Whether you’re just simply curious or contemplating getting a smart, sweet, and gentle Sheepadoodle as a pet, you might be wondering about the price of this adorable mixed breed.
The Sheepadoodle, or Old English Sheepdog Poodle mix, is one of the most popular and also among the reasonably expensive designer breeds on the market.
But aside from the Sheepadoodle price, there are other costs associated with owning this cuddly pooch.
This guide will tackle the cost of owning a Sheepadoodle. From the initial purchase price and monthly expenses to other potential expenses and money-saving tips, I have you covered!
So keep reading and find out all about the cost of a Sheepadoodle!
The Average Cost of a Sheepadoodle Puppy
The cost of a Sheepadoodle puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $3,500. Meanwhile, puppies from champion bloodlines are much more expensive, usually being offered at $3,500 and above.
Some believe that the high price tag of the Sheepadoodle is justified, given that it is the offspring of two remarkable breeds: the Old English Sheepdog and Poodle.
On the other hand, there are others who believe that the high price of this hybrid is just due to its popularity and high demand.
If you feel that the purchase price of the Sheepadoodle may be too high for you, you could consider adoption. Not only will this cost much less, but this also allows a homeless Sheepadoodle to find a new loving home.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Sheepadoodle Puppy
The price of the Sheepadoodle is not randomly set. In reality, there are several factors that affect the price of the Sheepadoodle. These factors are directly associated with the breeding, raising, and acquisition of the puppy.
Below are some factors affecting the price of a Sheepadoodle puppy:
Age: Generally, older Sheepadoodle puppies will cost less than younger ones. Due to the higher demand for these puppies, they are more expensive. If you are aiming to save, you may opt to purchase an older Sheepadoodle puppy from your local breeder.
Appearance: There are times when rarer coat colors appear to be priced higher since breeding those specific colors can be tricky. While black and white is a common color of the Sheepadoodle, having a pure black coat color is said to be very rare. Likewise, apricot and red Sheepadoodles are also hard to come by and may come with higher price tags.
Bloodline: A Sheepadoodle puppy coming from a champion bloodline will naturally be priced much higher than regular Sheepadoodle puppies. This is because they come from ancestors who have earned champion titles in certain shows and competitions such as conformation and performance.
Breeder’s Reputation: Reputable breeders usually price their Sheepadoodle puppies higher. This is because they responsibly and carefully breed the Sheepadoodle puppies, ensuring that proper conditions are met to produce healthy and well-tempered puppies.
Health Guarantees: Sheepadoodle puppies with health guarantees are priced higher due to the costs associated with health screening and testing. Most breeders offer one-year health guarantees for congenital diseases.
Registration Papers: Securing registration papers for the Sheepadoodle pup also entails cost on the part of the breeder. With registration papers, the pooch is eligible to join certain shows and competitions. This is why the puppies are priced higher.
Training and Socialization: There are breeders who sell their puppies already equipped with basic training and have been socialized for an easy transition to the homes of new owners. This will naturally involve higher costs for the breeder which will, in turn, lead to an increased price for the puppy.
Breeder’s Location: If you are eyeing a Sheepadoodle from a specific breeder, their location may play a factor in the price of acquiring the puppy. High shipping costs may add to your expenses, especially if your chosen breeder’s location is far from your home.
These are the major factors affecting the price of a Sheepadoodle. There could still be other factors that may affect its prices, such as gender, size, and vet procedures performed on the puppy.
You can watch the video below about the Sheepadoodle that can help you be more convinced that they are worth their high price tag:
Sheepadoodle Dog Breed Guide | Dogs 101 - Sheepadoodle<a href="https://youtu.be/0-NLy_NrESM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F0-NLy_NrESM%2F0.jpg" alt="Sheepadoodle Dog Breed Guide | Dogs 101 - Sheepadoodle" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Sheepadoodle From a Rescue?
The cost of adopting a Sheepadoodle puppy from a rescue ranges from $150 to $800. Adoption fees for younger Sheepadoodles also tend to be higher than for older ones.
This is because more procedures are needed to be performed on younger Sheepadoodles, such as vaccinations and neutering or spaying.
Adult Sheepadoodles may already have undergone such procedures before ending up in the rescue.
When choosing to adopt between a puppy and an adult Sheepadoodle, you can assess how their energy level would match your lifestyle. Puppies tend to be more active, while adult Sheepadoodles are generally more relaxed.
Initial Cost of Sheepadoodle Ownership
Now that you are aware of the purchase price of the Sheepadoodle, let’s move on to other expenses you would incur as you prepare to take your pup home.
You need to set aside a budget for items and procedures, such as dog supplies, vaccinations, and vet check-ups.
Below is a list of initial expenses necessary for a Sheepadoodle puppy:
Food and Treats: High-quality dog food should be fed to your Sheepadoodle puppy to aid proper growth and development. Premium-quality dog food containing the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals would cost around $80 to $120, along with doggy treats.
