allergy and coat question

[Laney Gliser]

We are getting our F1b mini- labradoodle puppy in January.  She will be 8 weeks old.

Our daughter seems to have slight sensitivity to dogs so we are hoping that this breed will be fine for her.

http://www.diamondcountrydogs.com/AvailableMiniatures.html  One of these will be ours!  Can you tell from the pictures what kind of coat they may have?

I prefer the look of a straighter or slightly wavy coat instead of a super curly one.  But will a curly one be better for allergies and shedding?  Does anyone have a more flat coated one that doesn't shed much?

[Sarah Bennett]

Has nothing to do with the coat type, but I would pick Saphire!  I love the red!  So adorable!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

These folks raise many breeds of dogs. sometimes that is a red flag as to the quality of the breeder. Make sure to read thislink before you commit to a breeder. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I also see nothing about genetic health testing of the parents on the website, or in the parents information, which of course is a HUGE red flag. . 

[Waffles]

Rosie looks like she will have a wavy coat to me! Good luck!

[Jen W]

ACK!!!!!!!  Why oh why did I click that link.  Now I want another puppy, something I swore off 3 months into raising my own.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In general, the curlier and woolier the coat, the less chance of shedding, but there is absolutely no way to be sure with a mixed breed puppy. Often, the adult coat is different from the puppy coat, and a puppy who did not affect someone's allergies will do so as an adult. If someone in your family is allergic to dogs, buying a mixed breed puppy with an unpredictable coat is a pretty big gamble. 

Can I ask what you will do if it turns out that your puppy is not "fine for her"? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation on the internet about doodles being hypoallergenic, allergy-friendly, and non-shedding, much of it posted by those who are selling doodles. Sadly, it often results in dogs losing their homes. 

Here are two excellent and unbiased articles on doodles and allergies. Please read them if you have concerns about dog allergies:

http://doodlerescue.org/group/isadoodleforyou/forum/topics/the-alle...

http://doodlerescue.org/forum/topics/the-truth-about-dog-allergies-...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Laney,
What exactly is your child allergic to? Has the child been allergy tested?
I certainly would start there first. Too many homeless animals and broken hearted families in this situation.
After you know, and you are positive it is dander not saliva, find dogs known to be acceptable in allergy situations- doodles are a mix breed and there are no guarantees.

I'm going to come right out and say this breeder runs what looks like a mill. Personally, the only time I would run to this breeder is with a State Agriculture Investigator.
That's my opinion.

Do some homework on this place. They change names, so search the addresses.

If you really want a life-time companion reaserach allergies first then select a good breeder

[Laney Gliser]

Can I  say first of all, a huge thank you for your honest answers and opinions.  And thank you for telling me honestly and kindly what you think.  I know things like this can be hot button issues, and I do understand.  After all, the question is very valid - what will happen to the dog if our daughter can't cope with it.  My parents would take it so thankfully we won't need to worry about it going to a pound or rescue or something.  

She has not been tested.  When we go to our friends house (they have 3 boston terriers) she gets a little stuffed up and slightly itchy eyes.  Nothing horrible.  I don't know much about allergies.... do you think this sounds like actual allergies and could it get worse?  I have talked to people who say that their allergies have gotten better as they get older... but I know that is not always the case.   We have been to other people's homes with dogs and she's had no reaction.  So... I guess getting her actually tested would be good.

Do my research on this breeder.... how?  I looked them up and I don't really see anything other than their site.  When I first contacted them, I did ask them a number of questions, like how are the puppies raised, what have they done to decrease defects in their dogs, etc.....  She had good answers.  What more could I be doing to check into them?  And if they are not good, then how can I find a good breeder?  (we are in the Kansas City area).

Thanks again - I really do appreciate the advice.  I don't want to do the wrong thing.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Ask the breeder straight out what genetic testing has been done on the parents: Hips, elbows, eyes, heart, von Willebrands, anything? And if they say yes, ask to see proof. 

Read the article that F linked for you above on what to look for in a breeder. Here it is again. Read it, and use it as a checklist. This is the bare minimum you should require in a breeder: 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I just googled their number and came across an ad for a Labradoodle puppy they are selling for $500. 

Anyone who is selling any kind of doodle puppy for $500 is a puppy mill without question, and they are not doing any kind of health testing. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Especially with 1 to 5 million a year in revenue!!! OMD!

http://www.zoominfo.com/c/Diamond-Country-Dogs/347787432