A Complete Price Guide for the Sheepadoodle

SheepadoodleSource © Shutterstock

Purchasing a dog for your family can be a fun activity, one everyone can join. There are so many different breeds, that you’re bound to find one with the temperament that suits your family to a “T”. Some breeds like boxers are fabulous with children, others like terriers are for active people, and still others like the tea cup Pekinese are made for those searching for an adorable toy breed. For those of you searching for a gentle dog, one renowned for its even temperament, hypoallergenic coat, and high intelligence, then the dog for you could very well be the Sheepadoodle.

However, owning a Sheepadoodle is not cheap. You need to go into this knowing that this is an expensive dog, and we’re not just talking about the initial cost of the puppy, which usually goes from $1,000 to $3,500. We’re speaking of the costs involved in the long run. These costs include vet bills, food, grooming and basic supply list. As such it’s crucial to educate yourself on the costs, so you’ll not have to give up your Sheepadoodle if you find out you can’t keep up with the expenses.

The Sheepadoodle is a Designer Dog

If you’ve just come across the Sheepadoodle, know that this breed is known as a “designer dog“. What is a designer dog? A designer dog is simply the breeding of two different pure bred dogs in order to obtain the best qualities of both. In effect, they are mixed breeds or mutts. Also known as hybrid breeds, these dogs have attracted a great deal of attention in the past few years. The Sheepadoodle is part of the family of Poodle hybrid breeds. Not to be confused with the Shepadoodle, which is a mix between a German Shepherd and Poodle, the Sheepadoodle is a mix of the Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle.

However, there are “mini-Sheepadoodles” which are a cross between a Miniature Poodle and Old English Sheepdog, and “micro-Sheepadoodles”, which are a blend of the Old English Sheepdog and Toy Poodle. Some breeders will choose to breed two Sheepadoodles together as well. In any case, if the Sheepadoodle is your breed of choice, it pays to contact the breeder first, to find out how they were bred if this matters to you. The Sheepadoodle is a favorite due to its coat, as it happens to cause fewer allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to dog fur and dander. Their coat is also easy to groom, as it stays basically tangle free with regular brushing and isn’t prone to shedding.

Prepping Your Home for Your Sheepadoodle Puppy

Once you made plans to bring home your Sheepadoodle puppy, it’s time to get your home ready for its arrival. This means doing some research and making a list of necessary puppy supplies. It’s advisable to purchase these supplies well before you bring your puppy home, rather than rushing around once you bring it home.

Necessary Supply List

Below is a list of necessary puppy supplies. This is not a definitive list, as once you do your research you’ll find things to leave out and/or items to add. However, it’s a good place to start.

Dog Toys

Dog toys will help your puppy wile away the hours as well as with teething. Be sure to check out the more high-tech toys which work to imitate their mothers heartbeat and provide heat. Fuzzy stuffed animals will act as the fellow pups in the litter, making your puppy feel at home and less lonely.

Dog Chews

Remember, teething pups who are also bored will always find their way to a slipper, shoe or other object to chew. Getting chews for your puppy can help avoid this.

Leash and Collar

No need to go high cost here, as puppies will outgrow their collars quickly so a nice $1.00 collar from the dollar store will do nicely. However, for your peace of mind, it may benefit you to purchase a collar that comes with a GPS system and/or one with reflective material. They’re not expensive with some starting as low as $22.00, and can be of a great help in case someone leaves the gate open and your pup runs out. While you’re shopping, make sure you also pick up a name/address pet tag to attach to your pup’s collar.

Bedding

This can be anything from an old blanket to a comfortable dog bed they can grow into for around $25.00.

Puppy Food, Treats and Bowls

Have a bag of puppy food waiting for your Sheepadoodle when you get it home. Many people also make their own puppy meal out of oatmeal, toast and cooked eggs, then use the puppy food to supplement. Ask your veterinarian for the best way to feed your Sheepadoodle. As for bowls, no need to go over the top. A simple set from the dollar store will do the trick.

