Wanting to buy my first Doodle.

[Shelley Johnson]

I really am excited to own my first Doodle. 

I was told when buying one that the Stud should be the Poodle.  That way your puppy will not shed.  Is this true?

Can someone also explain to me what the abbrevations mean when they say F1 or F2?

When buying a puppy how can you tell if the face will be more square faced compared to a fox face?

I also see that the pricing for GoldenDoodle vary.  Can someone give me advise and what to be aware of. 

My husband is curious is this breed any good at hunting birds?

I look forward to hearing back from all you Doodle lovers.

 

Shelley

[Adina P]

Retrievers as a whole were bred to hunt historically, but that doesn't mean each retriever litter bred was bred for hunting.  Lots are bred for other reasons or without regard to reasons.  There are distinct show lines and distinct field lines and even in a litter bred for hunting not all pups will be good hunting prospects.

[Shelley Johnson]

I have never been a part of a group or Forum that has so much great advice and guidance!

I feel so very welcomed!

Thank you to all!

Shelley

[Holly St Pierre]

I will just verify one piece of advice given, Gunner's dad is pure bred stud poodle & Gunner sheds not as bad as a Golden Retriever but pretty close. 

[Adina P]

 That example doesn't make the case either way.  It's just the luck of the draw.  In every litter (regardless of what the stud was) there will be some shedders and some nonshedders.  Most studs are poodles simply because poodles are smaller.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I was curious about your question about whether Doodles would be good at bird hunting.  I think we're all clear with the fact that retrievers often have a "natural instinct" which is well suited to hunting birds.  As I looked online I saw a number of postings about Poodles who were also great (once trained) at hunting birds.  So, it would seem to me that there is nothing in the breed that would preclude them from being good hunting dogs.  Of course, each individual dog comes with their own set of "talents", so there is no real guarantee.

[Holly St Pierre]

Adina-that was my point, its the luck of the draw & just because the father is the poodle proves nothing about the amount of shedding.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I'm sure the experts here will correct me ;) but I believe that the Australian Labradoodles are more consistant in the predictablity of shedding.  Because of their multi generation ALD to ALD the outcome is not as random.  Rooney's breeder can look at a newborn pup and tell you if it is going to have a wool or fleece coat.  The wool coat is the least shedding coat although Rooney has a fleece coat and he doesn't shed (at 5 months, maybe that will change) at all.   If the shedding is an issue - then Shelley, I think you should research Australian Labradoodles.  My humble opinion.

[Melissa & Porter]

I don't really know how much more time in woods a bird hunting dog would spend, but my gut tells me "lots."  Nor do I know how you would want your doodle to look.  But you might keep in mind the grooming needs of the adorable long-haired fluffy doodle.  Dirt, leaves, burrs etc all get trapped in long hair, and long hair takes time to dry.  You can have a fluffy doodle and an outdoor lifestyle if you are willing to put the time (or money) into grooming.  Or you can clip your doodle shorter (long face-short body or short everything) or you can pick a shedding doodle or purebred that has much less issue dirt and water.

Just some thoughts from the founder of the short haired doodles group here on doodlekisses :-)  ...whose doodle is actually long-haired right now :-)

[Linda Lynch]

I would also go to the doodlerescueinc.ning.com site and also read all about what is takes to own a doodle.  You certainly may want to rescue instead of purchase from a breeder.  Read some of the stories and you might be amazed at what is available for rescue-puppies up to adults.  We got our Goldendoodle about 15 months ago - she was a year and a half old.  The family that spent a lot of money buying her from a breeder didn't do their research like you are and just could not give her the time and attention she needed.  We got an amazing dog who is perfect for us and the cost was minimal.  Plus, the way she looks at us every day, she knows now that she is in a loving home.  It's the best feeling in the world!  One last thing, at that age you already know what kind of coat they will have.  Good Luck

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have two Goldendoodles and one would run himself into the ground to chase a ball and a bird could land on his head and he'd probably not flinch. The other only chases dogs who chase balls, but if a bird were to be within 50' of her vision she is alert and she has her sights set on it. So go figure. They both do not shed, both their fathers were poodles, but I have never heard that that was a consideration in the shedding. They have a longer snout than the square face, which with correct grooming is hard to tell the difference.  Goldendoodles are in usually in the price range Adina mentioned and ALD's are usually about $2500.00 from what I have seen. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

It sounds like there is much confusion regarding the F1 to  F1b to F2 and all I know for absolute certainty is that the F1 is a Golden retriever bred to a poodle.  Breeders can clarify or you can google it I'm sure.