The Sheepadoodle is a mixture of a pure breed Old English Sheepdog and the Standard Poodle, thus inheriting the most desired characteristics of both breeds. For instance, they inherit the intelligence of the Poodle and the sturdiness of the Sheepdog. The Sheepadoodles are used as emotional support dogs because they are best at reading human emotions than other dogs.
They are fun, energetic, loyal, and friendly companions. But before you decide to adopt the Sheepadoodle, you must know about their shedding habits. Shedding is a crucial factor to consider before adopting any canine. It determines how much cleaning you’ll have to do, not to mention it can be a life-threatening situation for people with severe dog allergies.
So, do Sheepadoodles shed? Yes, they do. These dogs are praised for their allergy-friendly and low-shedding coats thanks to their Poodles genes. But it’s not uncommon for some Sheepadoodles to shed a significant amount, especially when they have inherited most of the Sheepdog’s coat traits. The good news is you can always minimize shedding by grooming and providing them with an optimal diet.
The adorable Sheepadoodle will wiggle its way into your heart since they are intelligent, playful, and loving. They are the best companions and make good family dogs. They are ideal for families who love indoor canines but don’t like to deal with fur all over their house.
Allergy sufferers can now enjoy their company without having to deal with itchy eyes, a running nose, sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, or even difficulty breathing. This article will explain all about Sheepadoodle shedding habits, what causes them to shed, and how you can manage and reduce it. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
How Much Do Sheepadoodles Shed
Sheepadoodles are generally considered a low-shedding breed. They will shed less than the Sheepdog but not none like the Poodle. How much your Sheepadoodle sheds depends highly on their fur type and genetics. If yours inherits the Old English Sheepdog fur, you will likely find hairs in your home. But if they inherit the Poodle fur, you are less likely to find hairs in your house.
If you’re looking for a low-shedding Sheepadoodle, you should look for generations with more Poodle genes than Sheepdog genes. A good example is the F1bb Sheepadoodle, which consists of 75% Poodle and 25% Sheepdog.
Remember that there are several other factors that can affect how much your pup sheds, including overall health, diet, exercise, etc.
Why Do Sheepadoodles Shed
All canines shed; the only difference is that some will shed more and others less. Shedding is a natural process that helps them get rid of old hairs and regrow new ones. Dogs undergo three stages of a hair growth cycle, namely:
- Anagen is the first stage, and it is where the hair grows actively
- Catagen is the second stage, and here the hair has fully grown
- Telogen is the last stage where the hair finally falls out and is replaced by a new one.
All canines undergo the hair growth cycle. The only difference is the cycle takes longer to complete for heavy shedders and shorter for low shedders. The Sheepadoodle’s cycle takes longer to complete, which explains why they are a low shedding breed.
Another reason why your Sheepadoodle will shed is that they are losing their puppy coats to grow another one that will last forever.
Aside from these natural forms of shedding, your doggy might also experience unhealthy shedding due to an underlying issue. While this is dangerous for the dog, it can easily be resolved by identifying and treating/managing the problem.
Shedding Seasons and Frequency
When do Sheepadoodles shed? Despite their reputation as a less or non-shedding canine breed, your Sheepadoodle will shed a noticeable amount when shedding their puppy fur. This always happens around the fifth to the twelfth month of age. They will also shed more during the seasonal shedding in spring and fall like any other canine. This is just a way of adapting to the weather changes as it gets warmer or cold. However, even during the seasonal shedding, your Sheepadoodle should not be losing clumps of hair like some dogs do.
Unhealthy Shedding
As much as shedding is normal and essential for your pup, unhealthy shedding is terrible news. Your Sheepadoodle should not be shedding too much as it may risk their health. If you notice either of the following, that means your Sheepadoodle is shedding unhealthily:
- If their fur appears thinner in some parts
- If the undercoat skin feels dry and patchy
- If your pup is constantly face scrubbing and foot licking
- If your Sheepadoodle is scratching too much alongside the excessive shedding
Some of the causes of unhealthy shedding include a poor diet, allergies, stress and anxiety, parasitic infections, improper grooming, and other underlying health issues. It is recommended that you take your Sheepadoodle to the vet to examine what could be causing him to shed excessively and the treatment options. I will also talk about managing and reducing your pup’s shedding, so you don’t have a house full of dog hairs.
What Type of Coat Does Sheepadoodles Have?
Sheepadoodles come in different fur types combined from two different purebred dogs. Their fur types vary from curly to wavy and straight.
