Advice for a novice

[Paula]

Hi Everyone,

Sparky, my black miniature schnauzer of 15 years passed away in August and my fiancé and I would like to add a labradoodle to our family in 2016. Growing up I always had dachshunds and then decided on a schnauzer as a family pet. Sparky was an awesome dog, I miss him.

I like to do a lot of research before making a commitment because my pets are always forever and temperament is so important to me. What advice would you give me since I have never owned a labradoodle. My fiancé has had labs and loves the breed and I really like what I have been discovering about labradoodles. I'm also not sure how to determine which breeder is the best. We live in CT.

Thank you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Paula, the first advice I would give you is to read our guidelines on What to Look For in a Breeder and take them to heart. These are the minimum standards you should require from any breeder. If anyone cannot measure up, walk away. 

I can also tell you that you will not find a reputable breeder advertising puppies on ad sites like Next Day Pets or PuppyFind. 

Next, we have a wonderful collaborative discussion/forum post called Considering a Doodle. It's lengthy, but worth reading through it, to see the reality of owning one of these dogs as opposed to marketing hype you will see on many breeder sites and those "what breed is best for you" sites. 

And this article, written by a member of this site, is a must read for anyone considering a doodle: 

Things to Consider Before You Get a Doodle

Doodles have received so much positive press lately and many people believe they are the perfect dogs. While they make wonderful companions, they are not for everyone.

These are some important considerations before you add a doodle to your family.

1. If you want a golden retriever or a lab that does not shed, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Most doodles shed to some degree and those that do not, do not look like either of these parent dogs. Doodles who do have non-shedding coats require a couple of hours of maintenance per week, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, just like purebred poodles. 

2. If you are just not a poodle person, DON'T GET A DOODLE. All doodles are at least 50% poodle so if the word Poodle makes you cringe, then do not get a doodle.

3. If you are allergic to dogs, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles go through coat changes and even if you are not allergic to your doodle's puppy coat, you may be allergic to his adult coat. Doodles have been deemed hypoallergenic by the media, but for most, this is not the case.

4. If you want a clean dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Many doodles love water, mud, and rolling in smelly things. Their coats can be like velcro and will collect twigs, dirt, burrs, leaves, etc.

5. If you want a low-energy dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Most doodles require at least 30 - 60 minutes of real exercise per day. Simply letting your doodle out in the backyard, or taking a walk around the block is not exercise. These dogs need to run. There are plenty of low-energy dog breeds that would be a better fit if you want a couch potato.

6. If you can't devote time and money into training, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles are intelligent and want to please you, but they are not born with manners.

7. If you want an independent dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles thrive on human companionship and most are velcro dogs. They need your attention and will demand it.

8. If you want the perfect dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. There is no such thing as a perfect dog, and just like other breeds, doodles can have a wide variety of temperaments and health issues.


If you are still interested in a doodle, that's great! But keep in mind that some of the pre-conceived notions touted by the media that have made doodles so popular are also reasons why so many of these dogs are abandoned by their owners. A doodle can be a wonderful dog and will provide you with unconditional love but you must consider if this is the right type of dog for you. Please do not break your doodle's heart.

