How to choose the right doodle to best fit our family?

[Machelle Spivey]

I would love to get some advice on what temperment would be best for our family when picking out our goldendoodle? Let me tell you a little about my family, Me and my husband have 2 boy's an 8 year old and a 5 year old. Our 8 year old is like an old man trapped in a little boy's body he is very smart and very tender hearted. Our 5 year old is down syndrome he keeps us laughing and is also very smart. Both boy's are very calm and well behaved children we are very blessed parent's to have such wonderful kid's! We are very active outside especialy when the weather is nice, we enjoy going for walk's, bike ride, beach,park we just really enjoy being together as a family. Getting this dog is a big deal to us and we want to choose the one that will fit best. I welcome any advice you may have for us. Thanks so much!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You know, I only ever had females, and I wouldn't have chosen a male this time, either, but that's just the way Jackdoodle came, lol! But he is much more affectionate than any of my females, and I have heard that from others, too. The trainer I used said she sees people with one of each sex, or with two males, but rarely two females, because "there's a reason a female dog is called a bitch"! LOL
I know this isn't true, but I did have a discussion awhile back on the female/male thing that was interesting:

http://doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/2065244:Topic:110065

I agree with the others here that the breeder will know best which puppy has the right temperament for your family, Machelle! I know your boys will be thrilled with the new addition...most of the doodles I know LOVE kids!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

I would let the breeder select your puppy, they know their puppies best. Just be sure to give them a lot of details~ likes, dislikes. Do you want a dog that likes water, want a dog that doesn't bark a lot, dont want a dog that is too needy~

[1qrgkdwnfqccb]

I am howling at Lucy & Sophie's mom's comment...things that your mother told you does stick like glue!!

i find myself thinking that often now that i am a mom...although she did tell me to get a great job, never get married, and never ever have children!! ha ha i have no job (sahm) i am married ( to a wonderful man) and i have 3 incredible children! so not all they tell you is good advise... just like the male dog thing...i have always had this horrible idea of male dogs...you all know the one... the humping leg lifter with the red rocket (oh wait that is another post ha ha ha) but it is true, that is how my mother perceived a male dog, that is why we always had females....AGAIN, i have chosen not to listen to her, and now i have a wonderful,sweet chocolate MALE doodle! that so far had not lifted his leg, and only tried to hump izzy's head, which i find hysterical, as long we don't have company over!! and i love dearly! i don't believe he is as smart as izzy, well i guess just lacks common sense (as most males with raging hormones do..ha ha) maybe he will acquire that once he is fixed? if not we will love him all the same!

[Sarah]

Just noticed your discussion...we took our kids with us to pick the puppy, who was actually five months old. It was neat, the breeder brought out about a dozen puppoes of different ages and types, and the kids interacted with them for a while. Leisel "chose" our kids by following them around and wagging her tail. Some of the dogs jumped up on them, which scared them, and some wanted nothing to do with them. I would say look for a dog that is interested in your kids and seems to want to be around them without overpowering them. It has worked for us and that was how my parents chose our family dogs growing up as well. Good luck!