The German Shepherd Poodle mix is a cross between a purebred German Shepherd and Purebred Poodle. This is a medium to large dog, weighing anything from 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Also known as a Shepadoodle, this is an active dog that loves to play and can be trained easily, although they do need consistent socialization to curb their herding instincts and prey drive.
What’s In This Guide
- German Shepherd Poodle Mix At A Glance
- In-depth Breed Review
- Shepadoodle Training And Care
- Pros And Cons Of Getting A German Shepherd Poodle mix
German Shepherd Poodle mix FAQs
Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the German Shepherd Poodle mix .
- What is a Shepadoodle?
- How big is a Shepadoodle?
- Are there Mini Shepadoodles?
- Are Shepadoodles hypoallergenic??
Today, we are doing an honest assessment on this increasingly popular crossbreed, mixing the German Shepherd and Standard Poodle.
Here’s everything you need to know!
German Shepherd Poodle mix: Breed At A Glance
- Popularity: Mildly rare
- Purpose: Companionship, service dog
- Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
- Temperament: Sweet, smart and loyal.
Ready for an in-depth look at this fluffy crossbreed?
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Breed Review: Contents
- What is a German Shepherd Poodle mix?
- The designer dog debate
- History and original purpose of the German Shepherd Poodle mix
- Fun facts about German Shepherd Poodle mix
- German Shepherd Poodle mix appearance
- How big is a German Shepherd Poodle mix?
- Are there Mini German Shepherd Poodle mix?
- German Shepherd Poodle mix temperament
- Training and exercising your German Shepherd Poodle mix
- German Shepherd Poodle mix health and care
- Grooming a German Shepherd Poodle mix
- Do German Shepherd Poodle mix make good family pets
- Rescuing a German Shepherd Poodle mix
- Finding a German Shepherd Poodle mix puppy
- Raising a German Shepherd Poodle mix puppy
- Similar breeds
- Breed rescues
If you’ve been looking for an article on the German Shepherd Poodle mix, you’ve found it!
Let’s take a look at its origin, temperament, and everything else you want to know before bringing one home!
What Is a Shepadoodle? What is a German Shepherd Poodle mix?
The Shepadoodle, sometimes called the German Shepadoodle, Shepherd Poodle or German Shepherd and Poodle mix, is the designer dog offspring of the German Shepherd and the Poodle.
But what is a designer dog and how does it differ from the so-called “mutts”? Here’s what you need to know.
A Brief Overview of the Designer Dog Debate
There is some debate regarding designer dogs, also known as hybrids or crossbreeds, and the reason why is quite compelling.
Some say crossbreeds are just mutts.
Those who support crossbreeding, though, point out that mutts have a lineage of several different breeds in their bloodline.
Crossbreeds are the carefully chosen offspring of two specific purebred parents.
If you would like to learn more about the crossbreeds or mutt controversy, visit us here.
Another issue in regards to first-generation crossbreeds revolves around health.
To cross or not to cross – that is the question!
As many dog lovers and experts are aware, purebred dogs are known to suffer from certain inheritable health issues due to generations of overbreeding in increasingly smaller gene pools.
While some experts insist that crossbreeding could be a solution to this issue, others disagree.
In fact, many experts are certain that crossbreeds are just as prone to inheriting genetic health issues as purebreds are.
The institute of canine biology has an excellent article covering this issue in depth.
Whether you’re for or against crossbreeding, it’s impossible to deny the German Shepherd Poodle mix is an adorable result!
Here’s everything you know about the origins of this fluffy pup.
History and original purpose of the German Shepherd Poodle mix
Unfortunately, since the German Shepherd Poodle mix is a newer generation crossbreed, there is very little known about his exact origin.
However, we can still learn quite a bit from looking into the histories of his purebred parents.
History of the German Shepherd
As his name suggests, the German Shepherd is believed to be the descendant of herding dogs from Germany, which varied in type depending on the region.
During the 1800s, enthusiasts and breeders got together to breed different types of German herding dogs. This eventually led to the modern-day German Shepherd we know and love.
It is common knowledge that today’s German Shepherd is a famous police and military dog. But did you know that most of his skills came from his sheepherding days?
Now, due to his incredible intelligence, loyalty, and courage, the German Shepherd is a renowned working dog.
