If you’re a Doodle lover, you’ll be familiar with Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles.
These two hybrid dogs are examples of Poodle crosses, benefitting from the French breed’s low-shedding coats.
However, Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles differ where one of their parents are concerned.
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle to create a friendly, energetic and loving dog.
Sheepadoodles are the result of breeding between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog.
While neither mix are recognised by organizations such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club, Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles are popular designer breeds.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the Goldendoodle and the Sheepadoodle. We’ll examine the size difference, how their temparaments differ, the Goldendoodle and Sheepadoodle coat colors and how much these hybrid dogs cost.
Before we dive into the world of Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles, it’s important to note that the physical and personality traits of each member of these cross breeds can vary. There’s no guarantee a Goldendoodle or Sheepadoodle will inherit certain desired traits from each of their parents.
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What Is A Goldendoodle?
A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Of all the Doodle varities, the Goldendoodle is perhaps the best known.
The Goldendoodle can go by a variety of different names, including the Groodle, Curly Golden, Curly Retriever, Goldenoodle and Goldenpoo.
Like we mentioned above, neither the AKC nor the UKC have granted the Goldendoodle status despite recognising the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
However, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Goldendoodle Association of North America, Goldendoodle Registry and International Designer Canine Registry.
What Is A Sheepadoodle?
A cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle is known as a Sheepadoodle.
These dogs are best known as Sheepadoodles but like the Goldendoodles, there are number of names that can be used to describe this mix. Less common names for the cross breed include Sheeppo, Sheep-A-Poo, Sheepapoo, Sheepdogdoodle and Sheepdogpoo.
The AKC and UKC don’t recognise the Sheepadoodle but they have been granted recognition by the International Designer Canine Association since 2009.
Goldendoodle Size Vs Sheepadoodle Size
Roosevelt the Goldendoodle (Photo: roosevelttheteddy / Instagram)
Goldendoodles can come in three different sizes – standard, medium and large. The size of a Goldendoodle will depend on the size of the Poodle parent. As a rough guide, standard Goldendoodles will be between 20 to 24 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds in weight. Medium Goldendoodles will range from 17 to 20 inches tall and 40 to 50 pounds. Mini Goldendoodles are up to 20 inches and weigh between 15 and 35 pounds.
Roosevelt (@roosevelttheteddy) gave an insight into Goldendoodle size.
Roosevelt is currently 6 months old and ~35 lbs. He will probably grow to about ~50 lbs, which I would consider to be average Goldendoodle size and a medium-large dog breed.
Sheepadoodle have three different size ranges just like the Goldendoodle. We’ve got giant Sheepadoodles, standard Sheepadoodles and miniature Sheepadoodles. They can range from 16 to 22 inches tall and 60 to 80 pounds in weight.
Walter the Sheepadoodle (Photo: walterthegentlegiant / Instagram)
Walter (@walterthegentlegiant) is an example of a standard Sheepadoodle.
Walter is a standard Sheepadoodle and is currently 46 pounds at 5 months old. He’ll be 70-80 pounds when full grown so he’ll get quite a bit larger and fluffier than he already is!
Goldendoodle Colors Vs Sheepadoodle Colors
Gator the Goldendoodle (Photo: gator.thegoldendoodle / Instagram)
When you think of the Golden Retriever, your mind goes to their beautiful golden coats. However, Poodles can come in a variety of different shades. Goldendoodles have the following coat color possibilities: brown, red, cream, sable, silver, black and blue.
Gator (@gator.thegoldendoodle) provided an insight into Goldendoodle coat color.
He has straight hair but there is some kinky curls under ears or if he gets wet and dries naturally. His hair is long, fluffy and soft and has a golden color with variations of lighter blonde mixed with red on the top of his back that darkens in the winter months.
Zammy The Sheepadoodle (Photo: @zammypup / Instagram)
Like the Golden Retriever, Old English Sheepdogs have a trademark coat color – white with black or gray markings. Sheepadoodles can have black and white coats, but some members of this designer breed can have white and gray markings.
Goldendoodle Temperament Vs Sheepadoodle Temperament
Brodie the Goldendoodle (Photo: @brodiethatdood / Instagram)
Goldendoodles were created to work as guide dogs but with hypoallergenic qualities. The result is a mixed breed that is friendly, intelligent and eager to please. Goldendoodles will strive to make their pet owners happy, putting their high IQ to good use.
Clifford shed some light on the personality of social media star Brodie.
Just a Dood’s Dood. His main goal in life is to have a good time. He doesn’t really put much thought into his actions, he’s just interested in making me and the people around him happy. He is an attention seeker and loves being noticed in public. If he feels the correct amount of attention is not being allotted towards him (typically when I am working from home), he will march around with a bath mat, kitchen towel or sock, to try to get more attention focused his way.
