That’s why we’ve decided to walk you through an introduction to both species and show you six ways the Old English Sheepdog differs from the Sheepadoodle.
Comparing an Old English Sheepdog and a Sheepadoodle
The 6 Key Differences Between an Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle
The most significant differences between an Old English Sheepdog and a Sheepadoodle include breed, fur, and size. The Old English Sheepdog is a purebred dog with long shaggy fur that can often cover its eyes, weighs up to 100 pounds and stands 24 inches tall. The Sheepadoodle is a mixed breed weighing up to 80 pounds, stands between 13 and 24 inches tall and has a long coat of fur that may be wavy, curly, or flat depending on the traits it inherits. As you can see, the differences between these dogs are not particularly vast, but they are worth examining. Let’s get a better look at the six greatest differences between these dogs.
Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle: Size
The Old English Sheepdog is heavier than the Sheepadoodle, but it may also be shorter than it. The Old English Sheepdog usually weighs between 60 and 100 pounds, making it a medium-sized breed. This dog can also stand between 22 and 24 inches. Meanwhile, the Sheepadoodle weighs anywhere between 45 and 80 pounds, and it can stand anywhere between 13 and 24 inches, with some growing up to 27 inches tall. However, most members of this breed measure between 18 and 22 inches tall.
Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle: Breed
The Old English Sheepdog is different from the Sheepadoodle because it is a purebred dog. Yet, the Sheepadoodle is a mixed breed, and its parents include an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. Although this mixture may seem odd at first hearing, it actually works quite well. The combination of these two dog breeds led to a large, intelligent, sometimes fluffy, hypoallergenic dog.
Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle: Appearance
The Old English Sheepdog has a double coat of water-resistant fur, something that can be passed on to the Sheepadoodle. However, the latter is just as likely to have a mixed coat. For the most part, the Old English Sheepdog has shaggy, long fur that covers its round head and can flow down in front of the creature’s eyes. This often gives the dog the appearance of having bangs. Depending on the length and type of fur coat it has, the Sheepadoodle can get a similar look. However, its fur is not always shaggy or as long. Sometimes, it’s wavy or curly instead of flat owing to its Poodle heritage, but it’s also hypoallergenic. The Old English Sheepdog also has a docked tail and ears that lie flat, two traits that are frequently seen in the Sheepadoodle as well.
Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle: Colors
The Sheepadoodle does not have as many potential colors in its coat as the Old English Sheepdog. Sheepadoodles usually have fur that is black, white, gray or a combination of those colors. The Old English Sheepdog may have fur that is gray, white, black, grizzle, and blue in many different combinations. While this is not a huge difference, it is still a way to distinguish the dogs.
Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle: Temperament
Both the Old English Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle are known for being intelligent dogs. The former is regarded as being sociable, playful, and good with a family if it’s introduced to them while young. The dog breed can be aggressive if it is not socialized early, though. Also, the dog can grow to be lazy and overweight if it is not provided ample exercise opportunities and motivation. The Sheepadoodle is better with older children than younger children. Also, it has a predisposition to wrecking one’s house out of boredom if left at home alone for too long. On the bright side, these dogs rarely bark.
Old English Sheepdog vs Sheepadoodle: Lifespan
Unfortunately, the Old English Sheepdog is a relatively short-lived dog breed. It only lives between 10 and 12 years on average, but can live a bit longer with good nutrition and care. However, the Sheepadoodle lives for a little while longer, somewhere between 12 and 15 years. Although the Sheepadoodle and Old English Sheepdog share a heritage, they are not completely alike. They do have some differences, and they are smaller than those found in other breeds. Nevertheless, you should now have a good enough foundation of information about these dogs to recognize and discuss their distinctions.
