Sheepadoodle Colors and Coat Types

Sheepadoodles come in a variety of colors and coats that provide owners with many fantastic options to choose from.

Poodles alone come in over 10 different colors while Old English Sheepdogs are available in more than 5 different colors.

Most Sheepadoodles will take on the genes of the Old English Sheepdog, resulting in a combination of blue and white, or gray and white coat colors. But as you’ll see, it’s possible to get many different outcomes with a Sheepadoodle puppy.

Brief History of the Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles have become hugely popular over the past 40 years, after being used primarily as military dogs by the U.S. Army.

Since then, the breed has grown into a common household pet thanks to a calm temperament.

Poodle vs Old English Sheepdog Coat Colors

Old English Sheepdogs genes contribute to shades of blue, blue merle, or grey. Poodle genes lean more towards black, white, cream, brown, or even red. Their curly fur is usually hypoallergenic.

As Sheepadoodles age, they will usually fade into more of a grey hue.

Most Common Sheepadoodles Coat Colors

The primary colors of a Sheepadoodle are a combination of black and white, but here are some of the solid colors and varieties.

White Sheepadoodles

All white Sheepadoodles are typically bred with a white Poodle and a lightly colored Old English Sheepdog.

Black Sheepadoodles

Black coated Sheepadoodles are given this tone from the Poodle side. Most litters will get a black Sheepadoodle as a result of breeding a solid black Poodle with an Old English Sheepdog. Most black Sheepadoodles will also be given a curly coat from the parent Poodle.

Gray Sheepadoodles

Gray Sheepadoodles are usually a mixture of multiple colors like blue and black. It’s rare to have a solid gray-colored Sheepadoodle.

Black and White Sheepadoodles

The most common variety of Sheepadoodles is the black and white colored coat. Usually, the white color overpowers the black color and Sheepadoodles will get a white nose, chest, and some other features.

Tri-Color Sheepadoodles

Then there are the tri-color Sheepadoodles, which are a blend of brown, black, and white. Black is a dominant coat color compared to brown and it typically shows up when breeders use a red Poodle.

Merle Sheepadoodles

Merle Sheepadoodles have a pattern of fur that creates patches in their coat. This is most commonly associated with Australian Shepherds who can inherit the merle tone from either the Old English Sheepdog or Poodle parent. The propensity for a Merle Sheepadoodle can be discovered through genetic testing if the breeder hasn’t had any Merle puppies previously.

What Genetic Factors Play a Role in Sheepadoodle Colors

The type of genes handed down to the Sheepadoodle varies based on the mixes and generations.

F1 vs F1B Sheepadoodle

The F1 Sheepadoodle is a 50/50 mixture of the Poodle and Old English Sheepdog. It has an equal chance of acquiring color and coat texture from either parent. The F1B is 75 percent Poodle and just 25 percent Old English Sheepdog, meaning that it will usually take on the color of the Poodle.

F1 vs F2B Sheepadoodle

F2s are bred from two Sheepadoodle parents instead of a Poodle and Sheepdog. The resulting dog is likely to have an unpredictable coat color. Meanwhile, the F2B Sheepadoodle leans slightly more towards the Poodle, at 62.5% vs 37.5% Old English Sheepdog.

How Can Owners Maintain Their Sheepadoodles’ Coat Health?

Grooming can help your Sheepadoodle maintain the integrity of its coat. If you routinely brush their fur and give them baths, their coat will remain vibrant and damage-free.

Many Sheepadoodle Coat Colors

There’s is a Sheepadoodle coat color just for you. With so many varieties to choose from, you should contact your breeder to learn more about their puppies.

Additional Articles of Interest:

Bernedoodles vs Sheepadoodles: What are the Key Differences?

Aussiedoodle vs Sheepadoodle: Which Breed is Better?

Sheepadoodle vs Old English Sheepdog

Frequently Asked Questions