If you're considering getting a Mini Sheepadoodle, one question you might have is when do they stop growing? Below we'll get into the different growth phases of their lives, and talk about the history and lineage of this particular breed of dog.
What’s a Sheepadoodle?
The parent breeds of a Sheepadoodle are the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle. Both breeds have distinctive characteristics that make them unique and desirable as parent breeds for the Sheepadoodle hybrid.
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy dog with a friendly personality. Originally bred for herding livestock, this dog is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train.
The Poodle is a smaller breed that comes in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are known for their curly, hypoallergenic coat and their high level of intelligence. Poodles are also often used in crossbreeding because of their friendly, outgoing nature and their versatility in different environments.
When you combine the Old English Sheepdog with the Poodle, you get the Sheepadoodle. This hybrid breed is known for its friendly, sociable nature, high intelligence, and soft, curly coat.
Sheepadoodles can come in many colors, including black, white, gray and brown. They are low-shedding and can often be hypoallergenic.
Overall, the parent breeds of the Sheepadoodle bring unique characteristics to this hybrid, resulting in a lovable and playful dog that is a great choice for families and first-time dog owners.
What Makes a Mini Sheepadoodle Mini?
Mini Sheepadoodles are typically smaller than standard Sheepadoodles, with an average height range of 14-20 inches (35-50 cm) at the shoulder. Their weight can vary depending on their gender, genetics, and overall health, but the average weight range for Mini Sheepadoodles is between 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg).
To give you a more specific range, here are some examples of minimum and maximum heights and weights for Mini Sheepadoodles:
Minimum Height: 12 inches (30 cm)
Maximum Height: 22 inches (56 cm)
Minimum Weight: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Maximum Weight: 55 pounds (25 kg)
Your mini will likely fall somewhere in the middle of these ranges. It's important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is healthy and growing properly. They can also provide you with guidance on diet, exercise, and other aspects of your Mini Sheepadoodle's care to promote their overall health and well-being.
Learn more about mini sheepdoodles:
The Growth Stages of a Mini Sheepadoodle
Like all dogs, Mini Sheepadoodles go through several stages of growth and development as they mature. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you understand when your Mini Sheepadoodle will reach their full size.
The Newborn Stage (0-2 weeks)
Mini Sheepadoodle puppies are born small and helpless, weighing just a few ounces each. During this stage, they rely on their mother for warmth and nourishment.
The Puppy Stage (3-12 weeks)
During the puppy stage, Mini Sheepadoodle puppies will grow rapidly. They'll start to open their eyes, learn to walk, and start to explore their surroundings. At this stage, they'll need plenty of food and water to fuel their growth.
The Adolescent Stage (3-6 months)
Around 3-6 months of age, Mini Sheepadoodles will enter the adolescent stage. During this stage, they'll continue to grow, but at a slower rate than during the puppy stage. They may also start to develop their adult coat.
The Young Adult Stage (6-18 months)
Between 6-18 months of age, Mini Sheepadoodles will reach their full height and start to fill out. They'll also start to develop their adult personality and behavior.
When Do Mini Sheepadoodles Stop Growing?
On average, Mini Sheepadoodles will reach their full height between 9-12 months of age. However, they may continue to fill out and develop their adult body composition until they're 18 months old. After this point, they will still gain weight, but it will be mostly due to muscle development and not growth in height.
It's important to note that not all Mini Sheepadoodles will grow at the same rate. Some may reach their full size earlier or later than others.
Factors That Can Affect Your Mini Sheepadoodle
Speaking of… If you're considering getting a mini Sheepadoodle, it's important to understand the factors that could influence their size and weight.
Genetics
One of the biggest factors that could influence the size and weight of your Mini Sheepadoodle is genetics. As a hybrid breed, the size and weight of your dog will depend on the parents Poodle and Old English Sheepdog.
While you can make predictions based on their size, there is no guarantee that your Mini Sheepadoodle will fall within a certain size range.
Diet and Exercise
Diet and exercise are also important factors that can influence the size and weight of your mini Sheepadoodle. If your dog is not getting enough exercise or is being overfed, it may be at risk of becoming overweight.
It's important to feed your dog a balanced diet and provide him or her with regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Health
Be aware that some underlying health conditions can cause weight gain and lead to obesity, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. It's important to work with a veterinarian to ensure that your dog is healthy and to address any diseases that may arise.
Mini Sheepadoodles are a wonderful breed of dog that make great family pets. Knowing when they'll reach their full size can help you plan for their care and ensure they're getting the right amount of food and exercise at each stage of their growth.
By understanding the growth stages of a Mini Sheepadoodle, you'll be able to give your furry friend the best possible start in life.
If you're looking for a friendly and affectionate companion, a Mini Sheepadoodle might be the perfect choice for you. With their adorable looks and playful personalities, they are sure to bring joy and happiness to any home. And when it comes to finding a reputable and trustworthy breeder, look no further than JennaLee Designer Doodles.
Led by a team of skilled and knowledgeable breeders, JLDD is committed to breeding healthy and happy Sheepadoodles that will make the perfect addition to your family. With a focus on responsible breeding practices and a deep love for their dogs, JLDD is dedicated to providing customers with top-quality puppies bred from champion bloodlines.
So if you're ready to welcome a Sheepadoodle into your home, consider us. With our commitment to excellence and passion for breeding, you can trust that you'll be getting a healthy and well-adjusted puppy that will be a beloved member of your family for years to come.
Jenna and the JLDD Team