Are Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Are Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic?“.

The title of this research probably caught your attention because you were looking for an answer to the question are Sheepadoodles hypoallergenic?

Lets start on a positive note by saying YES! It is generally accepted that the Sheepadoodle is a hypoallergenic breed!

As there are a lot of misunderstandings about what this actually means we must dig deep into this topic and find out the truth.

There can be challenges in life for allergy sufferers from time to time. It is very important for them to be careful about where they go and what they expose themselves to.

Those who love dogs find it a real drag. Are they willing to take on the annoying and frustrating consequences of owning a dog? If they leave it will they feel that their home is incomplete without that furry companion forever?

It might be a good idea to get a hypoallergenic dog as a solution!

Although many dog experts understand the meaning of this word some breeders have misused it.

As we explore the world of Sheepadoodles we’ll explain what a hypoallergenic dog is and how it might benefit allergy sufferers.

In addition we’ll answer some FAQs and give you some advice on reducing the risk of pet allergies ruining your life!

Lets begin by exploring these fantastic designer dogs before exploring how they might be suitable for people with allergies and seeking a more profound answer to the question are Sheepadoodles hypoallergenic?

What Is A Sheepadoodle Dog?

Sheepadoodles may sound funny to you but you may not know what they are.

Sheepadoodles are crosses between Old English Sheepdogs and purebred Standard Poodles. Among other names they are also known as Sheepapoo but we’ll stick with Sheepadoodle here since thats the most popular.

This is not a Shepadoodle which is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Poodle!

Sheepadoodle Size

According to their Poodle parent Doodle dogs are available in three sizes:

The standard Sheepadoodle measures 22 to 27 inches and weighs 55 to 85 pounds.

Mini/Medium Sheepadoodles range in size from 15 to 22 inches and weigh from 25 to 55 pounds

Sheepadoodles that are less than 15 inches long and weigh between 10 and 25 pounds

There is a big difference between the tiniest toy dog and the largest standard dog! The size of your dog is really up to you but you should keep in mind that small dogs take up less space cost less to feed and cost more to vet.

Moreover the smaller the dog the less dander will be present so a Mini Sheepadoodle or Toy Sheepadoodle is a better choice if you suffer from allergies.

Poodles or miniature poodles are bred with Old English Sheepdogs to produce the small versions.

Sheepadoodle Temperament

A doodle dog is like a teddy bear with a personality to match no matter what size it is. Cuddling is one of their favorite things and they are devoted to their owners. Nothing makes them happier than lying on your lap which can be challenging if you have an 85-pound dog!

They combine the sharp intelligence and playful goofiness of the Poodle with the affectionate sweet-natured willfulness of the Old English Sheepdog.

Its pretty easy to train them but you have to stick with it and first-time owners may find it challenging at first. It will take a bit of patience for this faithful pup to overcome its willfulness but with patience you will get there very soon.

Sheepdogs were mainly used for driving cattle rather than sheep despite their name. Sheepadoodles however have a strong herding instinct that is often passed on to their offspring.

The pups tend to gather small animals pets children or anything else they can find!

You should not have a problem with it and you may find it amusing at times but they might occasionally nip at your heels. Their herding dog instinct is usually calmed and controlled by proper training and socialization.

Poodles are high-energy dogs that pass their high energy on to their Sheepadoodle puppies. In spite of the Old English Sheepdogs easy-going nature at times (some puppies will be calmer than others) they are not lazy dogs.

There is no way you can match the energy of a Sheepadoodle!

A designer breed like this isnot the best guard dog but it could make an excellent watchdog. You will be alerted to any intruders but it generally would not stick around if trouble occurs.

Its not to say that this is always the case as they can be protective of their families especially young children. The dogs are great for families as a whole.

The Sheepadoodle Coat Types

As far as hypoallergenic coats go heres where it gets trickier:

Although Sheepadoodles are generally considered allergy-friendly it depends on which coat they inherit.

There are tight curls on the Poodles coat that trap any loose hairs. During regular grooming sessions these are brushed out and collected so they do not accumulate in your home increasing the risk of allergen contact (see below for details).

It is not uncommon for Sheepadoodles to have curly or wavy coats like Poodles.

