I want a goldendoodle or a labradoodle....

[hrh_disney_queen]

Originally posted by KristiKelly
Girl Scout Leader, they are using Standard Poodles (50+ pounds) not miniature & toy poodles.

I'll be right back, I need put my flame-resistant suit on first.
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Okay, I'm back. Let the FLAMING begin, I am the owner of a Goldendoodle. If I can I will post some pics. Now before all of you start throwing stones, I'm going to explain why we chose this breed. We had a Dalmatian previously (the true puppy love of my life). He was a wonderful dog, but had terrible health problems starting around age 6. We were able to keep him comfortable for about 6-1/2 years & then he suffered for a few more monthes until we had to make that horrible decision. Anyway, Dalmatians are extremely HIGH shedders & we believe 100% in indoor dogs (they are a part of the family). Our Dal Ike, was wonderful & could NEVER be replaced, I made the decision a long time ago, if I was ever able to give my heart again, it would have to be a completely different dog from him, I didn't want to have anything to compare to. I decided female, no spots, no shedding, longer hair - BUT also said I would never have another dog, just too painful. Also, due to allergies of some dogs & cats, that was a factor.
When my kids came up last summer beg, beg, BEGGING for a puppy, DH decided to let that be their Christmas. DS wanted a Golden Ret., because of Air Bud, I wanted a Standard Poodle but DH said NO. I also considered a Bearded Collie, beautiful dogs, but read that they shed some. So, I did a web search for Low Shedding Dogs & a list of both Labradoodles & Goldendoodles came up. After doing tones of research on both ( and realizing how most of the breeders take this breed VERY serious - not backyard breeders - most have their labs, goldens, poodles all tested for hips, eyes, etc. they offer health warranties for these dogs as well.
After looking at the pics they looked like happy, goofy, playful dogs. Seemed also like it was a good compromise Golden & Std Poodle. Dh & I decided to go with it. We did not pay that much, but did pay. I have friends who thought we were crazy, but they think nothing about paying $200-300 for a pair of shoes or purse - not me. I will have this dog longer than I will have a pair of shoes, and longer than I'll keep my car for that matter. People will pay $30,000+ for a car & sell it 3-4 years later, but a dog is a 10-15 years.
Now, is she a handful? Absolutely, she has tons of energy, but having had a Dal., we are no stranger to active dogs. She has tons of energy but also has 2 kids to play with. She is EXTREMELY tolerant of DD & DS, they pull her tail, her whiskers, beard (we call her our Bearded lady), etc. They can take food away from her (however, we don't encourage that). She & DD had a tugging match the other day over a BlowPop, Annabelle (the dog) won that match LOL! I have read others that have siad - go to the pound. That was a consideration but we had friends that had to take a dog BACK to the pound after showing aggression.
For those of you out there that push pure breed - if you will look into many breeds, you will find most are of mixed origin. Goldens & Dobermans come to mind (can't think right off what they were originally bred with but can probably be found on the AKC webpages).
Esmerelda, before considering this breed, I would look into some of the websites & Goldendoodle & Labradoodle discussion boards. Make sure this is the dog for you. They can be very mischievous & will take things that don't belong to them (that could just still be the puppy in her though). I have seen some starting to pop up for rehome. (I remember after we bought our Dal, 101 Dalmatians resurfaced & Dal's were filling the shelters, due to the popularity - I see the same happening with these dogs.) They do require some upkeep, but are very happy & playful dogs. Good Luck with your decision & let the flaming begin!!!

I have to come back and say that even though I don't agree with this type of breeding, that is a REALLY cute doggie!!

 

[2BigKIdz]

Originally posted by CookieGVB
Maybe it was a flat-coated retriever. Did it look like this?

Beautiful dogs.

Ooops, yes that was it. It was gorgeous. We had never seen one before. I was thinking maybe a Chesapeake Bay Ret. but that was not it. Thanks.

 

[phillybeth]

Originally posted by 2BigKIdz
Ooops, yes that was it. It was gorgeous. We had never seen one before. I was thinking maybe a Chesapeake Bay Ret. but that was not it. Thanks.

Chessies have the curly coats, right? I always get Chessies and Flat-coats mixed up.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I can really understand wanting a dog whose temperment is somewhat predicable. We lost our Sheltie a year ago - the sweetest dog in the world. Unfortunately, he also had arthritis and the pain was so great it was never under complete control. It was so hard to watch this life-loving dog suffer. We also have a now 14 year old mixed breed dog we adopted from the county shelter, who is in great shape. The difference in health (maybe a coincidence) is so striking that I'd think long and hard before ever getting a purebred dog again.

