Goldendoodle

nick · 01-21-2007, 12:30 AM

Thanks so much for your advice. I was trying to find out the bad about the doodle but no one could help me. I called my local shelter and they told me that they were great dogs but I would know what I was getting. I currently have a purebread poodle and love her to death but we want another dog retriever like that does not shed. After reading your responses I would not buy into the doodle world. I'm sure they are great but not for everyone. I am trying to find a family dog that we could all love. Currently my poodle is toy and my husband and child don't get the same gratification from her that I do. They want a dog. (so my husband says) I have looked into the wheaten but I have never owned a terrier and so I wouldn't know what to expect. I called 3 trainers in my area inquiring about the wheatens and two of them told me that they could never be trusted. I am so confused on what breed to go with.....

Cassie Nova · 01-21-2007, 12:49 AM

If they don't get gratification from the dog they have now, what makes you think they'd be more satisified with another?

If I missed something, you have alot of research ahead of you. Or, you could just visit a shelter and meet all the great dogs there and save one from euthanasia. Most are adults and you already know that they're full grown and what their personality will be like. If you get a puppy (purebred or mixed) you never know. They say dogs change drastically around age 2....Cassie is 11 months so I'm wondering how she'll be in a year and a month. A shy dog may become outgoing, a hyper one lazy, a lazy one hyper and an obedient one rebellious.

Also, if you research, when you visit your shelter, you can have a better idea of what dogs have what in them, maybe even spot a purebred. Then you can *guess* (you may never be correct) on quirks/tendancies of the dog. I researched Border Collies and when I got Cassie, I knew enough about how to handle ankle nipping, over-analyzation and needs for physical and mental stimulation.

Good luck!

lovemygreys · 01-21-2007, 08:00 AM

What qualities is your family looking for in a dog and why? That will help you narrow down the breed (or crossbreed) that is right/or wrong for your family.

FranMan · 01-21-2007, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassie Nova

If they don't get gratification from the dog they have now, what makes you think they'd be more satisified with another?

My beagle didn't cut it for me. Nice dog and all but just wasn't enough. She is great for the kids but again just isn't the kind of dog that works for me. The rotty is much more for me. We have two dogs in the house rotty is pretty much my dog and the beagle is for the rest of the family. Of course we all get along and love each other but the bond is stronger between me/rotty family/beagle.

poofywoof · 01-21-2007, 08:28 AM

If you are looking for a more sporty, athletic dog when compared to a Toy Poodle, then why not consider a Standard Poodle? Please research this breed and talk to some reputable breeders in your area. (one that is doing genetic testing, etc.) Standard Poodles are excellent dogs and make perfect family companions when given the proper amount of exercise a larger dog needs.. They are often used as field or hunting dogs, and make great agility dogs, and Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers. For more information see the Versatility in Poodles website. Keep in mind that going from a toy breed to a large breed (even a large mixed breed) changes the exercise requirement ENORMOUSLY, I cannot stress this enough.

jim1080 · 01-21-2007, 09:40 PM

I have a 9 month old Standard Poodle and a 7 month old Goldendoodle they are both girls, we had a Standard Poodle before and they are very loyal, loving sweet dog, I got a Goldendoodle because I like Standard Poodles and I like Golden Retrievers, my wife is allergic to most shedding dogs so when we went to get one we tried to get one with a coat as close to curly as possible, she sheds very lightly and we have to trim her face and butt every couple monthes, our Goldendoodle is great she is more laid back than our Standard but has great energy

DogAdvocat · 01-21-2007, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick

Thanks so much for your advice. I was trying to find out the bad about the doodle but no one could help me. I called my local shelter and they told me that they were great dogs but I would know what I was getting. I currently have a purebread poodle and love her to death but we want another dog retriever like that does not shed. After reading your responses I would not buy into the doodle world. I'm sure they are great but not for everyone. I am trying to find a family dog that we could all love. Currently my poodle is toy and my husband and child don't get the same gratification from her that I do. They want a dog. (so my husband says) I have looked into the wheaten but I have never owned a terrier and so I wouldn't know what to expect. I called 3 trainers in my area inquiring about the wheatens and two of them told me that they could never be trusted. I am so confused on what breed to go with.....

I agree with some of those above - if a toy poodle doesn't do it for your husband and child, why not try a standard poodle? Do you know they were originally bred to be water retrievers? The personality is totally different from the toy poodle, and if your husband has a problem with the poofy cuts given by groomers, just leave it in a "puppy cut", "teddy bear cut", or "kennel cut" so it doesn't look so "foo-foo." This will solve your problem about the allergies.

Also, note that there is a product called Allerpet that is put on the dog and reduces the allergens that affect people. You can get it in pet stores, some vets, and online at www.allerpet.com and no, I'm not connected to them, but I have heard a lot of people raving over the product - even cat people.

lovemygreys · 01-22-2007, 08:32 AM

I'll just add...many people with allergies have no problems tolerating a greyhound, so you aren't limited to a poodle if allergies are your concern.