The Curly Coat Sheepadoodle
These type of Sheepadoodles mostly inherited their fur from their Poodle parents. They are minimal shedders since Poodles are usually single-coated. They shed extremely little and are considered allergy-friendly to even severe allergy sufferers. However, the curly coat Sheepadoodles require high maintenance of their coats since they are prone to matting.
The Wavy Coat Sheepadoodle
These Sheepadoodles combine the shaggy Old English Sheepdog locks and the Poodle curls. The wavy Sheepadoodles may come with undercoats, meaning they will shed more. However, they are easier to maintain because they are not prone to matting.
The Straight Coat Sheepadoodle
The Old English Sheepdog genetics inspires the straight coat Sheepadoodles. These Sheepadoodles are double-coated, so their shedding is more noticeable than the other two types of coats. However, they still shed considerably less than the Old English Sheepdog parents.
How to Manage and Reduce Sheepadoodles Shedding
A common trait you have to agree on is that you cannot or should not expect a dog not to shed entirely. Every canine will shed even if it is a minimal amount, like the Sheepadoodle. So, after answering the question, do Sheepadoodles shed, you only have to learn how to manage and reduce their shedding. The secret to enjoying a fur-free home and keeping your pup’s shedding under control comes down to a proper grooming routine and a high-quality diet.
Sheepadoodles Grooming
Regularly grooming your Sheepadoodle is the best and easiest way to reduce and manage their shedding. Brushing is the most effective way to keep shedding under control. It helps catch all the dead, loose hairs before they fall out on your carpet or couch.
Brushing also helps distribute your dog’s natural oils throughout the fur, thus maintaining a healthy one. Keep in mind that the curly fur Sheepadoodle will require more brushing than the wavy and straight Sheepadoodles.
Using the right tools is vital for an effective grooming process. A slicker brush is ideal as it helps to avoid matting.
Trimming is also another way of reducing shedding and matting. It is best if you leave this to a professional groomer; otherwise, you might end up cutting lots of hair and leave your pup’s body unprotected from the elements.
Sheepadoodles Diet
A poor diet is one of the most common causes of excessive shedding in dogs. If your pup isn’t getting all the required nutrients from his diet, he will shed excessively. Therefore, ensure you feed your Sheepadoodle high-quality dog food.
Give them some beef, salmon, sardines, and chicken. All these will provide them with the necessary proteins for overall well-being. Omega fatty acids are one of the essential nutrients for healthy fur that sheds healthily. Some Sheepadoodle owners claim that minerals like zinc also help prevent skin infections, thus reducing shedding.
Food allergies like grain, soy, and wheat can cause excess shedding. So, always ensure your Sheepadoodle isn’t allergic to anything you feed them. If you happen to be switching your pup’s food, do it gradually and individually as you watch their reaction to the food.
Baths, Supplements…
Bathing your Sheepadoodle can also help to reduce and manage their shedding. Like brushing, bathing captures the loose, dead hairs before they fall inside the house. Be sure to only provide occasional baths as overbathing can strip off the dog’s natural skin oils, leaving the skin dry, irritated, and prone to excessive shedding.
Sometimes your pup is not getting all the necessary nutrients from their regular diet. In such cases, you can always add some dietary supplements to their food to ensure they are getting enough nutrients to maintain healthy fur. Be sure to consult your vet to recommend the best dietary supplements for your Sheepadoodle.
Are Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic
A hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely to trigger allergic reactions because they drool less, produce less dander, and shed less. Many people usually assume that it is fur they are allergic to, but that’s not true. The protein found in the dog’s saliva, urine, and dander is what causes one’s allergies to flare up. It is important to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic because they all produce fur, dander, saliva, and urine.
Sheepadoodles are considered allergy-friendly because they shed less and produce less dander. But this is only if they inherit the Poodle’s coat. Remember this is a crossbreed of two different canines. You can encounter a Sheepadoodle that mainly inherited the genes of an Old English Sheepdog. This particular type of Sheepadoodle will trigger your allergies because the Old English Sheepdog is a heavy shedder and not a hypoallergenic canine breed.
If you happen to own a Sheepadoodle with the Old English Sheepdog genetics, you will have to learn a few tips to minimize the likeliness of an allergic reaction. For starters:
- Brush your Sheepadoodle outside to keep allergens out of the house
- Use a HEPA air filter to catch and lessen the airborne allergens
- Train your Sheepadoodle to pee in a designated area
- Avoid getting licked by your pup
- Seek some medications from your doctor to help contain your allergies
- As mentioned earlier, regularly grooming and providing your canine with a proper diet will help reduce shedding