If you are thinking of bringing a new dog into your home, you are going to need to learn as much information about the dog that you want as possible.
Mini Sheepadoodles are amazing dogs to have, but they might not be for everyone, which is why it is so important to do your research before you go ahead and buy one.
Not only will you need to think about your own circumstances, you will also need to think about whether this breed of dog is suitable for your family and lifestyle.
So, is the mini Sheepadoodle the right dog for you and your family? Or should you consider getting a different breed instead? You are about to find out.
In this article, we are going to tell you everything that you need to know about mini Sheepadoodles and why they might not always be the right dog for everyone.
We are going to talk about this breed of dog in-depth to give you a better understanding of what you can expect from them, and how much work they are going to require to look after.
We will also provide you with information about their temperament, energy levels, feeding routines, grooming needs, and more.
What is a Mini Sheepadoodle?
A mini Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Miniature Poodle, and these two breeds create a miniature Sheepadoodle. This is a smaller dog that will typically weigh around 20 pounds, and they usually live for around 12 to 15 years.
They are gorgeous dogs that are becoming increasingly popular and sought after due to their remarkable personalities and overall cuteness. We will provide you with all the information that you need to know about this dog breed below.
Main Characteristics of Mini Sheepadoodle
The characteristics of a mini Sheepadoodle, naturally, come from each of their parents. So, this means that they get their characteristics from both Sheep Dogs and Mini Poodles. These characteristics can include physical features and personality traits.
The mini Sheepadoodle is typically characterized by being a small dog with a nice and friendly temperament, and they are highly social dogs that are extremely willing to please.
However, they can also be quite independent at times, and they are quite social with both people and animals of different natures.
One of their most recognizable characteristics is their long and soft coat that can range from different degrees of wavy to smooth.
They also inherit their hypoallergenic fur from poodles, as they do not shed hair. They are not claimed by any large canine club, which means that their breed standards are defined by smaller clubs and breeders with lots of experience.
How Big Do Mini Sheepadoodles Get?
More often than not, a mini Sheepadoodle will average around 20 pounds, but there are some breeders that will classify a mini Sheepadoodle as anything that is less than 50 pounds.
If you want to know more about how big the puppies will grow to be, then you should talk to the breeder as they will be able to give you a better understanding of what they will be like, based on the parents.
There are lots of people that will go ahead and buy a mini Sheepadoodle with the expectation that they will remain tiny forever, but this is not the case.
Just like with every other dog breed, the mini Sheepadoodle will grow bigger when they are adults.
Mini Sheepadoodle Vs Micro Sheepadoodle
Some breeders will define mini and micro Sheepadoodles as two different things, but for other breeders, they are one and the same.
You should always talk to the breeder to find out what they class as a mini or micro Sheepadoodle, to make sure that you are getting what you are expecting.
Why Choose a Mini Sheepadoodle?
Sheepadoodles are amazing family dogs and are great for families that are more active and that want a smart dog to accompany them on their adventures in life.
The Sheepadoodle is really popular, which is why many people are now looking for the smaller version.
A standard Sheepadoodle will weigh anywhere from 65 to 75 or more pounds when they are fully grown, which means that a miniature version may be more suitable for those that are looking for a smaller dog.
Mini Sheepadoodle Grooming
When it comes to grooming, you are going to be quite bust. Mini Sheepadoodles require quite a lot of grooming at home or frequent trips to a professional groomer to help to maintain their fur.
They are small hypoallergenic dogs that do not shed, which means that you will need to brush and comb their hair very often.
You will need to brush your mini Sheepadoodle for at least 30 minutes every day to ensure that their fur does not get matted.
Their coats are very high maintenance, so you will need to make sure that you are doing this brushing. You might also find that some trips to the groomers are essential, so you should factor in these additional costs.
Mini Sheepadoodle Temperament
The mini Sheepadoodle has a very loving temperament, and they are very smart, easy to train, and they love to be around their families.
They can be quite funny and stubborn at times, but this is all part of their charm. One thing that we can say is that a mini Sheepadoodle will never be boring.
Mini Sheepadoodles will likely inherit their intelligence and active nature from Sheep Dogs, and their low-shedding and friendly nature from mini Poodles. So, they are pretty well-rounded pets that will make an excellent addition to your home.
Something else that might be worth knowing is that they are also super calm and sociable pets that are obedient and often a favorite for families that have young children, as they are so gentle.
As well as children, they are also likely to get on with other dogs and pets as they are not overbearing or domineering. Something that you might want to keep in mind is that they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time due to their sociable nature.
Diet and Feeding A Mini Sheepadoodle
The diet that a dog has is likely to be influenced by things like its physical condition, activity levels, health, and age.
So, when it comes to the mini Sheepadoodle, you will need to consider these additional factors to ensure that they are getting the diet that they need. The variation of the breed will range depending on its size too, which is something else to consider.
Every dog is different, and this is something that you will need to think about. If you are ever unsure about how much you should be feeding your dog, then you should refer to the back of the food packaging for additional guidance and information.
This will give you an idea of how much you should be feeding your dog based on their size. It is impossible to say exactly how much food a dog needs as they all have different requirements.
Something that you should know when it comes to feeding is that a growing puppy is going to need more food than an older dog as they are burning much more energy through activity.
Commercial dog food should contain everything that your dog needs on a daily basis as they are balanced in the micro and macro nutrients that your dog needs daily.
How Healthy Are Mini Sheepadoodles?
Generally, the mini Sheepadoodle will not run into many issues with their health as they come from two different purebred dogs.
They have what is called hybrid vigor, which means that they usually have fewer health problems than their parents due to the crossbreeding.
Although, there is the possibility that they can inherit some health problems from their parents through genetics, like bloating, joint swelling and pain, Cushings or Addison’s disease as well as certain types of cancer.
Mini Sheepadoodle Markings
Some of the standard markings that you can find on a mini Sheepadoodle will be unique, varying between white, black, and brown coloring. These markings help to identify them apart from other doodle breeds.
Energy Levels of a Mini Sheepadoodle
Something that might not be able to be met by all dog owners is the fact that mini Sheepadoodles require high amounts of exercise and mental stimulation.
They are really smart dogs that need lots of attention, and this is something that you will need to be able to provide them with.
Caring for a Mini Sheepadoodle
As we have previously mentioned, you will need to make sure that you are taking care of their coat, as their long fur can easily form knots.
This can make brushing become painful if you are not doing this everyday. You will also need to take care of their general hygiene, which applies to any dog.
As well as the physical care of a dog, you will also need to do your best to take care of their minds. These are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation, and training can really help them to keep their brains active.
Another thing that needs to be considered is the fact that they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time as they seek comfort and affection.
You can leave them alone for certain hours in the day, but they do like to be in your company for as much time as possible.
Where to Buy a Mini Sheepadoodle
When it comes to buying a mini Sheepadoodle, you will need to make sure that you are buying from a reputable breeder.
Due to the fact that these are popular dogs, you should be prepared for the fact that you may have to travel to get one, as they might not be available in your local area.
You may even be able to find a mini Sheepadoodle in a rescue center, where many dogs are in need of a loving home.
Why Mini Sheepadoodles Aren’t For Everyone
- They require lots of grooming
- They need lots of attention
- They have high energy levels, so they need lots of exercise
- They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time
