Sheepadoodle Coat Care Guide: Taming the Gentle Giant’s Fluffy Coat

Title Tag: Sheepadoodle Coat Care Guide | Expert Tips from Pro Groomers

Meta Description: Complete Sheepadoodle coat care guide from Australian professional groomers. Expert tips for brushing, bathing, and maintaining your gentle giant’s magnificent coat.

Target Keywords: sheepadoodle coat care, sheepadoodle grooming guide, how to groom sheepadoodle, sheepadoodle brushing tips, old english sheepdog poodle mix grooming


Sheepadoodles are the gentle giants of the doodle world. Cross an Old English Sheepdog with a Poodle and you get a dog that’s massive in size, massive in personality, and massive in coat maintenance requirements.

These are BIG dogs with BIG coats. We’re talking 25-40kg of fluffy, shaggy magnificence that needs serious grooming commitment. That iconic “English Sheepdog” shaggy look? It comes with a price—and that price is paid in brushing time.

At WoofSpark, Sheepadoodles are some of our most challenging grooms. Not because they’re difficult dogs—they’re typically sweet and patient—but because there’s simply so much coat to work through. This guide shares everything we’ve learned about keeping these magnificent dogs looking their best.


What Makes Sheepadoodle Coats Unique

Sheepadoodles inherit their coat from two breeds with dramatically different but equally demanding fur. Understanding this combination explains why their grooming needs are substantial.

The Old English Sheepdog Influence

Old English Sheepdogs are famous for their coat:
– Double coat with profuse outer layer
– Dense, waterproof undercoat
– Shaggy, textured appearance (that iconic “sheepdog look”)
– Hair naturally falls over the eyes
– Designed to protect sheep-herding dogs in harsh British weather
– Heavy shedding, especially seasonally
– Coat continues growing if not trimmed

The OES coat is designed for function—keeping a working dog warm and dry while herding sheep in wet, cold conditions. It’s one of the most demanding coats in the dog world.

The Poodle Influence

Poodles contribute:
– Single-layer, continuously growing coat
– Dense, curly texture
– Minimal shedding (hair stays in coat)
– High matting tendency
– Originally bred for water retrieval
– Requires regular haircuts

The Sheepadoodle Result

Combine these two coat types and you get unpredictable but always high-maintenance results:

  • Wavy coat (most common): Loose waves with varying density. The classic Sheepadoodle look.
  • Curly coat (more Poodle): Tighter curls throughout. Highest matting risk.
  • Straight/shaggy coat (more OES): That classic sheepdog texture. Often has significant undercoat.

The key factor: Almost all Sheepadoodles have some degree of undercoat. Unlike some doodle breeds where undercoat is hit-or-miss, the Old English Sheepdog’s profuse double coat tends to pass through. This creates a unique grooming challenge—you’re often dealing with curly or wavy outer coat PLUS dense undercoat beneath.

The Size Factor

Sheepadoodles are large to giant dogs:

Size Weight Approximate Coat Surface Area
Mini 15-25kg Moderate
Standard 25-40kg Large
Giant 40-50kg+ Substantial

Standard and giant Sheepadoodles have an enormous amount of coat to maintain. Budget your time accordingly—this isn’t a 15-minute grooming session.


Sheepadoodle Coat Types

After grooming many Sheepadoodles, we classify their coats into three main types:

Wool Coat (Curly)

Characteristics:
– Tight to medium curls throughout
– Most Poodle-like appearance
– May still have undercoat beneath the curls
– Minimal shedding (hair stays trapped in coat)
– Highest matting risk

Grooming Requirements:
– Daily brushing (no exceptions)
– Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
– Mats within 2-4 days without brushing
– Requires thorough line brushing technique
– Most likely to need dematting or shave-down if neglected

Fleece/Wavy Coat

Characteristics:
– Loose, flowing waves
– The most common Sheepadoodle coat type
– Often has noticeable undercoat
– Low to moderate shedding
– That classic “doodle” appearance with sheepdog influence

