Introducing Murphy…….Poodle or Doodle?-UPDATE: The results are in!

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As some of you know, we’ve been looking for another doodle for about 6 months now.   A shelter about an hour and a half from us posted the above dog on their website recently.  When I called to inquire about him, they told me he was a stray, he was about a year old, he seemed to like other dogs and they hadn’t had him around kids yet but that he seemed to like everyone and everything.   They said that he had an injury to his left eye and abrasions on his chest that their vet thought had probably been caused by him being hit by a car.  They told me that the injury to his eye had resulted in total loss of vision in that eye and that the vet said that the eye would have to be removed in the future if it caused further complications.  

We went to look at him the next day and fell in love with him even though it was obvious that whoever he lived with before never taught him any manners or did any obedience training with him.  (Knew zero commands and constantly jumped on and mouthed everyone.)  Once we got him home it was also obvious that no one had ever played with him (He didn’t know how to play with dog toys and the squeakers in the toys scared him.) and he had never been on a leash (He hops down the street on his back legs!  It’s quite embarrassing.).    

Even in the short time we've had him, he has adjusted quite well.  He loves playing with Cooper and they have become best buddies.  (See picture below).  Murphy quickly realized that dog toys are tons of fun as is chewing on bones, antlers, ropes, etc.  He seems very smart and is learning lots of basic commands and has stopped mouthing.   We are still working on the constant jumping on people and walking on a leash and we are trying to teach him an alternative to jumping on us and biting our clothing as his way of communicating he needs to go outside.  (I can't get him to learn "speak" to save my life.  He's also scared of Poochie Bells and a regular desk bell.)  Unfortunately his eye appears to be becoming more painful and keeps getting infected so the vet is recommending we have it removed.  The thought of having to put him through the surgery breaks my heart but I know it will be better for him.

So back to my original question………Poodle or Doodle?  I’ve gotten both opinions from all kinds of people (groomers, vets, vet techs, pet store employees and shelter staff).  Obviously it doesn’t matter to us, but it’s fun to guess. 

UPDATE: Took the advice and did a DNA test which indicates he is a pure bred miniature poodle.

[Leigh & Allie]

My brother in law also lost an eye in childhood. A baseball hit him in the eye. He has a fake eye in its place. He has made a hole in one in golf (I have seen the golf ball along with the signed score card). The only thing he says he can not do is go to watch a 3-D movie. It just does not work for him.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

oh sometimes its so hard to tell between poodle and doodle. Id be saving to do the DNA test just out of curiosity. he has they "eyes that show the soul" just like my Cooper has so Im leaning to doodle - Ive never soon it in poodles before, just doodles

1 is still very young and im sure he will learn his commands and good behaviour quickly, especially with a big brother to help!

That second photo is precious!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Enjoy your new dog who looks like a doodle to me. Whatever, it doesn't matter much does it. I hope the eye clears up but time will tell.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

He as beautiful - I adore the dark, dark black.  His muzzle does look a bit broader than a poodle's but who really knows.  He is just so cute. You could always do the genetic testing if you have the extra cash.  Frances (Frankie and Johnny) found that her rescue is a full poodle - he is a beautiful rich black also.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have no idea....I just know that he's totally adorable and I love him.  Murphy and Cooper seem to be bonded already, and I think it's awesome that you adopted this guy.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Congrats and best wishes.  He is a cutie and hope all goes well with his eye problem.  

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

He is adorable!  They look so cute together.  I'm so happy he found you. 

[Phoebe's Mom]

I hope you are not tired of hearing how precious and content they both look together.  I will have him (and you, too) in our prayers for a successful operation and a speedy recovery.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jennifer, I have no idea if Poodle or Doodle, but he sure is cute. Thank you so much for giving this sweet dog a good home.

[Terra and Max]

I'm not sure rather Murphy is poodle or doodle but one thing is for sure...he is lucky. Lucky to have a new family that loves him and will provide such a great  home for him. Lucky boy....

[Donna K & Quincy]

What a beautiful little dood, hope that they manage to save his eye, they are such sweet eyes.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Congrats he's adorable!