The German Shepherd Poodle mix is a highly popular designer hybrid that can make an amazing family pet or be used as a service dog. Obedient, eager to please, and energetic, this mixed breed is best suited for active people and families with children.
What is Shepadoodle? The Shepadoodle is a designer breed, a cross between a Standard Poodle and a German Shepherd Dog. Medium to large in size, this highly energetic mix is best suited for a house with a fenced yard. The Shepadoodle is an affectionate dog that forms strong bonds with its owners and craves company.
If you are looking for a loyal, easy-to-train, and loving companion dog, the German Shepherd Poodle mix might just be the perfect breed for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this cute mix.
What is a German Shepherd Poodle Mix?
Also known as Shepadoodle, Shepherdoodle, and Shepherdpoo, this mix was created by crossing a German Shepherd Dog with a Standard Poodle.
While both parent breeds are recognized by the ACK, the German Shepherd Poodle mix isn’t a purebred dog and can’t compete in dog shows.
Brief History of German Shepherd Poodle
The Shepherd Poodle was developed in the 1960s by the U.S Army as a military police dog. But as demand for designer dogs climbed, breeders started creating more Shepherdoodles.
German Shepherd Dog
Hailing from Germany, German Shepherd Dogs were originally bred to herd sheep. Over the years, they have become capable all-purpose working dogs and loyal family pets.
Poodle
Best known for its curly coat and elaborate haircuts, the Poodle is a breed of water dog developed for hunting waterfowl. Highly intelligent and trainable, Poodles like to please their owners and are affectionate companions.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix
When you mix the two you get a Shepadoodle – a medium to large size dog with a rugged appearance and a ton of energy. Playful, loving, and loyal, this mix makes a great family pet and is extremely affectionate with its people.
Characteristics of German Shepherd Poodle Mix
As a mix of two completely different dog breeds, there is no way of predicting the exact appearance of any individual Shepherdpoo. However, you can expect that your mix will look scruffy and rugged with fur that sticks out in all directions.
Being a German Shepherd mix, Shepadoodles have muscular bodies and are athletically built, but they inherited floppy ears from the Poodle side of the family.
Shepadoodle Highlights:
| Size | Medium to large size dog |
| Height | 22-28 inches |
| Weight | 50-90 pounds |
| Coat Type | Dense wavy or curly medium-length coat |
| Shedding | Low to moderate shedding |
| Energy Level | Highly energetic |
| Overall Health | Very good |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Size
As a mix between German Shepherd and Standard Poodle dog breeds, Shepadoodles can be medium to large size dogs.
Height
When it comes to height, expect your mix to be 22 to 28 inches tall at shoulders when fully grown.
Weight
Depending on which parent breed it takes more after, the German Shepherd Poodle mix can weigh from 50 to 90 pounds.
Coat Color
Most Shepherdoodles closely resemble their German Shepherd parent when it comes to coat colors. The most common coat colors seen in this mix are:
- Black
- Cream
- Tan
- Grey
- Sable
Shedding
Shepadoodles have a medium-length coat that can be wavy or curly, depending on which parent the dog takes more after. If your mix inherits the coat of its German Shepherd parent, they will shed moderately throughout the year.
But, if your pup inherits the Poodle’s curly coat, they will shed minimally or not at all, and you won’t have to worry about loose hairs and constant vacuuming.
Temperament
Shepadoodles are extremely people-oriented dogs that form strong attachments to their families and prefer to have company at all times. They get along well with people of all ages and are in constant pursuit of playmates.
Fun-loving, energetic, and playful this mix can spend hours playing with you in the backyard, but will also happily snuggle next to you on the sofa. Affectionate and loving the Shepherdpoo craves companionship and can easily develop separation anxiety and become destructive if left alone or ignored (source).
Although amicable around its family, this mix is aloof around strangers and needs some time to warm up to people they don’t know. Due to this trait, the Shepherdpoo makes a great watchdog and will bark to alert you whenever anything seems amiss.
Pet Friendly
When properly trained and socialized from an early age, the Shepherd Poodle mix gets along well with other pets and can even be friends with cats!
