Rescue with unknown history, a doodle?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I know NOTHING about doodle's other than that they are adorable but I volunteer at the local Humane and 4 months ago I rescued this very very sweet gorgeous little girl (about a year old now).  In this photo you see her with her Mallard.  I'm trying to figure out her breed for temperament reasons and training.  She was labeled as a Wheaten Terrier but I have yet to see a Wheaten that looks anything like her but I get asked often if she is a Labradoodle or even some sort of wirehaired pointer mix.  Her fur sheds VERY minimally and she is reddish/golden in a salt and pepper (salt and golden) streakyish colored, wispy, wavy shaggy coat.  Although wirey looking, the texture of her hair to the touch is very soft.  It does not grow any longer than it is in this photo so its very short and it is a very thin layer of hair.  She has curlies on her elbows which you can see in some of her photos I have uploaded.  She is extremely sweet and chill with a MYM: Purple "Couch Potato".  She does like zoomies from time to time when she is excited as well as shaking her Jolly-Ball wildly like it is prey, but generally loves to sleep quite a good amount and even on walks people describe her as calm.  Calm, a word I've never used to describe any adolescent puppy I've ever had.  

And YES, a DNA test will be on the horizon, I can see it coming!

I would love to get input from you professional doodles ;-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd bet money that there's schnauzer there. She's very cute.

How tall is she at the withers and what does she weigh? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh she's definitely a mixed bag, but so are doodles. I definitely see terrier of some kind there. It will be interesting to see the DNA report. They are not always accurate, but interesting anyway. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

awwww she's cute! she reminds me of the Frasier dog...but doesn't really look like him either

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Whoodle?

A good way to measure is to take a pencil and mark the wall, then return with the tape.  One of my dogs was just petrified with the measuring tape. My other dog thinks it is a toy. 

Beautiful dog. Congratulations.

You say this though that got my attention, "I'm trying to figure out her breed for temperament reasons and training"

Good training is just good training.  I know there are different styles of training but I wonder why some people think a breed needs a specific type?  Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It, Drop It,  Heel, Come, etc.

Just wondering because I had this same discussion with two different  Yorkie owners.  Basic obedience and manners should apply to all breeds and especially sizes.  For some reason I have run into really badly behaved Yorkies the past few years.  If my larger dog would act that way, I think people would call the police  :) .  I realize that a Mastiff is slow and stubborn, a Basset Hound just down right refuses many days, Labs need love and reinforcement with gentle touch with all the silliness, but all could use good training, not specifics.  Then if you want to go on to Relays, Dance, Hunting, Sporting, that comes later.

Anyway, maybe I am on a tangent and this really is about your beautiful adoptee.  I think, whatever it is, it is a doodle of some sort and you belong here.

Welcome

[Sally S Miles]

I tend to agree - individual temperament is key and it varies within any breed.   No matter the breed, the individual characteristics will have revealed themselves to you.  Her drive or focus?

 

I do see possibly Wheaton, or Schnauzer - could be Doodle - or?

 

And yes JoAnn I have seen some really ill mannered Yorkies in recent years - - - having always had two or more dogs - always disparate breeds, well it keeps life interesting.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Super cute!!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

There are some things about her face that make me think Doodle, but without the DNA test it's kind of a "guessing game".  That said, she is SO CUTE and thank you so much for volunteering at the Humane Society and adopting this sweet girl.  "Calm" is definitely rare at this age, so you got really lucky!  Let's say she is some sort of  Doodle so you can keep sharing her "stories" here on DK.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I would say some terrier in there too, but schnauzer is also possible.  Get the DNA is you really want to know, but she is darling.  Enjoy.  Doesn't really matter what the breed is. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't know what she is besides cute. Enjoy her and train her.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Makes a  lot  of sense.  My thoughts are to train with Shepherds since you know and love and understand this type of dog.    With my skittish rescue Doodle, I did.  I really thought it was NOT going to work.  But we were welcome with open arms into the group.  A well- trained group of dogs and among them a bunch of dogs who  needed a lot of help. Remarkable to see my girl achieve and gain confidence. Huge strides. We were never going to be 100% and certainly she would not go on to compete but we found special skills hidden in her there too.

The only trainers that would let my fear-biting dog join a group were the German Shepherd Schutzhund trainers.  We thrived!  Keep her busy and show her what she can do.

It's an idea for you.  Look up a trainer in your area.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Here is a group in your area or near enough you can get referred to something closer. 

http://www.nmhs.info/

PS~ I have run into a lot of nervous Standard Poodles. My Doodle was very skittish and nervous, so compared to the nervous Wheaton you may be on to something

[Sally S Miles]

This is not a bad idea.   We have also had shepherds for so many years, yes they do have a particular mentality and yet none were the same.   My hubby was only - finally - into training with our last one and he took to it.   With our Doodle I feared the stronger training tactics, but frankly after we got through the basic puppy stuff it was needed to keep that firm hand (still incredibly kind) and she responded.

Our doodle processes things at her own speed - sometimes the harder you push, the more resistant - until something clicks and she seems to 'get it'.   We have literally had to combine my approach with a variation,  all of our dogs have been individuals but this Doodle is definitely the most different of all.

Watching the video - photos - you have such a lovely dog and I so smile that you took her on!  We have a Wheaton in our town that is just about the most perfect dog on planet - - in stores, on street, does tricks and it amazing......    so I do hope my previous comment was not taken as glib - - but all of any breed are not encapsulated.