German Shepherd Poodle mix dog is also known as Shepadoodles, and it is a cross between the athletic German Shepherd and the dignified Poodle. Shepadoodles can live for up to 14 years and weigh as much as 125 pounds.
The looks of this dog can vary to look more like the Poodle or shaggy like the German Shepherd. You may also have heard about the Shepadoodle and want to figure out how you can best live with this appealing dog.
In this guide, we will go through the basics and in-depth of the necessary information that you need to know while adopting or buying this dog. By the end of this article, you should have a clear opinion and be able to decide whether this dog is suitable for you and your living conditions.
Table of Contents
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Overview
German Shepherd Poodle mix is a combination of the genes of a German Shepherd and a Poodle.
This dog is also known As
- Shepadoodle
- Shepherd Poodle
- German Poodle
- Shepapoo
- Shepherdpoo
Because this dog is mixed and there is a full genetic pool that can determine how the canine may turn out, there may be variation even in pups of the same litter.
The traits of this dog may also be affected by generation.
Some of the Generations Are;
- A purebred German Shepherd mixed directly with a purebred Poodle gives you a Shepadoodle which is the F1 generation.
- 2 F1 generations Shepadoodles bred together give you the F2 age.
- Breeding two F2 generations give you an F3 age Shepadoodle and, it goes on and on.
- A breeder can decide to mate any of the above generations with another a purebred Poodle or German shepherd to increase certain traits.
German Poodles have the attributes of both the dogs from which they were created. This beautiful dog is smart, easy to train and eager to please.
Shepadoodles are charming little dogs that are great with kids and are loyal to their families. They can be wary of strangers a trait that makes them excellent watchdogs.
Shepadoodle History
Not much is known about this hybrid dog, but he is believed to have originated from the US. Shepherd Poodle was stated by the US army in the 1960s to be used in the military.
Both the German shepherd and Poodle started in Germany. To have a better understanding of this hybrid dog, let’s look at both of his parent breeds.
German Shepherd Complete History
This is one of the most popular breeds in the US. The German Shepherd is an intelligent dog that is capable of working and exceeding what you teach him. German Shepherd can weigh up to 90 pounds with heights of about 5 inches.
Males are usually larger than females. In the late 1800s, a German captain by the name Max von Stephanitz selected to breed the perfect German herding dog.
After 35 years of working hard, the German Shepherd that you know today was created. As a result of herding sheep and other livestock German Shepherds got the great features that you know for today.
These qualities include versatility, intelligence, and other properties. Although their use as herding dogs reduced as technology took over cunning nature and mentality remained. They are now used as the first choice for police and the military.
Poodle Brief History
It may come as a surprise to many that although Poodle is regarded as the French Poodle, he is actually of German origin. There is no French Poodle as Poodles originated from Germany about 400 years ago where they were bred to hunt waterfowls.
Poodles were given fancy pompom haircuts which have now become part of the Poodle’s fashion report. This haircut aided in protecting the Poodle’s sensitive body while allowing him to have the agility in freezing water while he was hunting ducks.
Poodles were not only used for hunting ducks, but they were also used for play where they would perform in street shows and circuses adding to his many talents.
Poodle continues to be one of the most intelligent dogs on the planet right now making him one of the most trainable dogs.
Shepherd Poodle Characteristics
| Features | Detail |
| Height | 22 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 125 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 – 14 years |
| Breed type | Mixes |
| Purpose | The family dog or Guard Dog |
| Best for | Families with Kids and Active People |
| Grooming needs | Normal |
| Color variation | Black, tan, cream, solid black, solid white, or solid sable. |
| Temperament | Energetic, Wary of Strangers, Affectionate |
| Other names | Shepadoodle, Shepherd Poodle, German Poodle, Shepapoo, or the Shepherdpoo. |
| Health issues | Hip dysplasia, eye disease, gastric ailments, Panosteitis, Pannus, Hemophilia, Degenerative Myelopathy |
Height and Weight Of Shepherd Poodle
This dog a height that ranges from 22 to 28 inches. Weighs anywhere from 50 to 125 pounds but most of them weigh from 50 to 90 pounds. German Shepherds have one standard size while Poodles have four different sizes which are.
- Toy
- Teacup
- Miniature
- Standard
Lifespan of Shepadoodle
German Shepherd Poodle mixes have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
German Poodle Coat Appearance and Shedding
Keep in mind that the Shepadoodle you get can look more like one of the parent breeds than the other or be a balance of both the parents. The ears are typically floppy, the eyes are frequently large and brown, and the tail is long.
