Do Sheepadoodles Shed?

The adorable cross of an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, Sheepadoodles are hybrid designer dogs that were first bred in the United States in the 1980s.

The Sheepadoodle quickly gained popularity and has become a popular choice for families looking for a loyal and loving companion. The Sheepadoodle is known for its gentle nature, and it is an excellent choice for families with children. This breed is also highly intelligent, and it can be easily trained to perform tricks or obey commands.

do Sheepadoodles shed — Do Sheepadoodles shed?

If you are looking at this fascinating designer dog breed, you may be wondering exactly how much maintenance a Sheepadoodle needs.

The good news is that Sheepadoodles are likely to be low shedders, depending on which parent the pup takes after. While Old English Sheepdogs are moderate to heavy shedders, Poodles are low shedders with a hypoallergenic coat.

In this blog post, we’ll look more closely at the Sheepadoodle, what factors determine how much it sheds, and what you can do about it.

The Coat of a Sheepadoodle: Double vs Single-Coated

Being a hybrid dog, a Sheepadoodle’s coat can be minimal or low to moderate shedders depending on which parent the Sheepadoodle takes after and some other external factors that we will go over soon. A Sheepadoodle can have a straight or curly coat, and be single or double-coated.

An adult Sheepadoodle walks on the ground.

Single-coated dogs tend to shed very little, like the Poodle, who has a tight, curly coat that is considered hypoallergenic with the AKC.

Many people love the companionship of dogs, but some are unable to have them due to allergies. For these people, there are a number of hypoallergenic dog breeds that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction like Poodles and Shih Tzus.

These dogs typically have hair instead of fur, which is less likely to shed and cause allergies. In addition, they often do not produce as much dander as other dogs, making them a good choice for people with allergies.

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, these breeds are often more tolerable for people with allergies. If the Sheepadoodle inherits the coat of the Poodle parent, it will have a hypoallergenic coat.

However, if the Sheepadoodle takes after the Old English Sheepdog parent, then it will have a double coat.

Double-coated dogs have two layers of fur; a dense undercoat, and a less dense outer coat. The undercoat provides insulation against the cold, while the outer coat helps to repel water and dirt.

Double-coated dogs typically shed their fur all year round, with shedding intensified twice a year in the spring and fall.

During this time, they will need extra grooming to help prevent matting and tangling of the fur. Common double-coated breeds include the Newfoundland, the Samoyed, and the Siberian Husky. Double-coated dogs require frequent brushing or you will have a home full of hair!

How You Can Minimize Sheepdoodle Shedding?

Sheepadoodles typically don’t shed much, but there are still a few things you can do to minimize shedding around your home. No one likes to sit on a fur-covered couch!

1. Brush Frequently

As any dog owner knows, shedding is a fact of life. No matter how often you vacuum or how many lint rollers you keep on hand, there’s always going to be some fur left behind. But while you can’t completely stop your dog from shedding, there are a few things you can do to minimize the amount of fur that ends up on your furniture and clothing.

One good option to remove the dog’s excess hair is by using a bristle brush.

Brushing is one of the most effective ways to reduce shedding. By removing loose and dead fur, brushing helps to keep your dog’s coat healthy and reduces the amount of hair that is shed throughout the day.

In addition, regular brushing can also help to reduce tangles and mats, which can cause additional shedding. If you’re looking for ways to minimize shedding, start with a good brushing regime. Your vacuum will thank you for it.

2. Use The Right Brush

When it comes to brushing your dog, you need to choose the right brush for their coat type. If your Sheepadoodle has a shorter coat, you can use a bristle brush or a rubber curry brush. For Sheepadoodles with longer fur, you will need to use a slicker brush or a pin brush.

dog brushes on a pink background — Dog brushes on a pink background.

And if your dog has curly fur, then you should use a wide-toothed comb. In addition, you will need to take the length of your dog’s fur into account. For example, if your dog has long fur, you will need to use a different brush than if they have short fur.