Grooming Requirements:
– Brushing every 1-2 days
– Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
– Mats within 4-7 days without care
– May need undercoat management seasonally
– Balanced between outer coat and undercoat work

Straight/Shaggy Coat

Characteristics:
– More Old English Sheepdog-like texture
– Usually has significant undercoat
– That iconic shaggy appearance
– Higher shedding than other types
– Hair may fall over eyes naturally

Grooming Requirements:
– Brushing every 2-3 days
– Undercoat rake essential
– Professional grooming every 6-10 weeks
– Seasonal coat blowouts likely
– Less matting of outer coat, more undercoat management

How to Identify Your Sheepadoodle’s Coat Type

The Wet Test:
Get your Sheepadoodle wet and observe:
– Springs into tight curls → Wool coat
– Forms loose, flowing waves → Fleece coat
– Hangs in shaggy sections → Straight/shaggy coat

The Feel Test:
Part the coat and feel to the skin:
– Dense curls with possible undercoat layer → Wool
– Soft waves with undercoat → Fleece
– Shaggy outer coat with obvious dense undercoat → Straight

The Undercoat Check:
Run your fingers against the grain:
– If you feel dense, cottony fur beneath the outer coat, you have undercoat to manage
– Most Sheepadoodles have at least some undercoat


Essential Grooming Tools for Sheepadoodles

Given their size and coat complexity, Sheepadoodles need serious grooming tools.

Must-Have Tools

Large Slicker Brush
Your primary tool. For Sheepadoodles, invest in a LARGE brush—small brushes are inadequate for these big dogs. Look for flexible pins that can work through density without scratching skin.

Metal Comb (Greyhound Style)
Your quality control tool. After slicker brushing, run the comb through the coat. If it glides smoothly, you’re done. If it catches, there’s more work to do. This step is critical for Sheepadoodles—their density hides mats.

Undercoat Rake
Essential for most Sheepadoodles. The undercoat rake removes loose undercoat fur that a slicker brush can’t reach. Without it, you’re only grooming half the coat.

Detangling Spray
Never brush a dry Sheepadoodle coat. Their density makes dry brushing uncomfortable and ineffective. Spray each section liberally before brushing.

Dematting Tool
For working through tangles before they become solid mats. Use gently—the goal is to separate fibres, not rip through them. Given Sheepadoodle coat density, you’ll use this more than with other breeds.

Rounded-Tip Scissors
For trimming around eyes (especially important for Sheepadoodles whose hair naturally falls forward), paws, and sanitary areas between professional grooms.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Pin Brush
Useful for finishing and fluffing the outer coat after thorough brushing.

Deshedding Tool
For coats with significant undercoat, especially during seasonal blowouts.

Grooming Table
Highly recommended for standard and giant Sheepadoodles. Grooming a 35kg+ dog on the floor destroys your back.

High-Velocity Dryer
If you bathe at home, this is a worthwhile investment. Air drying a Sheepadoodle coat takes hours and leads to matting.


Daily Care Routine for Sheepadoodles

Sheepadoodles aren’t “brush when you remember” dogs. They need consistent, scheduled grooming.

The Daily Maintenance Routine

Time required: 20-40 minutes depending on coat type and condition

Step 1: Quick Visual Check (2 minutes)
– Look for debris in coat (leaves, twigs, grass)
– Check face and beard for food remnants
– Note any areas that look clumped

Step 2: Spray and Brush Priority Zones (10-15 minutes)
Even on “quick” days, hit the high-matting areas:
– Behind ears
– Under collar area
– Armpits (critical)
– Groin and inner thighs
– Chest
– Around sanitary area

Step 3: General Body Brush (10-20 minutes)
Work through the rest of the coat systematically.

Step 4: Comb Check (5 minutes)
Run metal comb through brushed areas. If it catches, you’ve missed something.