There are however some Sheepadoodle puppies that inherit the Old English Sheepdogs long shaggy coat which isnot considered hypoallergenic. There is a lot of shedding going on with these big fluffy dogs!

Talk to your local Sheepadoodle breeder if you’re looking for an allergy-friendly dog so they can set aside one with curly or wavy fur.

Sheepadoodle Health

Its essential to learn the health issues associated with any breed before buying one. Designer dogs tend to be healthier than purebred dogs.

As a result of hybrid vigor new genes prevent genetic health conditions from being passed on to pups. Inbreeding causes a host of problems in most pure breeds due to decades of line breeding.

The Sheepadoodle does not come without its problems however. Here are some health issues you may encounter:

The majority of dog breeds especially those with floppy ears are prone to ear infections. Earwax and dirt can accumulate in the ears providing bacteria with a perfect environment to grow. Make sure your dogs ears are clean every week by wiping them gently with doggy ear cleaner.

A common condition affecting large deep-chested breeds is bloat (primarily in Standard Sheepadoodles). Usually it occurs after a dog drinks or eats too much too quickly possibly followed by strenuous exercise. A failure to treat this condition on time could result in death.

Thyroiditis can also be caused by a dogs antibodies attacking the thyroid gland causing a variety of health problems.

Problems with the eyes such as cataracts glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Purebred dogs are more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia than mixed breed dogs. A poorly formed joint causes this problem which makes walking painful for the dog.

You can ensure that your puppy is free of many of these issues by choosing a reputable Sheepadoodle breeder who runs tests for many of them.

Sheepadoodle Coat Colors

There are no breed standards for dogs that are not recognized by kennel clubs which is a good thing. It does not matter what color your dog is!

In spite of this breed standards are often used to guide ethical breeding because some colors have genes that can cause severe genetic problems.

Reputable and ethical breeders are the only ones you should use.

Here are some possible colors for these beautiful dogs:

The black and white color combination of Sheepadoodles earns them the nickname Panda Dogs and they can look quite comical with a large black patch over one eye. Originally this color came from an Old English Sheepdog parent. In most cases there is more of one color than the other so the coloring isnot quite 50:50.

In terms of rarity and demand solid black is very sought after. Sheepadoodle litters are ensured at least one solid black puppy by using a solid black Poodle.

It is also rare to find solid white which is also produced in the same way. Light-colored OES are usually used by breeders in order to emphasize the white coat of the Poodle.

In Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs Merle is extremely rare making Sheepadoodles even rarer! The possibility still exists however. The dogs have a mottled gray body with darker patches often with a large white area on the chest head and legs.

Theres nothing standard about gray Sheepadoodles but that does not mean they’re not beautiful! With their faded color they have a teddy bear appearance.

Red Sheepadoodles are extremely rare which makes them that much more desirable. From gold to orange to a liver color this stunning color comes from the Poodle side.

In dog colors brown is diluted black and it comes in a variety of shades (as with red). It is common to see brown in both parent breeds so it is likely to be seen a lot. Its not uncommon to see pups with black brown and white coat that are bi-color or tri-color.

An animal with white patches on its face is called a fawn which is a diluted form of red.

In the silver coloration white hair often dominates the chest giving the appearance of a tuxedo. When these pups are born they have a much darker coat but with age it fades.

The coat of a blue Sheepadoodle is usually a rich dark gray but as they mature the coat usually lightens. Their bodies are often covered in darker and lighter patches of silver gray white and black.

The cream is a lighter shade of brown almost off-white in color that can be mistaken for the fawn. The face and body will usually be covered in white patches.

There are some websites that only list the Sheepadoodles colors as black white and black and white possibly with gray thrown in for good measure. In light of the fact that there are so many other fascinating colors out there this seems like a shame!

Only merle needs to be avoided. Breeders who are ethical are aware that breeding two merle dogs together poses a serious risk of genetic problems. The chances of a single-merle dog being healthy are as good as any other dog.

The health testing and experience of the breeder are the most important factors.

The Coat Color Palette

Two dominant genes determine the coat color of dogs one dominant gene and one recessive gene or two recessive genes determine the coat color of dogs. It is for this reason that dog coats come in such a beautiful variety of colors!