Their noses can either be brown or black. As far as the coat goes, there is usually a considerable variation in the look and the color. The coats can vary in length and texture with most of the time the coat is medium in length.
German Poodle may inherit the Poodle’s coat that is usually curly or the German Shepherd’s coat that is usually wavier. The coat can vary depending on the F1 or F1b generation.
Does the Shepadoodle Coat Shed?
After reading about all these Shepadoodle’s coat, you may now be wondering how much the coat sheds. These canines can lean towards the side of the Poodle are more likely to have minimal shedding and produce less dander. This will make them hypoallergenic.
German shepherd Poodle mix Personality and Temperament
Just like any other Doodle, the Shepadoodles make great family pets. They are intelligent dogs with a well-mannered disposition, love, and extraordinary commitment in their blood. These dogs are easy to train and have a notable willingness to please their owners.
They love playing with children and other pets getting along with essentially everyone. If you get one of these dogs, you will note that they have seemingly endless energy.
However, you should not let tiny children play with this dog without your supervision, just like any other medium to large-sized dogs. They demand that you give them a lot of attention but have great strength and are very friendly.
Although they are loving dogs, early training and socialization are still needed. You should also know they are wary of pets that they were not raised together with, but this should not worry you as they do not respond aggressively towards them unless they feel insecure.
They are alert and can be wary of strangers. This means that they make excellent watchdogs that should not have any offensive tendencies. Shepadoodles are not known barkers and will only bark when it is necessary and when they need to be heard but are not pushy.
You should note that they do not make a great living in an apartment and will require a house with a yard. They adapt well to any living situation.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Colors
The coat color can vary from black, tan, cream, solid black, solid white to solid sable.
| Tan | Cream | Sable |
| Black | Tricolor | White |
Shepadoodle Negative Points
- Some of the dogs can be super protective of their family to the point that they may look to be overly so.
- There is also a problem that occurs when you leave the dog for long periods. This is because of their loyalty and devotion. They may suffer from separation anxiety.
- Also, if you don’t give them attention and exercise, they may result in some bad behaviours that you may not like.
How Much Does a Shepadoodle Puppy Cost?
You should always get a mixed dog pup from a responsible and reliable breeder. Getting a puppy from a breeder will cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more depending on the breeder.
And adopting one of these dogs will cost you anywhere from $50 to $100, which is a good deal considering that the initial vet cost will have been covered.
Grooming Needs of German Shepherd Poodle mix Dog
German Poodles generally have low grooming needs. The grooming needs will, however, vary depending on the coat that the German Shepherd Poodle mix inherits.
They also don’t shed as much as German Shepherds. Shepadoodles shed lightly to moderately depending on the side that the genes lean towards. Brushing is an essential part of grooming as it helps get rid of mats and tangles on the fur of the dog.
It is also a chance for you to develop the bond between you and your dog. It would help if you brushed the coat two to four times every week. This is because German Poodles lead an active lifestyle and in the process, the coat easily unkempt.
You will need to brush the coat daily during the shedding season as the heps get off the excess fur preventing it from spreading in your house and on your clothes or car.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirements
The Poodle German Shepherd mix dogs require a high level of physical movements. They need to have an adequate amount of physical activity of at least one hour.
To capture the attention of your dog, you will need a suitable mixture of mental and physical stimulation for this mixed breed. The dogs will enjoy jogging, playing fetch, and hiking.
One activity that you can include in the exercise period is a chewing activity. The German Shepherd Poodles may enjoy the KONG Traxx Tire Dog Toy that is made of the durable and elastic element.
It can rebound when compressed, allowing more active freedom for the dog. You can fill the tire walls with treats. This toy helps in enhancing the dog’s digestion and preventing the development of separation anxiety.
On some days, you would choose to stay at home and allow your dog to play inside the house. You would need to have a playpen with enough space.
The BestPet Puppy Pet Playpen 8 Panel Indoor Outdoor Metal Portable Folding Animal Exercise Dog Fence is a numerous and sturdy exercise playpen. It has a coating finish for preventing rust build-up. It can be assembled more easily. You can also use this with non-climbing small animals.