Weekly Deep Grooming Session

Once weekly, schedule a thorough session:

Time required: 45-90 minutes

  • Complete line brushing of entire body
  • Undercoat rake session (if applicable)
  • Comb verification of all areas
  • Face and beard cleaning
  • Eye area check and trim if needed
  • Paw and pad check
  • Sanitary area check

The Sheepadoodle Size Challenge

Standard Sheepadoodles are BIG. This means:
– More surface area = more brushing time
– Harder to reach all areas comfortably
– May need to groom in sections if dog gets restless
– Consider a grooming table for proper positioning
– Budget extra time compared to smaller doodles

Realistic timing for standard Sheepadoodle:
– Quick daily maintenance: 25-40 minutes
– Weekly thorough session: 60-90 minutes
– This is not a 10-minute dog


Brushing Technique and Tools

Surface brushing is the most common and most damaging mistake with Sheepadoodles. Their dense, layered coat hides mats beautifully—until they’re severe.

Line Brushing Method

This technique works through the coat systematically, from skin to tip.

Step 1: Position and Prepare
– Position your Sheepadoodle comfortably (standing or lying down)
– Gather all tools within reach
– Have treats ready for breaks

Step 2: Part and Spray
– Use your free hand to part the coat horizontally, exposing a line of skin
– Spray detangling spray generously on the exposed section
– Hold the upper coat out of the way

Step 3: Brush from Skin Outward
– Place the slicker brush at the skin line
– Brush outward in short, gentle strokes
– Work through the entire exposed section

Step 4: Address Undercoat (if present)
– Before moving to the next section, use undercoat rake on the same area
– This removes loose undercoat the slicker missed

Step 5: Move Systematically
– Release a new section of coat (about 2-3cm)
– Repeat spray, slicker brush, undercoat rake
– Continue until area is complete

Step 6: Comb Verification
– Run metal comb through the brushed area
– If it catches, go back with slicker brush
– Only move on when comb glides through

Step 7: Complete Entire Body
– Work systematically: legs, body, chest, neck, head
– Don’t skip the trouble spots
– Take breaks as needed—this takes time

Sheepadoodle Trouble Spots

Standard Doodle Mat Zones:
– Behind the ears
– Under collar/harness
– Armpits (the number one matting zone)
– Groin and inner thighs
– Chest and belly

Sheepadoodle-Specific Problem Areas:

The Beard and Moustache
Sheepadoodles often have substantial facial furnishings. Food, water, drool—it all collects here. The beard mats quickly if not maintained.

Eye Area
The OES influence means hair naturally grows over the eyes. This needs regular trimming for vision and hygiene. Tear staining can occur if hair irritates eyes.

The “Mane”
Many Sheepadoodles have thicker fur around the neck and chest. This area mats fastest due to collar friction and natural density.

The “Skirt”
The belly and underside often have longer, softer fur that tangles easily. Often overlooked because it’s hard to see.

The “Pants”
Those fluffy rear legs and hindquarters look magnificent but mat quickly. The area around the tail base is particularly prone.

Between the Toes
Dense fur between paw pads collects debris and mats. Check after every outdoor session.

The Thick Undercoat Throughout
Unlike some doodles, Sheepadoodles typically have undercoat everywhere, not just in patches. This requires whole-body undercoat management.


Bathing Frequency and Tips

The Golden Rule

Always brush thoroughly before bathing. This is non-negotiable.

Water tightens mats. That small tangle becomes a solid felt when wet. If you bathe a matted Sheepadoodle, you’re guaranteeing a shave-down. Given how much coat these dogs have, a preventable shave-down is heartbreaking.

How Often to Bathe

General guideline: Every 4-8 weeks

Factors that increase frequency:
– Active outdoor lifestyle
– Swimming (rinse every time, full bath as needed)
– Allergies or skin conditions
– That “doggy smell” appearing

Warning: Over-bathing strips natural oils. If bathing frequently, use gentle, moisturising products.

