Airedoodles and Shepadoodles?

[JenniferM]

Hi!  We are doing lots of research in the doodle world and since information is limited, I was hoping I could get some information from members about either airedoodles or shepadoodles.  We are considering both of these breeds, leaning towards airedoodle.  I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with either.  I know that this site is mainly for labradoodles and goldendoodles...hoping no one minds me asking about something different. :)

Thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jennifer, please read What to look for in a Breeder and use it as a guideline when evaluating anyone from whom you might purchase a puppy. 

I am pretty sure you will not find anyone breeding "Airedoodles" who can meet these guidelines, or who even does testing on the parent dogs. I have not heard of anyone breeding that mix other than puppy mills/on-line puppy mill sites. One reason Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are so popular is because of the very family-friendly, tractable nature of the Retrievers. That is not usually the case with Airedales, no offense to anyone who may have them. All dogs have their strong and weak points, and there are always exceptions to the rule, but Airedale Terriers, like most terriers, can be extremely stubborn and dominant, and they are often not good with strangers, especially kids or other dogs. Also, since Airedales don't shed, there would be no reason to breed them with poodles. If you are attracted to Airedales, you would be better off finding a top-notch Airedale Terrier breeder than taking a chance on a mix of that breed.

You may have better luck with finding a responsible, reputable breeder of Shepadoodles, but there too, it is going to be very difficult to find a breeder who is doing genetic health testing and choosing breeding dogs based on temperament, which is crucial with the herding breeds, especially if there are children in the home, which it appears there are in yours.

There is also no breed on earth with more genetic diseases than German Shepherds, so the breeding stock is crucial.

Please take the guidelines in the article very seriously, especially if you are looking for these unusual mixes.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good advice.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Very good advice.

[Heather]

Very Good advice!!! My neighbor has an Airdale and actually just contacted me about getting a Goldendoodle, for ALL of the reasons you just stated!!! She wants a second dog, but NOT another Airdale.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

My brother had two Airedales at one time and when they died he said he'd never get another, especially with children in the house. He found them very dominating with everyone and all dogs and although he could have done more training with them, he certainly did more than I have ever done with my two doodles and they are nowhere as uncontrollable as those two Airedales were. And boy could they bark loud and it was sooooo annoying!

[Heather]

My neighbors Airdale barks All the time, and has really bad separation anxiety!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

I have owned Airedales and they are not something you would breed with a poodle.  What would be the reason for that pairing?  There is a great breeder in Washington who is experimenting with sheepadoodles, but it is all new.  Now that mix is more reasonable.   The sheepadoodles that I know about are a mix between Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles, not shepherds.  I don't think most responsible breeders would even consider mixing shepherds and poodles, but I may be mistaken.  I sure wouldn't want that mix.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I would also caution Sheepadoodles with so many small children. I can see that Sheepadoodle herding those children all the time.   Not only will the dog get into trouble but I know children would not be happy with getting nipped on the butt and ankles.  This is a mix for trouble. Sadly, this dog is going to loose.

Sure the dogs are cute, but Would You Please Read up on TEMPERAMENT when selecting a family dog.  Not looks. Not shedding. 

What ever happened to good old fashioned Labs?

[Camilla and Darwin]

"What ever happened to good old fashioned Labs?"

LOL Joanne you are so great!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Oh, yeah, labs are the greatest and golden retrievers right behind them.  But they do shed.  That is why the labradoodle was bred in the first place.  Poodles?  Probably not a family dog because they are not pleasers - at least not people pleasers.  We have had lots of different kinds of dogs and doodles are the best all around.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Lynda, a good majority of doodles shed ;)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Maybe not a majority but many.