Your Method For Choosing a Dog?

[Camilla and Darwin]

First off, I apologize, this question is a little abstract. But I would like to know your experiences. We have always known we would have two dogs, and we wanted to wait until Darwin turned at least a year old. He is currently nine months so we are starting to research and look around for a possible addition.

My question: how did you come to the decision to buy a doodle? Research is a must of course, and I have done TONS of research. But I still have a hard time deciding. Another Goldendoodle? A Labradoodle? Golden Retriever? Standard Poodle? Lab? Another completely unrelated breed? The options are endless, and a little overwhelming. In addition to all of these options, there is the question of a puppy or adult, rescue or from a breeder, etc.

I know the all the differences shedding vs heavier grooming, more intelligent vs more eager to please, dominant vs submissive, wool vs fleece, but how do you decide what is priority?

Also, is one year old enough to add a second dog to the mix? Darwin is neutered and submissive and gets along with every dog he meets, so I'm not extremely worried about him not accepting an addition. Not to mention we will also spay/neuter the addition.

Although I did a lot of research on which breed we wanted initially, I was less than informed when it came to actually purchasing, and it was really a BYB situation we got Darwin from. This time around, I know SO much more. I love Darwin and am glad we chose a Goldendoodle, but I'm also open to other breeds.

Anyways, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed so I'm sending this question out. What process did you follow to decide on what breed, how old, and when?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Jack russells can certainly hang with the big dogs. My best friend's little Sadie puts their blue heeler in his place on a daily basis - they have a great time together though.
Sorry about your husbands job...on a side note.

[Camilla and Darwin]

If I could find a housebroken, friendly rescue that would be the absolute ideal for me. I don't mind if they need obedience work on things like walking on a leash, sit, etc. But separation anxiety, being aggressive or overly scared around other dogs and people, and expensive health issues would be where I would have to pass. As cute as puppies are, I would LOVE to skip that stage, and give a homeless dog a loving family.

That being said, I also like the idea of starting clean, being there for their all of their "firsts" and having more control over what kind of dog they become.

I know what you mean when you say looks can initially affect your decision, Adina. I was really concerned for a long time about my dog not looking "poodley". And I would still rather have a less curly, stockier build in a doodle. But I don't think I care nearly as much as I used to. We are heavily considering getting a purebred Standard Poodle because of how great they are. I have come to realize temperament is so much more important. I don't really care about color either.

basically, We want a dog that is over 50 pounds, around the same energy level and personality as Darwin, and yes, I would prefer a dog that doesn't shed as much. I think that having a non-shedding dog has made me spoiled. I say I can tolerate shedding, because I have never experienced it so I don't know how bad it really is. :-)

I know that Darwin would love having brother or sister, and we would love to have two dogs. But It's so hard to get past the doubt and worry that comes with it. What if we pick the wrong personality, what if the second dog is much harder to care for than Darwin was, What if they have behavioral problems what if... what if...

I love hearing all the advice and success stories of those who've added a second dog to your families. It's encouraging to know I'm not the only one who has had worry and indecision regarding this!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If I were going to get a puppy now, it would be a Standard poodle. And if you do decide to go that route, I have already researched breeders for you, lol.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Why would you choose a standard poodle?

[Adina P]

For Pootrievers of course!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Silly me! But make sure they are registered!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Because I can absolutely know what I'm getting beyond a shadow of a doubt in terms of genetic diseases and overall health, and with the kind of breeders I am talking about, there are also no surprises with coat, shedding, size, or temperament. No "coat change", housebroken in a day and a half, and brilliant doesn't hurt, either.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wow!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Yeah, sign me up. :-)

[Adina P]

I'm COUNTING ON YOU several yrs from now when I must find a st. Poodle breeder! I will want a DEEP red or chocolate...get to work!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Gene pool on deep reds not so good, but in a few years probably better. Years ago the brown bloodlines were considered to be the least intelligent and least desirable in bone mass; now my poodle's relatives are producing browns. So there is amazing expansion of the bloodlines since the VIP project has been in existence.
I will find you the dog of your dreams when you're ready!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Besides, this time, if you go into it thinking you want a red or chocolate, you'll probably end up with black or cream! LOL