Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle?

[Kate]

What are the differences between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles? Preference? Size? Shedding? Coat colors?

 

So far I have only been searching for Goldendoodle puppies, but perhaps I should be looking at both?

 

Any info that Doodle parents can share would be great!

[Kate]

I totally agree with you, Nancie! I just can't imagine picking up a puppy at the airport. I  need to also visit the breeder as well. I just want to find the best one ahead of time, b/c I am such a dog softie that once I see those puppies...I'm a goner! Sounds like you found a great breeder and that is fantastic! So many breeders don't do testing. :-( But I will stay diligent until I find a great one that does! A breeder I spoke with yesterday said she has done testing on her Goldens, but not her Poodles b/c the Poodles aren't candidates for hip dysplasia. That is not true, is it? She also said as long as the lineage from the parents of the breeding dogs are good, then the actual breeding dogs don't need to be tested. This is also not true, is it?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

NOT TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They must be tested - poodles and retrievers!

[Kate]

That's what I thought. :-(

[Carol Brand]

Poodles do indeed suffer from Hip Dysplasia.    I would run away from that breeder.

[Kate]

Yes, those were my thoughts exactly. :-(

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

I believe that the most important thing is to find the right breeder. The other option  to shipping, if the right  breeder is in a more distant location, is to fly out and fly back with the puppy in the cabin. Unless the puppy is HUGE this should work for most standards up to about 9 weeks. Zac was a bit tall when i brought him home at 8 weeks, and he raised an eyebrow at the SW ticket counter but he was able to very easily move around in his carrier and they agreed that this would be the last time he could fly in the cabin (no kidding)! It was totally uneventful, I was able to talk to him during the bumps or slip my hand into the carrier and held him during the layover.

[Kate]

Wow, thank you Cindy, that is a great idea! The best breeder I found so far is in OH and is about an 8 hour drive from me. With gas prices...the airline tickets are probably about the same amount of money! I want a larger doodle (standard), so do you really think at 8 weeks I could fly it back with me inside the cabin? Where did you put the carrier? I never really thought about this as an option. Thank you so much for your input!

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

My pleasure. I think that this will work for most 8 week standards. This was my breeders recommended way to send her puppies home since she will not ship them as cargo. I flew on SW and most of the airlines allow small  dogs (or very young puppies) in the cabin. If you go to  the airlines web site you can usually find their policy quite easily. The pup flies as your carry on and they need to go in an airline approved carrier that will fit under the seat. They have to stay there the entire flight. You need to indicate that you are flying with a pet when you book your flight. Different airlines have differing policies. SW charged $75 for Zach.

[Kate]

Well that is definitely an option then! Thanks again for sharing!!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Kate...I think the airlines also require a health certificate of some sort.  You can call them and inquire as to what they need.  Here is a very good tip...as much as we all hate the "middle seat" on the airplane, that is the one with the most leg room and also the largest under the seat storage.  You actually store your stuff under the seat in front of you and not under your actual seat.  Years ago it was different.  So since the flight is only an hour or so, take the middle seat for sure!  That way you can pull the crate out and stick your hand in through the top if there is a top door as well as a front door.  Or even pull it up onto your lap once you are in the air.  I doubt anyone is going to say anything other than ohhhh, can I see??  ha ha

[Kate]

Ha! Good point...I bet you're right. I would love to find a local breeder if I can, so I can go easily by car and bring puppy back home by car, if possible. But it's good to know that if the best breeder I can find is several states away, at least I can still have that option. Thanks so much for helping with ideas. :-)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kate, my dog's sire is in Indiana, not far from parts of WI. Not sure where you live. I think you will find breeders in WI though. Lots of WI dogs on DK. That's where we grew up so I always notice. Good luck.