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Gone to the Dogs!
I am veering away from my regular subject matter because I need help. My husband and I are pretty serious about getting a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle puppy. Now, as wonderful as it would be to rescue a dog, I have pretty bad allergies so I need a non-shedding "hypo-allergenic" puppy and my husband doesn't want a tiny dog, so the Labradoodle seems pretty ideal for us. I have done a ton of research and they sound like absolutely wonderful dogs, but many of our friends with whom we have shared our puppy plans seem to think that they are less than stellar. Today, my friend Jennifer told me all about her friend's Labradoodle and how crazy it is. We would definitely have a trainer come to the house to help me teach the puppy basic obedience and house training, but I am still worried. My sister in law doesn't think they're cute. Not that this is an issue.To each his own, but seriously, who could resist beautiful, shaggy dogs like these?
If you own a Labradoodle or even a Goldendoodle, or have a friend or family member who does, I would love to hear your personal opinion on these dogs. They certainly aren't cheap, so we want to make absolutely certain that this is the right breed for us. We are planning to visit some breeders in the coming weeks, but there is nothing like someone sharing their personal experience with you. What has your experience been like? Does your dog have a fleece coat or a wool coat? Would you recommend the breed to a friend?
Australian Multigenerational Labradoodles are the result of Labradoodles being bred to Labradoodles. The regular or F1 Labradoodles are bred by simply pairing a poodle with a labrador. When this is done, there is less predictability over their coats and how hypoallergenic they are.
I am veering away from my regular subject matter because I need help. My husband and I are pretty serious about getting a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle puppy. Now, as wonderful as it would be to rescue a dog, I have pretty bad allergies so I need a non-shedding "hypo-allergenic" puppy and my husband doesn't want a tiny dog, so the Labradoodle seems pretty ideal for us. I have done a ton of research and they sound like absolutely wonderful dogs, but many of our friends with whom we have shared our puppy plans seem to think that they are less than stellar. Today, my friend Jennifer told me all about her friend's Labradoodle and how crazy it is. We would definitely have a trainer come to the house to help me teach the puppy basic obedience and house training, but I am still worried. My sister in law doesn't think they're cute. Not that this is an issue.To each his own, but seriously, who could resist beautiful, shaggy dogs like these?
If you own a Labradoodle or even a Goldendoodle, or have a friend or family member who does, I would love to hear your personal opinion on these dogs. They certainly aren't cheap, so we want to make absolutely certain that this is the right breed for us. We are planning to visit some breeders in the coming weeks, but there is nothing like someone sharing their personal experience with you. What has your experience been like? Does your dog have a fleece coat or a wool coat? Would you recommend the breed to a friend?
Australian Multigenerational Labradoodles are the result of Labradoodles being bred to Labradoodles. The regular or F1 Labradoodles are bred by simply pairing a poodle with a labrador. When this is done, there is less predictability over their coats and how hypoallergenic they are.
Labradoodles come in three sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. They also come in a wide range of colors. My personal favorite is this cream/apricot color with a black nose.
Such a cutie! This little guy is a red miniature Labradoodle.
44 comments:
Hi, I don't own this kind of dog, but I'm in Paris right now, and EVERYONE seem to have a cute, fluffy dog on hand (with very fashionable leashes).
This post just MADE MY DAY!! I'm plastered with a huge smile right now! haha that first picture is priceless. I don't know if cocker spaniels are hypoallergenic but they don't shed and are some amazing dogs.. but these pictures are so cute!
Paloma,
My neighbor has a medium cream colored Labradoodle and they say it's a great dog. Well trained too. I see a lot of them in my area and walking in the park. They seem well trained walking. I think they are one of the cutest All-American-style dogs- did you ever hear of the show Please don't eat the daisies? It was centered around one, if I remember right! Anyhow, good luck to you!
Take Care!
Michelle
Zuniga Interiors
Oh my, how ADORABLE!! Every time I've met one, the owners say they LOVE them!! ;)
Hi. My sister-in-law breeds and sells Aussiedoodles and labradoodles. Here's a link to her website. These are the cutest dogs ever. Enjoy!
http://www.aboundinggracedoodles.com/
How could your sister-in-law not think these guys are cute?!! I have friends who have these dogs & some have the personality of the poodle which is calmer & loyal. Others have more of the personality of the lab which is energetic and excitable. Training makes a world of difference with these dogs.
