Are you ready for a doodle?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I've been thinking about why doodles are so popular and yet so many are abandoned by their owners. I made a list of reasons why people may get a doodle and then later decide they just aren't doodle people. This is something that I posted on the DRC website, but also wanted to share here in case anyone on here is researching into getting a doodle. The things listed below may appear negative, but I think they are really important to consider. Few breeders actually post anything negative about doodles on their sites, but these "negatives" are also reasons why I love doodles.

*****

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.

2. If you are just not a poodle person, DON'T GET A DOODLE. All doodles have poodle in them and 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. Simply letting your doodle out in the backyard is not exercise. 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.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Kudos to you for posting this Jane! What a great summary this is. All are true statements. I absolutely love doodles, but I have said many of these same facts to friends and others inquiring about the breed. The photo at the bottom breaks my heart completely =(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jane, this is such a great post! Thank you for writing this!
I would also add: If you want a low-maintenance dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE! I think more doodle owners have been baffled by the grooming & matting than any other single aspect of these dogs. There is expense & time involved in that "look" that attracts so many would-be doodle owners, and they need to be aware that they don't just look that way without considerable effort.
Bravo to you for posting this important discussion!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Yep, I may be keeping Peri's hair as short as it is now permanently! I figured she WOULD shed since she was an f1 - of course I am not complaining but the matting is nuts when I let her hair grow out. We were spending 30 minutes a day on it. Low maintenance? I think not!

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Jane! Noah is so adorable! I love this picture!!!! Cutest little face! (And hair cut!)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Noah's a doll!!!! I love his cut. Peri's is actually pretty similar - but she is not as curly.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Your groomer does a fantastic job with Noah. I even brought Noah's picture last time, and my groomer still did his face too short. He is such a cutie.

[Leslie and Halas]

Halas' new haircut looks a lot like Noah's. I'm planning to leave it short, at least through swimming and flyball season.

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Noah is too cute!! the puppy in the article is so sad :( Thanks for posting this it is a great post, it is always good to educate...but my answer is still yes, I would get a doodle. In a heartbeat....no regrets from our crew.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Ok, the photo makes me teary eyed Jane! But wonderful article, extremely well said. This is so true of any breed of dog that becomes popular because of the media and its very sad.

[Adina P]

That's excellent.  I'd be happy to add it as a permanent link/page on here too if you like.  It can be part of the 'What To Look For in a Breeder' info series for prospective doodle owners!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Thanks for the write up Jane. The picture at the bottom breaks my heart.

[Christy and Yoda]

So true! So many people see Yoda and the first thing they say is "Oh, they are hypoallergenic, right?". Then they don't want to believe me when I explain that this is not necessarily the case. I admit that I was woefully unprepared for his grooming needs. That and the fact that he needs regular "paw baths" after bringing half the mud in my yard into my house! I still think he is perfect though :)