There are only two pigments that produce all these colors. The cells are told what color the hair eyes nose skin and skin should be by specific genes. It is because of different genes that we have such a wide range of tones to choose from.

In any litter a breeder may have some idea of the pups color but its always difficult to predict precisely.

The Sheepadoodle Lifespan

It has a lifespan between ten and twelve years while the Poodle has a lifespan between twelve and fifteen years.

Together these OES Poodle mixes have a similar life expectancy as the Poodle. The fact that this covers all three sizes (toy mini and standard) is pretty good since big dogs usually live shorter lives than small ones.

A year or two is generally considered to be the lifespan difference between the two smaller versions and the standard-size dog. It has been reported that Standard Sheepadoodles can live as long as 15 years.

Due to the fact that organizations like the American Kennel Club do not recognize designer dogs its hard to get accurate figures.

It is reasonable to assume that regardless of its size your Doodle will live for at least twelve to fifteen years.

Can You Be Allergic To A Sheepadoodle?

The answer is yes.

It may be confusing for you because you have been on websites or spoken with people who do not understand hypoallergenic.

There are some breeds that are not completely hypoallergenic and our dogs are 100% hypoallergenic!

Whenever you read something or think you know something you should forget it. Using phrases like these is unhelpful nonsense at best; at worst it is misleading and fraudulent! A breeder who claims their dogs are completely allergy-free should be avoided.

A hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely than some other breeds to trigger your allergies. This does not mean that you are allergy-free! Considering this it seems silly to say that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic.

Depending on your allergy severity and the dog you may or may not have an allergic reaction.

Measurement is difficult when it comes to these things. Specific allergens cause different reactions in different people. Despite the fact that a breed can be listed as allergy-friendly it is only a guide.

The possibility that someone may have an allergic reaction to a dog cannot ever be ruled out so a dog can never be considered 100% allergy-free.

In addition some Sheepadoodles inherit the longer OES coat instead of the curly Poodle coat. In turn this could lead to more shedding of a hair and the possible spreading of dander.

Sheepadoodles are hypoallergenic right? Its mostly true but that does not mean they’re allergy-free.

Do Sheepadoodles Shed?

Its true but they are low-shedding dogs. Theres nothing worse than dog hair getting everywhere – on clothes furniture bedding and even in your food.

It is accepted by many dog lovers as part of sharing their home with a canine companion while others find it annoying. Your furniture and clothes should not be covered in hair if you’re particularly houseproud!

One of the reasons breeders created designer dogs based on the Old English Sheepdog (OES) is that this breed sheds moderately too heavily. In addition to providing a low-shedding coat it also sought to avoid some of the health issues associated with the OES.

Even though Sheepadoodles shed occasionally their coats mostly just grow. You must trim it fairly regularly because it keeps growing. If you feel confident enough you can try several cute cuts or you can get a professional groomer to do it.

Trimming the coat this way looks great but it is also a practical way to maintain its health.

Is Sheepadoodles hypoallergenic? Its true that most of them shed but its not just about shedding!

What Causes Pet Allergies?

Your immune system plays a major role in this. The majority of the time it does a great job of protecting your body from all those nasty things that are attacking it day in and day out.

Pathogens such as viruses bacteria parasites fungi and even cancer cells are destroyed by it. As a result of the immune systems job harmful substances in the body are neutralized. It does an excellent job all in all!

It may however work a little too well in some cases.

There are proteins present in a dogs saliva dander urine and feces (called Can f1). When a dog scratches or rubs against things dander (tiny flakes of dry skin) falls off and floats around your house.

Additionally dander sticks to loose dog hair which attaches to your furniture clothes and carpets. A dogs saliva dries on his hair when he licks himself. As dogs clean themselves with their tongues Can f1 from feces and urine also gets on their coats.

It is inevitable that dog owners will come into contact with these proteins. Your immune system detects them when they touch your skin or enter your eyes nose mouth or ears.

Most peoples immune systems are able to tell that these substances are harmless (if somewhat unpleasant) so they do not react to them. Allergy sufferers however have a different experience.

As soon as the immune system recognizes these allergens as potential invaders it goes into overdrive! You should remember that this isnot the dogs fault: its not the protein Can f1 that causes your skin to break out.