Go for it! There's nothing like the unconditional love of a dog!
Don't own one of these, but am involved with dog rescue in Dallas. Lots of large cities have a Labradoodle Rescue organization. In the current economic climate lots and lots of folks are having to relinquish ownership of their dogs because they have lost jobs and homes and can no longer afford to care for their pets. The shelters are loaded with these cases. So, if you really WOULD be interested in a rescue situation, please do some research in your city and see if they have a rescue organization for this breed. I don't believe you will EVER be sorry you did. Whatever path you take, I wish you the very best of luck. My dogs are an amazing daily blessing to me and my husband.
Vickie, I have looked into a couple of doodle rescues and am keeping a watchful eye for one that suits our needs. Unfortunately, most of the ones I have seen are just crosses between a poodle and a lab and those still shed quite a bit which would not work with my allergies. Believe me, if I could save a doggie that needs a home and pay $300 vs. $2500 for a puppy from a breeder, I would! I will definitely keep checking, though. :)
Paloma, they are so adorable. I don't know much about the breed itself, but I will be interested in hearing your experience when you do get one. You know I have been eyeing Westies for a long time. I am dying for a dog in the next two years or so. Violet has to be older. Defintely look into rescue. I know Westies have one here not sure about the doodles, though. I did find a yahoo group for you, though.
http://groups.yahoo.com/phrase/australian-labradoodle
$2500 for a mixed breed?!? A champion, pure breed shouldn't even cost that much. The people supplying the market with these mutts and slap pretty names on them like doodle and puggle are manipulative and profit drive. They are not breeders.
I looked at doodles a few years ago, but wound up going for the standard poodle. They are 100% non-shedding, which cannot be totally guaranteed with a mutt (fyi, no dog is "hypoallergenic"). Standard poodles are beautiful, intelligent, loyal and grow up to be large (as opposed to the toy poodle).
Doodle breeders are wannabes. I would not want to do business with them. If they really did their homework, they wouldn't be breeding mutts.
we have an f2 labradoodle. labradoodle mixed with a standard poodle. she is the smartest, sweetest dog i have ever had. we love her so much!! she is brown and beautiful 48 pounds!
A friend has one and says he'll never own another breed! :)
I've had several golden retrievers and a few black labs in the fam, so I KNOW that half of the breed is right for almost anyone. Looking for a snuggle parter AND a playmate? They will provide. :)
would you ever consider a maltese or are they too small? I have a maltese, and they are the sweetest and cutest little things! They are also hypoallergenic
We had a Lab and the shedding was so bad! We looked at this breed a few years ago, but went with a Schnauzer. They do not shed and are hypoallergenic. We LOVE our dog!!! So loyal! The giant Schnauzer might be an option. Good luck!!
I have always just kept English bulldogs and had no problem with allergy. Bulldogs shed a lot of coat even if they are smooth coated dogs. The coat hair is heavy so it falls to the ground. I am very allergic but never had problems with bulldogs. On the contrary, fluffy dogs like poodles, Bichon Frise or cats give me terrible allergy and sneezing fits. Their hair also have a tendency to become airborne much easier. Certainly a nightmare for designer clothes or a designer home. I was one day invited to lunch at somebody's house and they had a fluffy dog looking like the one you want. I cannot tell you how many hairs I pulled out of my food and it was as if the hairs were floating all around us and kind of static and no matter how you tried to avoid it, it ended up on your clothes and in your digestive track. I cannot stand that. I have had 12 fully grown bulldogs in my home but I never had their hair in my food. Bulldogs are indoor dogs of course and I was breeding at a time and they are very clean animals. We have antiques and valuables in our home and our dogs are trained never to attack and chew on any of our furniture. I still own six bulldogs and I adore them.
Alice
Doodles A-go-go! I have a black male Labradoodle who is 8 1/2. I think I'm one of the original Doodle owners. LOL He is the light of my life and I have adored him from the moment I saw him. I believe all dogs are born as angels and it is what the owner does or does not do that makes them who they become.
Yes, Doodles do have lots and lots of energy. What puppy doesn't?
