Sheepadoodes are often referred to as gentle giants! These large dogs are extremely loving and friendly. They come from the unusual cross between a Poodle and a Sheepdog. Many wants a Sheeppoo, but you may wonder how big these dogs can actually get and if they are right for your home.
Standard Sheepadoodles can weigh up to 85 pounds and be 25 inches high at shoulder height. This is considered a large breed, though smaller generations are also bred. If you are planning to get a Sheeppoo, it is important to consider the size and decide if they are right for your home.
Sheepadoodles can become large dogs. Large dogs are amazing to own but they have their own set of needs. The key is exploring the needs of these large dogs and deciding if you can provide for them.
Are Sheepadoodles a Large Breed?
Sheepadoodles are generally considered a large breed. They are now also bred in various sizes due to the different needs of potential pet owners. However, many pet owners still prefer the Standard size, since this is the original breed that is healthier than smaller variants.
| Sheepadoodle Size | Height | Weight |
| Standard | 23-27 inches | 55-85 pounds |
| Medium | 19-22 inches | 35-55 pounds |
| Miniature | 15-18 inches | 20-35 pounds |
| Toy | Less than 15 inches | 10-20 pounds |
Standard Sheepadoodles can somewhat vary in height and size. While there is no real way to tell exactly how big your pup will get, you will usually get an idea by the time they are 6 months old, since this is when they reach half their adult weight and size. They will be fully grown by 12 to 16 months of age
To create these smaller versions of a Sheepadoodle an Old English Sheepdog is cross bred with a smaller poodle breed. For example, a mini sheepadoodle is the result of a Minitrue Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog.
Are Sheepadoodles Aggressive?
With all large dog breeds, potential owners are often worried about the dog’s temperament – and rightly so. An aggressive small dog cannot do nearly as much damage as an 80-pound dog can. Fortunately, Sheepadoodles are not aggressive dogs and actually make for great pets for families.
They love to play and cuddle, and usually form very strong bonds with all family members. Sheeppoos are not the friendliest when it comes to strangers, though this only means that they can take some time to warm up, not that they are likely to attack strangers.
They simply thrive with their own family more. They are, however, perfectly gentle with new people and other animals when correctly socialized and properly introduced.
While Sheepadoodles don’t have any natural aggressive tendencies, they can sometimes become destructive if they are not given adequate exercise or attention. They do not do well when left alone for long hours of the day.
It is advised that you get a Sheepadoodle only if all family members are on board with spending time with the dog. This means waiting for your kids to grow up enough so that they can handle a large dog without bringing any harm to themselves.
Learn more about Sheepadoodles temperaments in my article, Are Sheepadoodles Aggressive? Personality and Temperament
Are Large Sheepadoodles Difficult to Maintain?
Large dogs can simultaneously be easy and difficult to maintain. Large dogs like Sheepadoodles can be incredibly difficult to maintain if you don’t know what you are signing up for. This is often true in cases when pet owners don’t have the space or the time to look after a large dog.
Before you choose a breed for your home, it is important to consider all of their needs and determine if you can easily provide for them. Here are a few things to consider before you get a Standard Sheepadoodle:
Exercising a Sheepadoodle
Large Sheepadoodles need a lot of exercise every day. This means that at least one family member should be available to provide a long walk every day, or at least two shorter walks plus lots of playtime in the yard. This includes physically exerting games like fetch.
Sheepadoodle Owner’s Stamina
Exercising a large dog also means exercising yourself a lot. Sheepadoodles are not right for families that like to spend their time indoors and only have a short amount of time to walk the dog. They thrive with pet owners who like to walk, jog, run, hike, or even swim!
Space Required for a Sheepadoodle
Since Sheeppoos can grow up to be quite big, they need adequate space to spend their energy. They are best suited for homes that can provide yard space where they can play, along with a designated area indoors.
Consider whether you have space to let your dog out to do their business and play around on their own, or if you can regularly take them to open spaces like parks. Also, consider whether your house has a corner sufficient for the dog’s large bed and crate.
Training a Sheepadoodle
Large dogs like Sheepadoodles need to be trained much more than smaller ones. This does not mean training them is harder. It simply means poorly trained large dogs can have consequences much worse than ill-behaved small dogs.
Large dogs, if not properly socialized and trained to stay calm, can be intimidating if they bark excessively or exhibit aggressive tendencies. The same is true for walks. If a small dog isn’t properly leash trained, you may not consider it a problem due to their small steps.
A large dog that doesn’t know how to walk on a leash, on the other hand, can pull you on a walk and can become very difficult to control. The larger the dog, all the more reason they need to be well-trained and obedient.
Expense of Owning a Sheepadoodle
Large Sheepadoodles can be more expensive to maintain than smaller dogs. This is because they need to consume more food, which means you will be spending your money. You will also find that other expenses like grooming cost much more for large dogs, especially for breeds like Sheepadoodles that can have curly hair that needs regular maintenance.
Family Member Considerations for Owning a Sheepadoodle
Sheepadoodles are gentle giants and don’t want to harm anyone, including toddlers and cats. However, having a dog of a large stature still means having to be careful when they are around children and small animals.
Sheeppoos can be clumsy sometimes and they can end up hurting their smaller family members. This is why it is often recommended that you get a Standard Sheepadoodle only if your children are around 10 years of age. Not only does this ensure they can handle playing with a large dog, it also makes it possible for all family members to be involved in caring for the pet.
Final Thoughts
Standard sheepadoodles are considered a large dog and can reach up to 85 lbs and 27 inches at shoulder height. There are other smaller variations of the Sheepadoodle that are the result of using a smaller poodle.
Large dogs have higher maintenance needs than smaller dogs which is something to keep in mind when deciding what is the best dog for you. Overall Sheepadoodles are a friendly large dog who make a great addition to many families.