As of October 2019, the German Shepherd ranks at number two on the American Kennel Club’s list of America’s most popular dog breeds!
History of the Poodle
It may surprise you to learn that the Poodle, though often referred to as the “French Poodle,” is actually of German descent, much like his German Shepherd counterpart.
In fact, there is no true “French Poodle”, as the Poodle breed was created in Germany nearly 400 years ago, bred primarily to hunt ducks.
And you know that fancy pompon haircut the Poodle is so well known for? This flashy haircut had a purpose.
When out hunting, the extra hair on the Poodle’s joints helped them stay warm and protected as they got in and out of the freezing German lakes to retrieve ducks.
Eventually, the Poodle’s flamboyant pompons became something of a fashion statement.
Not only do Poodles have a history of work-ethic and notability, but they are also quite the entertainer. Throughout history, Poodles have also performed in street and circuses around the world!
As a family pet, Poodles delight their owners with their amazing intelligence and family-friendly disposition.
With two breeds as popular as the German Shepherd and the Poodle, it’s no wonder breeders thought to cross them.
And that’s how the fluffly Shepadoodle was born!
Fun facts about the German Shepherd Poodle mix
Anything fun and interesting about the breed that doesn’t fit in the sections below. Celebrity owners of the breed, news stories, the breed in literature or film
Although still relatively uncommon, the German Shepherd Poodle Mix is close to the heart of many people. As of October 2019, the hashtag #Shepadoodle boasts more than 23K mentions. Not bad!
Now that you know some fun facts about this fluffy pup, it’s time for an in-depth review of how it looks like.
German Shepherd Poodle mix appearance
Like all crossbreeds, the German Shepherd Poodle mix is going to vary in looks depending on which purebred parent they take after most.
The best way to guess what your Shepadoodle may look like is to study the physical characteristics of its purebred parents.
German Shepherd appearance
This large dog has a sturdy build and distinctly erect ears, bright eyes and a long tail.
Coat-wise, the German Shepherd has a durable, double-layered coat that sheds heavily and can be either medium or long.
They come in five standard colors, including:
- Black and Gold
- Red and Black
- Black and Silver
- Sable
- Black
Poodle Appearance
On the other hand, we have the Poodle. With their long ears and thick, curly hair that hardly sheds, the Poodle could not look more different than the German Shepherd!
Poodles come in many standard colors, such as:
- Black
- Apricot
- White
- Cream
- Tan
- Blue Belton
- Blue
- Silver
- Sable
- Brown
They also have bright, round eyes and a slender build that gave them an edge when hunting and swimming.
Poodles also come in three sizes: Toy, Mini and Standard. German Shepherd and Poodle mixes are usually crossed with Standard Poodles.
What do German Shepherd Poodle mixes look like
As a mix, you really can never know how your German Shepherd Poodle Mix will look like until they are already grown up.
You can get any combination of the traits above. It will all depend on chance and genetics!
Your best bet is meeting your puppy’s parents: their offspring will usually take after one or both of them in regards to their appearance, size and personality.
How big is a a Shepadoodle?
Because the German Shepherd Poodle mix is a crossbreed, pinpointing his estimated size is going to be difficult.
The purebred German Shepherd grows as big as 22 to 26 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds!
Poodles come in three sizes: Toy, Mini and Standard. Nevertheless, it is highly unlikely that a German Shepherd is going to be crossed with a mini Poodle.
Because the Standard Poodle is over 15 inches tall and weighs between 40 and 70 pounds, Shepadoodles are usually a medium to large dog.
You can expect your German Shepherd Poodle mix to be anywhere from 15 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds.
But is that really the only option?
Are there Mini Shepadoodles?
Yes there are!
Even though both German Shepherds and Poodles are large dogs, when crossing with a Toy or Mini Poodle, some breeders have achieved a smaller version of the German Shepherd Poodle mix.
Nevertheless, one can never be sure about the adult size of a crossbreed until they are actually all grown up.
You should always try to meet the parents of your pup so you can have an idea of the size they might have as adult dogs.
To achieve these “miniature shepadoodles”, breeders may specifically choose smaller German Shepherds and Poodles to cross in hopes of creating a smaller than average cross.
