German Shepherd Poodle Mix: Shepadoodle Complete Guide

German Shepherd Poodle Mix
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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 NamesGerman 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
PurposeCompanion, working
AKC RecognitionNo
SizeSmall, medium, or large
Weight25-90 pounds
Height13-26 inches
ColorsBlack, white, fawn, tan, grey, cream, brown
Child FriendlinessHigh
Canine FriendlinessModerate
Training DifficultyVery low
Grooming UpkeepHigh
Exercise NeedsHigh
HealthExcellent
Lifespan12-14 years
Puppy Cost$600-$2,000
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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. They’re 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 – 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. Let’s 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 “German Shepherd” and “Poodle” in any way you can imagine and make plenty of names — they’ll 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, it’s 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, let’s look at each parent breed’s history.

German Shepherd history

German Shepherd vs Poodle
German Shepherd dog at the park

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.

RECOMMENDED: German Shepherd Greyhound Mix (Complete Guide)

Poodle history

standard Poodle and German Shepherd Mix
Hypoallergenic Poodle dog

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. They’re 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.

You may be interested in: F1B Bernedoodle (Complete Guide)

Shepadoodle breed information 

When you mix a German Shepherd with a Poodle, you get an intelligent, active, and loving pup — 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.

Let’s 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

MaleFemale
Size GroupSmall, medium, or largeSmall, medium, or large
Height13-26 inches13-24 inches
Weight25-90 pounds25-70 pounds
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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

MaleFemale
Size GroupLargeLarge
Height22-26 inches20-24 inches
Weight50-90 pounds40-70 pounds
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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

MaleFemale
Size GroupMediumMedium
Height15-20 inches15-18 inches
Weight30-50 pounds26-45 pounds
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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, don’t let the “Toy” 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

MaleFemale
Size GroupSmall-mediumSmall-medium
Height13-17 inches13-15 inches
Weight25-35 pounds25-30 pounds
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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 aren’t 100%. If the pup takes after his German Shepherd parent, he will have a straight, medium-length double coat that’s 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.

You may also like: Red Poodle (Complete Guide)

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.

RECOMMENDED: Blonde German Shepherd (Complete Guide)

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. They’re 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 don’t become shy or fearful around other people and animals.

The German Shepherd Mix Poodle is a great choice for a family pet because they’re intelligent, active, and loving. They are also low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an ideal option for people with allergies.

Although they’re usually considerate, we wouldn’t 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 that’s 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 NeedFrequency
Hair BrushingDaily.
BathingEvery week.
Ear CleaningEvery 4 weeks.
Tooth Cleaning2-3 times a week.
HaircuttingEvery 4-8 weeks.
Nail TrimmingEvery 2-3 weeks.
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Is a German Shepherd Poodle Mix hypoallergenic? 

Yes, the German Shepherd Mix with a Poodle is a hypoallergenic breed, which means they’re less likely to cause allergies in people. This is due to their low-shedding coat, low drooling, and lack of dander.

However, they won’t 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 doesn’t 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.

Related Article: Dog Losing Hair Around Eyes? (9 Top Reasons + What To Do)

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.

You may also like: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?

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 aren’t many reputable German Doodle breeders out there. High-profile breeders aren’t 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 you’re 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, it’s 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 it’s 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 you’re 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 shouldn’t 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 you’re 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.

ProsCons
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.Aren’t very friendly towards new people.
Available in curly, wavy, and straight coats with lots of color options.Coat color and texture isn’t predictable.
High intelligence and trainability.High intelligence means they get bored quickly.
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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 offspring’s 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 there’s an equal chance they may take after either parent.

F1B Shepadoodle (25% German Shepherd & 75% Poodle)

F1b Shepadoodles are first-generation backcross, meaning they’re 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 it’s important that you know what you’re 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, you’ll find the German Shepherd Poodle Mix to be an excellent fur buddy.

Related Questions

What is a Poodle German Shepherd Mix called?

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. 

Can you mix a Poodle and a German Shepherd?

Absolutely! The German Shepherd Poodle Mix does exist. However, it’s 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.

Are Shepadoodles hypoallergenic?

It depends. Shepadoodles are hypoallergenic if they take after their Poodle parent’s coat. If the Shepadoodles take after their German Shepherd parent’s coat, then they may not be hypoallergenic.

Are Shepadoodles good dogs?

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.

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Resources:

https://www.biomedcentral.com/about/press-centre/science-press-releases/28-07-17

https://poodleclubofamerica.org/health-concerns/

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