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Sheepadoodle: Complete Australian Breed Guide

Crossbreed Large Breed Moderate — Manage in summer
Size Large
Lifespan 12-15 years
AU Price $4,000-$7,000
Hazel Russell
Last updated 2 Apr 2026 · 5 min read

Sheepadoodle Overview

Origin: United States

A cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle. The Sheepadoodle combines the OES's gentle, herding instinct with the Poodle's intelligence and reduced shedding. Known for its distinctive black and white teddy bear appearance.

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Breed Ratings at a Glance

How the Sheepadoodle scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).

Energy Level
4/5
Trainability
4/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
Shedding Level
2/5
Kid-Friendly
4/5
Dog-Friendly
4/5
Cat-Friendly
3/5

Is a Sheepadoodle Right for You?

Apartment Living No
⚠️
First-Time Owner With_guidance
⚠️
Hot Climate (AU) Moderate
Cold Climate Excellent

Sheepadoodle Health & Lifespan

🟠

High: Hip Dysplasia

Sheepadoodle is predisposed to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint develops abnormally leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Ensure your breeder provides hip scores for both parents. Maintain a lean body weight and provide appropriate exercise to support joint health.

12-15 years Average Lifespan
Recommended Health Tests:

Hip and elbow scores, ophthalmologist evaluation, cardiac evaluation, Addisons screening

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Sheepadoodle Cost of Ownership (AUD)

CategoryAmount (AUD)
Purchase Price (Breeder)$4,000-$7,000

All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.

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Finding a Reputable Sheepadoodle Breeder

✅ Green Flags

  • Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
  • Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
  • Provides health test results for parents
  • Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
  • Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)

❌ Red Flags

  • Multiple breeds always available with no wait
  • Won't let you visit or meet the mother
  • No health testing mentioned
  • Price significantly below market average
  • Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:

ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF

Adopting a Sheepadoodle in Australia

❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

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