I would be happy to discuss further with you if you like.
Good luck!
Ruth
I love all the pups you posted but sometimes poodle mixes look like full on poodles. You have to be really careful about the breeder and the puppy and then just get lucky.
You might want to look into wheaten terriers too. They are about the same size and look similiar but seem to have less variation.
Hello - We have a Goldendoodle...we rescued her about 4 years ago. She has the most amazing disposition. She's laidback and is fairly well-trained. We went to obedience school with her for the beginner and advanced training which was really helpful. My husband is allergic to most dogs but does very well with her. She has more of a poodle coat. Unfortunately, we don't know if she's an F1 or F1B. Have you looked at the IDOG rescue? http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?shelterid=IN340
I spoke with Shannon there and she was very helpful in terms of details about the dogs. Good luck! Love your site.
My neighbor has a black labradoodle. His name is Kobe and he lookes like Bob Marley on steroids. He is huge, but huge hearted. He is able to navigate a fairly dense planted yard without being destructive. He is smart, knowing, wise and funny. Oh, and he does not smell. All things considered, better than some of people I know! He will need training. He will need very regular walks. He will need daily grooming and summer hair cuts if you are in a warm climate. Go for it.
Hi Paloma!
I got so excited when I saw your post, I loooove these dogs!!!! My good friend was in the same position you are (needed hypoallergenic) and got an Australian Golden Doodle, Miniature and apricot. She is the absolute cutest and sweetest dog ever! Email me if you want and I can give you her number to call. She can probably answer a lot of your questions.
Sally Wheat
Anon @ 9:40 pm, I understand where you are coming from and do think that $2500 is outrageous, but it seems to be what every breeder charges.
Lily Grape, I think a Maltese would be too small for us, but they are really cute. Mini Labradoodles weigh 20-25 pounds, where as most mini or small dogs weigh 6-12 lbs, which would just be too small for us. Thanks, though!
Alice, I think English Bulldogs are gorgeous! I can't believe how many you have! I bet they are so sweet.
Mrs. Limestone, you are totally right about Poodle Mixes, which is why we would have to go with the Australian Multigenerational Labradoodle as opposed to a regular Labradoodle. There is more predictability over their looks, coat, and temperment.
Ruth, Jordana, and Home Before Dark, thank you for sharing stories about your Doodles! They sound wonderful. I have been keeping an eye out on IDOG Rescue, but so far, I haven't seen any pups with fleece or wool coats, which are usually the non-shedding ones.
Jordana, I would love to hear more about your pooch!
Home Before Dark, what type of coat does your dog have? By daily grooming, do you mean you brush him everyday? How long does that take? Is it uncomfortable for him? How many times per year do you have him professionally groomed?
Thanks for all of the advice and encouragement! :)
I haven't been around many labradoodles, but grew up with lots of labrador retrievers (my dad hunts with them). I would suspect that the rambunctous nature comes from the lab side! Labs are easily trained and very loyal, but tend to get in lots of trouble as puppies (which can be until the are more than two years old). They definitely need lots of attention and exercise or they will be destructive. But that's really the case with most medium-large breeds.
We have a year (and a few months) old border collie who ate my favorite pair of shoes as a puppy, and though I still miss my shoes, she is a delightful addition to our little family. Raising a puppy is work, and it does sort of change your lifestyle (it's harder to run off for the weekend at a moment's notice) but it's so fun!
One more thing, Meg who writes the blog Whatever, adopted a goldendoodle last year, she might have some insight:
http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/
Good luck with the adoption process!
I, too, own a standard poodle. Some men have issues with the thought of owning a poodle but I can honestly say that this dog is the most wonderful creature and my husband adores him. If you have any concerns about allergies I would hesitate to get a doodle of any kind - you just can't get a guarantee. You wouldn't want to get it home and then have to send it back - heartbreaking for everyone involved. In any case, do the research, go to the kennels and the right dog will find his/her way into your life. Best of luck. Linda
Anonymous @ 10:00am, we definitely plan to visit the breeder along with the sire, dam, and puppies. I want to make sure that they are 120% the right dog for us. I should be able to tell from playing with them for a little bit if I am allergic.
