Are you ready for a doodle?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I've been thinking about why doodles are so popular and yet so many are abandoned by their owners. I made a list of reasons why people may get a doodle and then later decide they just aren't doodle people. This is something that I posted on the DRC website, but also wanted to share here in case anyone on here is researching into getting a doodle. The things listed below may appear negative, but I think they are really important to consider. Few breeders actually post anything negative about doodles on their sites, but these "negatives" are also reasons why I love doodles.

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Doodles have received so much positive press lately and many people believe they are the perfect dogs. While they make wonderful companions, they are not for everyone.
These are some important considerations before you add a doodle to your family.

1. If you want a golden retriever or a lab that does not shed, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Most doodles shed to some degree and those that do not, do not look like either of these parent dogs.

2. If you are just not a poodle person, DON'T GET A DOODLE. All doodles have poodle in them and if the word Poodle makes you cringe, then do not get a doodle.

3. If you are allergic to dogs, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles go through coat changes and even if you are not allergic to your doodle's puppy coat, you may be allergic to his adult coat. Doodles have been deemed hypoallergenic by the media, but for most, this is not the case.

4. If you want a clean dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Many doodles love water, mud, and rolling in smelly things. Their coats can be like velcro and will collect twigs, dirt, burrs, leaves, etc.

5. If you want a low-energy dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Most doodles require at least 30 - 60 minutes of real exercise. Simply letting your doodle out in the backyard is not exercise. There are plenty of low-energy dog breeds that would be a better fit if you want a couch potato.

6. If you can't devote time and money into training, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles are intelligent and want to please you, but they are not born with manners.

7. If you want an independent dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles thrive on human companionship and most are velcro dogs. They need your attention and will demand it.

8. If you want the perfect dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. There is no such thing as a perfect dog, and just like other breeds, doodles can have a wide variety of temperaments and health issues.


If you are still interested in a doodle, that's great! But keep in mind that some of the pre-conceived notions touted by the media that have made doodles so popular are also reasons why so many of these dogs are abandoned by their owners. A doodle can be a wonderful dog and will provide you with unconditional love but you must consider if this is the right type of dog for you. Please do not break your doodle's heart.

[Carol and Banjo]

So true....but they are worth every second and every penny spent! I think there will always be people who jump into pet "ownership" (for lack of a better word) and worse yet, parenting with little thought to what's really involved. This picture is so sad!!! Breaks my heart : (

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I was thinking it might be fun to present the "other side" of Doodle ownership too. SO IF YOU LOVE DOGS, AND YOU ARE COMMITTED TO TRAINING AND GROOMING, here are some reasons why a Doodle is for you....

They are so smart. There's an upside and a downside to that. They need mental stimulation or they'll create their own which usually translates to naughty behavior. They learn quickly and respond very well to consistent, positive training approaches. Once trained, I find them to be reliable and a joy to take anywhere.

They love "their people". They will follow you everywhere. They hate having you out of their sight. They are loyal and will protect you with everything they have. It doesn't matter how big they get, or how independent they are, they will always have time for Doodle hugs and kisses.

They are playful and fun loving. Most will play ball or "tug" tirelessly. So if you love watching your dog run and play with joy in their hearts, a Doodle is for you.

When they're bathed and groomed their are gorgeous! Some of us think they're incredibly beautiful even when they're filthy dirty.

They are friendly and love meeting people. This is why so many Doodles make wonderful Therapy dogs. Once you "tone down" their exuberance during the actual "meet and greet", you can be comfortable that they will make new friends wherever they go.

Let's keep adding to the list. I think it's great to present a balance to anyone thinking of getting a Doodle. Most of us have fallen in love with our dogs and wouldn't trade them for anything. So although it is important to be sure prospective owners know all the "downsides", I think it's also key to point out all the wonderful things about these totally amazing dogs. I've had dogs my whole life, and I wouldn't trade my Doods for anything!

