Male vs. Female Sheepadoodles- What Are The Differences?

Choosing between a male and a female dog can be daunting, especially f you are not aware of the differences between them. Although not pronounced, male and female dogs have a few differences, which may impact your decision on which one to choose. 

Male and female Sheepadoodles, in this case, are both great pets for families. They both relate well to young kids, adults, and other pets but have a few differences to note. The Male Sheepadoodle is more family-oriented, while the female is more dominant and independent. 

If you are looking to bring a Sheepadoodle puppy home and are stuck on choosing between a male and a female, this article can be a helpful guide. We discuss important things you should know about male and female Sheepadoodles, including factors that might affect your choice of dog. 

What is a Sheepadoodle?

A Sheepadoodle is a designer dog, a crossbreed between the English Sheep Dog and the Poodle. It is a medium to large dog that is sought after for its friendly personality, serious, curious face, and fluffy, cuddly, teddy bear-like body. 

Sheepadoodles have one of the most gentle personalities you will find among dogs. They are extremely friendly and complete their teddy-bear look with unconditional affection for their human family. 

As cuddly and friendly as they are, Sheepadoodles are also high energy and active.  They like to play and are always up for a fun time in the outdoors. They are, therefore, an excellent fit for families with young children and other pets. 

Both male and female Sheepadoodles present somewhat similar personality traits. But, like other dogs, there may be slight differences in the intensity of their personalities. We discuss this below. 

Male vs. Female Sheepadoodle? Which One is the Best?

Deciding between the male and female Sheepadoodle is one of the critical decisions when bringing a new pup home. While some believe that one sex blends better with the family than the other, the truth is that the right dog for you will depend on your needs and preferences. 

A significant concern that many dog owners have is that unneutered males are likely to be territorial, believing they will rule over other pets at home.  While this is true for some breeds, this behavior should not deter you from choosing a male dog. 

All dogs develop behavioral issues from their environment and the kind of socializing they get as they grow and develop. That said, whether or not your dog becomes territorial is not entirely tied to their sex but rather how you train and socialize your dog. 

On this note, both male and female Sheepadoodles can be territorial.  But the good thing is that with early socialization and effective training, you can keep these behavioral issues at bay and enjoy having the mixed breed dog around other pets, regardless of sex. 

So the question of which one is best does not have a standard answer, as sex does not necessarily impact the dog’s behavior.  As long as you train your dog well, neuter or spay, and provide for its immediate needs, it does not matter if you get a male or female dog. 

Male vs. Female Sheepadoodle Appearance

Male and Female Sheepadoodles have a similar physical appearance to the Poodle. Like other designer dog breeds, Sheepadoodles’ appearance may vary from one dog to another, even in one litter. 

This is because mixed dogs will have looks steering closer to one parent or combine the looks of both parent breeds to create a new look. Therefore, it can be hard to put a standard on how Sheepadoodles look, let alone what male and female ones differ on. 

What do They Look Like?

Sheepadooles have sturdy and solid bodies with square or rounded faces.  They have an elongated snout, and the skill has a broad look that appears dome-shaped. Sheepadoodles also have low-hanging, floppy ears that add to their signature adorable look. 

The eyes are small and rounded, set between medium-length hair.  The Sheepadoodle’s coat can be straight and curly, depending on which parent the Sheepadoodle takes after. The hair around the eyes grows rapidly, requiring trimming regularly to enhance the dogs’ visibility. 

When it comes to coat colors, Sheepdoodles are born black, white, or a mix of both.  The colors are separated in defined spots on random body parts, making Sheepadoodles some of the most adorable puppies. 

You may find red and white Sheepadoodles, but they are rare and more costly than regular ones. 

How Big Do They Get?

Sheepadoodles can vary in size, but there is an average size that can guide you in figuring out how big yours get.  An adult Sheepadoodle grows around 18 to 23 inches at maturity.

When it comes to weight, there is a slight difference between male and female ones.  Male Sheepadoodles can grow as heavy as 60 to 85 pounds, while females grow as heavy as 50 to 75 pounds.  

A Sheepadoodle’s size entirely depends on the parent breeds’ sizes. An Old English Sheepdog can grow over 22 inches, while the standard Poodle can be about 15 inches at maturity. 

