If YOUR Doodle's Temperament Was the Epitome of Doodleness...

[Adina P]

I was thinking about this based on a discussion in another group regarding the temperament of different kinds of doodles.  I've noticed that when describing doodles we often hear about mellow vs. hyper.  But that merely describes energy level ... that's not a full temperament or personality description. 

Most breeds have very specific criteria for temperament and drives based on the fact most breeds were bred to do a certain work: terriers hunted small critters, retrievers retrieved birds, etc.  So in breed descriptions there is an explanation of the breed's temperament, some in more detail than others.

For Example, from the AKC site, this is the description of the Vizsla:

Temperament
A natural hunter endowed with a good nose and above-average ability to take training. Lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and
sensitive though fearless with a well developed protective instinct.
Shyness, timidity or nervousness should be penalized.

The foregoing describes the ideal Vizsla. Any deviation from this
ideal must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Deviations that
impact performance and function should be considered more serious than
those that affect only appearance.

And from Wikipedia:

Vizslas are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal,^[6] caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as "velcro" dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked. Sometimes when these dogs feel neglected or want something, they will cry.

They are natural hunters with an excellent ability to take training.^[2] Not only are they great pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. They will retrieve on land and in the water, making the most of their natural instincts. However, they must be trained gently and
without harsh commands or strong physical correction, as they have sensitive temperaments and can be easily damaged if trained too harshly.^[7] Vizslas are excellent swimmers. Like all gun dogs, Vizslas require a good deal of exercise to remain healthy and happy.

The Vizsla thrives on attention, exercise, and interaction. It is highly intelligent, and enjoys being challenged and stimulated, both mentally and physically.^[8] Vizslas are very gentle dogs that are great around children. The Vizsla wants to be close to its owner as much of the time as possible. Many Vizslas will sleep in bed with their owners if allowed, burrowing under the covers.

SO...if YOUR doodle's temperament was THE doodle temperament...how would you put that into a breed temperament description?

[Adrianne Matzkin]

They are natural hunters retrievers with an excellent ability to take training. Not only are they great pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. They will retrieve on land and in the water, making the most of their natural instincts.

That is the only thing I would have to change to describe Samantha.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Highly trainable but very intelligent so if the handler is tentative, doodles will take advantage. Harsh corrections are not necessary and can make the dog fearful. Lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate. Could be described as happy-go-lucky or care-free. Shyness, timidity or nervousness should be penalized. Energy levels vary within the breed from very high to very low energy, although even low-energy doodles love to play either with other dogs or humans. It is quite common for doodles to be obsessed with fetching and retrieving as well as loving a good romp in the water. Doodles tend to bond well with their entire family and want to be with their owners as much as possible.

[Linda and Murphy]

Goofy HAS to be in there.....

[BG and Gavin]

- good-natured
- curious
- active
- comical
- playful
- attracted to people and other dogs
- intelligent and tractable
- independent-minded by times
- good with children

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I would only add, intuitive and able to sense and respond to the moods of the owner. Known to maintain eye contact, and eager to please their human. Joyful, and soft when handled.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Oooooh I did forget the eye contact part in my description!

[ej]

Wow, it is almost like you were describing Koda.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Goldendoodles have a moderate energy level, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, children, or any stranger that happens to be holding food. Often they are referred to as "velcro" dogs because of their loyalty, affection and tendency to constantly be underfoot. They are quiet dogs, only barking if small dogs try and steal their treats. Sometimes when these dogs feel neglected or want something, they will walk to the corner, lay down, and pout.

They are natural food scavengers and are occasionally good retrievers as well. They will retrieve on land and in the water, but only if they feel it is necessary to do so. They are somewhat easily trained, although the more complex commands will take patience and repetition, as it's hard for them to get it the first time. Goldendoodles are excellent swimmers. They have a very unique style of swimming, that involves splashing and flailing their paws in the water. They are content with a 15 minute walk, and the occasional doggy play session.

The Goldendoodle thrives on belly rubs, verbal praise and lots of treats. They are very sweet but not always the most obedient, and will occasionally ignore a command or steal a piece of meat. Goldendoodles do best with simple commands, and quiet nights in front of the t.v.. They are very gentle dogs that are great around children. The Goldendoodle wants to be close to their owners as much as possible. They will reject the bed if offered, but love napping on cold tile or hardwood.


That is Darwin translated into a breed standard... LOL.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Camilla - that is exactly my vision of Darwin. You really nailed your doodle.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Ha ha. It's kind of long but I just copied the Vizsla standard and changed it to fit Darwin...

[F, Calla & Luca]

These description seem impossible to create since my wo doodles are so different in many ways. But affectionate and good natured would fit.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Mine are very different also, F. Neither of mine are ball obsessed but I have met so many that are that I cheated and combined Ned, Clancy and their friends in my description. And as for smart - Clancy - not so much.