Last Updated on September 20, 2023
*Comparing the Sheepadoodle and the Goldendoodle to be your next family companion dog. There are many photos of adorable, fluffy, tan or black dogs that you have seen on social media. They cuddle with children and do silly tricks. You probably saw these photos and imagined a cute, fluffy companion like them. That’s why you’re here.
There’s a high chance you were looking at these adorable teddy bear-looking pups while you were browsing these photos. Although they have a similar shaggy appearance, their coloring is often different. They make wonderful family pets and are gentle, popular dogs.
These fluffy puppies share many similarities . besides their appearance. When choosing the right four-legged friend for your family, it is important to be aware of some differences. For more information about both dogs, as well as a breakdown of the similarities and differences between them, read on.
Breed History
Both of these dogs are Poodle crossbreeds. There are more than fifty Poodle crossbreeds currently on the market. Crossbreeding poodles has been a popular way to get desirable traits like hypoallergenic hair, intelligence, friendliness , which both doodles were fortunate enough to inherit.
Neither the American Kennel Club or the Westminster Kennel Club has accepted the dogs. They don’t recognize mixed breed ” breeds, and only pure breeds. These prestigious organizations recognize the Old English Sheepdog, Golden Retriever and Poodle.
Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle is part Old English Sheepdog and part Poodle. There is some speculation that the United States Army has bred them since the 1960s as a working dog. However, more likely, the Sheepadoodle began being bred in the 1990s or later, as the Doodle’s popularity grew.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is part Golden Retriever and part Poodle. It is one of the most popular mixed-breed Golden Retrievers that emerged in the 1990s, inspired by the original Doodle’s popularity, the Labradoodle. In recent years, the popularity of Doodles, including the Goldendoodle, has taken off.
Appearance
It’s obvious that these two adorable pups are fluffy and cute. However, beyond their cuteness and silly teddy bear appearance, there are several factors you should also consider, including coat color, coat type, and size, if the appearance is important to you.
Coat Color
Sheepadoodles can be white and black, white and chocolate or solid black and gray. You can choose from cream, red, chocolate or black goldendoodles. Both doodles can be found in solid colors as well as coats that come in many different patterns.
Coat Type
Sheepadoodle coats come in a variety of styles, including straight, curly or wavy. The wavy coats are more common. Goldendoodle coats are also available in straight, wavy or curly. Straighter coats tend to shed more then their curly counterparts. Straight and wavy hairs are easier to maintain than curly ones.
While the length of a dog’s coat can vary, they both have longer, denser coats. The teddy-like faces of both dogs are attributed to their longer eyebrows, mustaches and beards.
Size
Sheepadoodles are usually a little larger and heavier than the Goldendoodle. Both males and females are usually larger and heavier than their counterparts. It is impossible to predict what size or weight any puppy will attain, so both dogs have been bred in two sizes.
Typically you’ll see standard sized dogs of both dogs, as well as a Miniature Goldendoodle and a Miniature Sheepadoodle. These doodle hybrids, which are created out of a toy-sized poodle mother , are often miniature/toy versions. Sometimes they are bred down multiple generations to keep their smaller size.
Temperament
Due to their calm and gentle nature, many of the early Poodle mix breeds were bred as service dogs. Poodles are intelligent, proud, active, and highly intelligent. Both dogs inherit the temperament of the Poodle, so they share the same loving traits that their parents.
Sheepadoodles, like the Old English Sheepdog are gentle, intelligent and adaptable. And like the Golden Retriever, the Goldendoodle is very friendly, smart, and loyal. Both dogs are social dogs so they get along well with family pets and other dogs.
You have likely seen photos of these two dogs with children. They will love and demand lots of attention, love, cuddles, and will quickly be a part of your family .
To socialize your dog, keep them active and happy, take them to the dog park. They are not loud barkers. If they are triggered in certain situations, however, they will respond with a warning or two. This is what most dogs do.
Exercise
Sheepadoodles and Goldendoodles are both high energy dogs so larger dogs will thrive in houses with back yards where they can exercise every day. Both smaller versions of the dogs can be used in apartments and homes with limited outdoor space. Both dogs are descendants of hunter and herding dogs. They have a natural instinct for being playful and consuming energy outdoors.
The Sheepadoodle and Goldendoodle require about the same amount of daily activity, about 60-90 minutes of exercise broken down over several trips outside. Dogs’ personalities and ages will determine the intensity of exercise. Both pups will likely age gracefully, but they will still require regular exercise.
