German Shepherd Poodle mix, also known as Shepadoodle, is a cross between the athletic German Shepherd and the majestic Poodle. Shepadoodles can live for up to 14 years and weigh as much as 110 pounds.
The looks of this dog can vary to look more like the Poodle or shaggy like the German Shepherd.
In this guide, we will go through the basics and in-depth of the essential information that you need to know while adopting or buying this dog.
By the end of this article, you should have a clear understanding and be able to decide whether this dog is suitable for you and your living conditions.
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Let us get right into it.
About the German Shepherd Poodle mix
German Shepherd Poodle mix is a dog that combines the genes of a purebred German Shepherd and a Purebred Poodle.
This dog is also known as;
- Shepadoodle
- Shepherd Poodle
- German Poodle
- Shepapoo
- Shepherdpoo
You should however not confuse the Shepadoodle with a Sheepadoodle which is a mix between the Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle.
German Poodles have the attributes of both the dogs from which they were bred making them smart, eager to please, and easy to train.
Shepadoodles are charming little dogs that are great with kids and are loyal to their families.
However, they can be wary of strangers a trait that also makes them great watchdogs because they are fond of barking.
Because this dog is mixed and there is a wide genetic pool that can determine how the canine may turn out, there may be variations even in pups of the same litter.
The traits of this dog may also be affected by generation.
Shepadoodle generations
- F1 Generation– This is a mix between a purebred German Shepherd and a purebred Poodle. It is also known as the first generation or filial 1 generation.
- F1B generation is a cross between an F1 Shepadoodle with either a Poodle or a German Shepherd. This is done to strengthen certain qualities in the mix such as the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat.
- F2 Generation is got when two F1 Shepadoodles are bred together.
- Breeding two F2 generations give you an F3 generation Shepadoodle and it goes on and on.
A breeder can decide to mate any of the above generations with another a purebred Poodle or German shepherd to strengthen certain traits.
Pros and cons of a German shepherd Poodle mix
Pros
✓ Shepadoodle hybrids are intelligent and easy to train.
✔ Are great watchdogs.
✓ German Shepherd Poodle mix dogs are good companion dogs.
Cons
✗ The hypoallergenic quality of Poodle is not assured.
✘ May not be great for first-time dog owners.
✗ Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that require al lot of exercise which is a disadvantage for people with a busy schedule or inactive people.
4 Fun facts about the Poodle German Shepherd mix
- Both the Poodle and German Shepherds have a German origin.
- They can be referred to as by several names such as Shepherdpoo, Shepherd Poodle, Shepadooodle, or German Poodle.
- This mix was developed by the US military in the 1960s.
- These dogs come in 3 different sizes namely: toy, miniature, and standard depending on the size of the Poodle parent.
Shepherd Poodle general Characteristics
German Shepherd Poodle Mix summary table | |
---|---|
Height | 11 to 28 inches |
Weight | 20 to 110 pounds |
Lifespan | 12 – 14 years |
Breed Type | Mixes and more |
Purpose | The family dog or Guard Dog |
Suitable For | Families with children, active singles, watchdogs, service dogs, houses with yards |
Grooming requirements | moderate |
Color Variations | black, tan, cream, solid black, solid white, or solid sable. |
Health concerns | hip dysplasia, eye disease, gastric ailments, Panosteitis, Pannus, Hemophilia, Degenerative Myelopathy, Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis |
Temperament | intelligent, loyal, loving, eager to please, Energetic, Wary of Strangers, Affectionate |
Other Names | Shepadoodle, Shepherd Poodle, German Poodle, Shepapoo, or the Shepherdpoo. |
Height and weight
German Poodle is a medium to large-sized dog.
This dog has a height that ranges from 11 to 28 inches and weighs anywhere from 20 to 110 pounds but most of them weigh from 50 to 90 pounds.
German Shepherds have one standard size while Poodles have 3 different sizes which are;
- Toy– Weighs between 20 and 35 pounds.
- Miniature– Weighs between 35 and 50 pounds.
- Standard– Weighs more than 50 pounds up to 110 pounds.
The physical appearance and lifespan
German Shepherd Poodle mixes have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Keep in mind that the Shepadoodle you get can look more like one of the parent breeds than the other or be a perfect blend of both parents.
The ears are typically floppy, the eyes are generally large and brown and the tail is long.
Their noses can either be dark brown or black.
German Poodle coat
As far as the coat goes, there is usually a great variation in the appearance and the color.
The coats can vary in length and texture but in most cases, the coat will be medium in length.
German Poodle may inherit the Poodle’s coat that is usually curly or the German Shepherd’s coat that is usually wavier.
The coat can vary depending on the F1 or F1b generation.
F1 coat is usually wavy with light shedding while the F1B generation coat is curlier, produces less dander and is non-shedding.