Mini Doodle Bentley is another Instagram star. His mom provided an insight into his personality, shining a light on some of the Golden Retriever and Poodle traits.
The Golden Retriever traits are the happy, goofy, and silly ones like when he brings something (usually a toy) outside to pee with him, to bed, and to greet us at the door. Also just the endless love of tennis balls and the happy smiles I always see in Goldens. On the Poodle side, he is so so smart which also makes him a bit stubborn! He catches on to things way too quickly and sometimes can outsmart us…
Sheepadoodles do share some personality traits with Goldendoodles. They’re social and smart dogs that require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically motivated. Sheepadoodles tend to be loyal dogs that can be affectionate and protective of family members.
Bertie (@sheepadoodlebertie) is permanently attached to his mom’s hip.
He’s full of energy and loves to be with people. We joke that he’s a stage 5 clinger since he always follows us around from room to room. I like to think that he knows how to tell time since he will wake up from his nap, go sit on the couch, and stare out the window at 5pm on the dot on weekdays to watch for us to come home.
Bear’s (@sheepadoodlebear) owners shed light on their Sheepadoodle’s quirky personality.
He can best be described as a friendly clown. Every year we think, “this is the year Bear is going to settle down,” and every year he proves us wrong. He loves to play, play, play at all times. He never gets tired and always wants to be part of the action. We take him on at least two long walks a day and he joins me and the kids at the park almost every day…and he still has excess energy! Lucky for us, it’s not destructive energy. He is just about the most friendly dog you’ll ever meet. He loves every person and dog, and can often be found at the park surrounded by a gaggle of kids all smothering him with treats and snuggles.
Goldendoodle Price Vs Sheepadoodle Price
Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles are often catagerorized as designer dogs. The hint is in the nickname – buying one of these hybrid pups can be costly.
We recommend dog owners check their local rescue shelters or breed-dedicated organizations to see if there are any Goldendoodles or Sheepadoodles requiring a new home.
As popular cross breeds, there are quite a few Goldendoodle and Sheepadoodle breeders.
Goldendoodles can cost between $1,000 and $10,000. The onus is on prospective parents to do lots of research to find the legitimate breeders.
It’s a good idea to speak to a number of different Goldendoodle breeders, ask to see the puppy’s mother, proof of vet checks and health screening – and ask lots of questions.
Sheepadoodles can cost from $1,000 to $3,000, but each breeder will charge different prices.
You’ll often find that miniature versions of these designer dog breeds will cost more than their larger varities.
While you may have saved for the initial purchase price of your puppy, you should remember that there are more costs that will come once your pup is home such as dog food, vaccinations, pet insurance and much more.
Sheepadoodle Vs Goldendoodle For Allergies
Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles are often branded as hypoallergenic dogs.
The AKC write on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed. However, there are some types of dogs who have more hypoallergenic qualities than other breeds.
So there’s no guarantee that a Goldendoodle or Sheepadoodle won’t trigger a person’s allergies, they’re less likely than some other breeds and cross breeds.
Bentley’s (@minidoodlebentley) parents explained that their Goldendoodle hasn’t triggered their allergies.
We are super allergic to dogs; typically when we’re in a room with them for a while we get to a point where we can’t breathe. We have had absolutely no problems with Bentley. He does not shed and has a hypoallergenic coat.
Claudia (@surreysheepadoodles) provided an insight from a Sheepadoodle owner perspective.
They are mostly hypoallergenic – but as a cross breed it does depend on the genes they inherit from their parents. I have yet to meet one/hear of one who isn’t.
Goldendoodle And Sheepadoodles To Follow On Instagram
If you’re looking to learn more about Goldendoodles or Sheepadoodles, we find social media an extremely useful took to provide prospective owners with an insight into the breed. Here are some Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles to check out on Instagram.
• Brodie (@brodiethatdood)
• Mini Doodle Bentley (@minidoodlebentley)
• Roosevelt (@roosevelttheteddy)
• Gator (@gator.thegoldendoodle)
• Bear (@sheepadoodlebear)
• Bertie (@sheepadoodlebertie)
• Walter (@walterthegentlegiant)
• Surrey Sheepadoodles (@surreysheepadoodles)
In Conclusion – Wrapping Up
We’ve reached the end of our Goldendoodle vs Sheepadoodle feature.
They’re two designer dog breeds that have some shared traits but differ in other ways.
Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles can come in three different sizes and in a range of coat colors.
Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles appear to be friendly and energetic dogs that can excel in a family setting.
