Mini Sheepadoodle: Meet The Brainy And Perfect Pint-Sized Pup!

Mini Sheepadoodles look like the perfect dog straight out of a Disney movie and have the temperament and personality to match. These designer dogs result from crossing the always classy mini or toy Poodle and the not-so-ancient Old English Sheepdog. They are also a smaller version of the much bigger Sheepadoodle.

Sheepadoodles have gorgeous teddy-bear looks, sweet, gentle natures, and lively temperaments. They are intelligent enough to outwit you occasionally, but their strong drive to please keeps makes them great companions. Other names for this dog include:

• Miniature Sheep-a-poo;
• Mini Shepdoodle;
• Toy Sheepdoodle;
• Pocket Shepdoodle;
• Miniature Sheeppoo; 
• Mini Sheepdoodle; 
• Micro Sheepadoodle; and
• Sheepdogpoo.

They are so brilliant that even the military considered using them for a while but found their personalities too sweet and gentle for army life. To learn more about Sheepadoodles, like their temperament, health, and maintenance, we consulted Sheepadoodles: Ultimate Sheepadoodle Dog Manual. So if you’re searching for mini Sheepadoodle puppies for sale, read on.

History of the Mini Sheepadoodle 

A dog’s history helps you understand its overall personality, appearance, and behavior. Most designer dog mixes started in the eighties and nineties as designer mixed breed dogs became popular, especially micro dogs like the teacup Maltese or cute crosses like the Golden Cavalier, Cavachon, or Chiweenie. Poodle mixes became extremely popular, and the term “Doodle” for these dogs first appeared in 1992.

But Sheepadoodles are older than most designer dogs, starting in the 1960s. They were created to be military dogs with Poodle smarts, intuitiveness, and the Sheepdog’s substantial size and amicable temperament. 

However, as you can expect from anything remotely Poodle, they were soon deemed too gentle, carefree, and playful and were retired. However, they caught the public eye in the eighties when they discovered this large dog that allergic people could well tolerate. 

One of today’s most famous Sheepadoodle is Bunny the talking dog. Although she is not a mini version, she demonstrates this breed’s exceptional intelligence. 

Breeding the Sheepdog with a mini Poodle resulted in the mini Sheep Poodle. Both parents have well-documented histories that can shed more light on the mix. 

The Old English Sheepdog parent first emerged in England in the1700s to 1800s. This dog with the cool haircut was initially employed as a drover dog to drive livestock to markets and to pull wagons.

Owners often docked the tails, coining the nickname “Bobtail.” They rose in functionality as drovers at around the same time that Rottweilers did in Germany for the same function. 

Poodles are one of the most identifiable breeds with their signature afros and come in toy, miniature, or standard sizes. Experts often disagree over whether this is a French or German dog. However, even if the French love their Poodles, or as they call them, the Caniche, or “duck dog,” they likely come from Germany. 

What Does Mini Old English Sheep Dog Poodle Mix Look Like?

The mini Sheepadoodle is a smaller version of the standard Sheepadoodle. Mini Sheep Poodles look more like teddy bears than dogs, with their profuse, fluffy coats and long silky ears that flop forward. 

Their coat can be long and wavy and may either be a single coat like the Poodle or a thick double coat like the Old English Sheepdog parent.

Sheepadoodles come in a variety of colors, including:

• Black; 
• Blue;
• White;
• Black and white; 
• Gray and white;
• Brown and white;
• Tan and white;
• Tri-color; 
• Brown or chocolate;
• Sable; and
• Brindle.

Although uncommon, you can find merle Sheepadoodles, which usually go for a higher price because of the unusual color. More commonly, they have white and black patches, no matter the dominant parent. Sometimes, these patches fade into gray, giving them an Old Sheepdog look. 

They have large dark noses, and their eyes may be brown, amber, or blue, or they could have one blue and brown eye.

How Big Does The Miniature Sheepadoodle Get?

Full-grown Mini Sheepadoodles stand about 15 to 20 inches (38 to 50 cm) and weigh roughly 30 to 35 pounds (45 to 68 cm). Micro Mini Sheepadoodles are usually smaller, standing at less than 15 inches tall (up to 38.1cm) and weighing 10 to 25 pounds (4.5kg to 11.3kg). The smaller dogs are usually crosses with. A mini Sheepadoodle usually stops growing between 10 and 12 months old.

General Care and Maintenance of a Sheep Dog Mini Poodle Mix

• Shedding: None to low shedding 
• Exercise: 30 to 60 minutes daily exercise 
• Training: Easy to train because they’re intelligent 
• Temperament: fun-loving, outgoing, friendly, smart, affectionate

Energy Levels

Mini Sheep-a-poos are full of energy, although they are easier to manage than the larger Sheepadoodle. They have that fun-loving Poodle spunk, so it’s essential to work to keep them busy. As puppies, they are exceptionally active and can take about 18 months to calm down. Bottled-up energy manifests as bad behavior like excessive barking and chewing that may call for proper homemade or commercial anti-chew sprays.

Housing Needs

The miniature Sheepadoodle is an indoor family dog that does best in the suburbs, where they have a yard. They are active and can become frustrated in small spaces, leading to unwanted behavior. These dogs can also easily experience heatstroke, so keep an eye on them when they’re out and it’s hot.

Exercise Needs

Sheepoos need 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy. Again, remember that they’re prone to overheating, so make time for evening or morning walks if you live in a warm climate. Mental stimulation like snuffle mats and food puzzles keep their minds busy.