Child Friendly
Doting, playful, and fun-loving Shepadoodle is an ideal dog for families with children. They get along well with kids of all ages and enjoy having playmates that can match their boundless energy.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Care
Like all other dogs, the Shepherd Poodle mix requires proper care and regular veterinary check-ups to stay healthy and thrive. You should come up with a regular care routine as soon as you bring your Shepadoodle puppy home and pay attention to the following:
Health Risks
The Shepherdoodle is a generally healthy breed, but some might be prone to the same health issues that affect Shepherds and Poodles.
The most common health problems seen in this mix are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s disorder
- Osteoarthritis
- Bloat
Shepadoodles have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, and many reach old age completely healthy when taken to regular veterinary checkups and cared for properly.
Grooming and Maintenance
Shepherdoodles have a medium-long dense coat that can be wavy or curly, depending on which parent breed the dog takes more after. Ultimately, your dog’s coat type will determine how your dog’s grooming routine will look like.
If your pooch inherits the German Shepherd’s coat, it will shed more and need to be brushed at least four times a week. But if your pup has the Poodle’s curly coat you will need to brush them at least two times a week to prevent mats and tangles from forming (source).
Bathe your mix once every two months or as needed using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that won’t irritate or dry their skin. You should also trim your dog’s coat in the summer to let their skin breathe and to prevent heatstroke.
The rest is basic care and involves regular teeth brushing and nail trimming. You should also inspect and clean your dog’s ears once a week or as necessary to prevent painful ear infections that are a common problem for this mix.
Food or Diet
The ideal diet for a German Shepherd Poodle mix should be formulated for medium or large size breeds with high energy. Make sure that the dog food you are feeding contains high levels of protein, fat, carbs, and all essential vitamins and minerals.
Your dog’s dietary needs will change as they grow and get older, so feed your pooch according to their life stage. To prevent bloat, feed several smaller meals a day and avoid exercising your dog an hour before and after a meal (source).
Training and Exercise
The Shepherd Poodle mix is a naturally athletic and energetic dog that needs at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise every day. Activities such as hiking, jogging, running, swimming, or agility are great ways to keep your mix exercised and in good shape.
Shepherdoodles are some of the most playful dogs you are ever going to meet, so daily play sessions are a must with this pooch. Games such as fetch, fly ball, and tug-of-war will keep your pup entertained and provide mental stimulation that will curb boredom and destructive behaviors.
If you are looking for a highly trainable dog, the Shepherd Poodle mix is an ideal choice! Highly intelligent, obedient, and eager to please, this mix learns commands after only a few repetitions and is very easy to train even if you’re a novice owner.
Start training your mix using positive reinforcement techniques as soon as you bring it home, and your pooch will quickly learn obedience and even ricks. Besides training, start socializing your dog from a young age to help them become more trusting of strangers.
Housing
Due to their large size and high energy levels, Shepherdoodles aren’t suited for apartment living and do best in large houses with fenced yards. This mix needs room to move, run around, and play, and they can only do that in a larger home.
Where to Get a German Shepherd Poodle Mix?
There are only two ways you can welcome a German Shepherd Poodle mix into your home, so adopt, don’t shop!
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Breeders
Both Poodles and German Shepherds are popular breeds, so it’s not a big surprise that their mix is in demand too. Therefore, you shouldn’t have trouble finding reputable breeders in your area that make puppies available.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Price
German Shepherd Poodle mix puppies on average cost from $500 to $1000. Please note, the exact price of a Shepherdoodle puppy will depend on several factors including the breeder, lineage, coat color, and demand.
Adoption
While they are designer dogs, Shepherdoodles can end up abandoned and in the care of animal shelters and rescue organizations. Check your local shelter to see if they have any Shepherd Poodle mixes waiting for adoption if you want to welcome this breed into your home.
You should also contact German Shepherd and Poodle breed-specific rescue groups since they take in and care for mixes too.
Conclusion
Energetic, loyal, affectionate, and easily trainable German Shepherd Poodle mix a very popular designer breed, and for good reasons. Ideal for active people and families with children, this gentle giant will be your workout partner and a cuddle buddy.
If you live in a house with a fenced backyard and are looking for an affectionate and eager to please dog, the Shepherdoodle is the right choice! However, if you live in an apartment and lead a sedentary lifestyle, keep looking for a less energetic dog breed.
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