Another trending Doodle on the scene right now is the German Shepherd Poodle Mix or Shepadoodle. While German Shepherds and Poodles are quite different in their physical appearance and personality, their offspring is quite the catch!
If you’re looking for a wonderful Doodle dog or are considering getting a Shepadoodle, you’ve landed on the right page.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the German Shepherd Poodle Mix, including their temperament, health issues, physical appearance, size, grooming needs, and whether they make great family pets. Let’s first start with a breed overview of the Shepadoodle.
Table of Contents
German Shepherd Poodle Mix: Breed overview
| German Shephard Poodle Mix | |
| Other Names | German Shepherd Poodles, German Sheeppoodle, Shepherdoodle, German Poodle, German Poodle Mix, GSD Poodle Mix, German Shephard Poodle Mix, German Shepadoodle, Germandoodle, Germadoodle Shepadoodle Mix, Shepapoo |
| Purity | Crossbred |
| Purpose | Companion, working |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Small, medium, or large |
| Weight | 25-90 pounds |
| Height | 13-26 inches |
| Colors | Black, white, fawn, tan, grey, cream, brown |
| Child Friendliness | High |
| Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Very low |
| Grooming Upkeep | High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Health | Excellent |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
| Puppy Cost | $600-$2,000 |
Is there a German Shepherd Poodle Mix?
Yes, there is a German Shepherd Poodle Mix. This canine is a crossbreed between a German Shepherd and a Poodle. This mix can be either a 50/50 mix or favor one parent over the other.
Poodle mixes are called Doodles. Theyâre highly popular due to their non-shedding coat, which is great for people with allergies. The German Shepherd Doodle combines the best of both worlds â the loyalty and trainability of the German Shepherd with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
The German Shepherd mixed with a Poodle also goes by a more common name. Letâs see what it is.
What is a Shepadoodle?
Crossbred canines often go by multiple names.
A Shepadoodle is another name for the German Shepherd cross Poodle. These half German Shepherd half Poodle Mixes go by other titles as well.
You may wonder what is a German Shepherd Poodle Mix called exactly? Well, you can mix âGerman Shepherdâ and âPoodleâ in any way you can imagine and make plenty of names â theyâll all be technically correct.
Check out this German Shepherd mixed breed: German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix (Complete Guide)
German Shepherd Poodle Mix: Parent breeds
Both the German Shepherd and the Poodle are popular breeds, with GSDs being the second and Poodles being the 7th most popular furry companions.
So, itâs no surprise that German Shepherd x Poodle is also popular. Yet, not many big-name breeders mix the German Shepherd with Poodle. These breeders prefer selling purebreds and choose not to associate with hybrid canines.
To learn more about the Poodle Mix with German Shepherd, letâs look at each parent breedâs history.
German Shepherd history
The German Shepherd originated in Germany in the late 1800s as a shepherd who can also help in different jobs. These pups excelled at herding sheep and in numerous other working roles.
As shepherding became less common, German Shepherds started helping out humans in various duties such as policing, tracking, hunting, guiding the visually impaired, and guarding.
German Shepherds are still popular working dogs, but they also make great family pets. They are known for being intelligent, loyal, and loving, whereas their strength and trainability make them ideal for working roles.
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Poodle history
Poodles originated in Germany too (though they are often associated with France) and were originally bred as water dogs. Their primary role was to assist hunters in retrieving ducks from ponds and streams.
Later, the French began using them as ornate companions for the wealthy. Poodles transitioned out of their hunting role and became more of a status symbol during that time.
Nowadays, Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Theyâre popular companion dogs, and owners often groom them to enter beauty contests. They are intelligent, active, and affectionate.
Their hypoallergenic coat is another reason for their popularity, which makes them perfectly suited to people with canine allergies.
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Shepadoodle breed information
When you mix a German Shepherd with a Poodle, you get an intelligent, active, and loving pup â all qualities that make for an excellent family pet.
The German Shepherd Poodle Mix dog is a medium-to-large canine that comes in three sizes depending on which Poodle sized parent he has. They have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and are generally healthy.
One of the best things about the German Shepherd Poodle hybrid is his low-shedding coat. It means that they are much less likely to trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to canine hair. The downside is that the hair requires frequent grooming, but it is well worth it for those who want a hypoallergenic pup.