Books on Puppy Training

There’s no shortage of books about puppies, and with the majority of them costing around $14.99 or so, it’s an inexpensive investment when it comes to helping you care for your new friend. An example of a good book should be “The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Puppy: How to Train and Care for Your New Dog”, by Victoria Stilwell.

Cleaning Supplies and Puppy Pads

You’ll need to order plenty of paper towels and extra cleaners before your Sheepadoodle arrives, unless its already house broken. No need to go high-end here, just run to the dollar store for these items. Puppy pads are also in order when it comes to house breaking your new friend.

Grooming Supplies

You’ll need to start getting your Sheepadoodle pup used to being groomed and bathed at an early age, so puppy shampoo and a good brush are in order. Again, you can pick up a dog brush at Dollar Tree for a about $1.25. As they get older you’ll need to consider going to a professional groomer or learn how to groom them yourself.

Puppy Play Pen

This is a necessity, and today’s puppy play pens are a vast improvement over the cold, confining crates of the past. Not only are they good for your pup, but they are relatively inexpensive as well, running from $38.99 on up.

Pet Cam

Pet cams or cameras operate just like baby monitors. Most come with a camera, two-way audio and night vision. Whether you’re out shopping or going to sleep, it’s nice to know that you can keep tabs on your new charge whenever necessary. Most are affordably priced at around $39.99 or so.

Puppy Starter Kits

Puppy starter kits vary in price due to the type of items included in the package. For instance, a puppy kit that revolves around comfort will include a bed, bowls with raised bowl stand and dog toys. All of which can run you around $184.97. However, a puppy starter kit that includes food, chews, treats, a toy and stuffed animal, along with two bowls and a color and lease may run you just a little north of $49.99.

Dollar Stores

We already know that a Sheepadoodle is an expensive dog, so it makes sense to cut some corners here and there. The first place to cut the costs of puppy ownership would be to visit your local dollar store. Here, you can find a variety of items such as toys, food and water dishes, poopie bags, and even food and snacks for one dollar each.

Veterinarian Costs

In many cases, your pup will come to you with all of most of its shots. However, if you are responsible for getting the vaccinations, then know that the cost will vary depending on Where you get the shots. Also, inquire as to what shots are mandatory and which shots are optional. Mandatory or core vaccinations must be given to your puppy, where other vaccinations such as those for Lyme disease are not. Examples of core vaccinations are:

Core Vaccinations

  • Adenovirus
  • Distemper
  • Rabies
  • Parvovirus
  • Optional Vaccinations
  • Lyme
  • Bordetella
  • Parainfluenza
  • Influenza
  • Giardia

Depending on what your vet charges, Vaccines can run you around $250 for the first year. Remember that you’ll also need heartworm tests which can cost around $40, preventative heartworm medication which is around $130 or so, and flea and tick prevention which can go from anywhere from $50 to $200. Finally though not required it’s a very good idea to deworm your pup, which costs around $100 to $200 a year.

Veterinarian Cost Calculator

The above prices mentioned are general costs. Depending on were you live and your vet, prices will be different. To help you get a better idea, Banfield Pet Care service has created a vet cost calculator which uses your zip code to give you a better idea of the cost of your visit. Simply insert your zip code, and voila! You’ve got a price that better suites your area.

Pet Insurance and Wellness Packages

Pet insurance is another way to go when it comes to handling expenses. According to a usnews.com account, a plan can cost from $6 to $155 per month. Other options include wellness packages such as those offered by Banfield pet hospitals. If you are unsure, speak to your veterinarian for more information.

The Cost of Training Your Sheepadoodle

If you’re not good at dog training or don’t have the time to invest in it, then it only makes sense to spend time with a professional dog trainer. Price will vary depending on the status of the professional trainer. According to homeguide.com, professional dog trainers usually charge between $30 and $80 per month. The article also states that obedience schools go for $200 to $60 per week.

