German Shepherd Poodle Mix: Shepadoodle

What is a Shepadoodle?

The Shepadoodle has many different names like Shepapoo, Sheppoo Shepherd Poodle, or Shepdoodle.  The Shepadoodle is a designer dog breed cross that is a German Shepherd mixed with Poodle. They were originally bred as a way to help disabled people who suffer from pet allergies.  The Shepadoodle has been becoming increasingly popular since 2007.

The personalities of a Poodle and a German Shephard are quite different and can be considered polar opposite.  The Poodle is hypoallergenic, non shedding, and one of the smartest dogs in the world. In addition, the Poodle is considered agile and amazing in the water.  On the other hand, the German Shepherd was originally a farm dog that became popular after World War I in Germany. German Shepherds then branched out to become police dogs, emotional support animals, and sight dogs because they were easy to train, loyal, and patient.  Combining these two dog breeds together brings out some of the best hybrid dog traits in the market: hypoallergenic, non shedding, intelligent, loving, and loyal.

Shepadoodle Dog Breed History

The Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle was first discovered in Germany because of their water resistant coats which were used for bird hunting and other water retrieving activities.  The Poodle is also one of the smartest dog breeds that make fantastic pets so several different variations started arising. You can find all different colors of Poodle from black, white, apricot, blue, grey and others.  In addition, they range in various sizes from toy poodles to standard poodles. These are also one of the most popular breeds registered on the AKC because they are considered hypoallergenic and non shedding. This means that if you have any sort of pet allergies that this dog won’t contribute to your allergies and make you sneeze all day.  In addition, they don’t shed fur all over your house and clothes so you won’t have to vacuum everyday. The only downside of a Poodle is that you will have to regularly groom them and give them haircuts.

The German Shepherd

As the name indicates, the German Shepherd originated from Germany in the 1800’s for herding and protecting animals from predators.  They were considered strictly a farm dog and were not used as household pets until around World War I due to their obedient and loving attitudes.  As the German Shepherd exploded in popularity, they became the preferred dog breed for disability assistance, search and rescue, military, and police work.  The German Shepherd is the second most registered dog by the American Kennel Club behind the Golden Retriever.

The Shepadoodle Breed

In general, since the Shepadoodle is a cross between two different dogs with significantly different personality types they are all usually different.  In general, doodles have all different types of colored dog coats, temperaments, and qualities.  Since each Shepadoodle dog is different, we can only make general assumptions about the dog breed.  However, that is what makes every Poodle and German Shepherd mix unique and special.

Shepadoodle Temperament

Shepadoodles are going to be high energy dogs since both the Poodle and German Shepherd are active breeds.  High intelligence mixed with high energy can create a wide range of temperaments. If you fail to properly exercise your dog which includes regular walking, running, and stimulation, the Poodle and German Shepherd mix may show destructive behavior around your house or yard.  This is because their mind is going to be bored without physical and mental stimulation. However, these dogs are great for pet owners who live an active lifestyle or enjoy going to the dog park to play with other dogs.

Poodle and German Shepherd Mix Appearance

The Shepadoodle breed can vary significantly in appearance.  However, Shepadoodles most typically have a combination of black and brown fur colors.  In addition, they can also come in tri-color black, brown, white, but also can be a single dark color.  You can usually develop a good understanding of what color the Poodle and German Shepherd mix will be based on the coat color of the parent Poodle.  Since Poodle colors can range significantly from white to apricot to black, you can usually narrow down what general color your dog will be based on the Poodle color.  However, this is not a guarantee and just a generalization as some recessive traits can mask the dominant ones and you can get some unique colored Shepadoodles. Since German Shepherds typically are black and brown, their color variation and genes vary less over each dog generation. Shepadoodles are almost always going to have a unique coat color for their litter.