So, which one is better? The German Shepherd or the Poodle?
Poodle vs German Shepherd
The main difference between Poodle and German Shepherd is that Poodle is a hypoallergenic dog that shed minimally while German Shepherd is not a hypoallergenic dog because he sheds throughout the year and will need to blow his coat (lose all his undercoat) twice a year in the fall and spring.
Read also: Short Haired German Shepherds (Complete Guide)
What you are looking for in a furry buddy determines which breed is better for you. The GSD is a great choice if you want a loyal and intelligent working pet.
If you are looking for a playful and affectionate family companion, the Poodle is an excellent option.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can mix the two to get a Shepadoodle.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix size, height, and weight
The Shepadoodle (German Shepherd and Poodle Mix) comes in three sizes ranging from the very small Toy Shepadoodle to the large Standard Shepadoodle. Their size depends on the size of their Poodle parent.
Letâs have a look at the different German Shepherd Poodle Mix sizes.
Full Grown German Shepherd Poodle Mix
A Shepadoodle can grow as big as the largest GSD or as small as a Toy Poodle.
German Shepherds are big, heavy, muscular, and tall. Poodles can be up to 24 inches tall, but their bodies are more athletic and slimmer.
This table shows the size range of a fully grown Shepadoodle.
Full Grown Shepadoodle
| Male | Female | |
| Size Group | Small, medium, or large | Small, medium, or large |
| Height | 13-26 inches | 13-24 inches |
| Weight | 25-90 pounds | 25-70 pounds |
German Shepherd Standard Poodle Mix
The German Shepherd and Standard Poodle Mix, also called the Standard Shepadoodle, is the largest Shepadoodle available. These pups result when you have a Standard Poodle Mixed with German Shepherd.
The table below shows how big they can get.
Standard Poodle German Shepherd Mix
| Male | Female | |
| Size Group | Large | Large |
| Height | 22-26 inches | 20-24 inches |
| Weight | 50-90 pounds | 40-70 pounds |
Mini German Shepherd Poodle Mix
A Mini Poodle German Shepherd Mix, also known as the Miniature Shepadoodle, is a medium-sized version of the Shepadoodle.
The German Shepherd and Mini Poodle Mix can weigh between 26 to 50 pounds depending on which parent she takes after.
Gender also matters, and the male German Shepherd mini Poodle Mix is slightly bigger than the female German Shepherd miniature Poodle Mix.
Here is a table of their height and weight.
Miniature German Shepherd Poodle Mix
| Male | Female | |
| Size Group | Medium | Medium |
| Height | 15-20 inches | 15-18 inches |
| Weight | 30-50 pounds | 26-45 pounds |
Toy Poodle German Shepherd Mix
The toy Poodle and German Shepherd Mix, or the Toy Shepadoodle, is the smallest version of the Shepadoodle family.
However, donât let the âToyâ in their name fool you; these pups can grow up to 17 inches tall and weigh around 35 pounds.
Here is a table showing their size range.
German Shepherd Toy Poodle Mix
| Male | Female | |
| Size Group | Small-medium | Small-medium |
| Height | 13-17 inches | 13-15 inches |
| Weight | 25-35 pounds | 25-30 pounds |
Poodle German Shepherd Mix physical appearance
The Shepadoodle is a medium to large-sized pooch weighing anywhere from 35 to 70 pounds.
They usually have a rectangular head with floppy ears and almond-shaped eyes.
The coat is generally curly and can be either long or short; however, you may find them sporting wavy or straight fur. Common coat colors for the Poodle Mixed with a German Shepherd include black, brown, cream, white, and grey.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix coat colors and types
The curly coat of the Shepadoodle is one of their most defining features. It is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
However, the chances of inheriting a hypoallergenic coat arenât 100%. If the pup takes after his German Shepherd parent, he will have a straight, medium-length double coat thatâs non-hypoallergenic. They can also inherit a wavy coat, which has properties between the two coat types.
Poodles come in numerous solid colors, whereas GSDs usually come in bicolor coats. A German Shepherd and a Poodle Mix can have any of the following colors: black, white, brown, tan, grey, and apricot.