And finally, be sure to choose a brush that is comfortable for both you and your dog. The last thing you want is for your dog to associate brushing with discomfort.

3. Use The Right Shampoo

Consider the type of coat your Sheepadoodle has. If your dog has a thick coat, you’ll want to choose a shampoo that will help to reduce tangles and mats. For dogs with sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic shampoo that will be gentle on their skin.

different shampoos — Different shampoos to choose from for dog fleas.

Be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing any shampoo. This will help you to avoid any ingredients that could potentially irritate your dog’s skin and cause more shedding. Be sure to rinse your dog’s coat thoroughly after shampooing to remove all traces of the product.

4. Feed A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet will help to minimize shedding. One of the primary nutrients that help to keep your dog’s coat healthy is omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to give your dog’s coat a lustrous shine and can help to reduce shedding.

If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of fur your dog leaves around the house, think about a kibble brand that includes omega-3s, or consider supplements.

5. Provide A Stress-Free Environment

Many dog owners have noticed that their pet’s fur seems to be thinner or patchy in areas during periods of stress. While it’s normal for dogs to shed some hair all the time, excessive shedding can be a sign that something is wrong.

Sheepadoodle and balls — A Sheepadoodle is sitting on the grass with his blue balls.

There are a few different ways in which stress can cause shedding. One is by causing the dog’s immune system to go into overdrive, which can lead to inflammation and hair loss. Stress can also interfere with the normal hair growth cycle, causing the hair to fall out prematurely.

In some cases, dogs may also lick or chew on their fur more when they’re feeling stressed, which can lead to hair loss. If you notice your dog is shedding more than usual, you can work on helping your dog feel less stressed. This may involve providing more exercise, attention, and companionship, as well as using calming supplements or scents.

Factors That Determine How Much A Sheepadoodle Sheds

Not all dogs will shed the same amount, even if they are all Sheepadoodles. Certain factors can determine how much a dog sheds, including:

1. Genetics

The number one factor affecting how much a Sheepadoodle sheds is genetics. A Sheepdoodle that is 50/50 Poodle and Old English Sheepdog will shed more than a Sheepadoodle that is 75/25 Poodle/Old English Sheepdog mix.

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That is why some breeders choose to do something called a backcross while breeding Sheepadoodles. For example, if you want to create a dog with a particular coat, you would backcross it with another dog that has that same coat color or pattern.

A Sheepadoodle that is 50/50 Poodle is often backcrossed into a 100% purebred Poodle, which results in a litter that is 75/25 Poodle/Old English Sheepdog. By backcrossing the offspring with another Poodle that has the desired low shedding coat, you can increase the chances of the offspring expressing that trait.

An F1 generation Sheepadoodle means that it is the first generation of Sheepadoodle that is crossed with two purebred parents. An F2 generation Sheepadoodle means that the two F1 Sheepadoodles have been bred to create a second generation litter, but these pups will also be a 50/50 Poodle/Sheepadoodle mix.

A backcrossed Sheepadoodle is denoted with a “b.” An F1b Sheepadoodle simply means that an F1 dog has been backcrossed into a purebred dog.

2. Diet

Diet can play an important role in how much a dog sheds. Dogs that are fed a high-quality diet are less likely to shed excessively. This is because their fur is healthy and well-nourished.

royal canin dog food packs — Royal Canin dog food packs at the store display.

In contrast, dogs that are not well-fed are more likely to have dry, brittle fur that sheds more easily. In addition, a healthy diet helps to support the skin and coat, making it less prone to shedding.

3. Lifestyle

A happy dog getting enough exercise and living in a stress-free environment will shed less than say, a dog locked up in a rescue center that lacks regular exercise and is frequently stressed.

Sheepadoodle puppy in the grass — Sheepadoodle puppy standing on the grass.

4. Health

Dogs in good health will also shed less than dogs in poor health. Keep an eye out for allergies that can cause hair loss and itchy patches in the skin and speak to your vet if you think your dog may be allergic.