analysis paralysis....feedback and suggestions please!

[Lanell in Colorado]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm so glad to find this blog.  I want a doodle but I'm cautious.  I've read a lot and done some research and I can find a contradition for almost EVERYTHING I read.   I've come to the conclusion that there is only a minor difference between a golden-doodle and a labra-doodleI and it really isn't significant.  We don't want a large dog, so I'm looking at miniatures -- something less than 20".  I like the poodle-like coat because I don't like shedding, but we have no allergy problems.  I also am stuck trying to decide on color -- they are all so cute.  We live in Colorado where the sun in very intense and thought that a lighter color would probably be better for the dog.  Any and all feedback from 'real' doodle owners would be greatly appreciated.

My husband and I are in our early sixties; we both work; and we have 3 grandchildren (all boys under 6) who visit occasionally.  We want to add to our family and get a dog, but are stuck in deciding what kind of dog and also stuck in deciding whether to get one or two.  I love doodles (from what I've read about them) but the price is daunting and I'm also cautious about the amount of time (or money) involved in grooming them -- especially two.

I have talked to a number of breeders and was impressed with Stargazer's attitude and perspective.

Frankly, the cost is an issue -- especially when we are considering two dogs.  I have found a wide price range but I'm concerned about the health / genetics of the dog and it seems like the puppies availble from the more reknown breeders have better credentials.  They are more expensive too.

 

Any and all comments would be greatly appreciated.   I want to move forward in making a decision and finding my puppy, but, at the moment, I'm stuck.

 

Lanell

[Carol and Banjo]

I think Jane has covered it very well here.    We elected to have just one Doodle - in part due to expenses but primarily we wanted to be able to travel.  Travel with Banjo has been a joy.   It would be difficult to travel with two dogs....although we run into people all the time one vacation with 2 dogs...usually small dogs.    Also, Banjo is a "mini" the breeder told us he'd grow to about 25-32 lbs.....he has topped out at 49 lbs!    We both work part time....so he's not left alone often.   We've never had to leave him more than 6-7 hours.   He is without a doubt the BEST thing to happen to us in these past few years.   He brings us more joy than we could have imagined.

Please do yourselves a favor in find the very best breeder you can.   Keep in mind that if a breeder is asking top dollar it doesn't necessarily mean he/she is a great breeder.   Run from any breeder charging less than the going rate.....that's a pretty good "tell" that they aren't reputable breeders. 

Wishing you the best of luck in your quest for a Doodle.   

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

i would get 1 at a time. the dog will bond better with you than if you got 2 (they bond to each other). Also potty training and regular basic training is much easier with one. The first few weeks are tough, especially if someone cant be home frequently to do the potty training. Once the dog is older, being left home all day is not a big deal as long as it gets exercise morning and evening.

Once the first dog is trained, then maybe consider getting another.

Definitely look into the What to look for in a breeder posting, (paying more for a well bred dog, and for good food - check out the food group - saves in vet bills, pain for the dog, and heartache). An ALD (Australian labradoodle) will be more predictable in size and coat than an American labradoodle or golden doodle (google the differences if you do not know) but are often more expensive. look at the cost and compare it to your income - paying 1 months income for example for 12 years plus love from a dog really isnt all that bad!

A good breeder will also be able to match you up with a dog with the right temperment for your lifestyle, and the coat/colour you desire

[Louise Cyr]

Hi Lanell!

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, early sixties, presently retired, two grandsons who visit occasionally. We have previously had Labs before and we loved them dearly. You couldn't ask for a better friend. After barnaby passed, we said never again (famous last words). We are presently committed to an ALD, just waiting for Mom to cycle. You mentioned a Lab on your profile. Good choice if you don,t mind the shedding. It was continuous for Barn. That's why we went with the ALD. As I understand it, multigenerationals are more predictable for the non shedding coat. Can't offer much help with the GD as I have never had one. Just wanted to put in my two cents worth because you mentioned your choices, and I just wanted to offer my experience. Of course these are all personal choices. And yes, the price for a good healthy dog can be daunting, but probably not as much as medical for a dog who parents were not properly tested before breeding. Good luck with your decision!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

You've already gotten a lot of good information here, but I wanted to add a comment regarding on-going grooming and maintenance.  Many doodle owners love the shaggy dog look, so they keep their coats long.  For most, that requires daily brushing.  We opted to keep Sedona cut short.  We like her look and we love the fact that she doesn't mat much, except a bit on her neck and in her "armpits".  We live in California (Bay Area) so we don't have to worry about keeping her warm in the winter.  Sedona is a medium multi-gen labradoodle.  She's my first dog ever (I'm 59) and is a wonderful addition to our family.  She's so good and gentle with our 18-month-old granddaughter who's with us twice a week.

Good luck in your decision making!!