Colors
Some of the coat colors are;
Tan | Cream | Sable |
Black | Tricolor | White |
Does the Shepadoodle coat shed?
Shepadoodles that lean towards the Poodle side have minimal shedding and produce less dander. This will make them hypoallergenic.
German shepherd Poodle mix personality and temperament
Traits | Rating |
---|---|
Friendliness |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Confidence |
⭐⭐⭐
|
Protectiveness |
⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Prey Drive |
⭐⭐
|
sociability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Just like any other Doodle, Shepadoodles make great family pets.
They are intelligent dogs with a well-mannered disposition, love, and exceptional loyalty. These dogs are easy to train and have a great willingness to please their owners.
They love playing with children and other pets getting along with basically everyone. If you get one of these dogs you will note that they have seemingly endless energy.
However, the play between this dog and young children should always be supervised.
They demand a lot of attention but have great stamina and are very sociable.
Although they are sociable dogs, early training and socialization are still needed. You should also know they are wary of strange pets but are not aggressive towards them unless they feel threatened.
They are also alert and can be wary of strangers. This makes them great watchdogs.
You should note that they do not do great living in an apartment and will require a house with a yard but will adapt well to any living situation.
Negatives:
- Some of the dogs can be overly protective of their family.
- There is also a problem that occurs when you leave the dog for long periods. They may suffer from separation anxiety.
- Also, if you don’t give them attention and exercise they will become excessive barkers and destructive.
Shepadoodle History
Not much is known about this hybrid dog but he is believed to have originated from the US.
Shepherd Poodle was developed by the US army in the 1960s to be used in the military.
Both the German shepherd and Poodle originated from Germany.
To have a better understanding of this hybrid dog let’s look at both of his parent breeds.
German shepherd brief history
This is one of the most popular breeds in the US.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent dog that is capable of working and excelling in what you teach him.
German Shepherd can weigh up to 90 pounds with heights of about 5 inches. Males are usually larger than females.
In the late 1800s, a German captain by the name Max von Stephanitz decided to breed the perfect German herding dog.
After 35 years of working hard, the German shepherd that you know today was created.
As a result of herding sheep and other livestock German Shepherds got the famous qualities that you know for today. These qualities include versatility, intelligence, and other qualities.
Other popular German Shepherd mixes
- Shollie is a mix between the German Shepherd and a Collie.
- Shepadoodle is a mix between Labradoodles and German Shepherds making together a very intelligent breed.
- Wolf Shepherd is as close as you can get to a wild animal.
- Shepkita is a mix between Akitas and German shepherds.
- Labrashepherds is a combination of Labradors and German shepherds.
- Golden Shepherds is a hybrid that combines the qualities of German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
Poodle Brief History
It may come as a surprise to many that although Poodle is referred to as the French Poodle, he is actually of German descent.
There is no French Poodle as Poodles originated from Germany about 400 years ago where they were bred to hunt waterfowls.
Poodles were given fancy pompom haircuts which have now become part of the Poodle’s fashion statement.
This haircut aided in protecting the Poodle’s sensitive body while allowing him to have the agility in freezing water while he was hunting ducks.
Poodles were not only used to hunt ducks, but they were also used for entertainment where they would perform in street shows and circuses adding to his many talents.
Poodle continues to be one of the most intelligent dogs on the planet right now making him one of the most trainable dogs.
Other popular Poodle mixes
- Labradoodle is a hybrid that combines the genes of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
- Cockapoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel.
- Newfypoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Newfoundland.
- Bernedoodle is a sizable cross between a Bernese Mountain dog and a Poodle.
- Bordoodle is a cross between a Border Collie and a Poodle.
How much does a Shepadoodle puppy cost?
You should always get a mixed dog pup from a responsible and reputable breeder.
Getting a puppy from a breeder will cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more depending on the breeder.
Adopting one of these dogs will cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 which is great considering that the initial vet cost will have been covered.
Grooming a German Shepherd Poodle mix dog
German Poodles generally have moderate grooming needs. The grooming needs will, however, vary depending on the coat type that the German Shepherd Poodle mix inherits.
Learn how to groom Poodle mixes.
They also don’t shed as much as German Shepherds.
Shepadoodles shed lightly to moderately depending on the side that the genes lean towards.
Brushing is an essential part of grooming as it helps get rid of mats and tangles from the coat. You should brush the coat two to four times every week.
This is because German Poodles lead an active lifestyle and in the process the coat easily unkempt.
You will need to brush the coat daily during the shedding season as the heps get off the excess fur preventing it from spreading in your house and on your clothes or car.
How to Bath a Shepherd Poodle mix
You should only wash your Shepadoodle when it is necessary.
These dogs should be bathed too often as it strips the coat of essential oils and minerals.
You can bath your pooch once every month or after every 6 weeks using a doggie shampoo. The Shampoo should be hypoallergenic and should have a neutral pH.