Pre-Bath Checklist

Before water touches your Sheepadoodle:
– [ ] Full brush with slicker brush
– [ ] Undercoat rake session
– [ ] Metal comb passes through all areas without catching
– [ ] All mats worked out (or groomer called)
– [ ] Face and beard brushed
– [ ] Eye area clear

Bathing Steps

1. Wet the coat completely
This takes time with Sheepadoodle density. The outer coat repels water initially. Work the water through methodically until saturated to the skin. For large Sheepadoodles, this alone can take 10-15 minutes.

2. Apply shampoo
Use a quality dog shampoo. Work it through the entire coat, all the way to the skin. Don’t just shampoo the surface.

3. Don’t forget the undercoat
Shampoo needs to reach the undercoat. Work it in with your fingers, not just surface application.

4. Rinse thoroughly
This is critical. Sheepadoodle coat density traps shampoo residue easily. Residue causes itching, dullness, and skin irritation. Rinse until you’re sure it’s done, then rinse again.

5. Condition (highly recommended)
Conditioner helps with detangling and coat health. Essential for maintaining coat quality on these double-coated dogs.

6. Final rinse
Until water runs completely clear. Check dense areas like the chest and pants.

Drying: The Critical Step

Never air dry a Sheepadoodle. Their dense double coat stays damp for HOURS—sometimes an entire day. This creates:
– Hot spots and bacterial infections
– Musty, lingering wet dog smell
– Mats forming as the coat dries tangled
– Skin irritation and potential fungal issues

Best method: High-velocity dryer
This is what professional groomers use. It blasts water out of the coat and separates the fur. For Sheepadoodles, this is almost essential equipment if bathing at home.

Home method: Blow dryer on cool setting
Keep it moving to avoid heat damage. Be prepared—this takes 1-2+ hours for a standard Sheepadoodle. Many owners find this impractical and opt for professional baths instead.

Critical: Brush while drying. This prevents tangles from setting as the coat dries.

Post-Bath Brushing

Even after a thorough pre-bath brush, you need to brush during and after drying. The washing and drying process can create new tangles. A full brush-through after the coat is dry ensures you haven’t created new problems.


Common Coat Problems

Matting in the Thick Undercoat

The number one Sheepadoodle coat problem. The dense undercoat mats independently of the outer coat—you can have a smooth-looking outer layer hiding severe matting beneath.

Why it happens:
– Undercoat not properly maintained with undercoat rake
– Surface brushing only (not reaching undercoat)
– Moisture trapped in undercoat (swimming, incomplete drying)
– Seasonal undercoat changes
– Friction (lying down, collar, harness)

Prevention:
– Regular undercoat rake sessions (not just slicker brush)
– Line brushing technique that reaches skin level
– Complete drying after any moisture exposure
– Regular professional grooming

Warning signs:
– Coat feels “dense” or “packed” when touched
– Skin isn’t visible when you part the fur
– Dog scratches or seems uncomfortable
– Comb catches at the base of the coat
– Coat looks puffy but feels solid underneath

What to do when you find undercoat mats:
– Small areas: Work patiently with dematting tool and undercoat rake
– Larger areas: See a professional before they worsen
– Severe matting: Shaving may be the kindest option

Pelting

When matting becomes severe, it forms a “pelt”—a solid layer of matted fur against the skin. This is painful, restricts blood flow, and can hide skin infections.

Signs of pelting:
– Can’t see skin anywhere when parting coat
– Coat lifts as a solid mat when tugged gently
– Dog shows discomfort when coat is touched

Solution: Professional grooming is required. Pelting must be shaved—there’s no brushing it out. This is one reason preventing matting is so important.

Hot Spots

Dense coats trap moisture and create perfect conditions for bacterial skin infections.