I don't have a doodle, my neighbor does. I worship from afar...two houses down. They give him a summer cut but are not big on grooming. I think a daily do would help keep things at bay. If started as a puppy they learn to love it. My other neighbor had a brilliant cockapoo and she would actually bring the brush to her owner! Our miniature schnauzer didn't shed and didn't cause allergy problems. The giant schnauzer may be the same and like the labradoodles will need lots of exercise and a definite pack order establishment (you be the boss). Have fun, you won't regret it.
My goldendoodle's name is Marquez. We rescued her when she was about 4months old and we were her third family. She is very laidback (more so than the labradoodles that we know...must be the golden in her). Our trainer said that she was aloof as a puppy so it was a bit of work to train her. She is amazing with kids and old people. It's almost like she knows exactly how to behave with them. My four year old neice has been playing with her since she was a baby and has no problem sticking her hand in Marquez' mouth to get a ball. We are looking into another dog, a goldendoodle or a labradoodle. Good luck with your search!
Goldendoodles are amazing dogs! I have a mini who is 2 years old. she has the most lovable personality and is so smart and loyal. Keep in mind that most of the "mini" doodles will be around 40 lbs...not the 20-25 you mentioned.
I really love this blog but there are so many things wrong with this post. I don't mean to come off as rude but...
1.) Goldendoodle is not a breed. Labradoodle is not a breed. Anything with "mini" in it is not a breed. They are all high priced mutts that puppy mills and backyard breeders have made popular. Please don't support them.
2.) Having an F2 generation dog can't even compare to a pure breed. Pure breed dogs have been breed for hundreds of generations and much, much more predictable than an F2 ever will be. A second generation is a wildcard. Why would you pay $2500 for a wildcard?
3.) There is no such thing as a hyper-allergenic dog.
4.) Why not get a poodle? They are super smart and will be better for your allergies. Did you know that 25% of dogs in shelters & rescues are pure breed? Many have AKC papers. Save yourself $2200 and help support a good cause. Have you ever been to a dog shelter and seen any of the 7 million animals killed every year?
5.) If you still want a "goldendoodle" please take another look at rescuing. There are 2,646 golden retrievers and 2,096 poodles on petfinder.com. Many of them will be the mix you are looking for.
6.) If you really want to know the personality and how easy they are to train rescue a slightly older dog (+9 months). You never know what you're going to get with a puppy.
7.) Please do your research on what the difference between a backyard breeder, puppy mill, and reputable breeder are. As far as I know there are no reputable doodle breeders in the US.
Here are some links you might find helpful:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/poodogs.html
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/1breeding.php
http://www.dogplay.com/Breeding/index.html
I hope this is helpful and good luck on your search for your next family member.
I have been looking into Cockapoos as a second option because they require less grooming and seem to have a more calm temperment. Does anyone have any experience with them? They look and sound very similar to Labradoodles.
Thank you for all of your comments and e-mails! I have received so many cute pictures today and have so enjoyed reading all about your personal experiences.
Buying a dog from a breeder means another healthy, cute dog is put to sleep. There just aren't enough homes for dogs--it's a national tragedy. A person never went wrong adopting a dog---the good deed will bless you forever---it's a myth that if you are allergic you have to buy a dog--there are rescue societies for every breed which can put you in touch with a dog who was purchased from a breeder and returned when the family decided they didn't really want a dog--and you won't have to go through the trouble of housetraining. Contact your local shelter too---there are thousands of purebreds in every state put to sleep each year for lack of homes---you can often find the breed you want at the pound and the gratitude you will get from the poor little angel you rescue will bathe you in sunshine the rest of your life!
Only very selfish people with icy hearts buy dogs. Would you buy a child if you wanted to adopt? Dogs should no more be trafficked in than humans. Rescue a dog and bless your life. There is no love so unconditional and unwavering in this world as that of a dog you've rescued!
We have friends that have one and they love her. She's a GREAT dog. We have had three standard poodles and they too are great dogs. Meet the mom and dad if you can, that will tell you a lot about your pup! Also, be sure the breeder will let you into all aspects of the facility. There are so many horror stories out there- you can't be too careful.
I hope you find your special baby.
