New puppy, too small?

[Shane Woodard]

Hi,

I just picked up an english cream american goldendoodle yesterday, she's 8 weeks old, but only weights 5.8 lbs. The breeder told me she should be 50 lbs full grown but she also said it was the first time she had bred those two together, so I'm not sure I can trust that answer. I was thinking she seemed about the size of a cockapoo my ex girlfriend had, and I found the old paperwork for him and his weight was identical to what hers is, but hes at 20 lbs full grown. I really really do not want another small dog, I want a bigger dog at least 50 pounds, so that I dont have to worry about them getting hurt if a bigger dog is trying to play with them. Both her parents were the size I was looking for, but from doing some reading today, I see that that doesnt really matter. I also seen that most puppies seem to be at least 8 lbs and the ones closer to 6 lbs tend to be the miniature ones. I called the breeder today asking about her size again and she still insists she will be 50 lbs. I really like the puppy I have and feel bad for how I feel, but I'm not sure if I should ask to get one of her bigger ones from a different litter, that she's bred before, so she really would have a better idea of its adult size. I know she has several litters within a two week frame and that I also can get a full refund if I want, so I'm not sure if I should ask for a puppy that has a better change of being bigger. Can I get some opinions?

[Shane Woodard]

I was told she would be the size of one of the poodle's that was out there which is why I was fine with it. But I don't think your understanding yet, the video is showing a puppy less then 6 months old of unknown height or weight, but as an adult he is 70 pounds and 28 inches tall. I realize mine most likely reach the size that that one did as an adult, but I'm hoping she can get to the height of how he is in the video. 

[Shane Woodard]

The one in the video seems to be at or just above knee height so probably 20 inches, which I would be ok with, so I guess my question is, is there a good chance mine would be that size, or would she be smaller?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have a goldendoodle rescue that I got as an adult so I have NO idea what he was like as a puppy.  He weighs 64 pounds but is only 19 inches tall.  My point here is that he is a 'big' dog, even though he is short.  He apparently inherited the retriever genes as to build and coat (he sheds). 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You mean when your puppy is an adult, will she be as big as the puppy is in the video? I would say probably bigger. 

But again, what all of us here are trying to say is that you have to be able to love and accept this puppy no matter how big she gets. There are just no guarantees on this. All anyone can do is guess. If her size in adulthood is really, really this important to you, don't keep her. If anything having to do with her appearance-height, weight, color, coat, even shedding- might possibly make you unhappy with her, don't keep her. Get a purebred standard poodle instead. 

[Thom, Aureo & Bowie]

It sounds to me like the better idea for you is to go with a rescue doodle. You will then know what the adult size will be and your most important concern will be addressed. Getting a puppy and not being certain that it will be what you want when it grows up is a little late in the game to then address. If the size is the most important concern, then a rescue seems a better way for you to go, and you will be helping a dog that needs your help as well. This is only my opinion.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Shane, it is very difficult to know how big or small a dog will be when you have mixed breeds.  AND there is no guarantee with the shedding too.  I was always a Shih Tzu owner, I loved them but after 20 yrs I wanted a change to a "bigger" dog.  I fell in love with doodle !!!  My first.... goldendoodle Sasha is 50 lbs now at 3 yrs. I got her when she was 3 1/2 monts old and she was 18 lbs.  My labradoodle Oliver is 26" at the shoulder and is 80 lbs, his mom is a goldendoodle and dad a standard poodle.  My Sasha is about 19"-20" at the shoulder. 

 

I think if you want a larger dog you should go with a male because they are just bigger not to say that there are not big females because there are its just that a male is usually bigger.  But again with mixed breeds you never know.  With regard to shedding... my goldendoodles does not shed and my labradoodle sheds !!! there is the 50/50 chance of getting shedding gene or not... or you dog could lightly shed, you just never know.

 

I agree with all the other posts.... if you are uncertain about her please return her because as Karen said the "difficult" puppy times will be even worse if you have not bonded or there is something you don't like about your dog.

 

I wish you luck and hope you get a dog you will truly love no matter what.

[L.M.]

With all of the doubts and worries you are presenting, I think your best bet is to return your pup...as I said before, I hate suggesting this, but if later on you are unhappy with your dog's size, then what will you do??  If you have so many concerns now, please don't risk waiting...it will not be fair to the dog.  As I also said before, NO ONE can predict your dog's size.  You are doing a lot of research and estimating...it won't make a difference...the dog will be what it's going to be.  With doodles, mixed breeds, hybrids, (whatever you want to call them), all size "estimates" are just that...they are "guesses" and I think you are looking for more of a guarantee.