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White German Shepherd Poodle Mix
One of the most popular Shepadoodle coat colors is white. This happens when the pup takes after his Poodle parent and has a lot of white in his coat.
White Shepadoodle puppies are just as intelligent, active, and loving as their multicolored counterparts, but they tend to be a little bit harder to find.
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Black German Shepherd Poodle Mix
Another popular Shepadoodle coat color is black. Unlike the rare white Shepadoodle, the black German Shepherd Poodle Mix is more common.
However, they rarely have an all-black coat. Also, these pups are notorious for age-related color dilution, which causes their black coat to fade to a blueish gray over time.
Related Article: Sable German Shepherd (Complete Guide)
Shepadoodle temperament and personality
The Shepadoodle is a friendly and loving pooch that makes a paw-some family pet. Theyâre intelligent and easy to train, making them an excellent choice for first-time owners.
However, the German Shepherd and Poodle Mix breed requires regular exercise and needs activities such as walks, runs, and games to keep him busy.
The Shepadoodle is a vigilant watchdog and will bark to alert you of strangers or any potential danger. However, they are not aggressive and will not attack unless they detect a threat.
Does German Shepherd And Poodle Mix make great family pets?
Yes, German Shepherd And Poodle Mix do make great family pets. Shepadoodles are good with children and get along well with other canines and pets.
However, socialization is important from an early age to make sure that they donât become shy or fearful around other people and animals.
The German Shepherd Mix Poodle is a great choice for a family pet because theyâre intelligent, active, and loving. They are also low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an ideal option for people with allergies.
Although theyâre usually considerate, we wouldnât recommend Shepadoodles for families with young children. These pooches can be too strong and may inadvertently hurt a small child or pet.
Are Shepadoodles aggressive?
No, German Shepherd Poodle Mixes are not aggressive by nature; however, they are protectors and will bark to alert you of any potential danger. They will also defend their family if they feel threatened. The GSD in them may make them a bit unruly, but their Poodle ancestry should balance out these tendencies.
Also read: Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix (Complete Guide)
German Shepherd Poodle Mix training
The German Shepherd Poodle Mix is a smart canine thatâs eager to please, making them easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, and belly rubs.
Because they are so intelligent, they can also get bored easily. This means that their trainer must keep things interesting and interactive to hold their attention.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix exercise requirement
The German Shepherd Poodle Mix is a high-energy pooch that needs regular exercise. They should go for daily walks or runs lasting at least an hour and get plenty of space to play.
They also enjoy interactive games such as fetch and will benefit from having a backyard to run around in. You may get them chew toys to help them release their pent-up energy while improving their dental health.
Handy Hint: If you live in a town or county that has zoning laws that prohibits physical fences, you could consider getting a Wireless Dog Fence to keep your canine companions safe while they enjoy some fresh air. Check out our list of Best Wireless Dog Fences for your four-legged friends.
Poodle and German Shepherd Mix living conditions
Poodle German Shepherd mixes do well in both urban and rural living environments.
However, they need a sufficient amount of exercise and should not stay alone for a long time.
Toy Shepadoodles can adapt to apartment living, but Mini and Standard Shepadoodles will need a larger living arrangement.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix grooming and cleaning
Grooming is perhaps the only downside to owning a German Sheepadoodle. They require regular brushing and grooming to keep their coats clean and free of mats and tangles.
They also need a haircut every few months to prevent their coat from getting too long. Fortunately, various professional groomers in your local town or city specialize in Doodles and can help groom your pooch.
The table below shows their grooming frequency.
| Grooming Need | Frequency |
| Hair Brushing | Daily. |
| Bathing | Every week. |
| Ear Cleaning | Every 4 weeks. |
| Tooth Cleaning | 2-3 times a week. |
| Haircutting | Every 4-8 weeks. |
| Nail Trimming | Every 2-3 weeks. |
Is a German Shepherd Poodle Mix hypoallergenic?
Yes, the German Shepherd Mix with a Poodle is a hypoallergenic breed, which means theyâre less likely to cause allergies in people. This is due to their low-shedding coat, low drooling, and lack of dander.
However, they wonât be completely hypoallergenic if they take after their German Shepherd parent.