Sneezing fits and itchy red swollen and red eyes are not caused by allergens. This is all caused by a natural hormone called histamine which floods the body to drive away what it perceives as an invasion!

In order to prevent the protein from damaging cells or infecting the body with the disease these reactions are carried out. The whole thing is completely pointless.

Lets examine how dogs can be hypoallergenic now that we know what causes it.

What Is An F1 Sheepadoodle?

We did not discuss the Can F1 protein earlier so it does not have anything to do with it! The first-generation code is used by breeders to identify pups.

As a result an F1 Sheepadoodle combines 50:50 purebred Poodles with purebred OESs.

It is possible to breed an F1 Sheepadoodle with a purebred Old English Sheepdog resulting in an F1b Sheepadoodle which is 75% Poodle and 25% Old English Sheepdog.

Poodle coats are almost always present in F1b dogs making them the best dog for households with allergy sufferers.

It is possible for breeders to produce second-generation dogs or F2 Sheepadoodles which are hybrids of two F1s!

It can get confusing so we’ll just explain that the ‘b’ in F1b means ‘backcrossed’ and the number refers to the generation. By back-crossing we mean one of the original purebreds was incorporated into the mix.

What Is A Hypoallergenic Dog?

Since allergies can cause distress and bother its no wonder people are looking for allergy-friendly dogs!

But what does it really mean?

For the answer lets take a look at the Sheepadoodle:

There is little shedding associated with this breed. There is some level of shedding in every breed of dog even the ‘hairless’ ones. Some breeders market their dogs as ‘non-shedding’ which is misleading. It is generally better for allergy sufferers to choose pets that do not shed as much since they do not produce as much dander.

A smaller amount of dander is produced. For allergy sufferers this stuff is public enemy number one! It is common for dogs with bad skin to develop more flaky skin. It floats like dust around because its so light. The sheepadoodle produces little to no allergy-triggering material so it is a more allergy-friendly breed.

There is a wavy/curly coat on it. As well as being low-shedding their coats are wavy and curly similar to the Poodles. As loose hairs get caught in the curls they would not fall out around the house.

There is no constant licking of its coat. There are some dogs who lick their fur constantly because they feel the need to wash it all the time. Despite their natural cleanliness Sheepadoodles do not do this.

These traits reduce the risk of allergens spreading around your home so you are less likely to experience allergies.

Although hypoallergenic bandaids are hypoallergenic you may still have a reaction.

We learned earlier that it has everything to do with the immune system of the human body.

Is Mini Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic?

The wavy coat is inherited by them so yes they are.

Mini Sheepadoodles are an excellent choice because they’re neither too small nor too big. A large dog will not take up much space in your home particularly if you have limited space. Additionally you would not have to worry about health problems associated with smaller breeds.

Also small dogs would not produce as much dander as bigger dogs making them a better option for people with allergies.

As with their bigger counterparts mini Sheepadoodles are playful fun-loving deeply affectionate and very energetic!

Advice For Pet Allergy Sufferers

Would you like to share your home and life with a cuddly pooch despite suffering from allergies? The Sheepadoodle is a great step in the right direction but there are several ways to reduce the risk of allergens getting into your system even more.

Approximately 40 to 60 million Americans suffer from allergies and many of these are pet owners. Here are some tips to help you whether your dog is allergy-friendly or not:

The first thing you should do is buy a decent vacuum cleaner. Despite the fact that it may be great and perform perfectly your old one may still work perfectly. Unless it has a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter) you’re simply moving dust and dander!

You should change your flooring. Obviously its a drastic step and not practical for everyone. Its easier to vacuum up hair and dander if you replace carpets and rugs with laminate flooring or a smooth seamless surface.

Keep your dog well groomed by brushing him frequently. You should do this anyway as part of your grooming routine. Although they have a single coat Sheepadoodles require a lot of maintenance to keep their coat from matting. The best way to remove loose hair from your dogs coat is to brush him regularly (if possible brush him outdoors).

The coat of your dog should be trimmed. Maintaining a healthy and well-groomed coat requires regular trimming. It is best to hire a professional groomer if you do not feel confident doing this yourself.