*) If one of these dogs doesn’t get enough exercise, the other can become overweight or lethargic. It could also develop behavioral problems , such as excessive barking, separation anxiety or even biting and biting.
Training
*The Sheepadoodles and Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and can be trained due to their heritage. Both dogs can be trained by you or a professional ,. They are both highly motivated and eager to please.
The two mixed breeds are fast learners and may only take a few weeks for your puppy to learn how to potty-train. Most Sheepadoodles or Goldendoodles can be trained to potty by six months with regular training. Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach your dog. Give your dog a treat, a toy, or some other reward for doing the right thing.
Health
Both of these puppies are healthy. If you buy from a reliable breeder, your chances of getting a healthy dog are higher. Both dogs inherit certain health conditions from their parents, including
- Hip dysplasia or dislocation
- Eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma
- Luxating Patella or wobbly knees
A healthy Sheepadoodles lifespan is about 12-15 years and a healthy Goldendoodle’s lifespan is about 10-15 years.
Nutrition
The Sheepadoodle and Goldendoodle have no special dietary needs other than a sensitive stomach. Look for a dog food with high quality protein to keep your dogs active and healthy. Avoid adding too much filler like corn or grain to your dog’s food as they may be allergic or sensitive.
When one of these puppies is still in its puppy stage, you might need to feed it smaller portions 3-4x per day .. Your adult dog will need larger meals 1-2 . The Sheepadoodle will likely require slightly larger quantities of food than what a Goldendoodle consumes, due to its larger size.
While it may be difficult to resist their adorableness when they are beg, you should never feed your dog any human food. Healthy dog snacks can make your dog happy and keep them healthy.
Grooming
Both dogs are hypoallergenic. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Sheepadoodles and Goldendoodles shed less which makes them perfect companions for people with allergies. Both dogs are simple to clean up after . Both dogs are easy to care for.
A silly, shaggy Sheepadoodle or Goldendoodle is what you probably picture when you think of a Sheepadoodle. Their soft coat is one of their most adorable traits, but it can also make grooming them difficult.
*The Sheepadoodle as well as the Goldendoodle require frequent grooming because of their coats. The curlier the coat, the more frequent grooming will be required. Their coats can become matted and tangled if they are not properly groomed. In some cases, they may even need to be shaved completely.
Sheepadoodles or Goldendoodles with curly hair will need to be brushed almost daily. Even those with straighter hair will need to be brushed at least once a week. If you can blow dry your dog completely, it is not recommended that you bathe your dog at-home. A Sheepadoodle or Goldendoodle that has been bathed will likely matt after being towel dried.
Your Sheepadoodle/Goldendoodle will need to be taken to the groomer once every six weeks to get a new cut or trim. The grooming fees can reach upwards of $200 per visit, depending on the type of services you require. Regular visits to the groomer can make your dog’s coat healthy and strong.
Puppy Prices
Sheepadoodles as well as Goldendoodles are highly sought-after dogs. Neither dog is surrendered frequently, but in rare cases, you might be able to find one in a shelter for around $500 or so.
The Goldendoodle tends to be a bit more expensive due to its trendiness, but on average, expect to pay a breeder about $1,200 or more for a puppy of either dog. A puppy with unique characteristics such as a particular coat color or size can be more expensive than an average.
Some disreputable breeders have attempted to make a profit off the Doodle craze. Although it might seem good to get your Sheepadoodle/Goldendoodle from an uncertified seller, they may be more expensive than certified breeders.
Although it is more costly and may have a long wait list , buying from certified breeders guarantees your dog’s genes and ensures they are well-adjusted and healthy when they join your family.
Final Thoughts
Sheepadoodles make wonderful companions . Either one of these four-legged friends will give you years of joy and cuddles if you’re ready.
The Sheepadoodle is very similar to the Goldendoodle, but the main difference between the two breeds is their size. The Sheepadoodle is generally larger and heavier than the Goldendoodle. This is a crucial point to consider, especially if your home or apartment is smaller.
Both dogs are great family pets but require a lot of maintenance. will spend a lot of time grooming the mixed breeds. It’s well-known that these dogs can be expensive financial investments. However, they require significant time investments.
If you feel that a smaller or less-maintenance dog is better for you, you can find many other Doodle varieties to suit your needs. For more information, check out our Doodle comparisons and guides.