Popular Shepadoodle Generations

• Shepadoodle coat types vary based on the lineage of the parents and whether or not they have more Poodle or more German Shepherd genetics.  In general, Shepadoodles with more Poodle genetics will have more curly coats that are hypoallergenic and non shedding. On the other hand, Shepadoodles with more German Shepherd will have coats that are straighter and tend to shed more.  Below are the two most popular generations of Poodle and German Shepherd mix. If you want to read more in-depth Doodle generations from F1 all the way to F3 and learn about the terminology, visit our article called Best Goldendoodle Generations.
• For starters, understanding basic terminology is important to understand the Shepadoodle generation.  First, the letter “F” stands for filial which simply means that your dog is a hybrid. Since Shepadoodles are mixed between a Poodle and German Shepherd they are considered a hybrid.  Second, the numerical letter, i.e. “1”, stands for the generation of dog which means they are first generation. Lastly, there may be a letter “B” which indicates that this breed was back crossed (typically back-crossed to a Poodle for more hypoallergenic and non shedding features).  The most popular generations are either going to be a F1 Shepadoodle or an F1B Shepadoodle. In some cases, you may see a F2 Shepadoodle or an F2B Shepadoodle.

F1B Shepadoodle (75% Poodle, 25% German Shepherd)

An F1B Shepadoodle is a cross between a Shepadoodle (50% Poodle, 50% German Shepherd) and a Poodle.  Since this generation is backcrossed to a Poodle, an F1B Shepadoodle produces a result that is 75% Poodle and 25% German Shepherd.  Typically, this yields a coat that is more curly and wavy which looks more like a Poodle. Pet owners typically like a Shepadoodle that is backcrossed to a Poodle because it will be way more hypoallergenic and non-shedding than a F1 Shepadoodle.

F1 Shepadoodle (50% Poodle, 50% German Shepherd)

A F1 Shepadoodle is going to be a first generation Shepadoodle that is 50% Poodle and 50% German Shepherd and is bred between parent dogs that are 100% Poodle and 100% German Shepherd.  When people mention they have a Shepadoodle, it’s most likely a F1 Shepadoodle since this is a relative new breed that is trending. However, since this is only the first generation of Shepadoodle, it’s almost impossible to predict what type of traits and coat types they will have.

German Shepherd Poodle Mix Health Problems

The life span of the Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dog ranges from 12 to 14 years. Its health status and risk factors depend on genetic inheritance and environmental factors.

The parent breeds Poodle and German Shepherd have a variety of differences in health predilections and benefits. Below is a list of the usual health problems observed in the combination of a Poodle and a German Shepherd:

1. Hip and elbow dysplasia: This condition occurs often in heavy 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.
2. 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.
3. Tick and flea infestations: This condition is mostly caused by poor grooming habits. This is also a reminder of how crucial grooming can be.
4. Osteoarthritis: This degenerative disorder is a result of aging. It leads to difficulty and pain when utilizing the affected joint. In German Shepherd crossbreeds, the most affected part is the spine.
5. Hemophilia: This is a blood disorder that manifests as prolonged wound closure and healing and excessive bleeding. It is incurable but manageable. It is important to notice this early on the life of the dog.
6. 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.

Grooming Your German Shepherd Poodles

Brushing is an essential part of grooming this mixed breed. The German Shepherd Poodles may shed lightly to moderately, based on the dominant genes between their parent breeds. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value.

Grooming the dog is an opportunity to inspect for possible irritation reactions, deformities, redness, rashes, hot spots, bald spots, and swelling on the dog’s coat. It is worth giving some time instead of becoming frustrated when the dog gets ill. It also aids in removing loose hair. You may opt to use of a slicker for untangling mats or knots in the fur. The slicker brush is capable of penetrating the thick layers of the double coat and enable a wonderful grooming session.

The coat of the German Shepherd Poodles needs two to four times of brushing per week. Its active lifestyle contributes to becoming more unkempt faster than other less energetic breeds. Daily brushing is necessary during the seasons of undercoat shedding.

I advise that you groom the dog on a flat surface or clean table. It is better to do the activity in a tranquil and peaceful environment to reduce the chances of irritability. Throughout the process, you need to be perceptive of the dog’s mood. It is essential that you apply gentle touches and as minimal pressure as possible.

Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dogs are mainly odor-free and pristine. Their bathing schedule maybe once every two to three months. Weekly bathing is unnecessary and could inflict harm as it removes the dog’s natural oils from the skin. Human shampoo is prohibited. You should only use a shampoo formula that is hypoallergenic and neutral pH.