Signs:
– Red, moist patches on skin
– Hair loss in localised areas
– Dog licking or chewing at spots
– Warmth and possible odour

Prevention:
– Keep coat clean and DRY
– Never air dry
– Check skin regularly during brushing
– See vet promptly if spots develop

Skin Issues Hidden by Coat

Sheepadoodle coat density means skin problems can go unnoticed until advanced. Regular brushing sessions are your opportunity to check the skin.

What to look for:
– Redness or irritation
– Flaking or dandruff
– Lumps or bumps
– Parasites (fleas, ticks)
– Unusual odour

Tear Staining

Hair falling over the eyes can cause tear staining, especially on lighter-coloured Sheepadoodles.

Prevention:
– Keep eye area trimmed
– Wipe eyes daily with damp cloth
– See vet if staining is excessive or sudden onset

Beard Issues

The Sheepadoodle beard collects food, water, and drool. Without maintenance:
– Clumping and matting
– Odour development
– Skin irritation beneath
– Staining on lighter coats

Prevention:
– Wipe beard after meals
– Wash beard between full baths
– Keep beard trimmed
– Brush beard daily


Professional Grooming Schedule

Home grooming is essential, but it doesn’t replace professional care—especially for Sheepadoodles.

Recommended Frequency

Coat Type Frequency
Wool/Curly Every 4-6 weeks
Fleece/Wavy Every 6-8 weeks
Straight/Shaggy Every 6-10 weeks

What Professional Grooming Includes

A full Sheepadoodle groom typically includes:
– Bath with appropriate shampoo and conditioner
– High-velocity blow dry (critical for this coat)
– Complete brush-out and dematting if needed
– Haircut to your preferred style
– Face, beard, and eye trim
– Feet and pad trim
– Sanitary trim
– Ear cleaning
– Nail trim
– Undercoat work if applicable

Time required: 2.5-4+ hours for standard Sheepadoodles. These are big dogs with big coats—they take longer than other breeds.

Cost: Often higher than smaller doodle breeds due to size, time, and coat complexity.

Communicating with Your Groomer

Tell your groomer:
– Your Sheepadoodle’s specific coat type
– Areas that mat fastest
– Your home maintenance routine and realistic capabilities
– Any skin sensitivities
– Your lifestyle (active, swimming, etc.)
– Your preferred length and style

Be honest about maintenance. If you can’t brush every 1-2 days, a longer style isn’t practical. A shorter cut you can maintain beats a long coat full of mats. Your groomer can recommend a realistic style.

When to Book Sooner

Don’t wait for your scheduled appointment if:
– You feel mats forming
– Undercoat feels packed or dense
– Hair is blocking eyes
– The coat looks unkempt despite home brushing
– Your Sheepadoodle had a swimming adventure you couldn’t fully dry
– You’re struggling to keep up

Early intervention prevents the “we need to shave” conversation.


Seasonal Considerations

Australian climate creates specific challenges for Sheepadoodles—dogs originally bred for cold, wet British weather.

Summer (December – February)

Challenges:
– Heat stress (these dogs are NOT designed for Australian heat)
– Thick coat retains body heat
– Swimming season (wet coat management)
– Grass seeds and burrs

Essential Actions:
Summer clip is highly recommended. Don’t feel bad about shaving your Sheepadoodle for summer—their comfort matters more than appearance.
– Never exercise in the heat of day
– Provide constant access to shade, water, and ideally air conditioning
– Rinse thoroughly after swimming
– Dry completely every time (this cannot be overstated)
– Check for grass seeds after every walk (ears, paws, armpits)
– Watch for overheating signs: excessive panting, drooling, reluctance to move

Warning: Sheepadoodles with full coats in Australian summer are at genuine risk of heat stroke. Please prioritise their comfort over aesthetics.