Want to know more about this cuddly pup? Here’s everything you should be aware of about their temper.
Shepadoodle temperament
The German Shepherd Poodle mix temperament is going to depend on what traits he inherits from his parents.
Let’s take a look at the basic temperamental traits of the German Shepherd and the Poodle to see how your mixed pup could behave like!
German Shepherd Personality
Known for his intelligence and unstoppable courage, the German Shepherd is a top choice for military and police work.
While he is definitely tough, this is also an excellent breed for children and families.
However, the German Shepherd is very active and can be slow to mature, sometimes proving too much for families with very small children.
Most German Shepherds do perfectly well with other household pets, but some have a tendency to chase and go after smaller animals like cats.
Some breeders also report German Shepherds as having a tendency to show aggression with dogs of the same sex. However, if they are properly socialized at an early age, this is unlikely to be an issue.
German Shepherds like to please their owners, although they are also great at working independently.
Because of their large size and high energy levels, these dogs need experienced owners and active families that will train and socialize them as needed.
Poodle Personality
The Poodle is also a family-friendly dog, known for his intellect and good nature. This is a breed who enjoys learning new tricks and pleasing their owners.
Poodles are active dogs that need to let their energy out, run around and play with their families.
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Because of their hunting background, it’s important to socialize and train them to properly channel their prey instincts.
They are great with kids of all ages and can find in children lifelong playmates.
German Shepherd Poodle mix temperament
Considering that both the German Shepherd and the Poodle are highly intelligent, loyal, and loving breeds to their families, it’s easy to assume your German Shepherd Poodle mix will have those same characteristics.
Still, as with all dogs, we recommend early socialization and obedience training to ensure that your pup grows up to be a well-adjusted dog.
Shepadoodles are usually loving, smart companions, but it’s best to meet their parents and their tempers to have a better idea of how your pup could behave as they grow older.
Because of the hunting and herding past of its parents, the German Shepherd Poodle mix might have strong herd or prey instincts that could cause issues when dealing with smaller pets and very young children.
To enjoy the company of your new pup, it’s essential you offer early training and socialization. Here’s what you need to know about this crossbreed’s training needs!
Training and exercising your German Shepherd Poodle mix
Since both the German Shepherd and the Poodle are such intelligent breeds, it comes as no surprise that a Shepherd Poodle mix should be a breeze to train.
With consistency and a positive, treat-based reward system, the German Shepherd Poodle crossbreed is likely going to pick up new routines quickly!
However, keep in mind that the German Shepherd is an especially energetic breed, so a prospective owner will need to be patient if their Shepadoodle inherits this trait.
It can be a challenge to keep your pup’s attention for long periods of time, so breaking up training into smaller chunks might be a good idea.
Speaking of energetic, both the German Shepherd and the Poodle are active breeds.
Their athletic build demands plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored and destructive.
An hour or two of exercise a day should meet the German Shepherd Poodle mix’s needs.
Socialization, especially when it comes to other pets, is key with this crossbreed. Because the German Shepherd and the Poodle have herding and hunting origins respectively, your Shepadoodle might have the instinct to hunt or herd other small animals.
Avoid any issues by offering plenty of structured exercise time and early socialization. This will ensure your pup can easily get along with other pets.
Now that you know the training needs of this dog, it’s time to take a look at their health.
Shepadoodle health and care
Since the German Shepherd Poodle mix is a crossbreed, they could be prone to a number of health issues inheritable from their purebred parents.
Health of the German Shepherd
With a lifespan of 7-10 years, the German Shepherd is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia.
These conditions can easily be tested in both parents. Ask your breeder if your pups’ parents if they have been tested bor dysplasia. German Shepherds should also be tested for degenerative myelopathy.
Blood disorders, epilepsy, eczema, eye issues, dwarfism, and skin allergies are also common.
This breed is at a greater risk of bloat. This is a dangerous condition in which the stomach gets twisted and filled with air. If left untreated, it can cause death.
Although vets aren’t sure about what are the exact causes, your Shepadoodle might be at a greater risk of bloat because of its German Shepherd heritage.
Talk to your vet to get some actionable advice in order to prevent bloat.
Health of the Poodle
On the other hand, the Poodle has a relatively long lifespan of 10-18 years.