Food & Diet Requirements 

You don’t need to feed your dog a special Sheepadoodle food, but they need a well-balanced diet packed with quality animal protein (at least 25%), vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When creating a meal plan, your vet may consider underlying conditions like hypothyroidism and diabetes.

To prevent issues later, you can supplement your Sheepadoodle with joint supplements like Glucosamine, Omega 3, and Chondroitin. These dogs have a lower risk for GDV (Gastric Dilation and Volvulus), but they’re not completely clear. Feeding twice a day reduces GDV risk. 

Grooming Needs 

The mini Sheepadoodle dog is high-maintenance regarding grooming, no matter whether they inherit a single or double coat. Both curly and wavy-haired mixes need constant brushing, preferably every other day, to eliminate tangles. You may also need to go to a professional groomer once a month or every six weeks or so for a professional trim.

You’ll need to trim the hair around your dog’s eyes every month or two to promote visibility. Nice ear wipes will keep their feathered ears infection-free, and clippers to avoid overgrown nails. They also need teeth brushing 2 to 3 times every week, although the more, the better.

The Health of a Mini Sheepadoodle

These mixes are usually hardy and healthy dogs. This results from the wider gene pool associated with mixed breeds, making them typically healthier than purebreds (hybrid vigor). 

However, health conditions prevalent in parent breeds become the mix’s concern. Hip dysplasia is one such condition that affects both Poodles and English Sheepdogs, making it a health risk for the mix. 

Hypothyroidism is also prevalent in both parent breeds, so take your Sheepadoodle for regular checkups. Luckily, the mini Poodle used in the mixed breed lowers their risk for GDV (bloat) because of the smaller chest. However, they don’t eliminate Gastric torsion concerns. 

A study showed that Poodles are at a higher risk than other dogs of developing autoimmune issues like Addison’s Disease. This may be accredited to inbreeding that was prevalent at some point in their genetic line. 

Many of these health conditions can be averted by getting your pup from a responsible breeder who does genetic screening. We consulted Dr. Alex Gough, DVM, for a list of medical risks to look out for with the Sheepdog Poodle mix ranked by severity:

Severe Health Problems

• Hip and elbow dysplasia;
• Luxating patellar;
• Thyroid issues;
• Heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DM);
• Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy;
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease that’s a degenerative hip disease;  
• Collapsed trachea; 
• Osteoarthritis; 
• Certain cancers; and
• Heatstroke.

Mild to Moderate Health Issues 

• Allergies;
• Entropion (an eyelid deformity where the eyelids turn inwards);
• Cataracts;
• Glaucoma;
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA);
• Diabetes;
• Stomach & food sensitivities;
• Skin issues like sebaceous adenitis;
• Obesity;
• Dental issues like halitosis and periodontitis; and
• Ear conditions due to the Poodle’s hanging ears, like Malassezia (yeast) overgrowth.

Occasional

• Hereditary deafness (especially in white or merle dogs);
• Epilepsy; and 
• GDV (bloat).

Mini English Sheepdog Poodle Mix Temperament and Trainability

Mini Sheepadoodles are exceptionally sweet-natured and playful. These fun-loving dogs are gentle, mellow, sociable but alert, cheerful, and incredibly intelligent. These little champs love the spotlight and can develop nasty behaviors like barking if you deny them attention. 

According to the professional animal trainer and Doodle expert Miriam Fields-Babineau, it’s essential to train a Sheepadoodle, as they are so energetic they become challenging to manage. However, she says that a trained Sheepadoodle is “a joy.” They can also do well as therapy and emotional support dogs.

Mini Sheepdoodles can be mischievous, thanks to their Poodle ancestry. The Mini Poodle parents are observed to be slightly more aggressive toward outsiders than their standard cousins. These dogs can develop separation anxiety with barking too much and destructiveness. 

Both parents are extremely intelligent, so training this dog should be easy. However, they can exhibit some stubbornness and independence and need consistency and patience. Early training and socialization are crucial for a dog that can get along safely with other people and pets. 

These are sensitive dogs with no capacity to handle harsh treatment. Punishing training methods can cause them to become anxious, fearful, avoidant, or shut down. 

Are Mini Sheepadoodles Good With Children And Other Pets?

Mini Sheepadoodles are great family dogs that do well around children. However, always supervise smaller children around dogs to prevent any accidents. But they are also a good choice for an active single adult or retiree, so long as their needs for attention and exercise are met.

Sheepadoodles are friendly with other dogs and pets, especially with proper socialization, and do well in multi-pet households. However, they like to chase and herd other animals, so be careful they don’t harass your cat or other animals like chickens. Remember, they do have both herding and hunting dog genetics.

Suitable Home For A Mini Sheepadoodle

• Moderately active homes with at least a small yard available for exercise; 
• Moderate energy lifestyles (dog owners who go for long daily walks and have plenty of time for playing, training, and activities);
• Allergic homes. These dogs aren’t 100% hypoallergenic (no dog is) but are more allergy-friendly than other dogs, and people with milder pet allergies may be able to share a living space with a Sheepadoodle;
• Families, including homes with children (however, keep smaller children under supervision)
• Multi-pet households;
• People committed to regular daily grooming; and
• Homes where someone is present most of the time, as this dog breed is prone to separation anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts 

Mini Sheepdog Poodle mixes are great family dogs with great dispositions and medium sizes. They shed significantly less than other breeds but are not sure to be hypoallergenic. They are also easy to train, making them well-mannered pets.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.