Food and Water Bowls: Quality-made feeding bowls are usually priced between $10 and $35. For medium to large dogs such as the Sheepadoodle, raised ceramic or steel bowls are recommended.
Bed: Choose durable beds that provide good support and cushioning for your Sheepadoodle puppy. These usually range from $40 to $200 at local pet stores.
Crate: Crates are essential to keeping your Sheepadoodle safe and also serve as a good tool in housetraining. A good crate would usually be priced from $50 to $500.
Leashes and Collars: Initially, your Sheepadoodle puppy might not be used to wearing leashes and collars. Because of this, you need to invest in superior quality collars and leashes in order to provide stability during walks and be able to withstand constant pulling and chewing. These usually come in the $15 to $50 price range.
Toys: Some of the most favored toys of the Sheepadoodle puppy are balls, chew toys, squeaky toys, and rope toys. Since your puppy will be teething, you need to purchase durable toys that come within the price range of $30 to $50.
Grooming Essentials: Sheepadoodles require regular haircuts, so in order to maintain desired coat length and style, you need to allot $40 to $180 for excellent quality grooming tools. These include shears, slicker and pin brushes, metal combs, clippers, and other essentials.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: The thick coat of the Sheepadoodle can be a good breeding ground for ticks and fleas. They may also be prone to becoming infected by roundworms, especially if they enjoy playing outdoors. Thus, it is essential to administer deworming, flea, and tick medications costing around $50 to $200 to address these diseases.
Initial Vet Visits: Sheepadoodle puppies need frequent visits to the vet in order to ensure that they are healthy and that their growth and development are properly monitored. Depending on your location, the initial vet visits may cost you somewhere between $100 and $300.
Initial Vaccine Shots: The initial vaccine shots for your Sheepadoodle puppy would cost around $75 to $200. These are needed to prevent canine distemper, kennel cough, parvovirus, and rabies.
Neutering or Spaying: The price of neutering or spaying usually costs around $50 to $500. There are many benefits to having your Sheepadoodle puppy neutered or spayed, such as increased lifespan and better temperament.
Dog License: When you apply for a dog license, usually ranging between $10 and $20, a unique license number along with a dog tag will be assigned to your Sheepadoodle as proof of identity. This will help you find your Sheepadoodle puppy in case they get lost.
Microchip: Microchipping your Sheepadoodle puppy is another helpful procedure in ensuring that you are able to find your pup in case they get lost. This procedure, which involves injecting a grain-sized chip containing the ID number of your dog into their skin, costs around $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Besides the mentioned initial expenses, there may be other miscellaneous supplies you need to purchase such as sanitizers, odor and stain removers, pee pads, poop scoopers, and poop bags. These would amount to $15 to $30.
You can refer to the checklist below for the initial expenses of your Sheepadoodle puppy:
Based on the checklist above, you need to prepare $605 to $2,445 for the initial needs of your Sheepadoodle puppy. Your actual spending may still vary, depending on your preferences for the items and procedures.
As your Sheepadoodle will be with you for 12 to 15 years, it is clear why you need to invest in quality-made items to avoid the hassle and additional expense of repurchasing the same items throughout their lifetime.
Annual Cost of Owning a Sheepadoodle
After determining your capacity to provide for the initial expenses of your Sheepadoodle, you will also need to evaluate your financial preparedness for the annual expenses of this designer breed.
Recurring costs such as dog food, pet insurance, and routine vet care are some of the things you also need to allot a budget for.
Below is a list of the annual expenses of owning a Sheepadoodle:
Pet insurance, routine veterinary care, and medical-related costs are the most significant annual expenses for your Sheepadoodle.
The cost of annual pet insurance can be very expensive, ranging from $500 to $1,500. However, this is not advisable to be removed from your budget.
Since you cannot predict when your Sheepadoodle would need emergency medical treatment or procedures, you will benefit a lot from a premium pet insurance plan.
A fraction of your dog’s annual expense is spent on routine veterinary care which costs from $200 to $400. This involves consultations and yearly health screenings.
You must bear in mind that similar to the initial expenses, the annual expenses are also rough estimates, and the actual annual expenses you would incur would still depend on your unique situation.
Other Potential Expenses
Now that I have covered the initial and annual expenses of the Sheepadoodle, you might be thinking if there are still other expenses that require a specific budget.
The following are the potential expenses for the Sheepadoodle:
Dog Walking: Professional dog walkers usually charge $14 to $18 per hour. They are responsible for taking your Sheepadoodle out for scheduled walks, ensuring that your pooch gets proper exercise.
Pet Sitting: A professional pet sitter will keep your Sheepadoodle company while you are away. They will feed and clean up after your pooch and make sure that your Sheepadoodle gets enough exercise and attention. They are more expensive than dog walkers, usually charging $20 to $30 per day.
Dog Daycare: A dog daycare is a facility that provides accommodation for dogs for a few days. They also offer various services such as training, grooming, and even spa treatments. These cost around $30 to $40 per day.
Kennel Club Memberships: Having your Sheepadoodle registered in AKC Canine Partners, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and International Designer Canine Registry allows your pup to join certain competitions and shows hosted by these clubs. Membership fees usually range from $40 to $70.
