Introducing Murphy…….Poodle or Doodle?-UPDATE: The results are in!

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As some of you know, we’ve been looking for another doodle for about 6 months now.   A shelter about an hour and a half from us posted the above dog on their website recently.  When I called to inquire about him, they told me he was a stray, he was about a year old, he seemed to like other dogs and they hadn’t had him around kids yet but that he seemed to like everyone and everything.   They said that he had an injury to his left eye and abrasions on his chest that their vet thought had probably been caused by him being hit by a car.  They told me that the injury to his eye had resulted in total loss of vision in that eye and that the vet said that the eye would have to be removed in the future if it caused further complications.  

We went to look at him the next day and fell in love with him even though it was obvious that whoever he lived with before never taught him any manners or did any obedience training with him.  (Knew zero commands and constantly jumped on and mouthed everyone.)  Once we got him home it was also obvious that no one had ever played with him (He didn’t know how to play with dog toys and the squeakers in the toys scared him.) and he had never been on a leash (He hops down the street on his back legs!  It’s quite embarrassing.).    

Even in the short time we've had him, he has adjusted quite well.  He loves playing with Cooper and they have become best buddies.  (See picture below).  Murphy quickly realized that dog toys are tons of fun as is chewing on bones, antlers, ropes, etc.  He seems very smart and is learning lots of basic commands and has stopped mouthing.   We are still working on the constant jumping on people and walking on a leash and we are trying to teach him an alternative to jumping on us and biting our clothing as his way of communicating he needs to go outside.  (I can't get him to learn "speak" to save my life.  He's also scared of Poochie Bells and a regular desk bell.)  Unfortunately his eye appears to be becoming more painful and keeps getting infected so the vet is recommending we have it removed.  The thought of having to put him through the surgery breaks my heart but I know it will be better for him.

So back to my original question………Poodle or Doodle?  I’ve gotten both opinions from all kinds of people (groomers, vets, vet techs, pet store employees and shelter staff).  Obviously it doesn’t matter to us, but it’s fun to guess. 

UPDATE: Took the advice and did a DNA test which indicates he is a pure bred miniature poodle.

[Kyoko]

Awweee . Which ever he is, he is so cute and seems to be so comfy with Cooper. Thank you os much for recuing him....

[BG and Gavin]

What a doll!  Hopefully you get through the eye problem with the least amount of disruption.  If they remove the eye, do they sew it shut?  Wonderful of you to adopt this sweet boy.  Cooper looks quite happy to show him the ropes.  I think doodle but no matter!

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

Yes, if they remove the eye then they sew the eyelids shut.  I figure that once his hair grows back after the surgery, he'll be even cuter because he'll look like he's winking at everyone!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

The interesting thing with the black dogs is half the time you can't see their eyes anyway.  We are constantly joking about Lucy.  She will lay there and you can tell she is looking at you and reacting to what is going on but only because you can see the hair above her eyes moving!   He is an absolutely adorable little fellow.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

All I know is that he is precious -- doodle or poodle!! Thanks for rescuing and giving him a great forever home!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I say a multigen doodle.  He is adorable - obviously doesn't matter either way! 

Poor thing; I hope his surger goes well.  Kudos to you for adopting this sweet boy!

[Leslie and Halas]

He is adorable, as is his new big brother!  He does have a pretty doodley nose.  If you're really curious, you could do one of those DNA tests.  We did that on my mom's new dog, and it wasn't terribly expensive.  I hope his surgery goes smoothly.  From what others have said, it sounds like he'll probably adapt to one eye just fine.

[Jess and Pippin]

What a gorgeous boy!  We rescued a 7 year old maltese who had never walked on a leash or been socialized with other dogs.  She has a few odd behaviours that lots of consistent positive training (she is super submissive and skittish) has worked wonders with.  She is an absolute sweetheart and has come such a long way in the past year she's been with us.  I'm sure with consistent training and affection, your new boy will settle in just fine.  Hope all goes well with surgery.

[Christine & Shelby]

I think he looks doodle.....  Love the pic of the two together.... so cute!!!!

[Martha & Cooper]

How cute! Congrats!   I think he looks like a Doodle!

[Page & Tanner]

I'm thinking he's a doodle; he looks very similar to what Tanner looked like as a baby. Whatever he is, he sure is cute! Hope all goes well with the surgery when it gets done!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I am not sure which he is, but he is totally adorable.  I know it will be tough to put him through surgery, but think how much more comfortable and happy he will be after he recovers.

 

How big is Murphy?  He looks so small next to Cooper.  I wish I could get my two to cuddle like that with each other...too cute!