We all know that the dog belongs to the canine family, in which they all have similar physical characteristics.
The dog as we know it today is a derivative of the wild wolf. It is the product of a socialization process carried out in their relationship with human beings.
Humans have managed to domesticate these wild animals, obtaining their protection, making them friendly with them. All this in exchange for a reward, his food without much effort.
This man-dog relationship remains and has evolved over time:
- Humans migrate to all parts of the world accompanied by their “domesticated wolves.”
- They have encouraged reproduction among themselves by creating what we now know as “dog breeds.”
- Each one with its particular characteristics, the product of hundreds of crosses between specimens from the same/different region or town.
The Old English Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle are two breeds that possess similar physical and psychological characteristics.
This entire article will discuss the merits and differences of the Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle.
| Attributes | Old English Sheepdog | Sheepadoodle |
| Good For First Time Owners | No | Yes |
| Good Guard Dog | No | No |
| Apartment Friendly | With Enough Exercise | With Enough Exercise |
| Good Family Dog | Yes | Yes |
| Shedding | Moderate To High | Low |
| Barking And Howling | Moderate | Low |
| Height | 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) | 18-27 inches (46-69 cm) |
| Average Life Expectancy | 10-12 | 12-15 Years |
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Old English Sheepdog
Some History
The Old English Sheepdog has a modern appearance and is considered one of the best sheepdog breeds.
It was created more than 200 years ago in Great Britain, in principle to care for both herds of cows and sheep.
It is one of the preferred breeds for grazing in cold climates.
They are working dogs capable of herding flocks and sheep and warding off large predators such as wolves.
For example, it had to herd animals for many miles to mark and develop its particular step to cover those miles efficiently.
It is known for its sense of humor and appearing in movies and TV shows such as: “Dennis the Menace” and “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies,” among others.
Personality
The Old English Sheepdog is intelligent and independent, very docile and playful.
His enemy is boredom, not experiencing anything can make him destructive.
It would help if you keep in mind that when this dog does not exercise or face enough challenges, it instinctively develops digging and chewing.
From its sense of humor, it seems to enjoy the dismay of its owners.
They are strong and willing, so they need a steady hand to guide them along the right way.
Even if you don’t teach it to be a watchdog, some Old English Sheepdogs can be protective. They have a loud bark, and some are usually very annoying barkers.
They require early socialization with both people and other pets.
When you don’t teach them to be social, they can become aggressive in some ways, particularly the males.
Despite needing regular coat care and mental stimulation, this is one of the most beautiful and friendly sheepdog breeds, especially good with children.
Care Required
Although he is a working dog, he has a slight tendency to be chubby, so I suggest you keep an eye on his calories.
It can weigh up to 100 kilos, depending on whether it is female or male.
Caring for the coat is something of the utmost consideration for this breed. It requires:
- Frequent baths.
- Hair treatments.
- Care of the ears, nails, vaccinations in consultation with your veterinarian.
- Daily brushing, which can limit your daily activities.
Most of their keepers choose to shave their fur once or twice a year.
Fortunately, the Old English Sheepdog looks great with short hair.
Other Considerations/Features
It is a faithful companion capable of reaching an average height of 70 cm.
Just keep in mind that:
- Training is imperative with plenty of socialization. They require a sufficient amount of exercise, especially when young.
- As they require a firm and patient hand, they are not recommended to be the starting dog for a person inexperienced in dogs.
- Created for serious work and enjoy the assignment as being those obedient competitors and shepherds.
Sheepadoodle
Some History
With the fancy and unusual name, you might be surprised to learn that this Sheepadoodle, like its counterpart, also has the skills of a herding dog.
This dog has a relatively recent history and is a hybrid breed product of the cross between the Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog.
It arose in the United States back in the sixties; the name was coined in 1992.
It is a breed from a large genetic pool. Created in principle to meet the needs of the US military.
This breed brings together the following qualities/abilities from its ancestors:
- It is robust and big in size.
- Abundant and hypoallergenic coat.
- Independent and intelligent, and eager to please.
- Easily trained.
It spent many years unnoticed in its primary role.
After 30 years of work in a sector as limited as the military, it is when it passes into the domain of other breeders.
That is why the name Sheepadoodle was coined in 1992.
Personality
The Sheepadoodle inherited from the Poodle its playful attitude and its inclination to please/share as well as to obey, and from the Old English Sheepdog its friendly and protective temperament.