Remember, the Poodle comes in different sizes, which directly affects the size of Sheepadoodles. For example, if a toy Poodle is used with an English Sheepdog, the result will be a Mini Sheepadoodle. 

Mini Sheepadoodles can grow as tall as 20 inches and weigh up to 55 pounds. Most minis will grow as tall as 18 inches, therefore smaller and more portable than Standard Sheepadoodles. 

The size does not affect their personality; however, they need extra attention, especially when playing with younger kids. You will need to keep an eye on them to ensure you do not accidentally step on them as they follow you. 

Male vs. Female Sheepadoodle Care and Maintenance?

Bringing your Sheepdoodle home calls for more than just providing a comfortable place for your furry friend to stay. Whether male or female, your dog needs a high-quality diet, exercise, training, and grooming. 

Do males and female Sheepadoodles need the same care and maintenance? We discuss this below. 

Food Requirements

Sheepadoodles are considered medium to large dogs, meaning they need a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds. They have a big appetite and require a substantial amount of food daily to stay healthy and active. 

Their diet needs to be high in protein and fat to fuel their enormous bodies and provide adequate energy to keep them active. A rule of thumb is getting food that has high-quality meat as the first ingredient. Avoid diet with artificial fillers, flavors, and colors. 

The diet must also have the right balance of fruits and veggies to meet the dog’s mineral and vitamin requirements.  If the food does not provide these, you ought to provide fresh berries and vegetables to supplement the food. 

Regarding food portions, male Sheepadoodles might need an extra amount to provide for their high-energy needs.  Male Sheepadoodles tend to burn more energy than female ones and are slightly more active than their female counterparts. 

That said, a Male Sheepadoodle can do well with four cups of high-quality dry dog food, while a female one can do well with three cups of the same food. You can divide this portion into two or three smaller quantities to ensure the dog has enough energy throughout the day. 

Exercise Needs

Sheepadoodles need regular exercise to stay active, happy, and healthy. As mentioned, they are high-energy dogs that need to expend their energy and exercise their mind in the process.  Daily walks, playtime in the backyard, and interactive play with toys are adequate exercises for them. 

Male Sheepadoodles might have more energy than females, but it is insignificant to how much exercise they need. The same workout a female will be comfortable doing will be enough for the male. 

Therefore, if you have a male and female Sheepadoodle, you do not have to craft different exercise routines for each dog. They should be good to go as long as they each get at least an hour of physical activity daily. 

Training

Like other Poodle mixes, Sheepadoodles are intelligent breeds, making them easy to train.  However, they can be pretty independent and stubborn, which may sometimes get in the way of training. That said, training should be done in a quiet environment with minimal distractions. 

Using treats as a reward for good behavior during training can help improve the effectiveness of training sessions. Since Sheepadoodles enjoy pleasing their owners, giving them praises when they make progress is an excellent way to reinforce skills you teach them. 

Grooming

This furball of a dog needs regular grooming to keep its dense coat in good shape.  The thick, wavy coats of Sheepadoodles can easily harbor dirt, and the loose hairs can easily tangle and mat. 

On this note, Shepadoodles require trimming once a month to keep the fur from growing over the eyes.  Additionally, occasional trimming helps to prevent the hair from getting so long that it would otherwise be hard to brush. 

Even though Sheepadoodles rarely shed, a de-shedding comb is helpful in the spring and summer to reduce the amount of loose hair falling off the coat. 

Keep their nails trimmed to prevent unnecessary scratching, and brush their teeth regularly to keep dental issues at bay. 

Male vs. Female Sheepadoodle- Which One is Family-oriented?

Sheepadoodles are sought-after family pets thanks to their friendly personality and good looks.  They easily blend in with families and relate well with small children, adults, and other pets.  But, the male Sheepadoodle is more family-oriented, with its main objective being around its humans. 

The male will enjoy cuddles and sit next to you while you watch a movie.  A male Sheepadoodle will sleep at your feet while you work and follow you around the house, taking a shadow personality. 

The female one is also family-oriented, but she is more independent.  Females will watch over everyone in the family and stay on top of what is happening in their surroundings. The female is fantastic with kids and takes a more caretaker role than a playmate. 

