The doodleness of my puppy

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi there!  I just got a puppy and he is a mini F2 Golden doodle but he doesn't really look like the typical golden doodle.  I have been researching the mini golden doodle for I would say at least a year and a half and the image that I had in mind when I got my golden doodle is nothing like what I got. So clearly I did not research enough!  I probably sound like a horrible person but I had my heart set on the fluffy bearded golden doodle.  I bought him long distance and my mom got one of his sisters.  She is very fluffy, the exact dog I had in mind.... the moment I saw my little guy, I knew he looked different, his hair was more like fuzzy, almost like polar fleece.  I thought he might be slow fluffer coming into his doodleness but the more I research the more scared I am that he is not the dog I had pictured in my mind.  He is the sweetest little guy, just not what I had in terms of the picture in my mind.  I am a dog lover but I feel like this will be the last puppy I get most likely and I don't want to be disappointed every time I look at him and to spend the amount of money I did on him...I don't know.  I know that sounds horrible.  I would love opinions about his doodleness and can post more pics! 

[Robin and Libby Louise]

I guess I'm surprised you didn't get a picture of your puppy before you purchased, but I didn't really read the ad that someone posted, and it seems like it was a big rush without time for the normal procedures.  That being said, I think your baby is beautiful.  I am in love just from the pictures.  I am trying to put myself in your place, but I don't think I would be able to return a baby once I had him/her in my life for even a second.  I'm not being critical, just realistic in terms of myself.  But just remember that you can get a more "doodley" doodle whose personality you might not love.  There are no guarantees, for sure.  Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted!

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

How is the pup with the kids and how do the kids like the pup?  I guess in all our discussion the rest of the family never came into play. (oops, sorry family)  How would they feel about switching puppies? 

 

[Lindsay n Archie]

PLUS! If you DO keep him, you will probably fall madly in love with him, and want to get a second one anyways =) So your next one, you can take your time picking out!!!

[Tammie Ciesielka]

That's exactly what I was thinking!

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Why don't you ask your mom to take your puppy for a few days?  

Then you can regroup & think about this...right now, I'd imagine your home is in a tailspin with a new puppy, kids, puppy accidents, etc.  When you're able to relax, your decision will become clear.  

I'm afraid if you 'settle' for the puppy as he is & don't bond, what happens if he has a health crisis?

We all care about you & the puppy :)  No one thinks you're 'horrible'...you're being honest.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

After reading that ad, the possibility of returning the puppy to the breeder seems slim. Did you ever ask your mom about a possible trade? I'm sure she's bonded with her new puppy by now, but its worth the chance in asking.

[pulch21]

My husband and I had our minds made up last year that we wanted a goldendoodle. We wanted the personality, the crazy low shedding hair, all of it! We got lucky and found a puppy via a rescue. I was disappointed for about the first week that we had her. She shed like crazy. I did not want a dog that shed like she was. Like you and your dogs fluffiness, I combed discussion boards and blogs to see if she would stop shedding. I read all about how doodles hair goes through many changes, blah blah blah (BTW, did you know there are straight haired golden doodles?). Now at 10 months old, Khaleesi still sheds, but guess what? I don't care anymore. She is the best dog I've ever had.

I do have to say that looking at Jack's picture, it does look like his hair will grow out and be doodley.

[a.k.a. Rodney]

I know, it's tearing you apart....one thing I realized once on DK is that very few doodles are similar, and they seem to change more than other dogs. But I bet you know yourself pretty well by now...and taking some time to think your way out of this dilemma is a good idea. I think you also have to consider the message you are sending to your children...if they are over the moon about this pup....it will be hard to take that away. However, shedding & allergies need to be addressed, and especially allergies ...they can provoke all sorts of issues..from sneezing to asthma.
I do agree that on the surface your little guy looks like he could get curlier/fuzzier....BUT none of us know for sure!!
Having had mine for 5 mo now....I can tell you Temperment & breeding for good health TRUMPS appearance!!
But no one can make this decision for you....you gotta face the truth about what you Need this dog to provide & make a decision, b/c as the clock tics..it wil be harder for all sorts of reasons for all parties
FYI, I did see on my breeders website she took a dog back b/c family was allergic to pup....and she sends allergy kits to people!! So, keep pursuing your breeder!!

[Enid Ferner]

I just noticed that your pup came from Duncan...I live about 20 minutes from there and I did notice those puppies advertised not too long ago. They are from a BYB so prob not much luck in returning the pup, unfortunately.
Now you know i honestly think that little your pup is probably going to be a gorgeous dog.... Often when they are totally shaggy and cute at a very young age (like the pup in the pic she originally sent you) they end up with a more poodle like coat as adults and end up matting and needing to be clipped short. So they then end up with a poodle clip anyhow and no longer look cute and muppet like. I see SO many doodles looking like that, they end up looking very poodlish and not so doodlish!
Now your pup will probably have a more unique (and shaggy) look to it and honestly I think will be cuter than the average doodle! He has beautiful eyes and you can see them... My own Millie has gorgeous eyes but I'm constantly having to trim the hair around them so that you can notice them.
And also the price (you paid) was much lower than most Goldendoodles, so it could have been much worse... Lol.

[Jennifer Tramell]

It's kind of funny - I desperately wanted a doodle who looked like your puppy.  My ideal dog would be a doodle who looked more like a golden retriever but had white markings and less shedding.  I actually prefer the "open" face and mourned the whiskers that started to pop out on my Webster's face.  I think that Luna is just beautiful! 

I still love that look but I have 2 VERY curly doodles and one potentially shaggy/wavy doodle.   So many people tell me that my dogs are "JUST BEAUTIFUL!" and I used to look at my husband and say they needed glasses.  To me, they look like a curly mess - dogs with afros, something out of a Dr. Suess book, the Little Orphan Annie of dogdom.  Oh for that sleek open face, ruffles of waves down the back and legs, white markings to give character and uniqueness.  I have masses of curls and dogs who often look like a cross between Groucho Marx and a walrus.

 

I have learned that beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and that it is only skin deep.  I wouldn't trade my giant messes of curls for anything.  They are way curlier than anything I ever wanted, yet their gentle, devoted, joyful, loyal personality has made them the most beautiful dogs in the world. 

 

You said that you wanted a "typical golden doodle".  It's not easy to insure your definition of a "typical goldendoodle" - many of us have dogs much curlier than your preferred shaggy/wavy look.  Would you be disappointed if you ended up with masses of curls instead of the "Benji" look?  I too experience doodle envy when I see some of the beautiful doodles with long, flowing hair that shimmers when they move, but then reality strikes: I'm not willing to commit to brushing as much as is required for that look. 

 

To me, a "typical goldendoodle" is not a look  it is a personality.  A "typical goldendoodle" brings joy, gives unconditional love, and is happiest when around his/her family.  A "typical goldendoodle" has an open heart regardless of a fuzzy or open face.  A "typical goldendoodle" will always be there to lay his head on your lap when you've had a rough day, nudge your hand to shake you out of your blues, do a "wiggle dance" just because he's happy to see you.  Truly, I believe that if you give your beautiful boy a chance to be a "typical goldendoodle", he won't disappoint. 

[Lindsay n Archie]

You said that perfectly!!! And I too, think my dog is a giant mess of fur =)

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Yup - goldendoodles to me have a typical personality and not a coat type :)  Almost every goldendoodle I meet has the same goofiness and "HI, I LOVE YOU ALREADY!" greeting.