10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Shepadoodle
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The Shepadoodle is a breed created by crossing Standard Poodles with German Shepherd Dogs. This is an interesting breed that has attributes of both the breeds from which it was created. While you may have heard of Shepadoodles or even seen them, there are probably many things you do not know about this breed. Here are ten facts about Shepadoodles.
1. They Were Developed by the United States Army
This breed was first developed by the United States Army during the 1960s. They wanted to create a breed to use as service dogs that were highly intelligent and didn’t shed much. Both the German Shepherd and the Standard Poodle are in the top ten most intelligent dog breeds.
Their intelligence means they are easy to train and can learn new commandments and actions quickly. This is why they are ideal for roles as working dogs.
2. They Are a Designer Dog
The Shepadoodle is considered a designer dog because it is created from two breeds to gain the best attributes of both. For this reason, they are recognized by the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
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3. Their Weight Varies Significantly
The weight of Shepadoodles varies significantly, depending on which of the parents is dominant. IF the German Shepherd is dominant, the dog will have a sturdier frame while a Shepadoodle born from a dominant poodle will have a slender frame.
Therefore, the weight of a Shepadoodle comes down to its genetics. Most Shepadoodles weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. However, there are some Shepadoodles that tip the scales at 125 pounds.
4. They Are Not Good Apartment Dogs
If you live in an apartment, the Shepadoodle is not the ideal breed for you. They are lively dogs that need plenty of space to play and are best suited to homes with a large garden where they can burn off their energy and get the exercise they need.
They also need taking for long walks daily, so it is important you have the time in your schedule and enough energy to care for these dogs properly.
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5. This Breed Is Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club
The Shepadoodle is considered a hybrid dog and this means that the breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they are recognized by many other registries, including the American Canines Hybrid Club (ACHC).
6. They Shed Very Little
One of the biggest advantages of this breed is that they shed very little. This means they are a good option for house proud people who do not want lots of dog hairs. They are also one of the better breeds for those who suffer from mild allergies to dog hair.
The F1 generation of Shepadoodles has a wavy coat and a light shed. The F1B generation has a curlier coat and is almost non-shed.
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7. They Come in Various Colors
Shepadoodles are available in various colors. While some are in solid colors like a poodle, others have the pattern of a Germa Shepherd. Solid colors include black, gray, and golden.
If the Shepadoodle has the pattern of a German Shepherd, it will also have the mixed coloring of that breed, with patches of bronze, cream, and black. The color and pattern of a Shepadoodle’s coat depends on which parents genes are dominant.
8. They Make Great Family Pets
Although this breed was originally developed to work as service dogs with the United States Army, they also make excellent family pets and are good with children. They are a lively breed with a loving temperament and they are very loyal to their owners. They are a sociable dog that enjoys spending time with the family.
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9. They Are Prone to Some Health Conditions
Like most dog breeds, this breed is prone to certain health conditions. Some of these include hip dysplasia and a blood disorder that prevents clotting called Von Willebrand’s disorder. The life expectancy of a healthy Shepadoodle is between 12 and 14 years.
10. They Need Regular Grooming
Shepadoodles need regular grooming, especially the ones with longer, wavier coats. If a Shepadoodle is not groomed regularly, then their coat becomes matted. They are also more likely to carry fleas and suffer from flea bites if not properly groomed.
