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.

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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.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is perfect, Jane! I'd also add....if you want a dog that will automatically be "great with young kids", don't get a Doodle. This doesn't happen without lots of training - of the kids and the Doodle. Thanks for articulating this so well!

[Anna and Achilles]

What a great idea, I always tell people who love how cute Achilles is, that he is HIGH ENERGY! Thanks for doing this.

[Robin]

Thank you! If more people read this we wouldn't have so many doodles in shelters. I cant stand that people think you can just give away dog if it doesn't meet your expectations.

[Holly St Pierre]

The posting is so true. Some of that describes Gunner. He sheds A LOT. People just think they are cute & fluffy so they want one. They are a lot of work & totally worth every minute of it. They are not for everyone though. My sister has a doodle who has 7 acres to run on & can still out run any border collie or greyhound that I know, she is beyond high energy & she LOVES to be dirty. This is great information to share. Anyone that asks me about doodles, I tell them they are like people, every one of them is different & there are no guarantee’s. If people don’t have a lot of time & energy to put in to training & spending quality time with them, its probably not a good choice. It’s a decision that should be taken seriously with a lot of thought. Not to mention the grooming, it can be expensive if you get them groomed or time consuming if you do it yourself. It breaks my heart when any dog is given up & doesn’t have a loving home & family to be a part of. They all deserve it.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Gee Jane, had I read this before my doodles I might not have them! But seriously I agree with what you have said and you did a great job.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I seriously was not prepared for the grooming needs. I had no idea at all. When I was given a pin brush and told to brush a "coupla times a week" I thought of my Springer - yes - 2 minutes a couple of times a week on the ears and feathers. If I had known how hard it would be to groom Ned, I would not have gotten a doodle at all. I would have missed out on Ned :( and all of the wonderful people here! Even though Clancy's coat is more doggy - few mats, yes to shedding, I wouldn't have been looking for him. I got him because I am in love with doodles and he needed us.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Great job! Do have to agree though that probably even many of us here would not have ended up with our doodles after reading this. I think that the biggest shock for me, outside of the grooming side of it, is how dirty my house gets. I have wood laminate floors in the main living area of the house and they are a darker color, and they constantly have dog prints on them, along with grass clippings, snowballs, water, slobber and dog hair. So I would have to add, if you like a neat, tidy house, then doodles (or even dogs) aren't for you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Maybe small non-shedding dogs. It was very easy to keep a clean house when I had a 20 lb miniature poodle. I was also shcoked at the amount of dirt a big sporting dog brings in, especially one that sheds like crazy.

[Frannie & Callie]

I have to chime in on this because I'm CONSTANTLY amazed by what Callie brings in the house. Her favorite place to go to the bathroom is pine straw. I love the option - her urine can't bleach it out - but I think I could knit a pine tree with what she brings in!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

you are right, we used to have a toy poodle as well ..... she was nothing compared to these guys! She was the princess of princesses ..... would have never occurred to her to get dirty!

[Leslie and Halas]

Halas got a dead bird stuck to him one time, but luckily we got it off before he came in the house. Someone at my dentist's office has a family member with a doodle, and they didn't keep up with the grooming and eventually had to have his very thick coat shaved. The groomer found all sorts of household items burried in the fur - hair ties, tiny children's toys, stuff like that. That couldn't have been very comfortable for the doodle, but it is kind of funny to think about what could be hiding in there. Maybe even Jimmy Hoffa or Amelia Earhart.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

ROFL!