Is she a Labradoodle or...?

[SprocketNalaJoeAmy]

I posted this on a facebook group, but didn't get any action. Adina replied to me and I think this website might have more information. The photos are attached. She was shaved at the SPCA because she was so matted, but the last photo shows a bit more hair.

"Hey Gang,

I just posted some photos of Nala, the Oodle my wife and I adopted from the local SPCA this past weekend. Nala is a 7 month old poodle-mix that was listed as a "Labradoodle", but I'm not sure if that is the true mix. At first, I thought she only looked different because she was shaved due to the severe matting (neglected dog). However, her tail spirals fully around and back on itself (see photos). She also doesn't seem to bark, though she makes other noises, which makes me think she might be part Basenji? I guess her to be around 30 pounds, though I'm not sure. She is a good deal smaller than our 10 month old Labradoodle, Sprocket. Can any of you experts take a look at the photos and let me know what you think?

Thanks,
Joe

BTW, she is doing fantastic. We taught her the doggie door today and are working on teaching her to walk on a leash. She is startled by sudden noises and movements, but has warmed up to being rubbed and now craves touch. She does well with Sprocket who adores other dogs. She was very attached to her playmate that was given up at the same time as she was, but seems to enjoy the furry goodness of sleeping next to Sprocket."

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

You know I don't remember what it is called, but Adina will. There apparently is a test you can get that will tell you what type of dog you have. I also know there was a previous discussion where someone asked the same question...you may be able to find it by searching.

No matter what she is beautiful!!! Sounds like she got some GREAT parents!!

[Adina P]

The test that Lori mentions is a DNA test offered by various companies. They map the DNA of your dog and correlate it with their database. However, the actual technology that is available is nowhere near the claims they make--that is what I learned after recommending it to somebody. However, I know people who knew what their dog was and got the correct results from the test. It's just that it has a high room for error, I believe. You can look it up on the web by searching for canine breed DNA test or something to that effect.

As far as your dog Nala my guess is she has a high percentage of poodle in her possibly ¾ poodle like an F1B doodle. But I'm not really a poodle expert. Our member Ann Bankert is a doodle breeder and a former poodle breeder---she may have some suggestions or insight. You can search for her on our members page.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My Jackdoodle's tail curls up like that, too; when he's walking in front of me, sometimes the leash gets caught up in the loop of his tail and gets carried along there, lol. The first time I saw him at the shelter, I was convinced he had some Afghan hound in him. But he's a labradoodle, albeit a poorly bred one, from a puppy mill. Keep in mind that there are all kinds of labs, and all kinds of poodles. The ones used for breeding by the puppy mills & BYB's are NOT going to look much like the breed standards.
There is no doubt in my mind that Nala is at least half poodle; you could try a DNA test, but I've read that they may only confirm or rule out certain breed GROUPS, i.e. it might say "retriever" but not which kind. It's nice to know, but I don't think it matters much in the long run. We like to tell people that Jackdoodle is a "Slovakian Slobhound"...that's really the description that fits him best, LOL!

[SprocketNalaJoeAmy]

Thanks, Karen:

It makes sense that Nala would be from a lesser "breeder" and might not align with the typical hybrid standards. Labradoodles don't happen by accident, so it would be suprising for someone to make the financial commitment from a reputable breeder only to give her up a few months later.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I just met my Australian mini labradoodle's brother today. He is sort of a rescue/re-home. Anyway, I have his baby puppy picture because it was on the same page as my pup's, I saw him in person when we chose our pup, and I saw a picture of him with a semi-short cut in which he looks a lot like my pup. When the new owner got him, he was so matted that he needed to be shaved - including his muzzle. He looks so different -- more poodle-like and a lot like your new dog. At this time, if I didn't know who he was and what he should look like, I would NEVER guess he was an Australian labradoodle. He is also about 6 pounds lighter than my guy - some of that is fur but.......

[Adina P]

Oh as far as her barking, or lack thereof, some dogs/doodles are not very barky (NOT mine... Mine could win barking awards). It may also be due to simply being unsure and in a new situation and not quite confident enough to bark. That may change or she may always be quieter.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Well, I had a lot to say but after reading all the posts I have nothing new to add. Our Samantha is a LD. Samantha is not much of a barker except when she sees her own reflection in the patio doors at night and then she can't keep her bark to herself.

[SprocketNalaJoeAmy]

This is also true of Nala! She doesn't bark, but she growls at the sliding glass door reflections. I'd like to think of her as being smarter than a canary, but...

[Adrianne Matzkin]

That IS being smart!!! Or so I keep telling myself. She is making sure that funny looking doggy-in-the window does not dare to intrude in her very spoiled world.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I spoke too soon about Samantha not barking at anything but her own reflection. She must have been reading over my shoulder and decided that she needed to start barking at more things. Well, today we took to to pick up my 27 yr old daughter who just returned from a free trip to Europe with her Aunt. She decided that she didnt like just sitting and waiting that she started having loud chats (using her outside voice and not her inside voice) with everyone around us! Not too embarrassing!!
Tonight, she decided that my neighbors on both sides of us, who she knows well, needed a good talking to. Isn't that special?
It was the first time that I actually got annoyed with her. I felt so guilty!

[SprocketNalaJoeAmy]

Thanks for the quick responses!

For an update, Nala is 36 pounds. She eats like a horse (unlike Sprocket who grazes when the mood takes him) so maybe her smaller size could also be due to being underfed? She is long-legged as the photos show.

As to the bark, by certain actions, it is obvious she was abused. Maybe she is afraid to make noises? By comparison, Sprocket can outbark just about any other dog.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Actually, the "correct" breed standard for poodles is that their legs should be approximately the same length as their bodies. Viewed from the side, without tail or head, they should look like a square. So Nala is definitely living up to her poodle heritage, LOL! I also think that a lot of dogs don't bark or act assetively at all in new situations, until they feel comfortable, and then sometimes they make up for lost time!
Enjoy her!