Full Grown Sheepadoodle: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The sheepadoodle is a mixed breed dog resulting from crossing the poodle with the Old English Sheepdog. As a hybrid dog, sheepadoodles can vary significantly in appearance and temperament depending on which parent breed they take after more.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about what to expect from a sheepadoodle once they reach their full adult size and maturity.

About the Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles were first bred in the 1990s by crossing the highly intelligent poodle with the shaggy and gentle Old English Sheepdog.

The goal was to create a dog that combined the best qualities of both parent breeds - the poodle's trainability and non-shedding coat with the Old English Sheepdog's calm disposition and kid-friendly nature.

Sheepadoodles are now one of the most popular hybrid "doodle" breeds due to their affectionate personalities and non-allergenic coats.

Size at Full Grown

On average, a fully grown male sheepadoodle will stand 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50-80 pounds. Females tend to be slightly smaller, reaching 18-22 inches in height and 40-70 pounds in weight.

However, there can be significant variation based on whether they take more after the smaller poodle or larger Old English Sheepdog physique.

Length and Height

In terms of length from nose to tail, most fully matured male sheepadoodles measure around 24-30 inches long. Females are usually a couple inches shorter at around 22-28 inches in length.

As for height, males stand 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder while females reach 18-22 inches high.

Weight at Full Grown

On the scale, expect a full-sized male sheepadoodle to weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds as an adult. Females are typically smaller, falling in the range of 40 to 70 pounds at their full mature weight. These weight ranges can vary based on genes received as well as diet and lifestyle factors.

Appearance at Full Grown

The appearance of a full grown sheepadoodle will depend on whether they inherit more traits from the Old English Sheepdog side or Poodle side of their lineage. In general though, expect:

• Medium-length double coat which may be wavy, curly or straight
• Coat colors like black, white, gray, brown or tan, often in contrasting combinations
• Almond-shaped eyes that are usually dark in color
• Large, floppy ears
• Long muzzle and snout
• Stocky yet athletic build

Sheepadoodles that take more after the poodle may have tighter curls and a leaner frame. Those with stronger Old English Sheepdog genes tend to have shaggier coats and heavier builds.

Personality at Full Grown

In terms of temperament, sheepadoodles are generally friendly, loyal and gentle even as fully mature adults. Their calm and sociable natures make them well-suited for families with children. However, their strength and energy levels increase substantially once they reach adulthood.

Fully grown sheepadoodles tend to display the following personality traits:

• Affectionate towards their human companions
• Intelligent and eager to please
• Calm indoors but enjoy accompanying their owners on outdoor adventures
• Get along well with other dogs and pets
• Tolerant of handling by children but may be too rambunctious for very young kids
• Remain playful well into adulthood
• Bond strongly with one family but friendly towards visitors

Regular mental and physical stimulation are important to keep a fully mature sheepadoodle content and well-behaved.

Price

The cost of a well-bred sheepadoodle from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on gender, coat color, bloodlines and other factors. As a hybrid with growing demand, prices may be on the rise. Be prepared for puppies to cost more than adult dogs.

Food/Feeding

At full size, a sheepadoodle's daily food intake will depend on their adult weight and activity level. A typical feeding guide for a 50-80 lb adult is:

• 1.5-2 cups of high-quality dry kibble per day, split into two meals
• Treats should be low calorie and comprised of no more than 10% of total daily intake
• Provide fresh, clean water around the clock
• Adjust amounts as needed based on weight and exercise changes

Choose a dog food formulated for large breed adults that contains meat as the primary source of protein. Stick to consistent meal times and sizes to prevent weight gain.

Lifespan

With proper care, sheepadoodles have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Good nutrition, regular preventative health care like vaccinations and deworming, appropriate exercise and minimizing risks from obesity can help maximize a sheepadoodle's potential lifespan even after maturity.

