If you’re on the hunt for a fun, hypoallergenic, and affectionate family pet, you cannot go wrong with the F1B Sheepadoodle. This cross between an F1 Sheepadoodle and a Poodle provides a curlier, low-shedding alternative perfect for anyone with an allergy.
You do need to know a little about Sheepadoodle generations and how they differ. You wouldn’t want to pick up one breed or type without knowing just how hypoallergenic it could be if you have medium or severe reactions.
Let’s break everything down about genetics, grooming, training, and the cost of the beloved F1B Sheepadoodle.
Genetics & Breeding of an F1B Sheepadoodle
The F1B Sheepadoodle is a mixed breed “designer” dog. It is 75% Poodle and 25% Old English Sheepdog. That is only one generation of the various Sheepadoodles out there for you to own. Others include:
⦁ F1 Sheepadoodle (50% Poodle, 50% Old English Sheepdog)
⦁ F2 Sheepadoodle (mix of two F1 Sheepadoodles)
⦁ F2B Sheepadoodle (62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Old English Sheepdog)
The variations in genetic background directly impact the coat of the dog. The higher the instance of Poodle genetics, the more hypoallergenic and curly the coat. That is because the curly hair traps in shedding, leading to fewer allergens floating in the air.
F1B Mini Sheepadoodle vs. Standard F1B Sheepadoodle
Like most designer dogs, there is a smaller F1B Mini Sheepadoodle you can find from trusted and well-known breeders. They are more hypoallergenic due to their shorter hair length and smaller stature. An F1B Mini Sheepadoodle is only 25-45 pounds, whereas a standard will be anywhere from 45 pounds or heavier.
Breeders get a smaller size of Poodle based on the parents. The genes in the parents dictate size and mixture.
You would look for an F1B Mini Sheepadoodle when you live in a smaller home like an apartment complex, condo, or frequently travel for work and want to bring your beloved pet along for the ride.
If you have a little extra room around the property, a standard F1B Sheepadoodle is the better choice. Plus, that gives them plenty of space to play with your kids or fetch a ball as you enjoy a cool drink on the patio.
What is an F1b Reverse Sheepadoodle?
The F1B Reverse Sheepadoodle is a flip of the F1B Sheepadoodle. It has more Old English Sheepdog in it than Poodle. That difference means the coat type is straighter and shaggier than that in an F1B Sheepadoodle.
Shedding is also different. Due to the increased Old English Sheepdog genetics, you can expect far more dander and fur to come off your pet if it is an F1B Reverse Sheepadoodle.
As for the personality difference, F1B Reverse Sheepadoodles are stronger herders. Their instincts lead to a dog that wants to work, so you’ll have to get outdoors a bit more often to help them burn off excess energy.
Coat Types and Grooming Needs
Sheepadoodle F1B and other generations are really challenging to nail down in a breeding program. A little too much Sheepdog here or too little Poodle there could lead to different coats. For the most part, F1B Sheepadoodles have either curly or wavy coats. Curly coats are the most hypoallergenic. From there, wavy and straight coats lead to a higher volume of shedding.
You can control this shedding with regular grooming at home or through a professional. We recommend brushing at least 3 to 4 times per week with a professional appointment every 6 to 8 weeks. If you bathe at home, shoot for once a month using a gentle, de-shedding shampoo.
Temperament & Personality Traits
F1B Sheepadoodles are incredibly popular. They have an above-average intelligence that makes them easy to train and extremely loyal to their owners. Their affectionate nature makes them fun to socialize because they love to play and have the energy to keep the party going for a long time.
F1B Sheepadoodles are slightly more focused than F1 Sheepadoodles. It all comes down to genetics between the Poodle and sheepdog. Regardless, you want to hop on the training wagon as soon as possible. Try to:
- Start obedience training as early as you can, as these pups are responsive to your commands.
- Stick to positive reinforcement with equal parts of treats and affection.
- Address any stubbornness once it shows up. Consistency is key to developing a training structure.
Exercise and Training
You should also socialize your F1B Sheepadoodle with other dogs, humans, and environments whenever possible. Most F1B Sheepadoodles need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise (with F1B Mini Sheepadoodles needing 30-45 minutes). If you can combine these training sessions with other dogs, it helps your pup develop a stronger sense of self and ability to differentiate your commands from other pet owners.
You can sprinkle in some puzzle games and herding chances for additional mental stimulation. You shouldn’t be too surprised if your F1B Sheepadoodles start herding your kids away from pools or in a crowd to maintain control – that is just their instincts kicking in.
There will be some common challenges like stubbornness and excessive energy levels. When your F1B Sheepadoodle gets excited, it will be harder to maintain control. Bring in crate training, leashes, and commands to counteract these challenges, and you should be fine.
Health and Lifespan
The Standard F1B Sheepadoodle will live around 12 to 15 years, with the Mini version slightly longer. Giving your pup a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of protein will help extend this lifespan. You should also provide a consistent exercise schedule, good grooming, low-stress living spaces, and regular vet visits.
Due to genetics, there are some common health issues that can pop up with F1B Sheepadoodles, including:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Bloating (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus)
- Ear Infections
Develop a strong relationship with your vet and try to avoid common food allergies like excessive grains or too much dairy or soy. Some F1B Sheepadoodles will be sensitive to beef or chicken, so do a little gradual food testing if you notice a shift in temperament from diet.
Price of an F1b Sheepadoodle
The price you end up paying for your F1B Sheepadoodle depends on your geographic region, breeder reputation, and coat type. The more hypoallergenic or rarity of color, the higher the price. In general, you can expect:
- F1b Mini Sheepadoodle: $2,200 – $3,700
- F1b Reverse Sheepadoodle: Similar pricing but depends on rarity
- Standard F1b Sheepadoodle: $1,700 – $3,300
Color is a big factor. A solid black (most common) F1B Sheepadoodle can be as low as $1,000, but a Tricolor (similar to a Bernedoodle) could be as high as $3,500.
Pros and Cons of Owning an F1b Sheepadoodle
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic with a low shedding coat
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Loyalty to owners and affection with families
Cons:
- Does require a lot of grooming
- Can experience separation anxiety
- Higher energy levels mean you’ll need to exercise and play a lot each day
FAQs
What makes an F1b Sheepadoodle different from an F1?
That comes down to genetics. An F1B Sheepadoodle has more Poodle in it, making it favorable due to the hypoallergenic shedding.
Do F1b Sheepadoodles shed more or less than other generations?
F1B Sheepadoodles shed much less than other generations, but still need some grooming and TLC.
Are F1b Sheepadoodles good for first-time dog owners?
Absolutely! They do have a lot of energy needs, but are wonderful, family-friendly pets.
How much does an F1b Sheepadoodle cost?
Budget for $2,000 to $2,500 for a common color.
What is the best way to train an F1b Sheepadoodle?
Stick to positive reinforcement using a consistent schedule and early socialization with other pets and people.
Conclusion
Bringing home an F1B Sheepadoodle is an excellent idea, especially if you have a family that will love, play, and help care for the pet. There are some training and grooming requirements you’ll need to adjust to, but otherwise, this is a loyal, hypoallergenic option that will share your home for many years.
Check out our Available Sheepadoodle Puppies.
