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Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (with Pictures)

Hanh Duong

By Hanh Duong

Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle

Both the Goldendoodle and the Sheepadoodle are crossbreeds of dogs made up of Poodles and either Golden Retrievers or Old English Sheepdogs. Are you considering the Sheepadoodle or the Goldendoodle as potential candidates for your future dog? These fluffy puppies share a lot more similarities than just their appearance. The best four-legged member of your family may be one of these pooches, but you should be aware of a few differences between them as well.

To assist you in making a more informed choice, continue reading for details on both canines and a summary of their similarities and differences.

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Visual Differences

Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle side by side
Image Credit: (L) Holly Michele, Shutterstock | (R) Matthew Yoder, Shutterstock

At a Glance

Sheepadoodle
  • Average height (adult): 13–28 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 40–85 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10–12 years
  • Exercise: 1+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Loyal, easygoing, gentle, playful
Goldendoodle
  • Average height (adult): 22–26 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 30–45 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10–15 years
  • Exercise: 1+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Friendly, affectionate
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Sheepadoodle Overview

sheepadoodle
Image Credit: Lisa Mounteer, Shutterstock

The Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle were crossed to create the adorable and fluffy Sheepadoodle. They have grown in popularity in recent years as a result of their teddy bear-like appearance, friendly personality, and minimal shedding.

There are no strict standards for the Sheepadoodle’s size, color, or look because the breed is not a pure dog breed. Whether the Old English Sheepdog was crossed with a Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or Toy Poodle will determine the size of a Sheepadoodle.

The Sheepadoodle may resemble one of its parents more compared to the other; some may have a square face resembling that of an Old English Sheepdog, while others may have a domed head resembling that of a Poodle. The majority of Sheepadoodles do, however, have a patchwork of black and white markings that occasionally give them the appearance of a panda. These black and white markings occasionally turn gray as the Sheepadoodle ages, matching the colors of an Old English Sheepdog. Sometimes a Sheepadoodle will be red and white.

Personality

The Old English Sheepdog, a friendly and shaggy breed created to assist in bringing cattle and sheep to market, is largely to blame for the Sheepadoodle’s laid-back attitude.

Sheepadoodles are excellent family dogs who adore attention and kids even more. These canines like the company of other pets and are incredibly energetic and sweet. Even though they may bark to alert you to the presence of a stranger, they are typically less guard dog-like than breeds created specifically to protect homes.

sheepadoodle
Image Credit: Logan Swenson, Shutterstock

Training

Sheepadoodles have the intelligence of their Poodle ancestors as well as the working canine traits of their Old English Sheepdog parent. Which characteristics a Sheepadoodle receives from their parents will determine how to train them. Poodles are often highly eager to please their parents by sitting on command and picking up tricks, in contrast to Old English Sheepdogs, who can be independent-thinking canines.

Suitable For:

Sheepadoodles are designer dogs ideal for owners seeking a loving, energetic, and kind dog. They are great dogs for cold areas because of their thick coats.

Sheepadoodles are usually large canines, so unless you choose a mini or toy mix, they’ll thrive in a home with a fenced yard. You should prepare to give your pet regular exercise if you live in an apartment.

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Goldendoodle Overview

goldendoodle dog lying on the ground
Image Credit: Brian Andrew Simms, Shutterstock

The popular Goldendoodle, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, is adored for its amiable personality and stunning coat.

The energetic yet kind Goldendoodle is available in both the bigger regular size and smaller miniature. Since both of their parent breeds are friendly and intelligent, Goldendoodles are excellent for first-time dog owners, families with young children, and as emotional support animals.

Unlike Poodles, which can have almost any color coat, Golden Retrievers typically have coats that fall within the golden range. Thus, “teddy bear gold” may be the most common color for Goldendoodles. However, breeding can also generate colors like red, cream, white, brown, black, and white. In addition, a pup from several generations of Doodles rarely exhibits recessive color traits like blue, gray, or even multicolor.

Personality

Due to their kind demeanor, which they inherited from their Golden Retriever parents, Goldendoodles make an ideal pet for families with small children. With young children, these canines have a natural tendency to be careful, and as the kids become older, they make patient companions. As with any breed, you must still watch over young children with dogs and make sure your children are aware of proper behavior around animals.

They enjoy connecting with people and other animals, even cats and smaller animals, because they have a great deal of affection. Goldendoodles are calm and reserved and don’t typically like to chase.

goldendoodle dog playing at the sandbox at the daycare
Image Credit: Ryan Brix, Shutterstock

Training

These dogs are easily trainable and highly intelligent. According to the Goldendoodle Association of North America Poodles and Golden Retrievers are two of the top five most intelligent dog breeds. These puppies are playful and energetic, and with training, they are very obedient. They can quickly pick up many entertaining tricks and commands.

Suitable For:

A Goldendoodle needs playtime and exercise every day, whether it’s a backyard game of fetch, a morning stroll, or both! They’ll thrive with more playmates, both dogs and people, with a laid-back disposition. Doodles are perfect for first-time dog owners since they are energetic and lively and get along well with families. Smaller sizes are also suitable for apartment living.

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Which Breed Is Right for You?

Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles both make excellent companions. If you’re prepared, either animal will bring you years of delight and affection.

Despite the fact that the Sheepadoodle and Goldendoodle are fairly similar, their main distinction is size. In general, the Sheepadoodle is larger and heavier than the Goldendoodle. This is a crucial factor to consider if you live in a tiny house or apartment.

Both dogs are high maintenance, so be ready to devote much time to both the breeds’ exercise and grooming. Although it is well known that both dogs require substantial financial inputs, don’t forget that they also demand significant time investments.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: (L) Holly Michele, Shutterstock | (R) everydoghasastory, Shutterstock

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