The Argument FOR Doodles, I'd Love Some Insight.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I have come across a whole lot of negativity because I chose a doodle. I am sure I'm not the only one here who has encountered this attitude. I have done a lot of research on dog breeds since I was very young, and it's hard to hear people make judgments on my breed of choice, due to the bad rap "designer dogs" get. Don't get me wrong, I don't support breeding every possible dog to a poodle. Quite the opposite, I feel that breeds should only be created if it's a beneficial mix. There should be numerous logical reasons for the mix, and it should only be done with a lot of preparation and knowledge. I think back yard breeders or any thoughtless breeders are bad, for ANY breed of dog. 

On the flip side, Darwin's appearance draws a lot of people, and I have heard so many "Where can I get a dog like him?" questions.  I have had many people ask me where they can buy a "cheap" Goldendoodle, because they see Darwin and love his furry appearance. They don't realize the time I take for training, grooming, and health issues with Darwin. I always try and educate them, but it's so much information to communicate. I really want to write a blog post for my personal blog, explaining my choice and presenting the truth about "doodles and designer breeds." I have searched for past topics on this (I saw an amazing discussion on this but can't find it) and I was hoping to call for everyone's collective thoughts. 

Anyways, this is long winded. As you can see from this paragraph, I am not the most organized at presenting my opinions. I made an informed decision and am educated on the pros and cons. It's just hard for me to organize all of my thoughts and present it well. I'm hoping for other's thoughts and insights, to help me write this post. I'd love links, thoughts, and a discussion on the argument about how awful  "designer breeds/breeders/owners" are. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I have only encountered one person make a remark to me personally, and it was strange because at the same time she was telling me how stupid it was she told me her Daughter had one! I just shrugged my shoulders and walked on. I don't think it is even worth discussing with someone who has such a negative opinion because they obviously haven't done any research and aren't going to agree with you anyway. I have however encountered some AKC owner snobbery! This is usually at dog events.

Now I will take any opportunity to discuss what all is involved in having and training one. All the time I get they are so well behaved, I want one! Those are the people I talk to. My usual response is "they don't come that way".

[Laura, Ruby & Sam]

It seems like everyone in Sydney has some kind of doodle, more specifically Labradoodles, Groodles (that's Aussie for Goldendoodles), and Cavoodles are extremely popular in our area. All that being said, I still get stopped everywhere we go, everyone wants to know which kind of doodle Ruby is and where she came from. People are always saying what a teddy bear she looks like and how sweet she is.

BUT, there are still plenty of people who seem to think buying any kind of cross breed is just stupid-- and more so than anyone else are the dog trainers in the area, which is very strange considering the fact that they then compliment me on how easily trainable Ruby is and what a wonderful temperament she has.

So I say, stand up proud for your doodle-- they naysayers are just ignorant, or maybe they're jealous, or maybe they secretly wish they had one!?!

[Lesley, Wellington & Bingley]

I really don't understand the 'Designer Dog' phrase - every single type of dog, breed or cross-breed has been designed by someone. Of course there are many 'accidents'out there too - but the majority were designed.

Not many dogs look like wolves.

What would I say to someone about doodles??? They are lovely, fun, bouncy, energetic, companions who (like any dog) need time, training and commitment from their owners. I would now never have a pure bred dog and would always choose a healthy mix!

[Dianne Carter ~ Trinity Doodles]

When presented with an *opportunity* (AKA feeling as though I wish to present my take on it) I try and focus on my perspective of doodles being a 'deliberate dog'. This is hardly a whim merging of two breeds and there are years behind this combination with evidence to support its roots. Even the term designer is not accurate, do you know of any designers that would not take offense to the suggestion that their work is random and not based upon foundational principles? I think the word people mean might be trendy dog, though again they have proven to not be a fast passing phase. I would love to know who first coined this phrase, maybe AKC connections?

This is about as basic an explanation as you can get:

de·lib·er·ate (d-lbr-t)
adj.
1. Done with or marked by full consciousness of the nature and effects; intentional: mistook the oversight for a deliberate insult.
2. Arising from or marked by careful consideration: a deliberate decision. See Synonyms at voluntary.
3. Unhurried in action, movement, or manner, as if trying to avoid error: moved at a deliberate pace. See Synonyms at slow.
v. (--rt) de·lib·er·at·ed, de·lib·er·at·ing, de·lib·er·ates
v.intr.
1. To think carefully and often slowly, as about a choice to be made.
2. To consult with another or others in a process of reaching a decision.
v.tr.
To consider (a matter) carefully and often slowly, as by weighing alternatives.