Emergency Medical Treatment: Some of the Sheepadoodle’s health issues require immediate medical attention and treatment, costing around $1,000 to $5,000. This is a pretty big expense that could put you in debt if you are not financially prepared.
These mentioned potential expenses are optional, except for emergency medical treatment. It is up to you if you will choose to spend on them or not.
You may want to regularly set aside a specific amount to build an emergency medical treatment fund.
Another way to be protected from the unexpected costs of your Sheepadoodle’s medical bills is to get pet insurance that covers emergency medical expenses.
Places to Find Sheepadoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Now that you are fully aware of the cost of owning a Sheepadoodle, we will now proceed with finding places to acquire one.
Below is a list of some of the reputable breeders of a Sheepadoodle:
Sunflower Family Farm – Rated as one of the top Sheepadoodle breeders in California, Sunflower Family Farm is passionate about breeding and raising puppies in their homes. They specifically follow puppy culture protocols, and their dogs are also genetically tested and cleared of inherited diseases.
Hawksbill Farm Sheepadoodles – Hawksbill Farm Sheepadoodles provides a two-year genetic guarantee for their Sheepadoodle puppies that are fully vaccinated and have been properly socialized. These puppies are raised in a 5,000-square-foot facility with a climate-controlled indoor space.
Grace Wood Farm – Grace Wood Farm is a family-owned business. Their Sheepadoodle puppies are raised in the owners’ home and are socialized with their family members. They offer both ground and flight transport when shipping puppies.
Our puppy buying guide provides useful information on how to safely purchase a puppy online that you can find helpful in acquiring your Sheepadoodle puppy.
If adoption is your preferred means of acquiring a Sheepadoodle, below are some of the rescues you can check out:
Doodle Rock Rescue – Doodle Rock Rescue is a non-profit dog rescue dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Doodles such as the Sheepadoodle. Most of the dogs they rescue from the streets or shelters are often in critical condition or about to be euthanized.
Doodle Dandy Rescue – Doodle Dandy Rescue is focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Doodles, including Sheepadoodles. They provide training and vet care to ensure that the dogs will thrive in their new lives.
Oodles of Doodles – Founded in 2008, Oodles of Doodles is a non-profit rescue organization comprised of volunteers who provide foster homes, rehabilitation, vet care, and facilitate the adoption of rescued Doodles like the Sheepadoodle. All of their dogs have been vaccinated, neutered or spayed, and have had initial heartworm prevention treatment before being put up for adoption.
For additional options, you can also check out our recommended Poodle, Bernedoodle, and Labradoodle rescues for adoption. Also, check out our ultimate guide to dog adoption if this will be your first time adopting a dog.
Money-Saving Tips for Sheepadoodle Owners
Owning a Sheepadoodle means committing to fulfill your financial responsibilities as a pet owner. This is by no means a cheap endeavor, but that does not mean that you cannot find ways to save on costs.
There are ways to save on the costs of pet care without having to sacrifice the level of quality your Sheepadoodle deserves.
Below are some tips you can use to save money as Sheepadoodle owners:
Purchase premium quality essentials. While initially may be pricier than average-quality dog supplies, these premium quality items are built to last and are more durable. Thus, you are able to save in the long run.
Purchase dog food in bulk. A sack of dog food is usually cheaper than its smaller pack version when you compare the price per pound. You can also look for stores that offer discounts on bulk purchases. Just remember to properly store the dog food and note its expiration date.
Learn to groom your Sheepadoodle at home. Since professional grooming services can be pretty expensive, you could learn to properly groom your pooch at home in order to save on costs. Not only will you learn a new skill set, but you also get to bond with your Sheepadoodle.
Make DIY dog toys. You can find household items to turn into fun dog toys for your Sheepadoodle. You just need to get creative and spare some time for a good crafting session.
Take regular visits to your vet. Taking regular visits to your vet helps ensure that your dog is in good health. This way, you can prevent expensive medical costs to treat illnesses that could have been prevented or detected earlier.
Keep your Sheepadoodle safe. Avoid emergency trips to the vet caused by accidents at home by ensuring that harmful items such as toxic products, choking, and electrocution hazards are out of your Sheepadoodle’s reach.
These are some tips you can apply to help save money as a Sheepadoodle owner. You can use these as your starting point in discovering more ways to save, which can be patterned to match your own circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Sheepadoodle presents a huge financial challenge to potential pet owners. These smart, sweet, and gentle dogs deserve to be well cared for.
Aspiring owners need to be fully aware and come financially prepared for the high costs of tending to this lovable designer breed — from its expensive purchase price to its high maintenance costs.
But taking care of the Sheepadoodle does not always have to be a financial burden for owners. There are ways to save on expenses without having to sacrifice the quality of your dog’s life.
By being conscientious in making pet care decisions such as taking regular vet visits, coupled with some creativity like making DIY dog toys, you can minimize the Sheepadoodle costs.
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