http://doodlerescue.org/forum/topics/things-to-consider-before-you

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I LOVE that you used the phrase Velcro Dog!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Well, I think they are wonderful dogs, but definitely do your homework.  They are not for everybody.  They are high energy dogs and you have to have the time to dedicate to your dog.  We got our first doodle when my husband retired.  We have always been around for them, and they are always around for us.  Check out your breeder carefully and visit a couple of breeders in your area.  Don't jump at the first doodle you come across and made a list of exactly what you want and need and then find that dog.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I agree with all the other advice. But I would add that doodles come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. It's not a breed. They are popular so anything that is popular is going to have people trying to make money on the cheap for the "it" desirable breed. Which means you have to be more careful than normal. So I would advise you to know the dog parents, follow the advice above regarding breeders.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Hi Paula, Welcome. Glad that you are considering a Doodle and are spending the time to learn about them first. I agree with what everyone else has said so far. I will add, though, that like everything else - they are all unique. They each have their own personality. I have 4 dachshunds and 2 doodles. My doodles are litter-mate brothers, but couldn't be more different in personality. I have one that would qualify for the "Dennis the Menace" bad-boy award. He chews, he takes anything he can get - off kitchen counters, tables, dressers, etc and tears them up. He loves to stand at the fence barking - at anything. Doesn't like toys at all. Then he (all 60 lbs of him) crawls up in your lap and rests that big head on you. My heart melts!! His brother has never chewed anything up, loves to play fetch and will quietly play with his toys for hours. He rarely barks unless there is something really exciting going on. Both love lap time and are big cuddlers. I wouldn't trade either of them. They get along great with my dachshunds - even my grumpy old lady (who is now 15 and only tolerates them). It is funny to watch them trying to play with the "hot-dogs". I have a large backyard. I know that many have said that they need more exercise than a backyard gives them, but I disagree. My boys run, romp, and play hard in the backyard for hours. They sure get more exercise that way than they get from even a long walk. Best of luck with your research and your decision.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Two dogs may exercise each other playing in the yard for hours, but it doesn't work that way with one dog, lol. One dog doesn't typically run around the yard and play by himself, and those are the dogs, like mine, who definitely do "need more exercise than a backyard gives them." :) 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

There's lots of great advice here.  I'm so glad that you're focused on temperament....that's key IMO.  Also, I would add that when it comes to Doodles I believe size does need to be a consideration.  I have a mini (22 lbs) and a standard (70lbs).  Their exercise needs are very different.  Murph (the standard) needs two very long walks a day along with lots of indoor fetch.  Guinness (mini) is fine with a lot less exercise.  We don't have a fenced yard so we take lots of trips to parks and large recreation areas.  I also live in CT...we're in Farmington but vacation down in your area every Summer.  Good luck...I really love Doodles.

[Paula]

Thanks for all of the great advice!! I think pets in general all have different personalities, Sparky was my favorite & I've had several. My cats have been like that too. My cat that I rescued in Sparkys golden years loved him & wanted to play so I'm sure he'll welcome another dog.

Here's another question ...is a mini labradoodle bred with a toy poodle? I like dogs around 20 pounds but would go bigger if medium doodles are less barky. I love standard poodles but don't care for toys. So does that mean I shouldn't look at minis?

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Again, I think barking in doodles has more to do with temperament than size.  I have a 6 month old multi-gen mini who currently weighs 13 pounds, and she hardly ever barks.  She only barked more than momentarily on one occasion, and the next morning I found a puddle of diarrhea that some visiting animal had left for me to clean up right in front of the garage. If I had known what was happening outside that evening, I would have barked too. That being said, I have to add that I have had dogs all my life, including some very stubborn terriers, but I am so glad I finished raising my children and retired from my job before I welcomed into my life and home my funny, smart, adorable, cuddley labradoodle who, so far, requires an enormous amount of time, attention and patience.  Good luck with whatever canine companion you choose.

[Wynnie & Jim]

I have a mini goldendoodle that weighs 22 lbs, does not bark or shed and loves to cuddle. Children in our neighborhood love her and run out of their houses to greet and play with her. I brush her every other day and groom her every six weeks. I am retired and spent a lot of time training her but the pay off has been huge. She passed the Canine Good Citizen test at her 1st birthday and now loves to have fun on the agility course. Every day, Wynnie brings joy and laughter to our house. She has been my therapy dog and companion. Needless to say, I love mini goldendoodles and would love to have another.

[Joann Valerio]

I'm looking for a smaller Doodle. Is yours an F1 or? Details would be greatly appreciated. How old is she now? 22 pounds sounds perfect. Where did you get her! Thanks a million!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Joann, breeder referrals and recommendations are not permitted here in the public forums. People will have to send you a private message, you will have to accept a friend request for them to do so.