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German Shepherd Poodle Mix, also known as Shepadoodle, is one of the smartest dogs in the world, and to know more about this mixed breed it is a cross between the two pure breeds: German Shepherd and Poodle.
what about poodle dog
poodle, a breed of dog thought to have originated in Germany but widely associated with France, where it is hugely popular. The poodle was developed as a water retriever, and the distinctive clipping of its heavy coat was initiated to increase the animal’s efficiency in the water. The breed has been used for such diverse undertakings as performing in circuses and hunting for truffles (scenting and digging up the edible fungus).
What is the Poodle German Shepherd Mix?
The german shepherd poodle mix has many different names like Shepapoo, Sheppoo Shepherd Poodle, or Shepdoodle. The german shepherd and poodle mix is a designer dog breed cross that is a German Shepherd mixed with Poodle. They were originally bred as a way to help disabled people who suffer from pet allergies. The Shepadoodle has been becoming increasingly popular since 2007.
The personalities of a Poodle and a German Shepherd are quite different and can be considered the polar opposite.
German Shepherds then branched out to become police dogs, emotional support animals, and sight dogs because they were easy to train, loyal, and patient. Combining these two dog breeds together brings out some of the best hybrid dog traits in the market: hypoallergenic, non-shedding, intelligent, loving, and loyal.
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Origin
German Shepherd Poodle mix or the Shepadoodles originated in the U.S., as the US Army developed this breed in the 1960s as a military police dog. Because they come from two working breed dogs, they have an energetic disposition and need regular and rigorous exercise. Poodles were originally bred in Germany as a water dogs for hunting waterfowl while Shepherds were intended to herd sheep. It’s actually rare to know the exact origins of a hybrid shepherd dog, so even if these details aren’t exactly detailed, it’s still more than we know about most designer dogs.
Shepadoodle Breed Appearance
Poodle German Shepherd Mix Temperament
With a well-mannered disposition, strong loyalty, and loving nature the poodle and german shepherd mix is definitely a family dog at heart. They love playing with children and other pets, getting along with virtually everyone. While they will bark when needing to be heard and excited, the Shepadoodle does not bark incessantly. But, don’t be fooled by their quiet nature, as this dog breed makes an excellent watchdog.
The Poodle German Shepherd Mix is intelligence and loyalty to the family cause them to be protective without aggression and more than willing to alert you to anything suspicious. This active pup does have a playful and energetic nature, but they do not need to be run silly every single day to get their energy out. This dog breed will be perfectly content to stay inside and spend time with their pet parents, with an occasional playtime for exercise. Because of this, this canine adapts well to any type of living situation.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix Size
The Poodle and German Shepherd mix can either be small, medium, large or giant. The standard Sheadoodle will stand at 22-28 inches (55.8-71.1 cms) tall and weigh between 50-90 pounds (22.6-40 kg).
To be a standard large dog, a german shepherd poodle mix a medium to large size Poodle must mate with an average German Shepherd. Sizes will range from medium to large and sometimes giant for standards.
For example, a Poodle the size of a Beagle or Australian Shepherd will produce a smaller Shep-A-Poo.
Whereas a Poodle that’s as large as a Golden Retriever, Pitbull, or a Rottweiler may tip the German Shepherd mix into the large or giant category.
Females will be 10 pounds lighter on average for the German Shepherd and Standard Poodle mix. The Shepadoodle dog will reach maturity at 12 to 24 months and stop growing.
Standard German Doodle’s need wide, open spaces and yards to play in and are too large for apartment living.
If you have an apartment, try looking for a mini poodle german shepherd mix as they require less space and exercise.
An offshoot of this hybrid dog, the Mini/Miniature Sheppo Shepherd Poodle isn’t mini at all. This medium-sized mix breed will average 35-45 pounds (15.8-20 kg) and won’t exceed 22 inches (55 cms).
German Shepherd Poodle mix dog can get even smaller! Breeders will mate a toy poodle with a medium-sized German Shepherd to create a small Shepadoodle.
They often don’t weigh any more than 30 pounds (13 kg) or are taller than 17 inches(43.1 cms).
As with the Miniature Shepadoodle, the name is deceiving because they aren’t as small as toy breeds. Still, their small size is perfect for tiny apartments, homes, and condos.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Price
Designer breeds can be expensive especially if it’s a mixed breed between a German Shepherd and a Poodle. But because of their excellent traits and vigor, it’s worth the amount that you will be paying for one. This pup can cost between $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the breeder.
The cost of a mini poodle german shepherd mix can also vary depending on the traits you wanted to have. If you want a particular coat or eye color, the price can go higher. A dog with a superior pedigree can cost more. It can also affect the pricing if you will buy it from a reputable breeder.