In grooming the Poodle mixed with German Shepherd dogs, you must also pay attention to the small parts such as the teeth, nails, eyes, nose, paws, and ears. You should look thoroughly for signs of eye, nose, or ear infections. You will need a clipper to care for the dog’s nails. If you are unsure of clipping the nails, I advise that you set an appointment with a local groomer. The nails are important parts of the dog, and they easily chip off by accident.

For the dog’s teeth care, you must purchase a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. The procedure for brushing the teeth of the German Shepherd Poodles is the same for brushing your own teeth. Some dogs may be wary about people’s touching their teeth or feet. You will need some extra time to allow for familiarity to settle in. You must conduct the activity in a gradual manner.

German Shepherd and Poodle Mix Sizes

Mini Shepadoodle / Miniature Shepadoodle

A miniature or mini Shepadoodle is a medium sized German Shepherd and Poodle mix that typically ranges from 35 pounds to 45 pounds.  The name sounds a little bit “off” since these are supposed to be mini dogs, but for the Shepadoodle breed this is actually quite mini.  Consider that German Shepherds can reach over 100 pounds and a Poodle can reach to be around 90 pounds, this is considered a mini Shepadoodle.

Micro Shepadoodle / Petite Shepadoodle / Toy Shepadoodle

These are the smallest sizes of the Poodle and German Shepherd mix that typically range from 25 to 35 pounds and are typically bred with a small sized male Poodle and medium sized female German Shepherd.  These make great pets for people living in smaller houses, apartments, or condos and don’t have a yard that their dog can openly run in.

Standard Shepadoodle

The standard Shepadoodle is any dog that is over 45 pounds and is the largest sizing for the German Shepherd and Poodle mix.  It’s important to keep in mind that the larger the size of your Shepadoodle, the more exercise that your dog is going to need on a daily basis.  The Standard Shepadoodle will need a significant more amount of exercise than a mini Shepadoodle.

Is a Shepadoodle the Right Dog for Me?

Shepadoodles make outstanding companions and give the best traits between a German Shepherd and Poodle.  They are fairly easy to take care of as long as you have time to adequately exercise them. Ideally, you should be exercising your Poodle and German Shepherd mix at least 1 hour per day and provide some sort of mental stimulation indoors such as horns to chew on.

The downsides of a Shepadoodle is that they will require regular grooming such as brushing and dog haircuts since they grow hair instead of fur.  The upside of this is that a Shepadoodle will shed significantly less fur than a German Shepherd.  In addition, German Shepherd and Poodle mixes are significantly better with people that have any types of animal allergies as the Shedadoodle tends to be more hypoallergenic.

Shepadoodles are also not a purebred dog so if you’re fine with a dog that will have mixed traits and characteristics then they are outstanding dogs.  Just remember that the personality and temperament may differ between dogs, but are a loving ball of energy. If you’re looking for a dog that is loyal, obedient, intelligent, and loving then the Shepadoodle is the right dog for you.

Conclusion for Shepadoodle Guide

Shepadoodles are a mix of doodle breeds that consists of a German Shepherd mixed with the Poodle.  This creates a dog that is not only extremely loyal, but also a dog that sheds less fur and super hypoallergenic.  The Shepadoodle is like a better version of the German Shepherd. We hope that you found this Shepadoodle Guide helpful in deciding whether or not this Poodle and German Shepherd mix is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you call a German Shephard Poodle mix?

A German Shepherd and Poodle mix is typically called a Shepadoodle.  Other nicknames include the Shepapoo, Shepherd Doodle, or Sheppoo.

How much do Shepadoodles shed?

• Contrary to popular belief, Shepadoodles actually do not shed a lot of hair at all. Despite their thick, curly coats, these dogs don’t shed much and therefore can be kept by people who don’t want to deal with dog hair all over their houses.
• This is one of the biggest advantages of Shepadoodles, and they are also considered good dogs for people with mild allergies to dog hair.
• The generation of Shepadoodle will affect how much they shed. F1 Shepadoodles have a wavy coat and will shed a little amount of hair, while an F2 Shepadoodle will have a much curlier coat and almost won’t shed at all.
• While this is good for your cleaning routine, this hair does have to go somewhere. While the old hair doesn’t shed, it does stay in the dog’s coat and cause build-up, tangles, and potential matts.
• This means that Shepadoodles need regular visits to the groomer to remove this hair every couple of months. Failing to look after a Shepadoodle’s coat can lead to discomfort, pain, and perhaps even skin infections.