I know that you would be mixing two breeds if you got the dog you want, but I would also encourage you to see if you could find a nice dog who has a lot of everything in his/her background. I just think you might have a better chance of getting a sturdier dog. (And by the way, our mixed breed dog has a kind of sweetness that I've always believed comes from having been rescued. He was so grateful to go home with us, and somehow some of that attitude has stayed with him.)

Anyway, hope you find your perfect match.

 

[binny]

I havent read through this thread so if things have been said one way or the other forgive me for repeating. These are my experiences with the breeds:

we used to have a Terri-Poo ( my brother called him a poopy-terror lol )
He was a sweet dog with an even temperment but had been abused before we got him. Any time we would give him a meaty bone he would take it and hide it somewhere under a bed, behind a couch or something. Poor baby. He was a sweetheart though.

The absolute BEST dog we had while I was growing up was a Standard poodle!
He was the greatest dog! We got him from a "breeder" that tried to have him debarked the surgery didnt work and he was left with a raspy sound whenever he breathed the vet said he wasnt in any pain though thankfully.


I loved my Toby ( the Standard Poodle) he was a wonderful dog was my protector till the end. He got cancer when I was 16 and had to be put down after many attempts at treatment.


We now have a Golden who is a wonderful dog as well. Wonderful temperment and an all around great dog.

Anyway, Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Jockaroo]

There have been several comments hinting that expensive dogs don't wind up in the shelter. I don't really follow this. My rescue Scottie came from the SPCA and needed to be rehomed when her owner passed away. Scotties are expensive dogs, BTW. Many expensive dogs end up needing new homes. Families move, kids develop allergies, people die. Not all dogs are suited to every family.

What I truly like seeing is that the original poster is hunting for answers to make the most informed decision about what will be the best family member to welcome to her home. If every family took time to research the breed best for their family our shelters would not be as crowded.

I do question the cost of this mixed/hybrid dog, but it is not my money being spent. I also wonder why a standard poodle isn't being considered (although it may be) since it is a large, non-shedding, intelligent family pet. Poodles aren't my breed of choice, but the standards are very impressive dogs.

What really is bothering me right now is celebrities using dogs as their fashion accessories. I really worry about Chihuahuas being overbred.

 

[Princess Hoozerdoo]

My beautiful Lucy is a rescued dog. She's a lab/shepard mix----a labrashep??? My sister has Belle (as in 'Princess'...), an expensive purebreed lab. They are the best of friends,the same age, and clearly enjoy their play dates.
Their behavior is equally silly and they are both very affectionate. They both smell bad when they go rolling in icky things, and love to rub their wet bodies against you after a refreshing swim.
Lu is black, and Belle is white; we have to wear grey clothes to hide the fur.
Belle was a fuzzy,bumbly little puppy, with a pink nose and a pink tummy. she learned nice manners.
Lucy, 2 years old, and had learned very few nice manners. She barked at me from her pound cage, but when I talked to her, she gave me a big,toothy smile and did 'crooked head'. She stopped and listened to the nonsense I spoke. she picked me.
Both of the girls are now 4 years old. Lu still has a lot to learn, but I can't tell which is the better pet: the pure or the mutt-they are both fine, loving dogs.
I guess the best way to choose your dog is to go and meet a few, and pick the one that chooses you!!

 

[Disney Doll]

Sound advice Princess Hoozerdoo. Your Lucy sounds like quite a girl!!!!!!

 

[phillybeth]

Originally posted by Jockaroo
There have been several comments hinting that expensive dogs don't wind up in the shelter. I don't really follow this. My rescue Scottie came from the SPCA and needed to be rehomed when her owner passed away. Scotties are expensive dogs, BTW. Many expensive dogs end up needing new homes. Families move, kids develop allergies, people die. Not all dogs are suited to every family.

What I truly like seeing is that the original poster is hunting for answers to make the most informed decision about what will be the best family member to welcome to her home. If every family took time to research the breed best for their family our shelters would not be as crowded.

I do question the cost of this mixed/hybrid dog, but it is not my money being spent. I also wonder why a standard poodle isn't being considered (although it may be) since it is a large, non-shedding, intelligent family pet. Poodles aren't my breed of choice, but the standards are very impressive dogs.

What really is bothering me right now is celebrities using dogs as their fashion accessories. I really worry about Chihuahuas being overbred.

ITA. Expensive pure-bred dogs wind up in shelters and rescues all the time.
And standard poodles are wonderful dogs, not anything like toy or mini poodles.