Anon@ 12:34, thank you very much for your concern. I realize that this is a very sensitive issue. I am definitely keeping in close contact with a few rescue organizations in hopes that we will find an allergy-friendly dog that needs a home. I realize that no dog is truly hypoallegrenic, but I literally cannot breathe around certain dogs,like golden retrievers. If we do end up going with a breeder, you can be certain that we will visit in person and ask all of the hard questions. I do not support puppy mills. I do appreciate you taking the time to write your comment and do some research. I will certainly read the links you included.
Anon @ 1:50, I think my previous answer works in response for you to. However, I take offense to the fact that you consider me or anyone who has ever paid for a dog "selfish with an icy heart". Again, I know people are very passionate about this subject, but YOU DO NOT KNOW ME and have no right to judge me. Your comment was self-righteous and condescending.
Love this post!! I want a dog so bad and would love to adopt one but my boyfriend also suffers from very bad allergies like yourself. I have been researching dogs for so long trying to convince him that we can get one and he will be ok with it, allergy-wise I mean.
I will be interested to see what you end up going with, it will be one more thing I can use to get the BF convinced! Good luck with the search!!
Precious!! Our neighbors have a goldendoodle, and my cousin has 2 of them! They are precious! Maybe not as smart as a poodle, but then again, that might be okay! Dogs who are too smart can be so mischievous. My advice is to get doggie health insurance. We have an English Setter with hip problems that are costing us a TON.
Hi Paloma!
Touchy subject it seems! I have friends that have standard poodles and friends that have labradoodles. The Standard Poodle is by far a more mellow breed and VERY SMART! I went to an agility training class for my Aussi, and the two standrd Poodles in the class were by far the easiest of all of the dogs to train. They were attentive, mellow and caught on to the tricks very quickly. As far as the labradoodles I personally know....they are very cute and sweet.....but VERY energetic and a bit hard to control. I think if you had a poodle and just let the coat grow more like the doodles...they would be more appealing to the "guys".
When we got our Aussie (also not considered a "breed" in the US until recently) we looked at quite a few "breeders" who we could not support (very sad experience). We ended up getting one from a family who had just one litter, no papers (not important to us) and paid a very minimal cost (less than $100). It's all in the personality of the dog you pick. Look at alot of them. It will be with you for a long time!
Good luck and do what feels right for you!
Paloma -- When we were looking for a second dog, this breeder was recommended. One of the puppies currently available is non-shedding (our goldendoodle sheds a little when the weather changes but it doesn't bug my husband) and a little older which would make it a whole lot easier in terms of training. http://www.blazingstardoodles.com/Blazing_Star_Doodles/Available_Puppies.html
Good luck! I just started reading your blog about a month ago and really love it. It got me into starting my own blog htt://menumaniac.blogspot.com
I'm a golden retriever owner and I work with a number of rescues, mostly doing rescue transport. When people adopt a dog from a rescue far away, a volunteer rescue transport might get it to his new home...we're like relay teams but instead of passing batons, we pass dogs!
Anyway, when you have specific needs, it can take so, so long to find a rescue and it can break your heart. I know...I spent months and months combing all the normal websites to find a dog. I completely understand turning to a breeder if the search isn't going well. You have all this love to give and you want to give it NOW!
I don't like the comment about "icy hearts". I wound up getting my golden from a breeder and was ashamed until I was talking to one of the board members of the golden retriever rescue group I volunteer with and found that her dog was from a breeder, too. You can support rescue work and not find your dog through such work. In fact, I work harder for the rescues because I got my dog from a breeder. You make the decision that's best for your family and your situationOn a side note, I hope everyone, regardless of where their dog came from, is feeding a healthy, high quality food. The stuff sold at the grocery store and most of what is sold at PetCo and PetSmart is complete garbage.
Hate to say it, but you might want to research food as much as you researched breeds and training. I actually LOVE researching dog food because I'm passionate about making sure my little guy gets the very best I can give him.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/
**Don't post, just a note to you**
Hey Paloma, I just followed the link posted by Jordanna. I'd be a little nervous about adopting a dog born back in December that's "available". Most breeders have a list of adoptive parents that outnumbers the number of puppies born. If the breeder has available puppies, I'd be a little nervous.