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[Latin dlbertus, past participle of dlberre, to consider, weigh : d-, de- + lbrre, to balance (from lbra, a balance, scales).]

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Way to go Dianne!!! My next answer will include that my doodle (at least Ned) was a deliberate dog!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am lucky - most people are in love with Peri and end up wanting to inquire about where I got her, etc....I do have to do give my quick spiel on "they aren't hypoallerginic", "they might shed", "they need training and grooming", etc...

One person called her a mutt and laughed rudely. I just looked straight at her and said "well I sure love my MUTT" and walked away.

To me the positives of doodles are that they are the combination of two of the most intelligent breeds, they are loyal, generally good with kids, trainable (if you work with them), goofy, etc...basically there was a PLAN to breed a retriever and a poodle. This is a deliberate breed and I could not agree more with Diane's explanation.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oh yes, and DH and I deliberately researched this breed for at least a year or so before getting on my breeder's waitlist.
My mom-in-law has a 7 yr old doodle. She sheds like a maniac, so I knew the possibilities. Peri doesn't shed but she wags that butt and tail just like her "aunt" Tarabelle!

[Lorraine Bromley]

We have had lots of attention when we're out with Neely. WE have also recieved negative comments on him as well. I tell them he is a golden doodle, usually they say oh they don't shed and are good for allergies. I say not necessarily. Neely shed very little but does need knots combed out about once a week. They always say it must be hard to keep his coat like that, he isn't trimmed. I say that if we had of gotten a doodle with more doodle than retriever it would be more likely not to shed and have allergy issues. I am always sure to tell people it really depends on how it was bred and by who. That we researched the breeder for 2 years before we actually bought him. IF they bought a doodle out of the blue they cannot be promised all that glorified stuff.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

I never had anyone comment about a designer dog to me. Most just love the looks and either think Tucker is a poodle ( especially with the summer cut) OR ask what kind of dog. The people that know about GD usually are so excited to see one and ask questions about them. If anyone comments about the designer dog thing- I'd just blow them off- likely they are just envious.

[jdlv25q841on]

I never try to defend my choice and nor should you. Doodle owners are just lucky and, frankly, I would simply "mentally" respond to detractors as folks with "Doodle Envy!" Do you feel the same way in a grocery or restaurant, when you purchase a specific brand of food or order something from a menu ? I'll never understand people who feel it necessary to denigrate my choice(s), so I simply ignore them...or better still, feel sorry for them. We're so lucky to have found this breed...they're the best.

[Geoff]

I have to deal with both Doodlenvy and the Doddledoubters. Sometimes I can be asked what Bandit is 100's of times a day. To save time I always say he is a mutt, one half retriever and half Poodle. If I call him a Goldendoodle first I have to repete. I also have many Doodle owners ask me how I got Bandit so calm.
Once people find out I have to brush out one quarter of him every other day they shy away.
I have the best retort for the Doodledoubters, I mention he is a rescue. I also get some grief becasuse he is not shaved.
I got Bandit at the spur of the moment...he sat down between my feet and looked up at me and I knew he was coming home with me. My 12yr old Golden has never forgiven me.
Without much bias I can honestly say they are a great dog...a littly yappy and I hate the near perpetual wet muzzle.Their nose is not as good as a retriever or a setter but I wish I could have hunted birds with him back when I was younger. They are also surprisingly fast, in short spints he will give a deer a good run for his money. But his #1 trait, he is a chick magnet!!!
One guy offered me a $6000 Nikon DSLR for Bandit he was so impressed.
Sorry if I am not much help. Ignore the people jabbing you about designer dogs.
Mutts Rule!
Geoff

[Gabriele Kennedy]

I get so frustrated with the Doodle haters.. EVERY DOG Breed is a designed by humans. Unless you have a wolf someone decided what they wanted and breed (responsibility or not) dogs to get those traits

Just because some started 50 yrs ago.. the Breed are always changing... usually to the bad for strange things the "standards" want.

There are only 2 ways to produce any dog 1) a deliberate decision that a human made to breed or
2) a irresponsible human who lets his dog run the neighborhood unfixed breeding at random

That being said. A responsible person thinks about the traits and activities and home situation and gets the breed/ traits that works for your lifestyle...

I spent month and months - training my dog as a puppy. Thousands at Doggie care getting him socialized and groomed.
Now that he is 3 yrs I still put in hours EVERY day exercising him and practicing.. That is why he is the best dog I have even had. I put in the work. He is calm, well behaved and happy.

I warn everyone that meets him.. You don't get a dog like this my leaving him in the back yard all day.

Okay - off my soapbox.. for the most part people are good and kind...