German Shepherd Mixed with Poodle food and diet
Shepadoodles do best on a high-quality diet rich in protein and nutrients. They should feed twice a day and have plenty of fresh water available at all times. Avoid giving them table scraps or sugary, greasy, or heavily seasoned food.
You should also know which human foods are unsafe for canines and avoid putting them within their reach.
There are numerous good commercial dog foods on the market for Shepadoodles. We recommend dry kibble as it doesnât have too many filler carbs. You can also home-cook their meals using beef or poultry. Just make sure to remove excess fat and sharp bone fragments and avoid using any seasoning.
Handy Hint: Staying hydrated is just as important in dogs. Check out What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water? to find out 6 other drink options that are canine-friendly and that will keep your dogs hydrated and healthy.
Poodle German Shepherd Mix common health issues
Fortunately, the Shepadoodle is a generally healthy breed, but he can be prone to a few common health issues.
If you’re ever interested to know the specific health issues your furry companion may be susceptible to, we highly recommend that you reach out to your dog’s breeder or veterinarian.
Your dog’s breeder should know any potential health problems your pup may have based on the health of your pup’s parents.
However, if both of these options aren’t possible, you could also use a doggy DNA test. I’ve personally used the Embark dog DNA test on my two canine companions. The test results came back about two weeks later and I was pleasantly surprised to see how accurate the breed identification results were.
The dog DNA test also detected any health issues my dogs may have. With that information, I was able to understand what health issues my two pups were prone to and how I can better take care of them.
For now, let’s take a quick look at some of the common health issues Poodle German Shepherd Mix may be prone to.
1. Hip dysplasia
This is a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. Hip dysplasia can be painful and may require surgery to correct.
2. Epilepsy
This is a neurological condition that causes seizures. There is no cure for this condition, but medication can help keep it under control.
3. Bloat
This is a serious condition that can occur when the stomach fills with gas and twists. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
4. Allergies
Both German Shepherds and Poodles are prone to allergies. You can control them with medication, but some may require lifelong treatment.
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5. Perianal Fistula
This condition affects the anal area and can be quite painful. It may require surgery to correct.
6. Eye problems
Shepadoodles can be prone to various eye problems, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. All of which may require surgery or medication for treatment.
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7. Elbow dysplasia
This is a condition that causes the elbow joint to develop abnormally. It can be painful and may require surgery to correct.
8. Hemophilia
This is a condition that prevents the blood from clotting properly. It can be dangerous and may require lifelong treatment.
German Shepherd Mix with Poodle lifespan
The lifespan of a Shepadoodle is 12 to 14 years. This is longer than the German Shepherd and pretty impressive for a canine their size. Some German Doodles can live even longer if you take good care of their health.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Breeders
There arenât many reputable German Doodle breeders out there. High-profile breeders arenât keen on mixing their purebred stock to make hybrids.
However, you can find some quality breeding facilities with the Shepadoodle for sale. You may find German Shepherd Poodle breeders with good reviews if you search online.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Puppies
German Doodle puppies are adorable and can be quite hard to resist. However, before you buy a German Doodle puppy, be sure to do your research and make sure youâre prepared for the responsibility that comes with owning this breed.
German Shepherd and Poodle Mix puppies vary in appearance like all mixed breeds. Some may take more after the German Shepherd parent, while others may take more after the Poodle. Either way, German Shepherd Doodle puppies are sure to be intelligent, active furballs that will make loving companions.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix price
Shepadoodle puppies typically sell for between $600 and $2,000. This may seem a lot, but when you consider that you get a hypoallergenic pup who can live for 12 to 14 years, itâs not that bad a deal.
If you want to save more, you may consider adopting. Let’s discuss this next.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix adoption
Visit your local shelter or search online adoption agencies when looking for a German Shepherd Poodle Mix to adopt. Some mixed breeds like the Shepadoodle are harder to find than others, but itâs worth checking out the resources we mentioned above.
You can also look for a rescue pup.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix rescue
There are numerous rescue agencies full of pets in need of loving homes. If you want to support a good cause and save money in the process, consider getting a German Shepherd Poodle Mix from one of these organizations.
