Do these puppies have a wool or fleece coat?

[Donna Langan]

Hi Doodle lovers! I'm buying a Sheepadoodle puppy and am having difficulty deciding between two pups. I prefer the shaggy look as opposed to the poodle look in an adult dog. One of the pups appears to have a wavy coat that I'm thinking will be more shaggy when he grows up and the other one has a curlier coat that I'm thinking will end up being more poodle like. I'd like to get some of your opinions as to whether you think I'm correct in this evaluation? Thanks so much for your time!...Donna Lee

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Looks like the one on the left will be shaggier and the one on the right curlier but it really isn't scientific as there are lots of coat changes before they are grown. I can't emphasise enough though how temperament always comes before looks so if the one on the right turns out to have a temperament that suits your family better (the breeder should have a good idea at about 6 weeks) I would go with that one. This beauty will hopefully be a member of your family for many years to come. Good luck with your new adorable puppy. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I totally agree with Nicky.

[F, Calla & Luca]

So true.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I also agree with everything that is being said. My friend who was Orwell's breeder wanted me to take a particular puppy that was curlier, but Orwell and I hit it off. I have a wavy fleece. Always pick personality over looks. 

[Donna Langan]

So did your puppy look more like the one on the left when he was four weeks old?

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Yes. While I didn't know who I was getting or if I would be able to get one at all (thank goodness I did), all of the puppies except two had the coat like the pup on the left. Another one had a coat like the one on the right and the other had a hair coat. 

[Donna Langan]

Thanks so much...yeah I totally agree about the temperament but it's tough to tell at this young age. The one on the right was more gregarious and playful but the one on the left was curious and sweet. I think they're both adorable and have good temperaments from what I can tell so I'm basing a lot of my decision on the coat. Not only do I prefer the shaggy look but I've read that the wooly coats tend to matt easily and therefore need to be kept rather short. This dog will be mostly an outdoor dog on our farm so he really needs to have a longer coat for the wintertime here in Missouri. We have a large heated garage so the dogs can always get warm but they tend to stay outside a lot during the day. It would be great if we can wait until they're six weeks old to make our decision but I doubt that's possible because she's going to advertise them soon.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

They are both cute puppies, Donna -- that's for sure! I'd have a conversation with the breeder and ask her for more information about their personalities, and then make a decision based on what she has to say. Both of my dogs have slightly wavy coats, and they would both get mats without regular brushing. If you plan to keep your sheepadoodle's coat long, you will most likely need to brush him, regardless of his coat type. Good luck in your choice.

[Donna Langan]

Thanks so much...I'm sure either one will be a wonderful dog and I actually enjoy brushing my dogs...good bonding time. I'm the only one in our household that does the grooming though and I travel quite a bit so I'd like the lowest maintenance coat as possible...and that shaggy look! Lol

[Kaitee and Orwell]

From the description of them right now, I'd definitely go with the one on the left. But that's only because my Orwell is like that and I'm biased in thinking that I have the best dog ever. Trust me, your puppy will be willing to play with you even though it's not in his description. :P These guys have lots of energy.

[Donna Langan]

Thanks for your input!

[Leslie J]

Just want to comment that I was so surprised how high-maintenance doodles' coats are. Wavy or curly- be prepared for a lot of grooming. There's a good chance that you'll either have to invest a good deal of time or money to maintain your doodle's coat. I had no idea when I bought Cocoa how much would be involved. I'm not sure if I would have chosen a doodle if I knew how much grooming is required on a non-shedding dog (of course I love Cocoa and she's worth it all...)

You might want to join the Grooming group and find out more...