Designer Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: moderate
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  • Shedding Level: low
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  • Grooming Level: high
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  • Trainability: high
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  • Good for Novice Owners: high
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  • Adaptability: moderate
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
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  • Prey Drive: low
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  • Watchdog: chill
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  • Average Size: Medium
  • Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Registered?: other

Sheltidoodle Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

Did You Know?

A Sheltidoodle is a cross between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Poodle. Sheltidoodles tend to be active, playful, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that love spending time being active with their families.

Although the Sheltidoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized and can be registered with other notable canine organizations. The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the Sheltidoodle.

Sheltidoodles tend to be sweet and affectionate dogs with energetic and playful personalities. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be protective of their families and are aloof with strangers at first, they tend to warm up once introduced.

Sheltidoodles are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they can adapt to apartment living if they get enough daily exercise, they tend to be better suited to homes with yards where they can run.

As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat, but do well in most moderate climates. They do bond closely with their families, have a lot of energy, and get bored easily, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Sheltidoodle include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, Collie eye anomaly, and cataracts.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

Like their parents and other barrel-chested breeds, Sheltidoodles are at risk for bloat. Since bloat in dogs can be dangerous and fatal if the stomach flips, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk and what symptoms to look for to know when to get help.

With their parents being some of the smartest dog breeds, Sheltidoodles tend to be highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. This tends to make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. As long as training is clear, consistent, and focused on praise and reward, these dogs tend to respond well.

Puppy training classes are always an option and can be a good idea even if you don’t necessarily need them for training. In addition to reinforcing training, some classes even host safe puppy play sessions to help socialize puppies.

Although a Sheltidoodle can inherit the low-shedding Poodle coat, it’s not a guarantee. If they inherit the Sheltie coat, they will shed moderately year-round. Regardless of coat type, daily brushing and visits to the groomer every 4-8 weeks are recommended.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Sheltidoodle’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life.

Although active, energetic, and playful, Sheltidoodles sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them.

Since they love being active and being around you, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. These dogs tend to be athletic, so once puppies finish growing, you can try a variety of activities with them to keep you both busy.

Fully-grown Sheltidoodles usually stand 14-19 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 40-50 pounds.

Sheltidoodles generally live for 12-15 years on average.

Sheltidoodles are also sometimes called Sheltipoodles or Sheltipoos.