Prospective Owner looking for advice

[Kristin & Hudson]

My husband and I have decided that it's time for a dog.  Our first thought was to rescue one from a shelter but we're limited to what we can have because of our allergies. We also want to make sure we own a dog that fits our active lifestyle.  We have a friend with a Golden and we absolutely love the dog - but allergy flair ups really prevent us from owning one.  So we're thinking that a goldendoodle would be the best dog for us.  Unfortunately we don't know of anyone who owns one so we've never had the opportunity to meet one.  Of course we understand that there is no true hypo-allergenic animal (except for maybe a hairless cat - but....).  So my question is, do any of you know of a breeder in the New Jersey area that would allow us to visit a doodle or two to see if our allergies stay in check?  I've read that most don't allow this but we don't live on a farm or have kids or have any other animals so I would think we're not going to carry any diseases. 

It may turn out that a doodle isn't for us.  But from all the research we've done, the intuition of the golden and the intelligence of the poodle would make for the perfect fit.

Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions would be extremely helpful.  Thank you so much for your time.

[F, Calla & Luca]

We have all found this interesting too. Oftentimes we learn something new even if it's been discussed before many times.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Wow - I've just read this whole thread and I have to say that if I were the new person that wrote in to ask about Goldendoodles - I would not feel very welcomed by some of you.  I think that as you try to educate people about rescue and the allergy issues that the information is put out in a friendly way.  I give Kristin tons of credit for doing her homework before getting any dog and it commendable that she would want to meet a goldendoodle first.  The labradoodle and goldendoodle have in many cases, been marketed as good for people with allergies by less than honest breeders.  I don't know anything about rescue and admire the work that they do but I suspect that many doodles given up aren't truely for the "allergy" reason.  I think some people wanted these cute, teddy bear like dogs and realized later that they need attention, lots of exercise and grooming.  Saying it is due to an allergy sounds less shameful.  Only the experts here (and many of you are thankgoodness) could answer this but would an ADL be a better choice for Kristin.  Since they are multiple generation, more predictible in outcome.  I know my breeder works with people that have allergy problems and they wait for that puppy that has more of a "wool" coat.  Good luck to you Kristin - I hope you find the right dog for your family!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Sadly Jane, there are so many stories where owners have ended up in the hospital and two come to mind  in which the owners ended up in Intensive Care on ventilators because they became so allergic to their "teenage" dog. 

Can you imagine  getting the news that you MUST give up your Rooney after all this time??  Heartbreaking.  I can't imagine you two not being together.

It was because of these cases I began a group last Spring --http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/sheddingdoodles

Unfortunately the group is young and has mainly Shedding Posts as of now but I will cross post this discussion in the group so others can refer new and potential owners to some of the facts about allergies and doodles.   

I do NOT have dog allergies but............. on Monday I cut off 4 inches of Starlit's 6 inches of hair.  I was stuffy and itchy probably because she had a lot of other allergens in that long coat.  Spud, an F1b also triggers me to become stuffy and itchy and he is the least likely type of doodle to cause allergies. It is just these longer coats with all they hide in the fur that can have ill effects on owners.

 

Kristen is doing a Great Job doing her homework and getting information.  Again, Sad, many do not do this and are misinformed.  In many cases, in the long run,  this is heartbreak to the owners and the dogs  :(

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Joanne - I agree - it would be devastating to say the least.  I can't imagine the horror of giving Rooney up but I also know that most good breeders have a clause right in the purchase contract (Rooney's does) that states that if I am ever not able to keep him that I will go to my breeder first for assistance in the re-homing, to prevent one of her dogs from ending up in a rescue situation.  I do believe that some people do have to give up their doodles due to allergies and I can't have anything but compassion for those owners, but I also believe that some people use it as an excuse when they realize how much time and effort these dogs take or any dogs take.  Just my humble opinion.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Jane, yes that is so true.  Or they find out that you actually have to spend hours grooming a dog!  How awful.  Or, OMD this dog sheds!  Or, ( gotta love this one) I wanted a dog who does not smell.  Or, Training--you mean I have to keep training the dog?  I took it to puppy classes.  This dog was listed as smart and now it jumps on people!    Or, they said this dog was going to be small--it is now 80lbs and I can not hide it in my one bedroom apartment..........  .............................. Or, my kids were supposed to groom, feed, walk, play with it but we just don't have time now with baseball season.  We will get another in the fall!  HAH

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

THAT is what I was talking about.  I've known people who gave up their dog after 6 months - the cute puppy stage was over - said they had allergies but 3 years later - here comes another puppy. 

[Kristin & Hudson]

Thanks Jane.  All of these posts have been very informative and will help us find just the right dog.  I just posted on your page too.  Rooney is adorable :)

[Melissa & Porter]

I have an ALD in NJ you are welcome to visit.  I am mildly allergic to dogs (the allergy only shows up with one kind of prick-test serum "super-dog" and I have no reaction to shedding dogs as far as I can tell), BUT I still get allergy shots and take meds for my other, more severe problems. 

My dog causes me to wheeze when he is wet and the house is closed up, as in winter time with no breeze.  Wet dog with a fresh air just doesn't bug me.  I am pretty sure it is mold spores in his fur that get me, not dog dander.  This snowy weather hasn't been great for that since he loves to play in the snow.  I am planning to get him trimmed and buy him a snowsuit :-)

 

My neighbor has a f1B goldendoodle whom she would likely let you hug as well. I do hear what others say--that all are different, but more info is useful for you too.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I too tested allergic to dogs this spring to my surprise but  never have any symptoms from my 2 ALDs.

[Kristin & Hudson]

Hi Melissa!  Thank you so much for your offer to meet Porter.  We would love that!  Are you sure you don't mind?

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

I am allergic to dogs, so I got an F1b..the mother is a goldendoodle and the dad was a poodle.    That means there is more poodle in her than golden.  I wanted a wavy coat, not so curly, so I also put in that request for that type of coat.  So far so good.   You should check to see what type you visit. 

 

I got my puppy from __________ in West VA.

 

Good Luck 

 

(Post edited by admin)

[Adina P]

Hi Pamela, getting an F1b means she COULD have more poodle than golden, but genetics don't work so clearly.  Kristin may VERY well and easily find a doodle that does not bother her or her husband's allergies.  What people are trying to warn of is that it's not something that is for sure.  Like Jane's Murphy..he did NOT shed at all...and yet...his previous owner had a terrible reaction to him.  So there are lots of factors.  An adult doodle that you can meet and adopt would be the best bet for assurance.