Meghan&Pedro · 01-22-2007, 03:07 PM

Also keep in mind that a poodle cross isn't nessiciarily going to have the poodle hair, and be non-shedding.

Meghan

Brandy101bbb · 01-24-2007, 01:52 PM

I have a two yr old Airedale Terrier, we are with you small dogs just don't do it for us. We also don't do puppies, we had a Great Dane for 6 yrs, we adopted her at two and she passed about a yr ago at 8, she was so wonderful but she shed like mad. We agreed when we wanted to get another dog that we wanted a another med-big dog that shed less, well we did our research and found teh Airedale Terrier, they are a nice size dog most around 22-24 inches and weight about 45-57 lbs some bigger some smaller, they shed almost not at all, the only thing is you have to get them cut about every 6-8 weeks to keep there look but thats nothing. She is AMAZING!!! I just love her to death we have had her a week now and we could'nt have picked a better dog.. You can go onto Yahoo and put in dogs that don't shed and websites will pop up with lists and descriptions of them here is one site for you www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm . Just do your research and you will find one you can be happy with.

Tankstar · 01-24-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassie Nova

If they don't get gratification from the dog they have now, what makes you think they'd be more satisified with another?

i think she means that her husband thinks the dog isnt a real dog as it is a small poodle and not a big lab or such.

Why not go to the shelter and pick out a pound puppy/dog together

nick · 01-24-2007, 11:45 PM

Hi all, thanks for all that replyed.

I have never owned a wheaten and I really don't know what to expect from a terrier. I have talked to many people and they said that they were great dogs that need a firm hand... that would be my problem as I have a very soft nature...So I am back to the poodle...My husband does not like the poodle(I think he believes it will not be manly enough for him) I have to be so careful on what to bring into my house because of my daughter allergies and asthma. We have had a poodle for 15 years but had to put her down last year because of old age. My other poodle is a toy only 4.5 lbs and she has attached to me more than my husband and daughter. I really don't know what to do. My husband likes the wheaty but I am the one who will be taking care of the dog......

Any advice would be appreciated....

tully · 01-25-2007, 12:28 PM

I LOVE MY GOLDENDOODLE!!!! I have had mutts and labs my whole life. Right now I have a English Choc lab male 2 years old and a goldendoodle that is 1 at the end of the month. I have never had a golden retriever or poodle so I was a little nervous but my worries were for not! Tully, my user name, is our clown. He is hilarious. Very vocal, active and cuddly. He is sooo cute. He watches TV and loves his big brother Rory. He is reallly smart and very good dog. We are now training. He is a bit of a baby and is bored. He looks at me and cries like mommy I want to go home. He does love the dirt I will admit. If there is mud, he will find it. I don't know if you were discouraged from getting one but I love em! I think they are unique, smart and just a barrel of fun! We do walk 3 miles 6 days a week. IT is good for me and them. He was potty trained easliy and very very hearty! HE is now 85 pounds and taller than my lab. My lab is 100 has wider girth. The one con is yes they dont' shed but if you keep their hair long it does hold a lot ofthe outdoor smellls. Ikkeep him trimmed and he gets bathed about every 5 weeks.

Keno's Mom · 01-25-2007, 01:04 PM

Tully,

You just happened to get a "doodle" that didn't shed; the sad truth is that its not a common thing in the designer dogs. More labradoodle/goldendoodle DO shed varies degrees - there is no guarentee that any dog bred to a poodle will not shed.

Count yourself lucky. Those doodles sitting in shelters are the sad truth that people expected them to not shed and they did, so they dumped them!

Brandy101bbb · 01-25-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keno's Mom

Tully,

You just happened to get a "doodle" that didn't shed; the sad truth is that its not a common thing in the designer dogs. More labradoodle/goldendoodle DO shed varies degrees - there is no guarentee that any dog bred to a poodle will not shed.

Count yourself lucky. Those doodles sitting in shelters are the sad truth that people expected them to not shed and they did, so they dumped them!

I agree there are too many in shelters because they shed. I will admit almost a year ago I looked into Gooldendoodles and met witha breeder, and I was lucky because she was honest and told me that they can shed and alot do as they grow up. So I said no may. The only way to make sure you get a dog that does'nt shed is to research and get a purebreed that sheds little to no hair. Terriers can be a hand full and you have to be in control but they are wonderful dogs in the long run. Our Airedale is so sweet, and we got double lucky because she is not energetic in the house, she does'nt run circles around the house, she does'nt chew and she has the sweetest dispostion. That are not to many terriers like that but you can get one and they are extremly trainable. Good luck!

tully · 01-25-2007, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keno's Mom

Tully,

You just happened to get a "doodle" that didn't shed; the sad truth is that its not a common thing in the designer dogs. More labradoodle/goldendoodle DO shed varies degrees - there is no guarentee that any dog bred to a poodle will not shed.

Count yourself lucky. Those doodles sitting in shelters are the sad truth that people expected them to not shed and they did, so they dumped them!

