Health concerns??

[Shelley & Beans]

I have been doing lots of research about Doodles since my decision to purchase one and have been made aware about the genetic disorders of hips, eyes, etc. After reading many posts on this site I am a little worried about Health issues as many of you seem to have dogs with ailments of various kinds is this common or is it just that there are so many on this site? 

My Shitzu/Bichon had various issues towards the end of his life such as skin allergies, problem anal glands (which he had surgery for), eye issues, occasional ear infections and finally bone cancer which took his life. So I am used to dealing with these medical costs (not really a deterent for me). But wondering if issues such as this are really prevalent in the Doodle?

The dog I am getting is a little different than what most of you have; it is being bred by my old groomer and is a Golden mixed with a Cocker (to downsize) then bred to a mini poodle. So I'm not really sure whether that is an F1b or a multi generation. 

Also what is everyone's thoughts on insurance? Is it worth the cost? I am familiar with how expensive vet bills can get and I am thinking it might be an option but have heard that sometimes they limit what is covered or will make decisions based on breed etc. I live in Canada, so this might be a little different from the states... any Canadian out there?

Thanks everyone!

[Julie and Charlie]

I honestly don't think there are any more or less health issues with Doodles than other types of dogs. Some here may disagree with me, or have some actual long term data to prove it. (I'd like to see it!)

Of course, there are unscrupulous breeders out there of doodles, especially with the potential for profits. But I would say, on the whole, you needn't worry any more than any other breed/mix if you find a reputable breeder with health tested dams and sires.

[F, Calla & Luca]

You will get some kind of doodle after those crosses but it will be a first generation doodle. When you say a golden did you mean a golden retriever or a golden doodle bred to a cocker spaniel? Are all these parents health tested? Otherwise you may be asking for trouble. Have you read "What to look for in a breeder"?

http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

I am not certain doodles are more prone to health problems because the people who have dogs with health problems post about it but we don't hear much about dogs who are well. I think health insurance is a wonderful thing and I have it for both my healthy, knock on wood, labradoodles

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Agreed. So many, too many, sell doodles. Joe and Jane Dog in the backyard where people are trying to make a fast, tax-free buck.  Do your homework,( the link above) Many purchase a dog for less money but pay for it in the long run. Actually pay more  :)   Get a real breeder who cares about the health and continuing the breed.

If we sit in a vets office we  will see many breeds of all kinds.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think that you read about  health problems because people tend to post about  worries, questions, and problems more than  that things are fine and dandy.  Even pure breeds have their "prone to disease areas."  Insurance is a very smart thing to get especially when the dog is a puppy so that nothing will be excluded.

[Adina P]

There's no reason that doodles would be LESS healthy than other breeds except that there are TONS of them and they aren't all from good breeders or good parent stock since labradors and golden retrievers are so overabundant.  They have their breed/mix specific health issues like the breeds they came from.  So whatever goldens and cockers and poodles share as far as potential health issues could be passed on.  You can't screen for every genetic disorder, but you can at least make sure your breeder has tested for the ones that CAN be screened for and try to get a feel for how well your breeder knows her lines...the ancestry of her parent dogs.  See if you can get their OFA #'s to check the OFA database for health and there's some kind of poodle health registry out there too...you can do some research on the poodles in the lineage with it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Definitely get insurance, it is essential. I would get insurance for any dog of any breed or mix. And it's not just in case your dog has a disease. One swallowed sock and you can be looking at thousands of dollars of vet bills.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

If Doodle Rescue could make it mandatory that every adopter has pet insurance, and keeps it for the life of their doodle, we would. I have 3 doodles here and every one of the them has insurance. I never would want to have to make a decision based on money. 

My 3 are from Puppy Mills and so far they have been blessed with good health!! I can only pray that they stay that way for many, many years!!!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

re canada  - check out pc - presidents choice - pet insurance

[Shelley & Beans]

I love this site already! Ask and you will receive.

I was kind of thinking that about the posts that most people post when there is a problem instead of just general.

I will definitely look into health insurance, would have been nice to have for my first dog. 

The dog I am getting is a golden retriever bred to a cocker spaniel (they said there reasoning is it downsizes the puppy, and they like the look and fur type they get from doing this). That is the mother the dog that is on my profile picture. She is bred to a mini poodle I am going to upload both the mom and dad. I am going to meet the mom soon. The lady I am getting the puppy from is my old groomer of 11 years so I trust her. She is a licensed breeder of standard poodles, and afghan hounds and has shown them and won many awards for them over the years. Her older daughter is getting into breeding the mini doodles but she is still in the picture (at home). The breeding dogs have both been health tested, and the puppy comes with a one year warranty although I'm sure they will support me for the life of the dog (maybe not cost wise but information wise) for the rest of his life as I will continue to keep her as my grooomer. 

Thanks everyone.

[Shelley & Beans]

Sorry it is so large just getting used to this..will resize mom picture. The dog above is the Dad (Romeo) and this is the mom (Lala)