Last Pup of the Litter?

[Karen Glassman]

It's been 10 long years since we said good bye to our "pound puppy" Tater Tot. I didn't think I would ever get another dog. It was just too painful letting her go. She was a border terrier mix (just picture Benji) with quite the personality and had been a member of our family for 14 years.

After much back and forth about the pros and cons of having another dog, we've finally put down a deposit on a medium size Labradoodle! My husband has allergies and was very concerned about how he might react to a new dog. So... we went to the breeders for a visit and played with one of the pups from another litter. Not even a runny nose!

The pups were born on December 5th, but due to our "discussions", we were the last to put down our deposit. That means we get the last of the 8 puppies. There are 6 chocolate girls, 1 chocolate boy and 1 apricot boy. We requested a female and it seems the odds are in our favor.

Of course I'd rather be able to pick from the litter, but these pups look gorgeous and so do both parents.

Did anyone else out there get the last pup of the litter?

Feeling excited, but a little nervous...

[Becka]

Sadie was the last pup of the litter and as far as I'm concerned she was the very best!

[Karen Glassman]

Thanks Lori, Quincy is a beauiful chocolate color. How old is he?

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

We did as it was a last minute (that we had been thinking about for a year) decision.  I always wonder why he was not chosen earlier as he is such a good tempered and mellow guy!  Lots of luck and good times with your new puppy! 

[Karen Glassman]

Jennifer, your Jack looks like so much fun! I love hearing about "Last Pick" pups and how great they are! Thanks so much for sharing :)
Cheryl, Mom has a curly fleece coat and Dad has a fleece coat. Guess we'll have to wait and see about the pups. They look wavy, but are only a few weeks old.
By the way, I like your idea of pulling up the carpets. Now to convince my hubby :O
I'm so glad to hear that Finn is perfect for you!
Thanks for the suggestions.

[Jennifer and Jack]

My guy was last pick of,litter. I am so grateful. He was meant for me!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

The multi generational Australian labradoodle with a curlier poodle coat is a good starting point for an allergy sufferer, and some purebreds even better, but still no guarantees.  A person may be allergic to dander, saliva, dog urine, or outdoor allergens that attach themselves to a dog's coat.  It would be a good idea for your husband  to spend  time with the adult dogs and also for you to decide, if necessary, would you be willing to remove carpets, etc. where allergens can build up.  I have allergies to dust and some outdoor pollens so I keep my non-shedding ALD clipped and bathed every 4-6 weeks.  

I wouldn't worry about the "last pick." I don't know what in what order Finn was picked, but his buyers decided they didn't want him so he became the only pup without a home.  I had a pretty good idea of what kind of temperament I wanted and surprise...Finn was perfect :)  Well, close enough.  If Finn had been too shy, too boisterous, or uninterested in people, I would have continued my search.  He still might have been the perfect dog for a big active family, or a quiet empty nester. All pups are cute, so have an idea what works for you. Most good breeders have a waiting list and will let you move your deposit to another litter if you feel a certain pup is not a good fit. The allergy issue is still the big thing.  Good luck.

[Karen Glassman]

We chose a Labradoodle after researching hypo-allergenic dogs. These pups are from multi-generation Australian Labradoodle parents. From what I've read the multi-gens are much more consistent in this regard. We did speak with the breeders at length about the allergy issue and they said they've never had any allergy related problems with any of their pups. We also listed it as our #1 issue on our application. I guess another visit when the new puppies are a little older would be a wise idea. I would hate to pick up the puppy, get emotionally attached and then have to return it :(

That would be the worst.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

As Nicky says there are no guarantees that your husband won't have an allergic reaction to the dog.  As I understand it the only way to be sure is to get a pure breed dog that you know your husband is not allergic to.  A poodle may be a good choice.  Unfortunately we see many Doodles being rehomed due to allergies.  If you are going to get ANY mixed breed (or dog) you must make the commitment to keep the dog regardless of your husbands allergies.  Yes - tough choice.

As to getting the last choice - someone has to get the last dog of the litter.  Our Boomer was the last of his litter - he is one of the best Doodles.  But everyone of the dogs bred from his parents are great dogs.  We also have a Mariner from a different litter - he also was the last one and has medical issue due to a brain injury, but he is also a wonderful dog.

A more important thing is to find out about prior litters from this breeding pair.  Talk to owners.

Good luck.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am more concerned about your husbands allergies. Just because he didn't react to one puppy in a different litter means very little in terms of research as to whether the particular puppy you bring home will not cause allergic reactions. Many many LD's end up having to be rehomed for this very reason. I think you need to be more certain on this aspect and I'm afraid I would not be taking a breeders word on this particular subject that all will be well. On the choice of puppy. Each litter has within it differing personalities ( these puppies are usually all adorable in looks) and it is this aspect I would be putting very high on my list of needs. Good luck with your choice of new puppy.

[Karen Glassman]

Thanks Diane, you're right of course and I'm sure we will love whatever pup we end up with. I guess it's the anticipation that's got me so anxious, along with the fact that we haven't had a dog in so long.