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Poodle and German Shepherd Mix Training
This hybrid was designed for service and as a result, the German Shepherd Poodle mix responds extremely well to training and they tend to have uncanny natural instincts. Because his lineage includes two very bright breeds, the Shepadoodle is a quick study and easy to train. They are very active dogs and respond well to a devoted and dominant pack leader, so it is recommended that training, socialization and discipline be introduced at a young age (it’s always important to take advantage of those early and impressionable days). It is also recommended that owners who are not familiar with training a larger dog defer to the experts and bring in a seasoned trainer to introduce the concept of dominance and discourage destructive behaviours early on.
This german shepherd mix with poodle dog do exceptionally well in obedience and agility training. That said, it’s still important to always focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training for the best results. Anything else is closer to abuse than training and will never yield the results that you seek.
The Best Dog Food for Poodle German Shepherd Mix
The diet an owner feeds a mini poodle german shepherd mix or adult dog can have a big influence on its overall health. Check out some facts regarding the diet of puppies and adult dogs.
German Shepherd Poodle mix Puppy food: High-quality protein supports the growing muscles, tendons, and cartilage of Shepadoodle puppies. Fat in their diet gives them the energy that supports the activities of this rambunctious canine. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that contributes to a puppy’s healthy immune system. Glucosamine and chondroitin are nutrients that add to the joint and bone health of these puppies. Supporting joint and bone health can help this hybrid breed to avoid Patellar luxation.
Adult dog: High-quality protein in the form of chicken or fish helps to keep an adult dog’s bones and muscles healthy. A limited amount of carbohydrates in an adult dog’s diet gives them energy without adding extra weight. Omega fatty acids contribute to the healthy skin and coat of this canine. Vitamin A supports the muscles and nerves of this dog. Calcium is important to keep their bones healthy and strong. This is important for a dog prone to Patellar luxation.
As a note, an owner can take simple steps to prevent bloat in their Shepadoodle. One tip is to feed the dog small portions of food, so they don’t gulp down too much food in too short a time. Also, feeding a german shepherd poodle mix a mixture of wet and dry food can slow it down.
An adequate diet is essential to sustain Shepadoodles’ bones and joints. So we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Healthy Mobility for Joint Health.
Specifically created for large dogs, this recipe has glucosamine and chondroitin to build cartilage and keep Shepadoodles’ joints mobile. There’s a special mix of minerals for healthy bones, vitamins including vitamin A for the skin, coat, and nervous system, and L-carnitine for muscle, brain, and heart function.
You can find Hill’s Science Diet Dry Large Breed Dog Food for Mobility and Joint Health on Amazon.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix Common Health Issues
The poodle german shepherd mix has some common health issues to consider. One of those issues is bloat. This condition occurs when a dog’s stomach fills up with liquid, air, and food. The dog’s stomach puts pressure on other organs decreasing the supply of blood flowing to them. A distended abdomen, retching, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of this condition. Bloat is a serious condition and needs to be addressed by a veterinarian ASAP.
Degenerative myelopathy is another common health condition of Shepadoodles. It is a disease affecting the spinal cord causing weakness and sometimes paralysis in a dog’s hindquarters. Ensuring a Shepadoodle maintains a healthy weight can help to prevent this condition. Physical therapy is sometimes used to treat degenerative myelopathy. In simple terms, Patellar luxation is a dislocated kneecap. Limping is a symptom of this condition. Sometimes surgery is necessary when a Shepadoodle has a severe case of Patellar luxation.
Shepadoodle Puppy Price
There are very few Shepadoodle breeders in the United States. Because of this, you can expect to pay quite a bit of money for a Shepadoodle puppy. The range for a puppy is anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. You also need to make sure that you’re working with a reputable breeder.
If you aren’t able to find a puppy from a breeder, you may be able to find a Shepadoodle in an animal shelter near you.
The other avenue to find one of these dogs is through a breed-specific rescue. You can check both German Shepherd and Poodle rescue organizations to see if they might have one of these rare hybrids available.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About the German Shepherd Poodle Mix
The german shepherd and poodle mix 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.
2-They Are a Designer Dog
The german shepherd and poodle mix 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.
3- Their Weight Varies Significantly
The weight of the german shepherd poodle mix 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.
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4-They Are Not Good Apartment Dogs
5-This Breed Is Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club
The poodle german shepherd mix 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.
7-They Come in Various Colors
Poodle german shepherd mixes 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 poodle and german shepherd mix 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.
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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 sociable dog that enjoys spending time with the family.
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
The poodle and german shepherd mix need regular grooming, especially the ones with longer, wavier coats. If a german shepherd mix with poodle 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.
Final Thoughts
The german shepherd poodle mix is a beautifully balanced dog who would suit many families. All you need is a bit of space, time to physically exercise him and the patience to accept all the doggy kisses in the world.
Just remember that as he is a relatively new designer dog. You’ll need to be prepared to accept, and love, any characteristic, appearance, and temperament of either parent. But, whatever combination he inherits, you can be sure that you will have a canine companion that everyone will fall in love with.
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