What does a German Shepherd Poodle mix look like?

A German Shepherd mixed with Poodle is typically dark brown with a wavy coat.  However, their appearance can significantly vary. Shepadoodles can be one solid color or three different colors.  Common colors include dark brown, white, black, and light brown.

How smart are Shepadoodles?

• The Shepadoodle is a mixed breed between two highly intelligent dog breeds – the German Shepherd and Standard Poodle. The offspring will take genetics from both of their parents, meaning that they will inherit a lot of this intelligence.
• On the whole, Shepadoodles are very bright dogs and can easily be trained within record timing. You can train them to be watchdogs or guard dogs, as well as when and where to bark and how to herd animals.
• Shepadoodles are excellent dogs for a number of jobs that you might want them to help you with. You can also train out bad behaviors easily with this dog breed, making them a good option for beginners or older people.
• Again, this does differ between each Shepadoodle – they’re not all going to be the same level of brightness. Some will be much smarter than others, so you’re not always guaranteed to get a smart dog when choosing a Shepadoodle.
• This is especially true if you’re purchasing a Shepadoodle puppy, as there is no way to know how smart the dog will be when it grows up. However, as a rule of thumb, Shepadoodles are considered very intelligent thanks to their lineage.

Do Shepadoodles bark alot?

• Many people consider Shepadoodles to be loud barkers due to their size. However, it might surprise you to know that this dog doesn’t bark much at all. They are gentle giants and will greet people and dogs in ways other than barking.
• Despite this, Shepadoodles still do enjoy interacting with humans and other animals, and they’re very sociable beings. So, if you’re looking for a gentle watchdog who doesn’t bark every time someone walks by your house, a Shepadoodle could be the ideal breed for you.
• How much your dog barks will be very dependent on their temperament and personality, so not every Shepadoodle is going to be a silent dog. Some are much louder than others, enjoying vocalizing their opinions and communicating with others using their voice.
• Others will use a whine or growl to communicate, and you might get a Shepadoodle who doesn’t vocally respond at all. It is all dependent on them and how they have been brought up.
• A dog who has been neglected during their younger years or one that hasn’t been socialized properly might bark more than one with a good upbringing. Dogs who have spent a lot of time around barking dogs, such as in a shelter, might also have learned this behavior and bark more than the usual Shepadoodle.

Are Shepadoodles aggressive?

• No, Shepadoodles are not often considered an aggressive breed. They are loyal, proud, and strong, but this doesn’t mean that they are aggressive. This dog breed is known for its highly energetic personality as well as its devotion and loyalty to its owners.
• However, some people mistake loyalty with aggression. If your dog senses that you or your house is in danger, your Shepadoodle might want to take charge and assert themselves to show who’s boss.
• They might bark or growl, but they won’t jump to aggression. You will often be able to keep them under control during this time and command them to stop if you want them to. The good thing about this breed is that they’re very smart, so you can teach them to stop and listen to you before they reach aggression.
• Shepadoodles make good guard dogs and watchdogs, provided you train them correctly. They will be alert for danger, but won’t become aggressive unless they feel like a threat is imminent.
• Dogs who have been neglected during their early life are more likely to have aggressive tendencies than dogs who have been brought up correctly. Dogs who have not been socialized or trained properly might also be more aggressive than others, so keep this in mind.

Are Shepadoodles chewers?

Your Shepadoodle might start chewing things if they are bored and suffering from a lack of stimulation. This is a large dog breed that needs at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, either broken up into smaller walks or completed all at once.

Despite this, some Shepadoodles need even more exercise than this depending on their diets and temperaments. If your dog is chewing things, you might want to up their exercise intake to see if this helps.

There are many reasons why a dog might want to chew things that they find. Young Shepadoodles might chew to soothe their painful gums as they teeth, while adult dogs chew to keep their jaws and teeth strong.

Chewing can also relieve anxiety or anger, as well as feelings of boredom. If your dog is chewing, consider whether they are experiencing any of these feelings and work out a way to fix it.

Alternatively, your Shepadoodle might simply be chewing because they have formed a bad habit. Luckily, this smart dog can be trained easily to prevent them from ruining too many of your belongings.