Female Sheepadoodles will bounce from one family member to the other and ensure they divide their attention to everyone at home.  They will ensure they are included in what everyone is doing and will balance their affection with everyone present. 

Therefore, a male Sheepadoodle might be your best bet if you live alone. And if you have a family with kids, the female one might be best suited for your family dynamics. They are both great family pets you and everyone else will enjoy. 

Are Male Shepadoodles More Protective than Female Sheepadoodles?

Surprisingly, female Sheepadoodles are more protective than male ones.  They love watching over their family members and will ensure they keep an eye on their surroundings. Male Sheepadoodles are more playful and accommodating than female ones. 

When a stranger or an unfamiliar situation shows up, a female Sheepadoodle is more likely to react than a male one. She might bark or alert you of an intruder or discomfort in their environment while a male one will sit and watch. 

That said, female Sheepadoodles are a bit more territorial than males, but it is nothing to worry about. With training, they can handle strangers better and adapt to new environments without using their protective instincts. 

Male vs. Female Sheepadoodle- Which One is More Prone to Aggressive Behavior?

Sheepadoodles, like other dogs, are prone to aggressive behavior if not trained and socialized at an early age. However, there is no specific behavior associated with Sheepadoodles as they are generally calm and gentle dogs. 

Sheepadoodles rarely bark unless there is a potential danger in their environment. And, as long as they have adequate exercise and are trained to relate to humans and pets, they will hardly portray aggressive behavior.  

Male vs. Female Sheepadoodle Health Issues

There are several medical issues that Sheepadoodles, in general, are predisposed to. These health problems are similar to those that affect their parents, the Old English Sheep Dog and the Poodle. Here are some of the issues you should look out for regardless of the sex of your dog. 

• Cataracts
• Entropian
• Ectropion
• Addison’s disease
• Demodectic mange
• Hip dysplasia.
• Mitral Valve dysplasia
• Won Willebrand’s disease
• Bloating
• Joint swelling and pain
• Cancer
• Cushing’s 

Spaying or Neutering Your Sheepadoodle

Keeping your dog healthy and in good behavior is a top priority. One of the things you need to consider is whether or not to spay or neuter your Sheepadoodle. 

Sheepadoodles reach sexual maturity at about 6 to 9 months of age, after which they are grown enough to reproduce.  Spaying or neutering has pros and cons that you must consider before deciding. 

Some people prefer waiting to see the dogs’ heat cycles and evaluate how the dogs behave around that time. Others do not want to deal with that and will spay or neuter before the dogs’ heat cycles. 

Other people argue that the spaying and neutering process may be risky for the dog’s health, especially for older ones. 

FAQs

Are Male Sheepadoodles Easier to Train Than Female Ones?

Both male and female Sheepadoodles are easy to train. They are intelligent and quick to learn new tricks, commands, and cues. However, females tend to be slightly more independent than males, which does not have much significance during training. 

Do Male Sheepadoodles Bark A lot?

Generally, Sheepadoodles do not bark a lot; they are calm and gentle dogs and, with early socialization and training, can handle strangers and new environments. The female Sheepadoodle might be a bit territorial but still manages to keep a calm, collected personality, even in instances where other dogs would bark. 

How Much do Sheepadoodles Cost?

Sheepadoodle puppies cost between $1,000 to $3,000. The Sheepadoodle puppy cost varies from one breeder to another depending on the location, availability of the hybrid dog, health checks, etc. 

How Long Do Sheepadoodles Live?

Sheepadoodles can have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years with the right care, a proper diet, and consistent health checks. 

Are Sheepadoodles Hypoallergenic?

Sheepadoodles are considered hypoallergenic, thanks to their Poodle gene. They are, therefore, good family dogs for allergy sufferers. But, you may suffer from allergic reactions with a Sheepadoodle as no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. 

Final Thoughts- Which One Should You Choose?

There are not many significant differences between male and female Sheepadoodles. That said, males tend to be a little more energetic and playful than females. On the other hand, females tend to be protective and independent. 

They are a good fit for different family settings as long as they are trained and socialized early. They are gentle, friendly, and loyal and add some charm and warmth to their human family homes.