It has an impressive capacity for adaptability so that it can live in different types of spaces.
For example, it is happy to share a sofa with its owners as long as it receives the necessary attention and physical activity.
Due to its innate protective temperament it tends to protect both those who show vulnerabilities, children and people with special needs. It is a dog that quickly develops special bonds.
All this added to its love for work makes it an excellent service dog.
The qualities inherited from their ancestors determine the way they behave and socialize with other dogs.
Care Required
Being a hybrid breed, the genetics of the Sheepadoodle progeny are stronger / richer than that of their parents.
Consequently, this breed has a healthier heritage for now. In their genesis, the diseases’ information that both races carry can appear in one of the new generations in the future.
As high-energy dogs, Sheepadoodle needs plenty of activity to help them stay healthy both physically and mentally.
Like one of their parents, they can develop negative behaviors if they accumulate too much energy.
As for its diet it has a slight tendency to be chubby due to its heredity, so I suggest you watch its calories. Feed it with quality products according to its stages.
Its coat grows continuously but doesn’t fall spontaneously, which is why it is considered hypoallergenic.
However, it requires special care in case of deciding to adopt a Sheepadoodle.
It is essential to take care of the coat; it is of utmost consideration for this breed.
It Requires:
- Bimonthly baths it is more than enough.
- Brush frequently, at least 3-4 times a week, with a wire bristle brush to remove dead hair and keep it free of dirt.
- Haircut with experts every 8 weeks.
- Ear disinfection and eye cleaning once a week. Use quality antiseptic products designed for dogs.
- Vaccines and veterinary control.
Other Considerations/Features
They are practically the same as its counterpart.
Only that this breed has a desire to please that is uncommon in the shepherd family, a characteristic that makes it easy to train, even by novices.
Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle – What Are The Differences?
| Old English Sheepdog | Sheepadoodle |
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These two species play a similar role in the habitat in which they usually develop, but even though one of them carries genes from the other, they have their differences.
Do you want to know what the fundamentals are? Stay with me until the end.
1. The Coat
For example, one and the other are similar in size, identical in colors, and have dense, two-layered fur.
If you look closely, you will notice that some marked signs will help you differentiate them.
One of the differences is that the Sheepadoodle’s coat is curly, long, and soft, while the Old English Sheepdog’s coat is water-repellent, long, and thicker.
The most marked or important difference between the two coats is that the Sheepadoodle’s coat sheds sparingly and is hypoallergenic.
In contrast, the Old English Sheepdog’s coat sheds constantly and is a threat to allergy sufferers.
The other significant difference from this point is maintenance.
The coat of the Sheepadoodle requires less maintenance than that of the Old English Sheepdog.
And in general terms, the maintenance for the care and grooming of the Sheepadoodle demands a lower frequency than the Old English Sheepdog.
2. The Temperament
Although these two species are intelligent and independent, in addition to being loyal, playful, and energetic, they have a very marked difference in terms of temperament.
The Sheepadoodle has a natural tendency to protect children and people who show vulnerabilities or special needs, with whom it develops special bonds that make them excellent service dogs.
On the other hand, the Old English Sheepdog needs to learn to socialize from an early age, both with other pets and people.
Otherwise, the aggressiveness of its ancestor, the wolf, could come out, particularly in males.
In addition, the Sheepadoodle’s natural desire to please, a characteristic rare in the shepherd family, makes them easy to train, even for novices.
This breed is recommended for beginners, and the Old English Sheepdog is not.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that there is great interest in all dogs’ breeds, particularly the Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle.
Although they have a very different origin and main function:
The Old English Sheepdog originated in England more than 200 years ago. It is a product of the crossing of extinct breeds of dogs but carries genetic inheritance of the Bearded Collie’s blood as well as something of Deerhound and Poodle. They were created to guard the herds of both cows and sheep.
In contrast, the Sheepadoodle arose in the United States in the 1960s. It is a hybrid breed product of the cross between the Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog, two breeds with different natures and origins. It concentrates on a large genetic pool. Likewise, it was created in principle to meet the needs of the US military.
They have a very similar and beautiful appearance, being both dogs of the shepherd family.
They have a very similar personality, as they are recognized for their temperaments, intelligence, and loyalty.
In addition, they have similar characteristic coats of double coats and long hairs.
However, once you detail, some differences fade away, as I have described in this article.