[Adina P]

I agree that the differences are minor considering that what most want is a shaggy/curly floppy, sweet, happy, smart dog.  They mostly all fit that, with some variations of course because they are ALL still basically a mixed breed to varying degrees.  I would only recommend getting one dog at a time.  There is a lot involved in raising and training ONE puppy to adulthood.  Puppies are often nippy and tear at clothes and jump on people (especially young kids) so having two of those to manage can be overwhelming.  And of course you can ALWAYS get a second but if you get two and find it too be too much then you're stuck.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I spent a long time researching just like you and was very lucky to have found this amazing network of Doodle lovers before I purchased.  I found my puppy in another country and spent a lot of time and money and this has proven to have been the best decision for my family as Riley is just what we wanted in a dog and we love him dearly. 

I have spent a few minutes looking at the breeders site that you mentioned above and there are several red lights on it that would mean that I personally would not consider them.

Trawling through websites is only a start and I recommend that if you do decide to make the big decision to get a Doodle either Golden or Labra then you research the 'what to look for in a breeder' group here on DK.  Jane ,Rooney and Stuart have given you a heads up with a super breeder who (if I lived anywhere near) I would seriously consider and a look around that breeders website may give you some more ideas.

Whatever you decide I wish you the very best.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Nicky, I think that the breeder's site shows a lack of technological know-how and correct spelling skills. (This is the sp. ed teacher in me talking).  When we met her, we found her to be knowledgeable but disorganized.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We can't recommend breeders specifically but I have a Stargazer pup and will friend you so I can tell you about him.  Ned is 17" tall and weighs 27 pounds.

My dh and I are in our early 60's now also.  We chose a smaller doodle for many reasons.  We already had two larger dogs and needed a smaller one to fit in the RV for traveling.  We also had seen an older larger dog through her senior years which required lifting into and out of the car, RV etc, and I knew that I wouldn't be able to do that in a few more years.  A smaller dog is physically easier to control  and that was another reason. We love the multigeneration - at least 4 generations because you kind of 'know' what the dog will look like.  And my personal philosophy on both children and dog spacing is that it is nice to take the time with one to fully socialize and train before getting another - obviously this is totally a person preference.

[NancY DIAZ]

Hi Lanell.  Just read through all these wonderful posts.  My husband and I will be 60 this year.  He still works but I am retired and have a flex schedule with volunteering and art stuff.  We have had our Australian Mini Labradoodle for almost a year.  We live in the southwest and felt the lighter colors would be best.  We researched long and hard and finally settled on a breeder out of N. California.  Yes Doodles with oodles of certificates are pretty darned pricey......but worth every penny.  Crystal is a multi-gen miniature and the smartest dog either of us have ever had as well as the most loving, intuitive and funny little girl ever.  She is about 19 inches tall and about 22lbs.  She has even made our vicious little granny yorkie love her.  My advice to you is start with one, use a very reputable breeder and allow time for training, playing and hanging out.  These are "people" dogs for the most part and a bright, young doodle will be unhappy left home alone everyday.  Crystal does not shed, has very wavy fleece and it took me some time to figure out a grooming technique.....but I did.  She now gets a bath every 3rd week with lots of pre-bath grooming...once wet, you don't comb or brush the hair....you do all that first.  In between baths I use a mat buster tool when necessary and a pin brush.  I've even learned how to trim her face, feet and tail area. I would be happy to give you our breeders website if you contact me for that info.  Just send a message with your email via this website.  Crystal travels with us in our RV and i have become so attached that it is hard for me to think about leaving her behind.  She goes with me to art classes, the office where I volunteer and anywhere else I can take her.  She is calm, happy and always eager to please.  I realize not all doodles are exactly the same, but our breeder works hard to produce not only very healthy pups, but the gentle personality, intelligence and fleecy to wool coats that do not shed.  She is such a joy in our lives.  Let us all know what you finally decide.  N.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Easy, get one of each! Just kidding. You can't go wrong with a doodle. Just find a good breeder you want to work with and go with that. There are guidelines on this site for how to find a good breeder, track those down as it will be very helpful.

[Pete]

My humble opinion on your crisis is based on the EXACT same issue we went thru 6 yrs ago.

Our final decision was based on many opinions we examined. My wife and I were impressed with the reputation and detail of the system and procedures these folks have established to produce the best of this breed.  We decided on a well known breeder in Florida. we went to a "Doodle Romp" to see these dog in person it was "WHOA they are huge !" 60 to 85 pounds.

larger than we wanted. However after talking to the Breeder. we found out it was perfectly possible to obtain a much smaller one (not a mini.) If we were willing to be patient  we were,  Fast Forward 6 years we have a 6 yr old full grown F1B Goldendoodle of 45 pounds. sure she was the runt of the litter. but we could not have hoped for a more perfect dog. Personally, I think because of the friendly demeanor of the Golden Retriever, the Goldendoodle has the slim edge over ladoodle. good luck hope this helps. It does depend on the breeder 

[Lynn D.]

Hi Lanell!

I live in the Denver-ish area. You can meet my dog, I can go over what it takes to groom him (doodles can vary wildly), expenses for vetting, food, grooming and misc.

We had a doodle romp today and it was a perfect opportunity to see the differences in Labradoodles and Goldendoodles- standard, medium and small-ish. The weather was great and the company even better. We will have another one coming up in the next month or so. You would also get the opportunity to talk to owners from different breeders.

None of us CURRENTLY have 2 doodles at the same time but most are scheming to add a second.

Just an offer.

Lynn