German Shepherd Mixed with Poodle and Families
A notable trait of the Poodle mixed with German Shepherd dogs is their attachment to kids. These family-friendly dogs enjoy the company of the little ones. As a responsible adult, you need to prepare a keen eye for the child-dog-small animal’s interactions.
It is vital to set an example for children in how to treat the dog with respect and love. German Shepherd mixed with Poodle pups may crave attention. You should set aside some time to attend to their needs, because this may contribute to the growth of separation anxiety. You can subject the dog for early socialization.
This process will help in achieving better adjustment and more loving family dynamic. The socialization can start as early as 2 1/2 weeks. It will help the dog divide between good and bad stimuli and emotions. It can also make them feel at ease with the new environment, especially when you acquire them from another home.
These dogs can be an excellent addition to your family. They would bring excitement to the household, and they help cultivate the spirit of closeness.
How to Bath a Shepherd Poodle
You should only wash your Shepadoodle only when it is necessary. These dogs don’t need regular bathing as it strips the coat of essential oils and minerals. You can bath your pooch once every two or three months. Never use human shampoo while bathing your dog.
Use a shampoo that is formulated for dogs. This shampoo should have a neutral pH and should be hypoallergenic. Throughout winter, you must lather the coat using cod liver oil to prevent the skin from getting dry as temperatures drop.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix Care Needs
Apart from taking care of the dog’s coat, you should also check the ears for any chances of ear infections. Dip a cotton bud into an ear cleansing solution after which you will use it to clean the Shepadoodle’s ears.
Make sure that you are cleaning the outer area as you do not want to damage the dog’s ears. Visit a groomer if you are not satisfied doing it by yourself. Clipping the nails is also an essential part of grooming. If you are not sure of what to do, you should visit a professional groomer.
Brush your German Shepherd Poodle mix teeth a few times every week to reduce the risk of periodontal infections. Some dogs may not want their teeth touched, so make him get used to the process. Make it a gradual process. The method of brushing a dog’s teeth is just the same as how you would do it on your teeth.
How to Feed a Shepadoodle?
To keep a Poodle shepherd in excellent health and physique, you will need to make sure that he is fed in the right diet that meets his nutritional requirements.
Shepadoodles need about 1400 calories of food a day. That will translate to about 3 cups of kibble. As a puppy, he has high energy requirements due to their fast growth, and you will need to give him about four meals in a day to avoid overstretching the stomach.
As the puppy grows, reduce this to 2 meals in a day. Small but frequent meals can help reduce the chances of bloat, which is common in large dog breeds and can be fatal to your pooch.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Health Issues
Here are always a few health concerns that you have to look out for even if the dog was crossed to outbreed any health issues. The German shepherd Poodle mix is no objection to that as this dog is prone to obtaining some of the health problems from the parent breeds.
Luckily some of these problems can be treated as long as you keep a close eye on your dog. You can register a test with your vet to determine the possibility of any inherited health issues.
There are recommendations and diet demands that you will require to follow to keep your pooch in a stable, healthy state.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: This condition often occurs in massive dogs. It is caused by the displacement of the thighbone and hip joint. This may lead to pain during walking and immobility of the canine’s legs.
- Perianal Fistula: This illness occurs mainly in the parent breed German Shepherd. This happens when the skin surrounding the anus drains and communicates with an internal cavity. The wounds on the anus may cause foul-smelling discharge and infections.
- Tick and flea infestations: This condition is mostly caused by poor grooming habits. This is also a reminder of how crucial grooming can be.
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative disorder is a result of ageing. It leads to difficulty and pain when utilizing the affected joint. In German Shepherd crossbreeds, the most involved part is the spine.
- Haemophilia: This is a blood disorder that manifests as prolonged wound closure and healing and excessive bleeding. It is incurable but manageable. It is crucial to notice this early on the life of the dog.
- One of the primary prevention methods you can do is having consistent schedules with the veterinarian. These visits will allow you to track the course of health problems. These visits can also help reassure you if you notice some suspicious signs that need to be addressed. A minimum of an annual checkup is recommended for dogs with no warning signs.
Pros and cons of having a German shepherd Poodle mix
Pros
Shepadoodle hybrids are intelligent and easy to train.
These dogs make excellent watchdogs.
German Shepherd Poodle mix dogs are excellent companion dogs.
Cons
The hypoallergenic quality of Poodle is not assured.
Early training is required, which may not be great for first-time dog owners.
Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that require al lot of exercise, which is a disadvantage for people that are not always in the house or inactive people.