Grooming Expenses

The Sheepadoodle’s coat is one of its best qualities. It’s so soft and fluffy that it’s to you and your dogs best interest to keep it that way, and in order to keep it that way regular grooming is a must. However, to get the best out of your Sheepadoodle’s coat, it should have a proper cut.

There are several different cuts for your Sheepadoodle, as you can see by these photos. Once you choose the type of cut, take a photo of it with you to the groomers or groom your Sheepadoodle at home yourself. If you take it to a groomer, the price will depend on what the groomer charges. Generally, for a basic cut you can expect to pay around $50. However, the price may go up if you choose a more difficult cut.

If you maintain your Sheepadoodle’s cut then you can expect to take your Sheepadoodle to the groomers 4 to 5 times a year. Petco prices are on the low end of the pricing spectrum. They also offer special grooming packages, which could come in handy when your Sheepadoodle grows older. If you elect to groom your Sheepadoodle at home, you can expect to pay from $24.99 to $200 for a complete kit.

Food and Treats

The price of food and treats are going to depend on you. If you purchase a brand sold at supermarkets, the cost can be as low as $30 per month. If you purchase from high end companies, then expect the price to be a bit more. Also, know that many dog owners elect to cook homemade food for their dogs.

There are plenty of recipes online and books which help guide you to make balanced meals and treats for your friend. Often, homemade dog food costs less, depending on the ingredients given. When it comes right down to it, ask your vet. If you plan on cooking your dogs meals, there’s a good chance they’ll have some healthy recipes available. If you’re concerned about buying pet food, your vet will probably have a good, solid and healthy brand on hand to sell you from his office. Consider purchasing your dog food and treats in bulk.

There are plenty of stores such as Costco which offer food in bulk. There are also feed stores, such as The Feed Store, in Summit IL that offer dog food in both bulk and brand packaging. Feed Store prices are generally lower than supermarket prices. Whichever way you go, remember that a dogs healthy diet can affect the illnesses coming down the road as they get older, so it pays to feed them the best in the long run.

Factors that Affect Sheepadoodle Prices

Just like most high-end items, there are items which will influence how much your Sheepadoodle cost. More often than not, the average price of a Sheepadoodle ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. However, some factors will influence that final cost, so lets examine these factors below.

Rare Colors and Sizes

Sheepadoodle’s with black and white markings are plentiful, so their price will be lower than those that are white and tan, white and brown or white and red. Size also matters. A micro-Sheepadoodle is the most expensive, followed by the miniature, with the standard size being the least expensive.

This is because in order to breed the micro and miniature versions, the breeder must take extra steps and be choosy about who mates with who. For instance, if you want a micro or miniature Sheepadoodle, it means that the Poodle needs to be a Toy Poodle. This means that the toy and Miniature Poodle must be male to prevent birthing issues. As a result the breeder will probably tack on an extra $50 to $100 on the final price.

Where You Live

Just like most things, if you live in an upscale area, you’re standard of living will be higher, and so will your Sheepadoodles. In other words, a Sheepadoodle breeder in San Francisco may request a higher price than one in Indiana.

Real Breeders and Their Sheepadoodle Prices

According to the website Trendingbreeds.com, a Sheepadoodle can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $3,500. Below is a list of real Sheepadoodle breeders, their locations and the prices they command:

  • Best Sheepadoodles South Carolina $1,000 – $3,000
  • Poodles2Doodles Iowa $3,500 and up
  • Sheepadoodles By Design Arkansas $2,500
  • California Sheepadoodles California $2,500 and up
  • Deb’s Doodles Virginia $2,500 – $3,500

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the price guide for owning a Sheepadoodle. As we mentioned in the beginning, these are expensive dogs. They are not only expensive to purchase, but also with regards to long term care. The Sheepadoodle is a dog of good temperament, sound body and intelligent mind. A terrific family dog, the Sheepadoodle will provide you and yours hours of light-hearted fun, cuddly hugs and puppy kisses. Though expensive, if consideration and care is taken by budgeting wisely, there’s no reason that owning a Sheepadoodle will break your bank.

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