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?

[Wendy and Eddie]

I've always wanted two dogs, so I decided to get a puppy when my older dog seemed to be aging quickly. I wanted a new dog in the house before I lost the older one. It was great having an older, pretty-well trained dog to help with the young one. A year later, the older dog got cancer and only had a month or two left and I was totally hooked by the two dog "thing," so I got another puppy. (I knew I wanted puppies, not rescue, at this point in my life.) I'm not sure I would have chosen to get puppies two years in a row, however, once they got past the housebreaking, chewing stage, I got new floors, new furniture and won't have to be worried about those issues for many years. Plus they have the same energy level, more or less, and I can feed them the same age-appropriate food. I bought from the same breeder both times b/c the more I learned, the more I was impressed with her and her dogs.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Karen, perhaps you should send me a message with some of your research. ( I like the idea of having a personal researcher... ha ha). I have done some serious researching on Standard Poodles, and the more I learn the more I love them.

As far as ugly being in the eye of the beholder, I know what you all mean! To me, the cutest dog I have ever had the pleasure of meeting:

I know I look awkward but I was slightly overwhelmed by the sheer size of him. So adorable!

And the most revolting breed I can think of. (no offense meant to anyone who likes them)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Let me know when you're ready. .

[Adina P]

Great now I can't get the sound of it's breathing out of my head! LOL

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Guinness will be a year old in a couple of weeks. We just started thinking about getting a second dog. We're through all the tough puppy times now....he's really very laid back and easy. Most of his "difficult" training is done. We're in the last stage of his Therapy Dog training, so now it's all about fun. I know he would really love to have a companion - other than me. He needs another dog to play with to be really totally happy. This time I just know I want to get a rescue. Guinness's breeder is wonderful, and she does produce amazing dogs, so I think everyone is surprised that we're not going back to her for another puppy. I can't stop thinking about all the dogs out there who have absolutely horrible lives. I understand there could be problems with a rescue, but I have enough confidence now that I can deal with that (thank you Guinness and DK for that). This is a totally personal thing. When we got Guinness I was very concerned with his background and how he looked. As I think of it now, I'm a little embarrassed that I was probably pretty superficial. I love showing him off because he's really cute and attracts lots of attention. So, all that's great, but now my head is in a different place. I really want to know that I'm responsible for helping to give my next dog a life that is healthy, happy and totally filled with love. I really don't care what he/she looks like or how smart he/she is. I would love a Poodle mix because of our family allergies, but it would not have to be a Doodle. Obviously, I need a dog with a good temperament because of our grandchildren, so that would be the one critical criteria. I've come to realize there are no guarantees in life. A rescue is certainly a risk, but for me I think the rewards will be immeasurable. Again, this is only where my head is. I am fully supportive of getting puppies through good breeders. We have always done that with all our dogs, but this time it all feels different to me. I'm thinking maybe you just need to look around. Meet dogs of different breeds. Meet some rescues. Then just listen to your heart. You'll know when it's the right dog for your family.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Amen and perfect again.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Ditto Karen's amen!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jane, look into Havanese if you like Maltese & Cotons; you will absolutely fall in love! I had a client with two of them, and they're wonderful! Adorable & non-shedding, too. And they come in every color under the sun.
There's a national Havanese rescue organization called H.A.L.O.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lots of health issues with the Cavaliers, though. Very fragile dogs.

[Camilla and Darwin]

The Bichon Frise Is a good breed. They are really nice dogs, and they don't shed. I have met a lot in my day and they are pretty darn cute, and very sweet.

I agree with the comment on Cavaliers, heart problems are super common in them.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I agree with this. They are so adorable and I've also researched them some and the health issues I've come across are incredibly sad!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I was desperately in love with a Havapoo that was available when DH and I were debating the big dog/ little dog issue! Guess who won! I'm so happy he won but I still think about that little girl every single day! She was so adorable. There is also a B. Griffon/Poodle mix right now on Petfinders that I'm in love with. HOWEVER, 2 is it for me.