Is is normal to breed a large golden with a miniature poodle?

[Aimee Symon]

I'm trying to decide between a standard size f1b labradoodle, or a mini goldendoodle. I find it a little odd that a large golden retriever is bred with a miniature poodle. Do they do this via AI? And are there any health/behavior problems associated when doing this?

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Aimee it is done through AI and the golden will carry the pups for obvious size related reasons....No documented health/behavioral issues directly related to the proceedure....just the same health concerns that are associated with retrievers and miniature poodles.

[Adina P]

What Jacquie said. What are the characteristics you are trying to decide between? Why those two types of doodles? Perhaps if we know what you are looking for (characteristics of the dog) we can help you in your decision.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

I've heard that it is better to breed 2 smaller dogs vs 1 large dog with one small dog. I'm not an expert, but I've read that on other forums. The rationale is that crossing a small and a large dog can result in structural problems.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Not proven.....

[Dianne Carter ~ Trinity Doodles]

In an optimal situation one likely would choose to make breeding selections this way, when such choices are meticulously taken over many generations it does tend to lead to more predictability. BUT it also limits the gene pool as there are only so many Mr. Rights out there (don't I know it, hence Jacquie's 'where men are dogs and dogs are men' group =)). You can breed yourself into a corner by limiting yourself like this and the introduction of new lines play a very important part in the breed in terms of health, corrections and so much more. Of course somewhere in the line a surprise may pop out and blow that predictability to pieces.

[Adina P]

The only case I know of is a labradoodle whose legs weren't as long as the rest of the littermates...definitely not hugely noticeable...but noticeable. But also nothing like a dachshund or anything.

[Liza, Halle and Finn]

I have a F1 English GD who has a minature poodle dad, and large English golden retriever mom. Probably the biggest concern is regarding the size of your full grown dog. He can range from the size of the poodle to the size of the Golden. My Kachi was the biggest pup in his litter, and today at 11 months old, he's over 50 lbs. My girlfriend has a female Standard F1 and Kachi is bigger than her. And Kachi's biological brother, who is also a member of this sight, is only 35 lbs. So, I would say, if you have a definite size issue, you might be better suited in getting an F1B where the size of the parents are comparable.

But as far as behavioral issues... other than Kachi thinking he's a small dog as he tries to climb in our laps, and muttering under his breath when he's reprimanded, we think he's perfect!

[Dori]

We have had the same experience as Liza. Teddy's mom is a full size golden, and his Dad is a 9lb poodle. Teddy is 45 pounds - not quite the lap dog I was envisioning - but he ends up there anyway! My sister has a dog from the same kennel - different golden mom, same dad - and she is 26 pounds. They are both very healthy happy lovable dogs!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If size is the primary issue, I would recommend a multigeneration doodle from mini parents - it can still get bigger than you might think but most likely it will be more in the size range you want. If size isn't the primary issue then choose the pup you fall in love with. Look on breeder websites - especially the ones here.

[Aimee Symon]

Size is not a huge issue but a medium sized 45 lb doodle would be ideal because I live in a city loft. Some of the f1 goldendoodles I've seen are huge,over 65 lbs. So I thought with an f1b labradoodle or a mini goldendoodle, I would get closer to the "mid" size range.
But I'm afraid of structural problems and I read on goldendoodle.com that breeding a golden with a toy is NOT recommended. Perhaps a miniature is not regarded as a toy?
The characteristics I want are medium sized,low to non shedding,trainable,happy,laid back,and good with children. I have 6 nieces and nephews!! I don't want the dog to be too small because I would like to take him or her with me for runs and marathons. We have a boat and are at th elake every summer, so a dog who loves water is a must!
I don't mean to offend any small dog owners, but I've always regarded small dogs as "yappy". I don't want to end up with a yappy doodle! I've always been a big dog person, and medium size is the smallest I want to go.
Thoughts??

[Adina P]

Ok I understand now what you are looking for. I think you should know that both 'regular' standard labradoodles and 'standard' goldendoodles BOTH have the potential to be large. The largest labradoodle I know of is 120 lbs. My labradoodle is 85 lbs. However, I chose my breeder because she had large dogs to begin with (mother was 55, father was 70 lbs). I would think choosing a breeder with smaller standards for parent dogs would help you minimize the size. However, it won't guarantee the size. Also keep in mind that some doodles are very tall for their weight.

I would also suggest an F1b regardless of retriever used because of a higher chance of non-shedding in both breeds. You CAN get an F1 that sheds very little, but in an average size litter, your choices are limited. What if the only low-shedder (potentially) happens to be the largest pup? Or what if the smallest pup has the flattest hair coat? You just can't predict for sure. Plus you have a third factor: energy level. Some doodles are very high energy and stay that way for 2-3 years. Others are laid back from the start (minus normal puppy exuberance) -- so I my only worry when someone has a lot of specifics they for sure want is that you may be disappointed. If low shed/non shed is a factor..choose F1b or multigenerational. Then you'll have less of a risk of being 'stuck' with a large, high energy bouncing furry doodle...because there was only one or two choices in the litter...LOL. That's the trouble with early generational doodles...there are no guarantees except that he/she will be adorable =) Thankfully I didn't care about shedding and I WANTED the biggest I could get!

But even I had to change my plans. I was sure I wanted a large, cream female. But the most laidback pup in the litter (IMPORTANT characteristic to me) was a HUGE red boy. I trusted the breeder and ended up with a gorgeous curly, shedding, wonderful apricot male...he is PERFECT for me and I would not have changed anything about my choice. So really think of the MUST HAVES and find some breeders who have or are planning such litters. Then eenie, meenie, miney mo it away!