Although usually healthy, poodles are prone to certain diseases that are genetically inherited.
They can be prone to Addison’s disease, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, thyroid issues, bloat, and hypoglycemia.
You may want to consider early health screening for your German Shepherd Poodle mix to better ensure they start off on the right paw!
Early health screening could help you to prepare for or even prevent certain health concerns inherent to this crossbreed.
Talking to your breeder and making sure both parents have been thoroughly tested for these common conditions will make it easier for your pup to have a better chance at a happy, healthy life.
Grooming a German Shepherd Poodle mix Dog. Are Shepadoodles hypoallergenic?
Not really.
The “Doodle” craze started mainly because it is widely thought that Poodles are hypoallergenic.
This is simply not true. Neither Poodles nor its crossbreeds are “hypoallergenic”. No dog can be.
However, Poodles do shed a bit less than most dogs, and the hair they do shed gets trapped in their curls.
This is to say, Poodles and other curly-haired dogs give the impression of shedding less, but still need constant grooming and brushing to keep their skin healthy and their coats tangle-free.
If your German Shepherd Poodle mix does take after the coat of its curly parent, they might shed a little less than a regular dog.
Nevertheless, the grooming needs of a German Shepherd Poodle mix could vary greatly, since the type of coat they have will depend on which parent they take after.
Either way, your Shepadoodle pup will probably need a good brushing at least twice a week to avoid getting mats. If they do have curlier hair, you might need to up the brushing frequency.
You should also prepare to cut your German Poodle mix’s nails regularly to keep them from breaking and clean his ears to avoid infections.
If you’re ready to groom your puppy, it’s time to know whether or not this crossbreed will be a good fit for your pack.
Do German Shepherd Poodle mix dogs make good family pets
The Shepherd Poodle Cross is an intelligent, family-friendly dog with a lot of energy, but does that mean he is right for you?
He will do best in homes with large, fenced-in yards and an owner with the ability to train and exercise him properly.
If you don’t mind a bit of gambling when it comes to shedding and grooming, and if you and your family are ready for an intelligent, active, and courageous crossbreed, then the German Shepherd Poodle mix may be right for you!
Now that you’re set on this fluffy crossbreed, it’s time to find a puppy. Have you considered a rescue?
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
Rescuing a German Shepherd Poodle mix
Rescuing a pup can be a very fulfilling experience for everyone involved. For starters, you’re giving a second chance at a loving home at a pup that’s been waiting for you.
On the other hand, you can have a better idea of how your dog might look and behave like. To rescue a German Shepherd Poodle mix, take a look at your local shelters and ask around. Even though they are fairly rare, you might be surprised!
If you-re a first-time dog owner, take advantage of shelter volunteers: ask if there’s anything you should know, take their advice when it comes to training and picking the best pup for your family.
Check our complete guide on adopting a puppy from a shelter, it’s easier than you’d think!
Although there are no specific German Shepherd Poodle mix rescues, you might stumble upon one of these fluffy pups at Poodle, Doodle or German Shepherd rescues.
If you’re having a hard time finding a German Shepherd Poodle mix at your local rescue centers, you might want to try your hand with Shepadoodle breeders.
Finding a German Shepherd Poodle mix puppy
Getting your hands on Shepadoodle puppies may seem easy, but you’ll want to make sure you are going through the proper sources.
If you get your German Shepherd cross Poodle pup from the right place, it will better ensure a happier, healthier dog in the long run.
For this reason, always do plenty of research before deciding where to get your German Shepadoodle puppies.
When coming from a breeder, Shepadoodle puppies could run you anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more, depending on if their parents are show quality or not.
However, a benefit of going through a breeder is that you’ll have the option to ask questions regarding any issues that may have cropped up with the parent breeds or previous litters.
Also, keep in mind that reputable breeders will be able to provide health certificates that prove their German Shepherd Poodle puppies have been health screened and are healthy and adaptable.
Have you found the perfect Shepadoodle pup? Now it’s time to raise them!
Raising a Shepadoodle puppy
Caring for a vulnerable puppy is a big responsibility. There are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training.
From getting along with other pets, and potty training, we can help you make these first moments with your pup a happy and fulfilling experience for both of you.
Are you ready to take on the challenge of raising a cute German Shepherd Poodle pup? Here’s our take.