German Shepherd And Poodle Mix puppies for sale
If youâre set on getting a German Shepherd Poodle Mix puppy, your best bet is to search online using a reputable breeder directory. This will help you find responsible breeders in your area who have German Shepherd Poodle Mix puppies for sale.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix for sale
Just like with puppies, your best bet for finding a German Shepherd and Poodle Mix for sale is to search online using a reputable breeder directory. This will help you find responsible breeders near you who have an adult Shepherd Poodle for sale.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix for sale near me
You shouldnât have trouble finding a healthy Shepherd Poodle Mix for sale if you search online for GSD Poodle mixes near you. Use your preferred search engine and check the reviews of the breeder that you shortlist.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix for sale Florida
If youâre looking for a German Doodle for sale in Florida, be sure to check out Ruskin House of Shepherds.
German Shepherd Poodle Mix Ohio
Double R Doodles are the best place to look for Poodle and German Shepherd Mix for sale in Ohio.
Mini German Shepherd Poodle Mix for sale
Keystone Puppies is a great place to start searching for a mini Shepadoodle.
Poodle Mixed with German Shepherd: Pros and Cons
There are several things to consider before getting a Shepadoodle.
Here is a table to help you weigh the pros and cons of having a Poodle Mixed with German Shepherd.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lovely hypoallergenic coats make them ideal for allergy sufferers. | Their coat is usually high maintenance. |
| They come in multiple sizes. | Slightly expensive for a hybrid canine. |
| Their high energy makes them perfect for playful children. | May inadvertently hurt toddlers or pets. |
| Vigilant watchdogs who only bark to alert. | Arenât very friendly towards new people. |
| Available in curly, wavy, and straight coats with lots of color options. | Coat color and texture isnât predictable. |
| High intelligence and trainability. | High intelligence means they get bored quickly. |
Popular Shepadoodle Generations
As with all Doodles, the German Shepherd Doodle Mix comes in multiple-generation crossbreeds. Breeders cross them over multiple generations to tinker with the parentage and hence the offspringâs genetics. Here are two popular Shepadoodle generations.
F1 Shepadoodle (50% German Shepherd & 50% Poodle)
F1 Shepadoodles are first-generation offspring, meaning they come from a purebred Poodle and a purebred German Shepherd. These pups are a 50-50 mix of both breeds, and thereâs an equal chance they may take after either parent.
F1B Shepadoodle (25% German Shepherd & 75% Poodle)
F1b Shepadoodles are first-generation backcross, meaning theyâre made by crossing an F1 Shepadoodle back with a purebred Poodle. Backcrossing ensures the resultant pups carry more Poodle tendencies, especially their hypoallergenic coat. F1b Shepadoodles are genetically 25% German Shepherd and 75% Poodle.
Is the German Shepherd Poodle Mix Shepadoodle right for me?
The best way to know if the Shepadoodle is right for you is to first do your research. This breed is not for everyone, so itâs important that you know what youâre getting into before you bring one home.
Also, ensure that you have adequate living space and enough time to devote to their daily exercise. If you can manage all that, youâll find the German Shepherd Poodle Mix to be an excellent fur buddy.
Related Questions
A Poodle mix German Shepherd has a few different names that all refer to the same mixed dog breed. You can call a Poodle German Shepherd Mix Shepadoodle, which is one of their popular names. Other names include German Shepherd Poodles, German Sheeppoodle, Shepherdoodle, German Poodle, German Poodle Mix, GSD Poodle Mix, German Shephard Poodle Mix, German Shepadoodle, Germandoodle, Germadoodle Shepadoodle Mix, and Shepapoo.Â
Absolutely! The German Shepherd Poodle Mix does exist. However, itâs important to note that not many big-name breeders mix the Poodle with the German Shepherd because they prefer to sell purebreds and choose not to associate with hybrid dogs.
It depends. Shepadoodles are hypoallergenic if they take after their Poodle parentâs coat. If the Shepadoodles take after their German Shepherd parentâs coat, then they may not be hypoallergenic.
Yes, Shepadoodles are good dogs for your family. They have hints of both the German Shepherd and the Poodle personality. A Shepadoodle has the trainability and loyalty of the German Shepherd with the low-shedding or hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.
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Resources:
https://www.biomedcentral.com/about/press-centre/science-press-releases/28-07-17
https://poodleclubofamerica.org/health-concerns/
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
