Sheepadoodles are currently experiencing increasing popularity in the United States, especially the Mini ones. Miniature Sheepadoodles are undoubtedly the cutest dogs, basically a pint-sized version of a Standard Sheepadoodle.
When it comes to choosing the right dog for your home, size can make a lot of impacts. Given its size, whether the dog will feel comfortable in your house, whether you will be able to take care of him rightfully, and more such queries come to mind. To get clear insights here’s more about Miniature Sheepadoodles.
This article explains everything about Mini Sheepadoodles, their size, temperament, growth, and much more. Come, have a look:
Sheepadoodle Introduction and Insight
Sheepadoodles were first bred as an experiment in 1960 as a military dog breed. The U.S. Army used them since Sheepadoodles were popular for their intelligence, keen intuitive nature, loyalty, and bravery.
Though the U.S. Army soon retired them due to the fact that Sheepadoodles have a very carefree and playful temperament which made them unfit for working with the military.
Later, after nearly half a century, Sheepadoodles gained popularity as domestic pet dogs in the year 2007. They then gained momentum in 2017 and became a popular name in America, Europe, and other parts of the world.
However, the miniature Sheepadoodles were introduced quite later, perhaps in the year 1992. (The exact year isn’t clear, but only an estimation). Miniature Sheepadoodles are the cuter version of these designer dogs and are probably ideal as lap dogs and bench dogs.
Mini Sheepadoodle Height and Weight
Mini Sheepadoodles have strong and athletic bodies, contrary to their teddy bear image. They combine the strength of the Poodle and the resistance of the shepherd, which makes them robust and strong.
Though every individual dog grows differently, in most cases, Sheepadoodles’ height measures between 14 to 17 inches, and their weight range between 25 to 45 pounds.
Sheepadoodles, even on their miniature version, are sized small to medium. And as with many other dog breeds, female Sheepadoodles are smaller than male ones.
Mini Sheepadoodle Color and Fur Type
The most outstanding characteristics of Sheepadoodles are their fur type and their coat color. These dogs inherit their fur type and coat color from their purebred Poodle. Sheepadoodles typically have curly and hypoallergenic fur.
They have a very soft coat, and their fur type can range from straight to wavy and curly depending upon the dominance of genes. Their coat grows continuously since Sheepadoodles lack shedding, all thanks to their poodle genes.
Simultaneously, Sheepadoodles typically come in a mix of black and white coats. Their inner body hints at white, whereas their back is dominated by black fur. The solid black color, in some cases, may also tend to grow grey.
However, some Sheepadoodles can also have a brown coat. These dogs inherit coat color feature more profoundly from their purebred English Shepherd parent since Poodles come in a range of bright colors.
Mini Sheepadoodle Temperament
Mini Sheepadoodle has a very happy and aggregable personality. These dogs love to have fun and are perhaps quite amiable and non-aggressive with kids, adults and even other domestic dogs.
Mini Sheepadoodles are well suited for large families with open spaces. They can’t make it easier for apartment life since these dogs need places to run, play and poke around.
Mini Sheepadoodles love to be around humans, and that is why they can’t be left alone for a long time.
Mini Sheepadoodle Common Health Issues
Not each of them will develop the same, but there are a few health issues that can hit your Mini Sheepadoodles more likely.
For instance, these dogs commonly suffer from bloating, allergies, seizures, sensitive stomachs, Addison’s disease, joint swelling, hip dysplasia and other such health issues. Though if not hit with diseases, Sheepadoodles are relatively healthy dogs.
Sheepadoodle Grooming
Since Sheepadoodles have a non-shedding and heavily growing coat, grooming should be an important part of their routine. Their costs can add up pretty quickly if not focused on the right time.
Different kinds of haircuts are popular with Sheepadoodles, including,
- Shaved Sheepadoodle or the Kennel Cut (ideal for harsh summers).
- Shaggy Sheepadoodle (ideal for beginners).
- Teddy Bear Cut
- Long Puppy Cut
How To Groom a Mini Sheepadoodle At Home?
Brush your Miniature Sheepadoodle almost 4 to 5 times a week. Since they have long wavy curly hair, their coat can gather a lot of dirt and debris.
For brushing your Sheepadoodles, it is better to choose a Pin Brush.
Take a water spray, wet your dog’s coat lightly, and start brushing from the shoulder. Make sure you are moving in the direction of hair growth, or you may end up tangling their coat. Though brushing a Sheepadoodles coat is easy but if you face any stubborn tangles, consider cutting them with scissors.
Another important step of Sheepadoodle grooming is ‘Bathing.’
Sheepadoodles need a bath every one to two or three months. But in case of dirt and mud encounters, emergency baths are recommended. For bathing your Sheepadoodle, use a Canine shampoo and make sure you do not skip the conditioner. Using conditioner is mandatory to keep the dog’s fur shiny, soft and manageable.
NOTE: Make sure you comb the dog well before and after bathing.
Once done with bathing, drying, and combing the Sheepadoodle, there are some other necessities left.
Make sure you cut hair from and around your dog’s eye, nose, and mouth. Since Sheepadoodles have very dense fur, they can often come in front of their sight.
Also, make sure you cut down patches from their paw, or it can give them difficulty walking. Simultaneously, clip their nails as and when required.
Mini Sheepadoodles Age
The average lifespan of Mini Sheepadoodles is 13 to 16 years. It is slightly higher than Standard Sheepadoodles, which live nearly 12 to 15 years.
How Big Do Sheepadoodle Mini Get? Mini Sheepadoodle Full Grown
As a full grown, Mini Sheepadoodles will attain a height of around 15 to 20 inches quite easily. Their weight often goes heavier for many individual dogs, but height is constant for almost all of them.
A full-grown Mini Sheepadoodle is not at all mini and has a size of small to medium-sized dogs.
The ones who grow profoundly won’t even visually be considered as ‘Mini.’ Dog guardians may be able to hold them, but Mini Sheepadoodles aren’t those typical lap dogs.
Things to Know About Mini Sheepadoodles- All That You Need To Know
- Mini Sheepadoodles are a crossbreed between an Old English Sheepdog and a miniature Poodle. At the same time, Standard Sheepadoodles are a mixed breed of an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle.
- Mini Sheepadoodles are also known as Micro Sheepadoodle or Miniature Sheepadoodle.
- Mini Sheepadoodles have a fluffy and lovely coats but maintaining them requires a lot of work.
- Sheepadoodles Mini live a year or more than the Standard Sheepadoodles.
- Sheepadoodles Mini are non-shedding and Hypoallergenic dogs. They, though, do inherit minimal shedding from their purebred Poodle parent.
- It is a highly social breed, and if left alone for a long, Sheepadoodles can suffer from anxiety, depression, and other behavior problems.
- Mini Sheepadoodles are available in three colors, Black, White and Grey. These dogs, when they get old, have grey hair as well.
- Mini Sheepadoodles are good for kids and other pets as well. They love to play with other dogs and will manage to have a good time at the dog park.
- Sheepadoodles are originally packed animals, and therefore they do well in households that have two or more dogs. However, the other dog must have friendly nature as well.
- The American Kennel Club, AKC does not recognize Sheepadoodles as a dedicated dog breed.
Wrapping up…
Mini Sheepadoodles are one of the most loving dog breeds, and households with older members often pick these pooches. The reason: Well, miniature Sheepadoodles are easy to care for than their standard version.
The only difference between a Mini Sheepadoodle and a Standard Sheepadoodle is ‘Size.’ Mini Sheepadoodle is much smaller, lighter, and slightly more expensive than Standard ones. However, their temperament, nature, health, and lifestyle are exactly similar.