[Wendy and Eddie]

I've learned I have to keep adding new things to their training. With my previous dog, it was enough to keep her in practice with the basics. These guys need to learn new skills and "tricks" all the time or they get bored.

[April Cliber]

LOVE THIS!!! I'll add to it in a bit! I'm late, late, late! :o)

[Stella]

Great post!!

I love my two labradoodles, but spend most of my time actively discouraging others from getting them!! Most people don't consider the effect of crossing a lab (with its desire to work) with the highly intelligent poodle = very smart, very high energy dog who may destroy your home if he is not mentally and physically stimuated enough! We have an F1 that sheds, suprisingly I am not allergic to him, and we have a non-shedding multi-gen that I am allergic to. I love the multi-gen but would not get a non-shedder again by choice, to keep him with a longer coat and mat free it takes me three hours twice a week to brush and comb him - not many people realise how much work it takes to keep them mat free. We just had him clipped for the summer so I can have a break from grooming!!

I love doodles, and want every one to go to a good home and be loved. People seriously need to consider the type of dog and their lifestyle and if the two be a good fit. If you are not a high energy outdoorsy person.... don't get a doodle!!

[cheryl & oliver]

Jane what a great posting, and you are so right with everything you have said...The picture at the bottom just breaks my heart, and I know that there are so many out there that won't know the love that we give to our doodles...Would I get another doodle? Yes I would, in a New York minute...Yes they are a lot of work, and yes they need to be trained, but so do other kinds of dogs, and for me, there is nothing that compares to a doodle, at least that is my opinion, and I am sure that there are other dog lovers of other breeds that feel the sme way, but in all truth, I have never met another breed like these doodles, they are truly special animals. At least all the ones that I have met are the most loving intelligent, and sweet animals. Yes they have their moments, don't we all, but would I get another one, absolutely...AND as far as grooming, well I can't do it myself, lol, so when he needs to get groomed, I will give up something else if I have to to pay the groomer...Better he should look great then me buying another pair of Jeans, or a new pocketbook, lol...

[Lisa and Summer]

Besides the constant grooming another thing I did not know about doodles was the ear infections. I am constantly sniffing our doodles ear to see if there is more yeast lurking in there. Other than grooming, ear infections is the next largest expense for us.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And these are poodle things, the grooming, matting, ear infections, etc. Yet so many people who get doodles say they dislike poodles, as Jane pointed out.
And here I sit, fully versed & experienced in all things poodle, and I have a retrieverish doodle who doesn't mat, doesn't get ear infections, and doesn't need haircuts. Oh, the irony of it all!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I like poodles - I had two growing up! One, Pierre, was black; and the white one was Crystal. They NEVER got into things, got dirty, and needed little grooming. Oh did I mention that they were stuffed? I remember these two very fondly and will defend them all the way!

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

Jane, thank you for putting this together and posting it. I hope that it will make many people re-consider if a doodle is the right dog for them.

[Gabriele Kennedy]

Don't get an active intelligent dog of any kind if you want to go out after work and socialize. unless you are prepared to spend a lot on a good doggie daycare .. .A border collie, shepard, etc.. would not be happy either..

Maybe a cat? or a fish

People all think " I want a smart dog' but a dumb breeder is much easier and less work... or perhaps a much older dog. Dogs are not toys you can play with only when you feel like it..when you are tired, busy, it is cold or hot out...
the dog still needs you to care for it.

[Amy Mills]

This photo absolutely breaks my heart. We volunteer at the Sedona Animal Shelter and last week there were 4 purebred dogs up for adoption, including a St. Bernard. You are right, no dog is perfect no matter what you "paid" for them. If you want a dog that lives for your every word, sleeps stretched out next to you, using up 80% of a king sized bed, drips water on your best shoes, eats your brand new tapestry chair from Pier One, and can be your bestest friend ever.....get a Doodle. But understand that they need constant attention, grooming, training, play..........and a larger bed than king size.