Would like to meet an F1 or F1B goldendoodle near Houston, TX

[cherie miles]

I am hoping to surprise my family with a mini goldendoodle for Christmas, but I have pretty bad allergies.  Is there anyone who lives in Houston or Kingwood, TX that would let me meet their Goldendoodle?  I am hoping to meet either an F1 or F1B to see how I do...it will only take about 20 minutes and I'll know if the breed is a good fit.  Thanks so much!  Please email me at [e-mail]

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Cherie, meeting another goldendoodle won't really tell you anything, because there is no consistency in their coats from one to another, as is the case with all mixed breed dogs. You might have a reaction to one but not another.  If severe allergies are a concern, I would only consider purebreds that are known to be non-shedding and allergy friendly, such as poodles, Bichons, and  several of the terrier breeds.  There are a lot of smaller non-shedding breeds that make wonderful pets.

[Adina P]

I want to support Karen's statement.  There is no universal 'F1' or 'F1b' goldendoodle.  There is a tremendous amount of variation.  It is not like meeting a couple poodles and knowing what their coats will be like.   But if you want to meet some, I wouldn't make a decision until you've had a chance to interact with a dozen goldendoodles of different coat types.

[Adina P]

I believe there is a Greater Houston Area doodle group on this site.  Perhaps they have some get togethers planned that you can attend.  Of course there would be other dogs and labradoodles there too to confound your results but maybe the group could help you meet more.

[cherie miles]

Thank you for the thoughts, and I understand what you are saying about variation.  I haven't ever met a goldendoodle, so I hope that I can meet one or a dozen if possible. :-)

[Cathie & Family]

I am also trying to purchase a puppy for Christmas.  It's hard to find a breeder that still has some available for purchase.  I didn't realize how far out people are planning.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, considering that this is a 12 to 15 year commitment to living with an animal in your life and your home, you really can't do too much planning, lol.

There are a lot of good breeders who will not sell a "Christmas" puppy, as that is the very worst time of year to introduce a baby dog to a new enviornment, with all the hustle, bustle, decorations, parties, visitors, etc. going on. It's hard enough for the puppy to go through all the changes involved with leaving his mother, his littermates, and everything that is familiar to him. The ideal situation for bringing in a new family member (and especially for housebreaking!)  is a very consistent, structured routine in the household, without a lot of comings and goings, and that isn't usually the case at Christmas time.  If you do some research on getting a puppy for Christmas, you will find a lot of information on this. Also, it's never a good idea for a living creature to be a "surprise"; it's really important for all family members to be in agreement on a decision this big. That's one reason many rescue groups require all family memebrs to be present before they will approve an adoption. Christmas surprises are a nice idea for merchandise, toys, and things that can be returned or replaced etc., but not such a great thing for living animals. :)