Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle: What’s the Difference?

With so many different poodle crossbreed dogs out there in the world, you may be wondering what all of the differences and similarities are between the goldendoodle and the sheepadoodle. What might bring these two dogs together, and what separates them into two distinct dog breeds?

In this article, we will compare and contrast everything you need to know about the goldendoodle and the sheepadoodle so that you can find out which one works best for your lifestyle. We will go over their physical appearances as well as their behavioral differences in case you are interested in adopting either breed. Let’s get started now!

Comparing Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle

Key Differences Between Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle

There are many key differences between the goldendoodle and the sheepadoodle. For example, the goldendoodle comes in white or yellow colors while the sheepadoodle comes in black and white colors. In addition, the goldendoodle works better in households with children compared to the sheepadoodle. Finally, the sheepadoodle lives a slightly shorter lifespan than the goldendoodle overall. 

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail. 

Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle: Size

It can be extremely difficult to tell a goldendoodle apart from a sheepadoodle based on their appearances and sizes. These two dogs are very closely matched in terms of their sizes, though the goldendoodle has a slightly taller height on average compared to the sheepadoodle. It is interesting to note that the sheepadoodle weighs slightly more on average compared to the goldendoodle, in direct opposition of their height differences. 

Again however, it can be very difficult to tell these size differences. This is especially true when you consider that both of these dogs can come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. However, the sheepadoodle is typically bred with a standard size poodle rather than the smaller poodle breeds, and the same can be said for the goldendoodle as well. 

Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle: Appearance

Just as both of these dog breeds can be extremely similar in size, both of the sheepadoodle and goldendoodle look extremely similar in their appearances as well. They both have uniquely textured fur similar to that of a poodle, though the goldendoodle typically has a shaggier coat compared to the sheepadoodle. 

The primary physical difference between these two dog breeds is the fact that the sheepadoodle only comes in black, white, or gray colors, while the goldendoodle only comes in yellow or white shades. This is obviously due to their DNA, as most Old English Sheepdogs are black and white, While most golden retrievers are golden or yellow in color. Speaking of, let’s talk more about the ancestry and breeding of both of these dog breeds now. 

Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle: Ancestry and Breeding

As you no doubt already guessed, there are a number of similarities but also differences in the breeding and ancestries of both the goldendoodle and a sheepadoodle. For example, the sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a poodle, while the goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a poodle. 

While both of these breeds were created for companionship, especially for hypoallergenic households, the sheepadoodle is a slightly older designer dog breed compared to the goldendoodle. However, both dogs are popular for a variety of reasons, most of which is rooted in their behavior. Let’s take a closer look at that now. 

Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle: Behavior

Given the fact that both of these dogs are crossed with a poodle, they have very similar behaviors and temperaments when in a home. Both the sheepadoodle and the goldendoodle are highly intelligent and eager to learn a variety of tricks as well as commands, though there is one key difference that separates these two dogs from one another.

When it comes to living in a house with children or other small animals, the goldendoodle performs much better overall compared to the average sheepadoodle. This is due to the sheepadoodle’s Old English Sheepdog ancestry, as they may attempt to herd or corral young children and pets compared to the non-herding goldendoodle. 

Sheepadoodle vs Goldendoodle: Lifespan

The final difference between the goldendoodle and the sheepadoodle is their lifespans. While both of these dog breeds are fairly healthy and well received, the goldendoodle lives a slightly longer lifespan compared to the average sheepadoodle. Taking a closer look at the figures, the sheepadoodle lives an average of 12 to 14 years old, while the goldendoodle lives an average of 12 to 15 years old.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © SoySendra/Shutterstock.com