F1B 75% English Retriever and 25% Poodle?

[Jessica Girardot]

I am picking up my beautiful girl this weekend.  I was wondering if anyone has the same kind of back cross?  The picture of her is my profile picture.  Any others have doodles that looked like that as a puppy? (she is 5 weeks in the picture) Thanks!

[Jessica Girardot]

Thanks again for your kind words and encouragement.  I only started to doubt myself when I was immediately receiving backlash for buying from a breeder who would "do such a thing". Personally, I couldn't be happier with her and I can't wait for her to join my family.  

[Star and Goldie]

Whatever you do DONT doubt yourself. When you fall in love, you fall in love- regardless of mix. Like others have said, I don't think anyone is questioning you but more so questioning why a breeder would take that route.  Even a google search will tell you that it is highly uncommon so it's hard to see through their eyes what they were thinking. And it certainly doesn't mean they got it wrong.  Just look at all of the people out there who argue against the mix all together. Many can say the same about any combination of doodle (why mix a retriever with a poodle?!?) At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and you don't have to justify to anyone why you have the preference you do.

It sounds like this little pup is already coming into a great home because Momma is ready to defend her :)

[Jessica Girardot]

Lol! I am just so excited to get her this weekend. I am eager ( but not too eager!) to find out what she's going to turn out like. She can stay a puppy for a while though.

[Star and Goldie]

I felt the same way when I brought Goldie home. That's been 4 weeks ago and I can honestly say that I do NOT want her to be a puppy forever. Haha. I love the little booger to pieces but woah... EXHAUSTING phase. HA!

[deanna silver]

Hi Jessica

I think your baby is a beauty. I think you should be happy with your choice. I recently picked up my new pup. She is an F1b labradoodle. 75 poodle 25 lab. She is my second, my 1st was an F1 we lost her in July at 10 1/2yrs. I chose F1b this time around for shedding and also because I think the standard poodle is a wonderful and smart breed.

We also put a lot of thought into labra vs. golden. We like the lab traits a bit more then the golden. The goldens are a little too over the top friendly for us. We like the occasional kiss but not to be lapped up all day.

My point is that I am sure you chose your girl for all YOUR reasons the same way as we did.

To be truthful I know how you feel about getting backlash. I was somewhat attacked as well when I posted a question regarding adoption. The comments made me cry twice. I think people should try to help and not judge on this site. It does give lend itself to a supportive situation.

I am sure she will be wonderful for your family and would love to hear all about her. My girl is 12 weeks. We are teaching her the ropes. she is very smart but still has a way to go with her training.

Deanna

[Jessica Girardot]

Thanks everyone for the very kind comments.  I did try to choose a dog that would fit in our family well.  I do feel better now that many of you have very helpful insight as well as encouragement! I also understand that people are passionate about the breeds/mixes they love, though. So no hard feeling towards the DK community!  I look forward to sharing my experience with the new pup. We shall all see how this "rare" form of doodle turns out!

[Tanya & Lucy Doodle]

I have had the same reaction. A Pet Store in Alabama had our Lucy and she was nearing the 6 month mark and had not sold because she is a 75%GR and 25%P..Seriously?? Anyway, one of the employees put her picture on an adoption site to try and help her find a home, She was on clearance! Seriously?? We found her, we live in Georgia, drove to Alabama and got her. She is beautiful, no shedding so far, and we feel as though we rescued her!! There has been lots of backlash from many of my Doodle friends here in GA about her "mix" and how we found her and that we are supporting the Pet Trade industry :( Yes, she is most likely a puppy mill dog and she is not a 50/50, but who cares, we love her, she IS a Doodle, and she is just so sweet! Enjoy your new baby!! :)

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I don't think anyone here is questioning why you would WANT a dog that is 75% retriever... retrievers are wonderful dogs.

We are just curious as to why a breeder would choose to do this mix, since as you said you could just get a retriever.  F1B doodles (3/4 poodle) ARE mostly poodle, so you could definitely argue you would do just as well with a purebred poodle.

I think with the mixes either way the difference would be mostly in the skeleton structure - with a bit of poodle you may get a slimmer dog, with a bit of retriever mixed in you might get a stockier dog.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Jessica, I think that the usual backcross to the poodle is to try to get less or no shedding and hopefully be more allergy friendly.   I had a cat that was meant to be a breeder cat for Himalayan's.  Generationally, the Himalayan coat tends to drift back to the Siamese coat so they need to breed back to a Persian occasionally to keep that long coat.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Maybe the back cross has nothing to do with non-shedding factors and everything to do with a "certain look or temperament" they were looking for? She beautiful and I can't wait to see more pictures!

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

Well Jessica, you are seeing 1st hand that there is never a shortage of opinions here.  But, the information, encouragement and honest feedback you can get here is invaluable.  I have learned soooooo much from this site!  Your little girl is adorable and I look forward to see a bunch of pics soon. 

[Leslie J]

What a little beauty and what soulful eyes! I can see why you fell in live with her! Welcome to Doodlekisses and don't take the comments personally- you'll find this a very supportive group and a place where you'll learn SO much about raising your doodle!