Never use human shampoo while bathing your dog.
During winter you should condition the coat using cod liver oil to prevent the skin from getting dry as temperatures drop.
Poodle German Shepherd mix hygiene tips
Shepadoodle dental care is important and you can do this through any of the following ways;
- Brushing the dog’s teeth using a doggie toothpaste and toothbrush or finger brush. This should be done at least 4 times a week to remove plaque and prevent tartar build-up.
- Using dental spray to prevent tooth decay.
- Supplementary dental treats will also come in handy in making sure that your dog’s teeth are clean and healthy.
Check the ears regularly for ear infections and clean them after every 2 weeks using cotton balls and an ear cleaning solution.
Paw care is also essential for a Shepadoodle’s hygiene. You should get rid of debris between the paw pads and trim the hairs between them.
The nails should also be trimmed regularly taking care not to cut the quick.
You will easily know when your dog’s nails are too long when they start clicking on the floor as he walks. This can make the dog uncomfortable and also cause injuries to him.
Feeding a Shepadoodle
To keep a Poodle shepherd in great health and physique you will need to make sure that he is fed in the right diet that meets his nutritional requirements.
Shepadoodles need about 1400 calories of food a day on average.
German Shepherd Poodle Daily Food Consumption | |
---|---|
Guide | 600 to 1800 calories |
Cups of Kibble | 2 to 4 |
This will differ depending on the size of the Shepadoodle mix as follows;
- Toy size will need about 1.5 cups of kibble daily.
- The Miniature size will need about 2 cups of dry food daily.
- Standard Shepadoodle will need 3 to cups of dry food daily.
As a puppy, he has high energy requirements due to their fast growth, you will need to give him about 4 meals in a day to avoid overstretching the stomach.
As the puppy grows reduce this to 2 meals in a day.
Small but frequent meals can help reduce the chances of bloat which is common in large dog breeds and can be fatal to your pooch.
Nutritional care tips
This dog will require a high-quality diet that is rich in meat-based proteins. The proteins make up between 20% and 25% of the diet.
These proteins should be from high-quality sources such as chicken, lamb, turkey, and should not be by-products.
Older dogs will need fewer proteins than puppies which require more protein for bone development and growth.
The diet should also contain fats that should make up about 8% of the diet. Fats from vegetable and fish oils are the best for this mix,
These fats contain fatty acids that are essential energy sources for this German Shepherd Poodle mix and also keep the coat, skin, and paws supple and healthy.
Other ingredients that should be in the diet are carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Make sure that the food does not contain too many grains. It should also not have artificial fillers.
German shepherd Poodle mix exercise requirements
A Shepadoodle is a high energy dog and requires a lot of exercise to stay happy. Exercise is also important as it keeps the dog in shape and prevents it from becoming obese.
This is because both of the parent breeds are known for being historical workers.
To keep them in shape and their minds active you will need to exercise them for about 60 minutes.
If you live in an apartment or have a small house that has no backyard living with a German Shepherd Poodle mix might prove to be hard as you may not be able to meet their daily exercise requirements.
They enjoy having a garden to run in but you should not leave them out by themselves for long.
Shepadoodles are not sensitive to extreme weather but that does not mean that you should exercise them when it gets too hot.
Daily Exercise Requirements | |
---|---|
Minutes | 45 to 90 minutes |
Number of walks | 2 (20 minutes each) |
Training requirements
The best way to train your Shepadoodle puppy is through positive reinforcement that is mainly reward-based training.
Come up with creative ways to train this dog while still keeping him active. This will prevent him from losing concentration during the training sessions.
It is also crucial to keep the training sessions short to about 10 minutes long for each session.
But first, you should begin with the basics that are house training and obedience. House training will include toilet training your dog or puppy and others.
This Poodle mix will also do great with agility and sports training that will also allow him to perform competitively.
Socialize your dog to get rid of those aggressive tendencies by introducing him to the outside world.
Prepare a training schedule for this crossbreed to help you track your progress.
German Shepherd Poodle mix health concerns
There are always a few health concerns that you have to look out for even if the dog was crossed to outbreed any health issues.
The German shepherd Poodle mix is no exception to that as this dog is prone to inheriting some of the health problems from the parent breeds.
Luckily some of these problems can be treated as long as you keep a close eye on your dog.
You can schedule a test with your veterinarian to determine the possibility of any inherited health issues.
There are recommendations and diet requirements that you will require to follow to keep your pooch in a stable healthy state.
Some of the main health concerns are;
- Tick and flea infestations
- Perianal fistula is a health condition that mainly comes from the German shepherd line. It occurs when the skin surrounding the anus drains and communicates with an internal cavity. The wounds around the anus may cause the dog to get infections and produce a foul smell.
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
- Sebaceous Adenitis
There you go WOOOF!!!!
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