Autumn (March – May)

Challenges:
– Coat begins thickening
– Grass seeds still prevalent
– Possible undercoat development

What to do:
– Good time to let coat grow slightly if desired
– Increase brushing as coat thickens
– Continue grass seed checks
– Book pre-winter groom
– Watch for undercoat increase

Winter (June – August)

Challenges:
– Full, thick coat (this is when Sheepadoodles look magnificent)
– Undercoat at maximum
– Wet weather = muddy, wet dogs
– Coat takes even longer to dry

What to do:
– Maintain brushing frequency (winter coats mat too—possibly more)
– Use undercoat rake regularly
– Dry thoroughly after wet walks
– Don’t skip professional grooms
– Keep towels at every entry point
– Consider belly clip for mud management

Spring (September – November)

Challenges:
– Undercoat blowout (significant shedding)
– Grass seeds emerging
– Coat transition from winter to summer
– Allergy season

What to do:
– Increase brushing significantly during coat blow
– Use undercoat rake frequently (daily during blowout)
– Consider professional deshedding treatment
– Check for grass seeds after every walk
– Book pre-summer groom and discuss summer clip options
– Watch for allergy symptoms

Seasonal Coat Blowouts

Sheepadoodles with undercoat typically “blow coat” twice yearly—spring and autumn. This is massive shedding as they transition between seasonal coats.

Signs:
– Tufts of undercoat coming out
– Fur everywhere (despite “low-shedding” claims)
– Coat looks patchy or uneven
– Excessive loose fur during brushing

What to do:
– Increase brushing frequency significantly
– Use undercoat rake or deshedding tool daily
– Consider professional deshedding treatment
– Don’t panic—it’s temporary (2-4 weeks typically)
– Accept that some fur on furniture is inevitable during this period


Product Recommendations

Based on what works for Sheepadoodle coat care:

For Daily Brushing

Slicker Brush
– Large size essential for standard Sheepadoodles
– Flexible pins that reach through density
– Quality matters—cheap brushes break

Metal Comb
– Medium/coarse teeth for outer coat
– Fine teeth option for face and delicate areas

Undercoat Rake
– Essential for most Sheepadoodles
– Choose appropriate tooth width for coat density

Professional Detangling Spray
– Never brush dry
– Look for moisturising formulas

For Bathing

Sensitive Skin Shampoo
– Gentle formula for frequent use if needed
– Won’t strip natural oils

Coat Conditioning Treatment
– Essential for double coats
– Aids detangling and coat health

For Ongoing Maintenance

Daily Freshening Cologne
– For between-bath refreshing
– Keeps coat smelling pleasant

Skin & Coat Omega Supplement
– Supports coat health from inside
– Particularly beneficial for double-coated breeds

Investment Purchases

Grooming Table
– Saves your back with large dogs
– Proper positioning makes grooming easier

High-Velocity Dryer
– If bathing at home, this is essential for Sheepadoodles
– Air drying is not a viable option


Popular Sheepadoodle Styles

The “Full Coat” / Show Style

What it looks like: Long, flowing coat with that classic sheepdog appearance. Beard, eyebrows, and full furnishings.

Maintenance required: Extreme. Daily brushing minimum. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

Best for: Owners with significant time commitment and dedication to grooming. Not recommended for Australian summer.

Honest assessment: Beautiful but demanding. Most owners find this unsustainable long-term.

The “Teddy Bear” Cut

What it looks like: Medium length all over (2-5cm). Round face, fluffy appearance, but manageable length.

Maintenance required: High. Brushing every 1-2 days. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

Best for: Owners who want the doodle look with somewhat manageable maintenance.

The “Puppy Cut”

What it looks like: Even length all over, shorter than teddy bear (1-2cm). Clean, neat appearance.

Maintenance required: Moderate. Brushing every 2-3 days. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

Best for: Active dogs, busy owners, balance of style and practicality.

The “Working Dog” / Short Clip

What it looks like: Short all over (under 1cm). Practical and low-maintenance.

Maintenance required: Lower. Brushing 2-3 times weekly.