In addition, I clicked on the "upcoming litters" and the breeder has SIX different litters coming. That's waaaaay too many for a good breeder. While the people obviously aren't the mill you see on TV, having that many litters puts them in the mill category in many US states.
The super high end breeders only plan one litter at a time. Going a step down, a really good breeder might plan to have 1 or 2 of their females have a litter each year. If someone is churning out puppies, walk away.
Also, if the breeder is overly anal, with strange rules (the woman who runs Doodlesville is a good example), I'd be wary. Some breeders write all sorts of conditions into their contracts (about food, vitamins, etc) and I have heard that that is done so the contract can be considered void more easily. So, if your dog has some sort of congenital problem (more common than you'd expect) and you try to give the dog back or get some money for surgery, they might come back at you over those little things they "required" in the contract. If you didn't feed their food or vitamins, they could refuse to help you.
I also personally think that those sorts of decisions (food and vitamins) are for the owner to make. Every puppy is different and while my dog's brothers and sisters might eat Science Diet, there's no way in hell I'd feed that terrible stuff to my Baxter.
Okay, sorry I went on too long. Again, don't post this...I just wanted to get you a message.
BTW, I'm "Jeannine" on the board, but post as "The Upstart" on the blog.
Thank you so much for all of your sage advice and for your understanding, Jeannine. I sent you a PM on Decorum. I am off to look at the food analysis link!
I have a mini labradoodle and she is smart and amazing and I adore her! Go to Asd Companion labradoodles and you will find the dog of your dreams. Seriously, don't even question it. These dogs are smart and adorable and sweet and good with people and kids. Who ever says they don't like them it is because they have never met an australian labradoodle.
Jodi
I have a standard labradoole called Charlie and while he is a lovely dog, in his own way, he is not at all what we were expecting. For one, he is an F1 generation labradoodle, so he is shaggy, rather than curly which means he sheds masses of hair. If allergies are your main reason for wanting this breed, you should look at getting an F2 generation (labradoodle cross poodle)and also if the puppies don't appear curly they will most likely turn out shaggy rather than curly. My poor dog actually sneezes quite alot because he seems to be allergic to his own hair. His temperament is also very exciteable, and in 7 years, he still hasn't really calmed down much. To top it off he has the bulk of a lab but can jump higher than my head with those poodle legs. I can't walk him because he'll rip my arms out of their sockets, so i have to take him out at night to the park and let him run wild when there is no one there for him to chase. Healthwise however, he doesn't seem to have any problems like our previous lab did, and despite what a disaster of a dog he is, you can't help but love him. Hope this is of some help
Stephanie
I have a goldendoodle I got at the humane society several years ago and he is wonderful. He is on the smaller side, only 39lbs, but he has a huge personality. He is calms when he wants to be but definitely enjoys exercise. I have met some doodles that are crazy and hyper, but I think you will see that in any breed. I am not sure if you have found your doodle, but another source to keep an eye on is poomixrescue.com. as well as IDOG rescue. Good luck in your search :) I think they are wonderful dogs and I also was not intending on getting a doodle, but now that I have one, I can't imagine never having another one, a rescue of course ;)
I currently have a Labradoodle, I've had him for three years now. He is honestly the best dog I have/could ever have. We have three dogs, the other 2 are mutts. But, our Labradoodle (Doodles) he has energy it's a friendly energy. And he is always right by my side following me wherever I go. He LOVES car rides. And I've never had to use a leash with him. If we are somewhere busy with cars, I do. But he is a good companion. He barks around people that he doesn't recognize. He's excellent around kids. The only problem i've had with him is when he was a puppy he'd get scared or excited and doodle lol. That's where he got his name from. But a good portion of puppies all do that. And he likes to jump on me. But I just knee him to get done. And when I want him up I let him know it's okay. Other than that, I have never regretted getting him. And If I had to get another dog that was a certain breed it would be another one of him! Hope that helps, if you haven't already got a puppy!
As a kid, I had two labs, both awesome dogs, we have a schoodle, a schnauzer poodle mix, and he is completely awesome. i am looking at a labradoodle myself right now, as my husband is allergic and wants a large dog, and i am honestly considering getting one, though i plan on going through my local pet store and having them contact me when they get another in. best of luck in your search.
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