.
Food and Diet
It might not be that obvious, but mini Sheepadoodles are heavy eaters. Since they tend to eat quickly, these little gobblers struggle with excessive weight gain.
To avoid overfeeding, you should break their meals into four smaller portions throughout the day.
As a standard measure, remember that miniature Sheepadoodles need approximately 25 calories per pound every day to maintain their healthy weight.
Whether you feed your future Doodle canned food, kibble, or meat, it is important to consult your vet first about the diet.
Training and Exercise
Mini Sheepadoodles are innately active. When they’re not given exercise or playtime, these little furballs could be prone to obesity. Given their small stature, a quick game of fetch or a short walk at least once a day will suffice.
In terms of formal training, miniature Sheepadoodles can be taught basic discipline as early as 8 to 10 weeks old.
They are smart and highly perceptible pups that need constant mental stimulation. Otherwise, they will get easily bored.
Some forms of training you can start teaching your mini Shepadoodle include housebreaking, basic commands such as sit, heel, and stay, and simple tricks like shaking hands.
Cleaning and Grooming
These hybrids are ideal pets for allergy-prone individuals. To maintain their coat’s luster, brush your Doodle two to three times a week at a minimum.
Their hair is relatively manageable, but it’s standard to do quarterly trims to keep their coats tangle-free.
As previously mentioned, the adorable mini Sheepadoodle ears are prone to infections. So to prevent unwanted complications, inspect your pup’s ears when you groom their coat.
A mini Sheepadoodle’s teeth should be brushed often to prevent oral problems. On the other hand, their nails should be trimmed once or twice a month with the help of a groomer.
How Much Does a Mini Sheepadoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Miniature Sheepadoodles, among other designer dog breeds, are expensive in nature since they are highly in demand. Consequently, they are also harder to breed.
While the price can vary from one breeder to another, mini Shepadoodles typically cost around $2,000 to $3,500, depending on the color and rarity.
Furthermore, before going home with your new forever companion, you must ensure that you’ve covered all the basic doggie supplies required.
Here’s a full breakdown of the initial expenses associated with owning a mini Shepadoodle:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $200 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
Other than the basic supplies, such as food and treats, your future pup will also need to meet the standard medical needs such as vaccinations and deworming.
These trips to the vet will run approximately between $100 and $500, depending on your mini Sheepadoodle’s required treatments and overall health.
Mini Sheepadoodle Breeders and Rescues
Although the miniature Sheepadoodle is not an officially recognized breed by the AKC, a handful of breeders in the United States specialize in producing these miniature-sized pooches.
In this brief list below, you’ll find some reputable miniature Shepadoodle breeders:
- Poodles 2 Doodles – Poodles 2 Doodles posts their available pups on the site in advance, but you can also get into their waitlist for sold-out breeds. You just need to pay a $500 deposit.
- Crockett Doodles – Owned by Dr. Nathan Crockett and his wife, Crockett Doodles takes pride in breeding family-raised Doodle mixes. Not only will you be assured of the health of your future pup, but you can also guarantee that your future mini Sheepadoodle is being taken care of in the best way possible by a loving family.
- Prairie Hill Puppies – This breeder has been raising doodle mixes since 2003. Some breeds they sell include standard and mini Sheepadoodles, standard and mini Bernedoodles, Cavapoos, Cavachons, and standard and mini Aussiedoodles. In addition, all their dames and sires are AKC registered, DNA tested, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certified.
- Once Upon A Doodle – Located in Northern Colorado, Once Upon A Doodle is a small boutique breeder of standard and mini Sheepadoodles. What sets them apart is that they let their puppies undergo a socialization program and intensive veterinary care.
Suppose you’re intent on getting a miniature Sheepdoodle but have realized that buying straight from a breeder might break the bank; worry not! Another alternative you can try is looking at dog shelters and rescues.
Here are a few places to check out if you want to adopt a mini Shepadoodle:
- Poodle Rescue of New England – The Poodle Rescue of New England has a non-discriminatory practice of adopting all types of Poodles and Poodle mixes. Their adoption donation ranges between $300 and $800, factoring in the necessary veterinary care their Poodles undergo before rehoming.
- Doodle Dandy Rescue – This Texas-based non-profit organization is committed to rescuing Doodle mixes, including Shepadoodles, and reconnecting them to loving families. They provide training and medical care to the Doodles they rescue, ensuring healthy and well-behaved dogs.
- Carolina Poodle Rescue – Carolina Poodle Rescue has helped more than 5,000 dogs find their forever homes. They have a farm in South Carolina that currently houses over 150 animals. The rescue hosts a monthly mobile meet-and-greet for potential adopters in North Carolina.
If you want your adoption approved, you must research your chosen rescue’s adoption requirements and guidelines. You should also be financially and emotionally prepared for the lifetime needs of a dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mini Sheepadoodles Shed?
Mini Sheepadoodles shed minimally. Despite this, they still require daily brushing as much as possible. If this cannot be done, a 30-minute grooming session twice or thrice a week will suffice.
Are Mini Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic?
Yes, mini Sheepadoodles are hypoallergenic. Since they do not shed much, the allergy-causing dander that sticks to a dog’s fur does not get released that much.
However, keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog because all animals deal with shedding, no matter how seldom it can be.
Are Mini Sheepadoodles Good With Kids?
Mini Sheepadoodles are amiable and social dogs. They get along very well with both humans and other animals. Given their energetic and playful nature, they make great companions for people of all ages— even kids!
Nonetheless, miniature Sheepadoodles also have limits to their patience. While they can deal with a bit of roughhousing from overeager toddlers, parental supervision is still needed during these interactions.
Do Mini Shepadoodles Bark a Lot?
Like their standard-sized siblings, mini Shepadoodles do not bark a lot. They are very welcoming of people and other pets, which makes them great house companions.
However, if you are looking for a watchdog, you might want to look for other dog breeds.
Final Thoughts
If you have always wanted a cuddly toy-sized pooch but cannot own one because of allergies, then the mini Sheepadoodle is the perfect fit for you.
These little bundles of joy are the right mix of playfulness and being laid-back. Due to their miniature stature, mini Sheepadoodles only require minimal exercise. Nonetheless, they do require constant mental stimulation.
Some might argue that the pup’s hypoallergenic coat is high-maintenance, but with the proper grooming and shaving schedule, this shouldn’t be a problem!
Do you think the mini Shepadoodle is the perfect match for you? Let us know your thoughts about this cute-sized dog in the comment section!
