Sheepadoodle vs Irish Doodle: What’s the Difference?

You’re making the hard choice of picking a pup for your family and asking, Sheepadoodle vs Irish Doodle?

It’s definitely a tough pick. However, the pups are pretty different, which may make your decision easier.

While both dogs make good family pets, they differ quite a bit in personality and energy levels. Sheepadoodle Puppies are more laid back, while Irish Doodles need lots of stimulation.

Sheepadoodle vs Irish Doodle quick facts:

Irish Doodles are highly active and need lots of exercises.
Both dogs make great family pets, but Sheepadoodles may do better with small children.
Irish Doodles make great hunting buddies, while Sheepadoodles make great household pets.
Both dogs are intelligent and easy to train.

What is an Irish Doodle?

An Irish Doodle is a mix between an Irish Setter and a Poodle.

Irish Setters are high-spirited sports dogs. They are a favorite breed for hunting and make a great family dog. Irish Setters are eager to please their owners and are very rowdy.

Poodles are brilliant dogs who were also bred for hunting. Irish setters hunt on land, while Poodles are great swimmers.

The Irish Doodle is a medium to large-sized dog. They have a narrow stance and look rather elegant. Irish Doodles typically have hair similar to the Poodle, but many are redheaded.

Irish Doodles may be considered hypoallergenic. However, some Irish Doodle pups have the same coat as their Irish Setter parent. This coat is double-layered, and they will shed at a medium level. You may not know what kind of coat your Irish Doodle pup has until they are fully grown.

Irish Doodles are clever, sensitive, and very active pups.

What is a Sheepadoodle?

A Sheepadoodle is bred from an Old English Sheepdog (OES) and a Standard Poodle. You can also get Mini and Micro Sheepadoodles. They are smaller than the standard but have the same personality traits.

Sheepadoodles inherit their OES parents’ laidback, friendly, and family-oriented personalities. Additionally, they inherit the intelligence and hardworking nature of their Poodle parent.

The Sheepadoodle is a large-sized dog that has black and white markings. They are very fluffy and happy-looking pups.

Even people with severe dog allergies can have Sheepadoodles in the home. They are hypoallergenic and nonshedding.

Sheepadoodles are friendly, intelligent, and relaxed.

Sheepadoodle vs Irish Doodle: Temperament

The Sheepadoodle is a people-pleaser who loves to spend time with family. Often, they will herd their family together, a trait they inherited from their OES parent.

They are intelligent, which makes training a Sheepadoodle very easy. You’ll want to teach your pup young, though. An untrained Sheepadoodle will get bored and get himself into trouble.

Sheepadoodles enjoy playing, swimming, and fetching. They’ll need about an hour of activity a day to stay healthy.

The Irish Doodle loves to learn, which makes them very easy to train. They are intelligent and very energetic.

Irish Doodles typically do well with children and other pets in the house. However, they may suffer from depression in a home that is too chaotic. Sheepadoodles tend to be better with small children and are often called ‘nanny dogs.’

However, most Irish Doodles love to play and learn and are overall happy pups.

Micro Sheepadoodles can do well in an apartment. Irish Doodles are too active and need a yard for playing.

Sheepadoodles and Irish Doodles make excellent family dogs. Both dogs are highly affectionate and enjoy socializing. They love meeting new people and other pups.

Sheepadoodle vs. Irish Doodle: Health Considerations

The life expectancy of a Standard Sheepadoodle is 12-15 years. Irish Doodles are expected to live up to 13 years.

Sheepadoodles have very few health issues. They are prone to suffer from joint problems or bloat. Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease are also concerns.

The Irish Doodle is very similar. These pups are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye disease. They also have floppy ears that can quickly become infected. Irish Doodles may also suffer from Addison’s Disease, Osteosarcoma, and Epilepsy.

Sheepadoodles need around an hour of exercise daily to stay healthy and fit. Irish Doodles are remarkably energetic and need lots of activity. Daily, Irish Doodles need at least 90 minutes of play.

Sheepadoodle vs Irish Doodle: Training

Sheepadoodles are well-known for their ability to train. Their cleverness makes learning new tricks and commands easy for them. Sheepadoodles enjoy working and solving problems.

Sheepadoodles are extremely loving animals. Their abilities make them excellent therapy and service dogs.

The Irish Doodle is also extremely easy to train. Irish Doodles do great in agility competitions and advanced obedience training. Some are trained in tracking as well. They make great hunting partners, and some do search and rescue work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more high maintenance, Irish Doodles or Sheepadoodles?

Both Irish Doodles and Sheepadoodles require medium maintenance. They do not need frequent baths, but they do need regular brushing and haircuts. Sheepadoodles have dryer skin which means that they often smell better. Irish Doodles may shed and have a double coat similar to an Irish Setter. Irish Setters also have floppy ears that need to be cleaned regularly, or they can get infected.

Is a Sheepadoodle bigger than an Irish Doodle?

Standard Sheepadoodles can weigh upwards of 60 lbs and stand 16-22 inches. Irish Doodles weigh around 40-65 lbs and stand 22-26” tall. Sheepadoodles are often bred with smaller Poodles. You can easily find Mini Sheepadoodles, Micro Sheepadoodles, and Toy Sheepadoodles.