Shepadoodles make great family dogs. They are playful and energetic, and they get along well with children and other dogs. Their high prey drive can be a challenge with smaller pets in the household. They do well with pets that are part of the family unit and they were raised with, but will need extra socialization and training in other cases.

Because they are naturally protective, they are initially wary of strangers. If they have been properly socialized, they will warm up once introduced, but it may take a little bit of time before they are comfortable. They also tend to bark to alert you, which can become a nuisance if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on.

Shepadoodles are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they require so much daily exercise and mental stimulation, they do not tend to do well in apartments. They are better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run.

They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond closely with their families, are protective, and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Shepadoodle can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Von Willebrand’s disease. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents.

The Shepadoodle is an intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and responds well to training. They are lifelong learners that love learning new things. Generally, they are easy to train, but they do require a confident, respectful, and firm leader that can provide structured, consistent training.

This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners or owners that do not have experience training a large dog. Because of this, puppy training classes or a professional dog trainer are recommended.

A Shepadoodle coat will either be non-shedding like the Poodle or low-shedding if they take a little bit more after their GSD parent. Either way, they will need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Shepadoodle’s nails, ears, and teeth. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care along with cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life.

Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and extra activity are usually enough for them. But, they’ll probably be up for more activity if you are.

A fully-grown Shepadoodle usually stands 22-28 inches tall and weighs 50-90 pounds. Some Shepadoodles have weighed in at over 100 pounds, so you will want to meet the parents to get a better idea of what size to expect once your Shepadoodle is done growing.

Shepadoodle’s generally live for 12-14 years.

Shepadoodles were developed in the 1960s by the United States Army. The goal was to create a highly intelligent service dog that did not shed much.