I was not clear of what the problem was with her idea of getting a golden doodle? Thanks for clearing it up!
I did not get a doodle because they don't shed. I got one because I wanted one. Secondly, he is 85 pounds! He is a BIG BOY and I love him! So, the guy thinking they aren't real dogs or are only small is mistaken. He is smart as a whip. Both the poodle and retriever are hunting/swimming dogs. Both can be very large. My husband said before we got one, "I can't own a dog with the name doodle in it!" LOL. He is now crazy for him!
I also have a chocolate lab who sheds very little. I have owned all three colors of the Lab and frankly I think the yellow sheds the most.
Also, the allergy is to the saliva not the hair of the dog. So, if you are allergic to dogs and or cats you will have a problem whether they shed or not!
The labdoodle is actually known to shed a lot more than the golden doodle. I am a Lab owner several times over. If you are not used to the Lab, its chewing as a puppy, its need for excercise and its stubborn streak you would not want a labadoodle. I frankly think because of it's lab nature is more of a reason you are finding soo many in shelters. That is my humble opinion. Labs are not for everyone!
I can only speak from my own experience and tell you Tully does not shed at all. I am sure there are ones that do but he doesn't. Certainly a dog like a retriever is going to shed much more than a doodle. I would never get a dog on the premise that they were not going to shed. To me, you are setting yourself up for trouble and or disappointment if you do.

poofywoof · 01-25-2007, 06:09 PM

I think it would help if you and your husband do some research on Reputable Standard Poodle breeders in your area,(the ones that show and do genetic testing) contact them and ask for a few references. Once they give you those references, call a couple of them and ask to see their dogs. Or you can locate the Poodle Club in your area and ask about meeting owners of Standard Poodles and their dogs. Meeting the Standards in person will show your husband that Poodles are not "Sissy- Dogs" At All!! That is a very common misconception. Poodles are mistakenly stereotyped by the people who don't know them (kind of like pitbulls, a little, but not quite). If you are looking for a larger, active, outgoing, athletic, highly intelligent, very trainable, non-shedding family- friendly dog, a Standard Poodle fits that description Perfectly. It seems the only obstacle is your husband's misperceptions. Meet a few Standards and their people, and see what I mean!

Keno's Mom · 01-25-2007, 07:27 PM

Keno's a yellow lab. And yes she sheds horrible in the spring/fall. But she's also on the small end of the lab scale - perfect size for a female (21 1/2 inches tall, 60-65 lbs). Labs are not supposed to be 90-100 lbs! If you read the standard the males only go to 80-85. Too many breeders are out there (backyard ones) breeding oversize labs.

Everyone we meet thinks that Keno's a 6-8 month old puppy! She's 4 1/2 yrs old. I tell them - labs are not supposed to be that big.

I'm on a lab message board - one of the main reasons labs are sitting in shelters is that people get them as pups, they grow quickly and at 7-8 months old are 60-70 lbs of PUPPY. They think and act like one but don't realize how big they are. The hardest time to deal with is labs between the ages of 6 months and 18 months - the age that most of them are when turned into the shelters.

tully · 01-26-2007, 12:49 PM

[quote=Keno's Mom;28460]Keno's a yellow lab. And yes she sheds horrible in the spring/fall. But she's also on the small end of the lab scale - perfect size for a female (21 1/2 inches tall, 60-65 lbs). Labs are not supposed to be 90-100 lbs! If you read the standard the males only go to 80-85. Too many breeders are out there (backyard ones) breeding oversize labs.

I tell them - labs are not supposed to be that big.

I disagree with you. My lab is an English Chocolate Lab and is perfect for his weight at 100 pounds. He is not over weight but extremely muscular. He is excercised 6 days a week for over 3 miles. My vet concurs. You can not generalize all Labs or any dog for that matter. It depends on their height, girth etc. It is the same for a person. Everyone is not going to have the same build nor the same weight. Plus, the build of the English Lab verses the American Lab is different. I have owned both. The American is more stream lined and the English is wider with boxy head and girth.

Curbside Prophet · 01-26-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tully

I disagree with you. My lab is an English Chocolate Lab and is perfect for his weight at 100 pounds. He is not over weight but extremely muscular. He is excercised 6 days a week for over 3 miles. My vet concurs. You can not generalize all Labs or any dog for that matter. It depends on their height, girth etc. It is the same for a person. Everyone is not going to have the same build nor the same weight. Plus, the build of the English Lab verses the American Lab is different. I have owned both. The American is more stream lined and the English is wider with boxy head and girth.

You can generalize the size of a dog when comparing them to a standard. The official AKC standard for the labrador retriever states that the approximate weight of the working male lab is 65-80 pounds. There are also height ranges as well. So, yes, you can generalize. Also, this standard is for both American, or English labs, or labs for any other country for that matter. Your dog may be a good weight for his height, but at 100 lbs, he'd have to be pretty dense. Regardless of what your vet says, most know very little about breed standards or conformation. My brother has a female English lab, and she weighs 65 lbs, and she's definitely not streamline, and could probably lose a few pounds. Not sure why I'm pointing this out, other than to maybe help you see why some people would say your dog is big.