Australian Labradoodle/Goldendoodle or Wheaten Terrior?

[Lisa Moses]

Looking for any suggestions/opinions. I have begun research on the 3 types of dogs and am having a hard time deciding what's best for my family. Anyone have any comments on which type is better? Thanks!

[Heather]

Theo is "PRECIOUS" Sandy!!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here is an example of the kind of variation you can get with any kind of doodle, even the ALDs. We have a member here (here's a link to her page http://www.doodlekisses.com/profile/GailVargo) who has two Australian Labradoodles, Olivia, the cream colored dog, is very curly and non-shedding. Sydney, the golden colored one, has a smooth head and face, and a wavy coat that does shed:

Both ALDs from ALD parents.

 

[Christine & Shelby]

Hi Lisa.... speaking from my own experience as a person with a significant dog allergy (achieved the highest reaction measurable), I never thought I would be able to get a dog.  Now... after a lot of searching and reading and visiting my breeder, I have found that I have no reaction to my Australian Labradoodle.   I've had her for 3 years now and things have been great.  She has several goldendoodle friends who I can also be around with very little in terms of a noticeable reaction.     With that being said and knowing that won't be the case for all... I do think exploring the option of the ALD is a viable option.   Shelby has a wavy fleece coat and does not shed.   She is very high energy and requires a lot of exercise.  

Every dog is different and everyone's allergies are different so being able to visit the breeder and interact with the dogs is so important.  I really put my allergies to the test.... petting the dogs, then rubbing my eyes... eventually I put my face in their fur and inhaled.   After 2 hours with not one sneeze or sniffle, no red watering eyes and no scratchy throat, I knew this was a viable option for me.   Grooming can get expensive and/or be time consuming.  My Shelby loves swimming and hates being brushed, so I keep her coat very short during swimming months, otherwise she matts terribly :)

Good luck in the quest for the right dog for you.... and your family!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have two Australian Labradoodles...one mini and one standard.  Neither of my guys shed and they are both really beautiful, but they are incredibly different from one another.  My mini was very easy to train and always tries to "please".  He got his Therapy certification just after his first birthday.  My standard ALD was a rescue because his initial owner who got him as an 8 week old puppy was highly allergic to him.  After paying a significant amount of money to a breeder she turned him into a rescue because she had to be hospitalized for the severe allergic reaction and wanted him to go to a good home.  I got him at 10 weeks.  So he caused that significant of an allergic reaction...and he doesn't shed at all.  He is also a pushy, dominant boy who has been a handful to train and has had some issues with aggression.  After two years of intensive training and meds he's doing much better and we love him to pieces.  So, what do I think of ALDs?  I have no answers to that question.  If I only had my mini I would be saying they were the best dogs in the world...non-shedding, smart, sweet temperament.  But I also have another one who would lead me to say something quite different.  I guess my bottom line is there is no one answer.  If you do go the ALD route find a great, experienced breeder who at least has an idea of what they're doing as they assess temperament of their puppies and make their best effort to match the pup to the family.  Be sure you meet the parents of the puppies...I really believe that says so much about what you can expect. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

 I have a  seventh generation Australian Labradoodle - both parents are descended from Australian Labradoodles that were born in America. Ned does look much like his parents as you might suspect of his generation. He doesn't shed except when being brushed. However, we do find little knots of fur on fabric after being washed - so does he shed? Hmmmm.... We fostered a Bichon/Poodle mix and he did NOT shed one hair even when being brushed, so apparently even 'non-shedding' has its variants.   Our Australian Labradoodle has had no physical problems - no tummy troubles, no ear infections, no orthopedic problems, is not overly high energy. He is from an actual breeder.  We also have an English Springer Spaniel - papered etc, but from a back yard breeder.  He is beautiful and sweet, but has tons of physical problems. 

Honestly, I don't think it matters what kind of dog you get - Australian labradoodle, American labradoodle, goldendoodle.... or even a non-doodle,   except to say that it is important to use a quality breeder and prioritize the key traits most important to you.  Do your homework. 

Let us know what you decide.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Very well said Nancy!

[Lisa Moses]

Thanks Nancy!

[Joan Bollaert]

Get an Australian Labradoodle.

[Kristi and Mickey Finn]

Golden doodle! I did this same research and that is what I chose and couldn't be happier! The Wheaton Terrier is awesome and looks very similar but remember they are breed to hunt out things. They get pre occupied with that. I think from talking to some of their owners our doodles are more loving and need people more. Best of everything in your search. This is a great place to get wonderful advice.