Mini vs. Standard Sheepadoodles: Which One Is Right for You?

Brittney Stasi
Aug 26
3 min read

Sheepadoodles have stolen the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. With their affectionate personalities, adorable looks, and intelligence, they make incredible family pets. But before you bring one home, there’s a big question to answer: Should you get a Mini Sheepadoodle or a Standard Sheepadoodle?

This guide breaks down the key differences—size, exercise needs, temperament, grooming, and family fit—so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.

🐶 1. Size & Living Space

Mini Sheepadoodle

Weight: 30–55 lbs
Height: 13–20 inches
Best for: Apartments, small homes, city living

Mini Sheepadoodles are perfect for smaller living spaces. They’re easier to manage indoors and ideal for singles or couples in urban settings.

Standard Sheepadoodle

Weight: 50–85+ lbs
Height: 20+ inches
Best for: Homes with large yards

Standard Sheepadoodles need more room to stretch and play. They’re an excellent fit for families who have a backyard or live in suburban or rural areas.

👉 Verdict: Choose a Mini if space is limited. Go Standard if you’ve got plenty of room to roam.

🐾 2. Energy Levels & Exercise Needs

Both sizes need daily activity, but their exercise styles differ.

Mini Sheepadoodle

Loves brisk walks and interactive games
Very agile and mentally active
Adapts well to short, frequent play sessions

Standard Sheepadoodle

Enjoys long walks, hikes, and outdoor play
Slightly more laid-back as they age
Thrives with consistent, moderate exercise

👉 Verdict: Both need exercise, but Minis adapt better to shorter bursts of activity. Standards enjoy longer adventures.

🧠 3. Trainability & Temperament

Both Mini and Standard Sheepadoodles are: ✔ Intelligent ✔ Highly trainable ✔ Eager to please.

Key Differences:

Mini Sheepadoodles: More playful and spunky
Standard Sheepadoodles: Calmer and more nurturing, great for families with kids

👉 Verdict: For a calm household, go Standard. For an active, busy lifestyle, a Mini adds extra fun and energy.

🧼 4. Grooming & Maintenance

Both sizes require the same care:

Regular brushing to prevent matting
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
Ear cleaning and nail trimming

Low-shedding? Yes. Low-maintenance? No. Their curly or wavy coats need consistent care.

👉 Verdict: No difference here—grooming is essential for both.

❤️ 5. Family Fit

Mini Sheepadoodle: Great for singles, couples, or small families
Standard Sheepadoodle: Ideal for families with kids and active lifestyles

👉 Verdict: Both sizes thrive on companionship. We can help you choose based on your household dynamics.

📊 Quick Comparison Chart

Feature	Mini Sheepadoodle	Standard Sheepadoodle
Size	30–55 lbs, 13–20 in	50–85+ lbs, 20+ in
Space	Low	Moderate to High
Energy	Moderate	Moderate
Temperament	Spunky & Social	Gentle & Mellow
Grooming	Moderate to High	Moderate to High
Ideal For	Apartments, city life	Families with space

FAQs About Mini vs. Standard Sheepadoodles

Do Mini Sheepadoodles shed? No, both Mini and Standard Sheepadoodles are low-shedding, thanks to their Poodle lineage.

Which Sheepadoodle is easier to train? Both are highly trainable. Standards tend to be slightly calmer, making training a bit easier for first-time dog owners.

Are Sheepadoodles good with kids? Yes! Standards are primarily known for their gentle nature with children.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

You can’t go wrong with either! If you want a more compact, energetic companion, choose a Mini Sheepadoodle. If you’re looking for a big, lovable family dog, go with a Standard Sheepadoodle.