Pros And Cons of Getting A German Shepherd Poodle mix
Shepadoodles could be a great addition to your pack. Still unsure? Here’s our final roundup to help make up your mind.
Pros
- Great for active families
- Smart dog that’s easy to train
- Sweet tempered and like to please their owners
Cons
- Not hypoallergenic, and needs brushing at least twice a week.
- Medium to large dog that needs moderate to high levels of activity.
- Might develop herding or prey instincts if improperly socialized.
Are you convinced this is the dog for you? If not, check out these other options that might be a better fit.
Similar Breeds
You might want to consider these other Poodle mixes if the Shepadoodle doesn’t look like the right fit for you. There’s plenty to choose from!
Convinced this is the right choice for you? You might want to look into adoption before buying from a breeder.
Here are some rescues that could have Shepadoodle pups.
German Shepherd Poodle mix Breed Rescues
Because they are a relatively new crossbreed, Shepadoodle rescues are pretty much non-existent. Nevertheless, there are many Doodle rescues where a Shepadoodle might land for lack of a better fit.
Check out these rescues and shelters that have been working to rehome doodle pups. You might find the right fit for your family!
USA
- Doodle Rock Rescue (Texas)
- IDOG Rescue. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Rescue.
- Carolina Poodle Rescue
- Doodle Dandy Rescue
UK
Australia
- German Shepherd Rescue Alliance Australia
- German Shepherd Rescue and Rehoming Australia
- German Shepherd Rescue NSW
- Poodle Rescue QLD
- Poodle Cross Rescue and Rehoming
Do you have other rescues where to find Shepadoodle pups? Comment down below and let us know!
References And Resources
- Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
- O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Owned Dogs In England. The Veterinary Journal
- Adams VJ, et al. 2010. Results of a Survey of UK Purebred Dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
- Hedhammer A, Olsson SE, Andersson SA, Persson L, Pettersson L, Olsson A, Sundgren PE, Canine Hip Dysplasia: Study of Heritability in 401 Litters of German Shepherd Dogs, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Borbala Turcsan, Adam Miklosi, Eniko Kubinyi, Owner Perceived Differences Between Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dogs
- Silvia Ruefenacht, Sabine Gebhardt-Henrich, Takeshi Miyake, Claude Gaillard, A Behavior Test on German Shepherd Dogs: Heritability of Seven Different Traits, Applied Animal Behavior Science
- T.R. Famula, J.M., Belanger, A.M. Oberbauer, Heritability and Complex Segregation Analysis of Hypoadrenocorticism in the Standard Poodle, Journal of Small Animal Practice.
- Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Volume 6, pages 143-153.
- Nathan B Sutter and Elaine A Ostrander, Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics, Volume 5, pages 900-910
- Lowell Acumen DVM, DACVD, MBA, MOA, The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition, 2011.
- Purebred Vs. Mutt – Common Objections to Mixed Breed Dogs
- Carol Beuchat Ph.D., The Myth of Hybrid Vigor in Dogs…Is A Myth
Leigh Ann says
I have a 3 year old shepadoodle. He is easily the best dog I’ve ever had. So smart and easy to train. I should have socialized him a little more when he was little as he is leery of strangers and prefers strangers not pet him until he is ready. He only sheds a little, small fur balls are found blowing around on the floor occasionally. He couldn’t be more loyal. He follows me everywhere. My daughter loves him so much, she is getting a shepadoodle of her own as her first dog. I did talk to the breeder about the personality traits of both parents. I also talked to owners that had dogs from previous breedings. They all raved about their dog. I got one because I originally wanted a pure German Shepard. I had one as a child and always wanted another. I was finally in a place where I could have a large dog but my husband is allergic to dogs that shed. I looked to see if there was a crossbred and found my dog. I can’t recommend them enough if you are looking for a loyal, easy to train companion. He hikes with me every day in the forest off leash. He is rarely more than 10 feet from me and he never lets me get out of his sight. I only need to say his name and he is right beside me. Great dog!
Maytee Avetrani says
Where did you get him?? We are looking for a female.
Sam Stark says
Good Day;
I have a wonderful German Sheppard female can you give me names of breeders that I can breed her too in North Carolina ?
Regards.
Sam Stark