Best for: Australian summers, very active dogs, owners who struggle with maintenance, dogs who swim frequently.

Important: There is absolutely no shame in keeping your Sheepadoodle short. A well-maintained short coat is infinitely better than a matted long one. Your dog’s comfort matters more than the “fluffy doodle” aesthetic.

The “Summer Survival” Cut

What it looks like: Very short clip, often leaving face and ears slightly longer for character.

Maintenance required: Minimal home brushing needed.

Best for: Australian summer survival. Seriously—please consider this for your Sheepadoodle’s wellbeing.

The coat grows back. A summer shave-down keeps your dog comfortable and healthy during hot months.


Working with Sheepadoodle Temperament

Here’s the good news: Sheepadoodles are typically wonderful to groom.

The Sheepadoodle Advantage

The Old English Sheepdog influence means most Sheepadoodles are:
– Patient and tolerant
– Calm during handling
– Not dramatic about grooming
– Happy to spend time with their humans
– Less reactive than some high-energy doodle breeds

Many Sheepadoodles actually seem to enjoy grooming time—it’s attention from their favourite person.

Working with Size

The challenge isn’t temperament—it’s logistics. These are big, heavy dogs.

Tips:
– Use a grooming table if possible
– Position them where you can comfortably reach
– Don’t try to groom on your lap (they won’t fit)
– Take breaks during long sessions
– Have someone help stabilise if needed

Building Positive Associations

  • Start grooming young (puppy desensitisation)
  • Use treats and praise throughout
  • Keep sessions positive—stop before frustration
  • Make grooming part of the routine, not a punishment
  • Associate grooming tools with good things

Signs Your Sheepadoodle Needs a Break

Even patient dogs have limits during long grooming sessions:
– Shifting weight repeatedly
– Moving away from brush
– Yawning (stress signal)
– Lying down and refusing to stand
– Becoming restless

Don’t push through. Take a break, offer water and treats, return to finish later if needed.


The Bottom Line

Sheepadoodles are magnificent dogs—gentle, loving, and absolutely stunning when well-groomed. But that gorgeous coat comes with a serious commitment.

The equation is simple:

Daily brushing + proper technique + regular professional grooming = beautiful, healthy, comfortable dog

Skipped sessions + surface brushing + delayed appointments = mats, skin issues, and the heartbreak of a shave-down

Success requires:
– Accepting this is a high-maintenance breed
– Investing 20-40 minutes DAILY in coat care
– Understanding your specific dog’s coat type
– Quality tools sized for a large dog
– Regular professional grooming
– Realistic style choices (especially for Australian climate)
– Prioritising comfort over aesthetics in hot weather

Be honest with yourself: If you cannot commit to daily brushing, keep your Sheepadoodle in a short clip. If you live in a hot climate, please consider summer shave-downs. Your dog will be happier and healthier.

The grooming commitment is real—but so is the reward. A well-maintained Sheepadoodle is one of the most beautiful, huggable dogs you’ll ever meet. And honestly? Many owners find the daily brushing sessions become treasured bonding time.

Your Sheepadoodle’s coat reflects the care you put in. Make it magnificent.


Need Professional Help with Your Sheepadoodle?

Our team at WoofSpark specialises in doodle breeds. We understand Sheepadoodle coats—the density, the undercoat, the sheer amount of fur—and can help you find the right maintenance routine.

Book a Groom | View Our Services | Shop Grooming Products

Free Resource: Download our Complete Doodle Coat Care Checklist to keep your Sheepadoodle’s grooming on track.


Related Guides:
Bernedoodle Grooming Guide
Groodle/Goldendoodle Grooming Guide
Labradoodle Grooming Guide
Aussiedoodle Grooming Guide
The Complete Doodle Coat Care Guide


Have questions about your Sheepadoodle’s coat? Reach out—we love helping Sheepadoodle owners keep their gentle giants looking their best.

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