Health at Full Grown

As hybrids, sheepadoodles are generally quite healthy but may inherit certain conditions from their parent breeds like:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia (common in large breed dogs)
• Eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma or ocular disease
• Allergies or skin conditions due to their non-shedding coats
• Bloat/Gastric torsion which is a medical emergency
• Progressive retinal atrophy - an eye disease causing vision loss

Keep older sheepadoodles lean to reduce orthopedic issues. Schedule regular vet checkups including dental cleanings, bloodwork and screening exams.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Grown

Here are the main areas of care required for an adult sheepadoodle:

Grooming

Brush their coats 2-3 times weekly to prevent matting. Curly coats may need to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. Check ears, eyes and nails regularly for infection. Bathe only when truly needed to prevent skin irritation.

Exercise

A minimum of 30-60 minutes of daily exercise such as walks, play sessions or trips to dog parks will keep an adult sheepadoodle fit and maintain their healthy weight.

Training

Continue positive reinforcement training beyond puppyhood. Attend training sessions a few times per year to maintain basic and advanced commands. Train is crucial for controlling their strength and energy as adults.

Health Maintenance

Schedule preventative care visits, including yearly checkups, and follow a vaccination schedule tailored for your area. Manage diet, hydration and prevent obesity issues.

Possible Behavioural Changes of a Fully Grown Sheepadoodle

Adolescence brings some challenging transitions but regular training and socialization helps sheepadoodles mature into well-adjusted adults.

• May become more vocal, especially if bored or in need of attention
• May push boundaries more by testing rules in place
• Could become more protective over high value objects
• May have occasional dominance/guarding issues with other animals
• Might be more excitable on leash when seeing other dogs

With consistent leadership and reinforcement of good behavior, the unwanted changes listed above can usually be mitigated or prevented in adulthood. Some extra patience, training and management may be needed during the teenage months as their brains mature.

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown Sheepadoodle

There are a few distinguishing features and qualities really stand out in the sheepadoodle once fully grown:

• Majestic coat - Their thick, fluffy double coats remain gorgeous whether curly, wavy or straight.
• Large yet gentle demeanor - Fully matured sheepadoodles have a big stature to match but remain mild-mannered.
• Intelligence and biddability - Even as adults, they are eager to learn and responsive to training.
• Strong bonds - They form extremely devoted attachments to their owners and families.
• High energy levels - Daily play and exercise must continue to satisfy their active nature.
• Self-confidence - As adult dogs, they are generally self-assured yet not aggressive.

When is a Sheepadoodle Considered Fully Grown?

On average, sheepadoodles reach their full adult size around 18-24 months of age, though some late bloomers may fill out their frame until they are 3 years old. Here are some signs that indicate a sheepadoodle has completed their growth:

• Reached their projected maximum height and weight range
• Coat has fully developed texture and layering is complete
• Females have gone through at least two heat cycles
• Growth plates in their legs and paws have fully fused
• Changes in energy levels, behavior or training needs stabilize

Veterinary exams during their second year can formally assess bone growth and orthopedic maturity.

Suitability as a Pet

When provided with early socialization, consistent training and enough physical and mental stimulation, fully grown sheepadoodles make wonderful family pets and companions. Their outgoing personalities, loyalty and kid-friendliness earn them high marks for suitability in homes with children.

However, a few considerations include:

• Need an owner committed to their daily care like grooming, exercise and attention demands.
• May be too rambunctious or strong for very young children under age 6.
• Shedding-free coats require regular grooming to avoid matting.
• Some individuals don't do well in apartment living due to being homebodies.
• Can be barkers if bored and not exercised adequately.

With the right family environment and continued training, a sheepadoodle's friendly personality shines from puppyhood all the way through their senior years.

Costing

The costs of owning a fully grown sheepadoodle long-term include:

• Premium or grain-free kibble: $50-80 per month
• Toys, treats, supplies: $30-50 per month
• Grooming every 4-6 weeks: $60-100
• Annual wellness exams: $200-400 per year
• Unexpected medical costs if illness/injury occurs
• Pet insurance for emergencies is recommended

The price of proper food, preventative healthcare, training and lifestyle costs should be factored into long-term sheepadoodle ownership budgets.