Make sure your dog gets regular baths. It is important to bathe your dog every one or two months to keep their skin clean and healthy. However do not do this too often since it can have the opposite effect! As your dogs skin dries out he will become itchy and flaky producing more dander. Do not use human shampoos or conditioners on your dog. You should only use clear warm water if you need to wash your dog more frequently.

When you pet your puppy wash your hands to eliminate allergens that may cause a reaction.

The bedding of your pet should be washed. It is common for dog beds to become coated in loose hair and dead skin cells. Apart from removing allergens washing your dogs bed (and blanket) will keep them smelling fresh.

Pets should not be allowed in the bedroom. Having a space where your dog cannot go is good and your bedroom is an excellent choice since you spend a lot of time there. It is possible for those Can f1 proteins to spread across your bedding even if you let your dog sleep on your bed. As soon as one of these enters your nose or mouth your allergy will be triggered.

Make sure your house is clean. The clutter provides a hiding place for hair and dander. Dust pollen dander hair and anything else that causes allergies can be reduced by cleaning regularly.

Make sure you have a good-quality air filter. A HEPA filter is necessary if this is going to be useful. Leaving it running for a few hours will help remove allergens from the air. If you can open your windows to let a through-draft pass through.

Thats all there is to it! Allergies cause misery but you can reduce it by following these tips. A medical professional should be consulted about your allergy of course. There can never be a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional and we can only provide general advice.

Antihistamines may be prescribed by your family doctor but these are sometimes ineffective in managing your condition.

Since only you know how bad your allergy is (or how bad someone in your family suffers) its up to you to weigh the pros and cons of getting a dog. There are some other tips to guide you such as choosing an allergy-friendly breed.

What Is The Most Hypoallergenic Dog?

For a start there can not be anything most hypoallergenic! There is either a hypoallergenic product or there isnot one. Essentially either its less likely to cause allergies or it does not.

This is impossible to measure!

Poodles however are probably seen as the most allergy-friendly dogs which is why they’re often bred into mixed breeds like Goldendoodles Labradoodles and Sheepadoodles.

Poodles are at the top of the list but there are other breeds worth considering.

Find out more about hypoallergenic breeds by checking out these websites:

• Basenji
• Afghan Hound
• Schnauzer (miniature standard and giant breeds)
• Maltese
• American Hairless Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Havanese
• Komondor
• Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintle)
• Puli
• Lhasa Apso
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• Affenpinscher
• Bedlington Terrier
• Chinese Crested
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Coton de Tulear
• Kerry Blue Terrier

I could go on and on! We can almost guarantee that most people would not recognize many of these names but theres more than enough choice for everyone right here.

Apart from being allergy-friendly each of them has its own unique qualities.

Conclusion

Is Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic?

In this guide we sought to answer the question Are Sheepadoodles hypoallergenic?

In fairness it should probably be probably although we discovered that right from the start.

It is likely that confusion and misunderstanding will still cloud the issue but now you have the facts. Dogs that are hypoallergenic do exist but that does not mean they are completely allergy-free! Furthermore you now know that it is meaningless to claim that something is 100% hypoallergenic.

Depending on the severity of your allergy and the number of allergens produced by each dog the result will vary.

A wavy-coated Sheepadoodle sheds much less and produces much less dander than other breeds thus triggering allergies less often. Hypoallergenic in every sense of the word!

As this quality can not be measured there is no difference between it and other hypoallergenic fabrics. There is nothing hypoallergenic about it.

During our search for the truth we also learned more about the amazing Sheepadoodle. Additionally they make excellent family pets because they are allergy-friendly. In addition to being affectionate and loving they are great with all family members including young children.

A dog like this could not ask for anything more!

There are two main problems with these dogs: sometimes they can be stubborn and they have a lot of energy. Their behavior isnot aggressive or bad-tempered at all far from it! Once in a while they may decide to do something on their own.

It is best if obedience training is started at a very early age in order to deal with this.

In terms of their energy levels you’ll need to make sure they have an outlet for them. You could sign them up for dog sports in addition to their daily exercises such as walks and playtime.

As soon as you have sorted that out you can enjoy life with your allergy-friendly dog!

If you want to read more about dog daily tips read here: Dog Daily Tips and Tricks.