Doodle dogs are among the cutest things on earth. They boast a unique charm and desirable traits. Who would not want to take home these pooches? They seem to be the siblings of a teddy bear because of their appearance. If you are eager to adopt or buy one, this post will serve as your ultimate guide.
What are Doodles?
Doodles refer to mixed breeds combining the Poodle and another breed. A Labradoodle, the cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle is known as the first type of Doodle dog. It was established during the ‘80s by an Australian dog trainer and breeder who wanted to develop a hypoallergenic guide dog.
A Doodle is also labeled by the media as a designer dog breed. They are sometimes mistaken for being mutts, but in general, these dogs are different because they don’t have a documented ancestry. A designer breed like a Doodle can be registered through the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Why Get Doodle Dogs?
First of all, the main reason why people opt for Doodles is that they want to have a hypoallergenic dog. If you are allergic to pet hair and dander but still want to have your own pooch, a Doodle dog is your best bet.
Breeders use the Poodles in developing designer dogs because they are considered to be the most hypoallergenic breed. Their loose hair gets trapped in their curly coat, leaving people with the belief that these dogs don’t shed at all.
Do note that not all Doodles are guaranteed to be non-shedding. In fact, there is no such thing as a dog that does not shed. Most of them will shed lightly or moderately, depending on the amount of the Poodle gene they have in their lineage.
Another reason why people want a Doodle is that they want to have a fairly healthy pooch. Mixed breeds are known for having hybrid vigor, which means they are less susceptible to a number of hereditary diseases common to purebred dogs.
Because of their hybrid vigor, Doodles boast better health. This is unless their parents don’t come with a lot of defects. This is why it is important to check first if a dog comes with all the necessary genetic testing. They eventually have a longer lifespan compared to their purebred parents. The majority of designer breeds live 10 to 15 years on average.
What are the Disadvantages of Owning Doodles?
The biggest drawback in owning Doodle dogs is that you will spend more time and money on grooming. This is the typical consequence of having a hypoallergenic breed.
They should be taken to a professional groomer once every two months to have their hair clipped. You can also do it at home if you know how to trim a dog’s hair. Otherwise, you may need to set aside money paying for a groomer.
Furthermore, don’t expect your Doodle puppy to inherit all the best traits from each parent. A Standard Poodle has good and bad sides. The same is true for other breeds where the Poodle will be paired. For example, Poodles are smart and easy to train but they can be a bit sensitive to the sounds or things around them.
The third disadvantage of having a Doodle is you have to pay more to have one unless you are willing to adopt from a shelter or an animal rescue center. It still comes at a cost but not as expensive as getting one from a reputable breeder.
Types of Doodle Dogs
- Labradoodle – Labrador Retriever and Poodle
- Schnoodle – Schnauzer and Poodle
- Goldendoodle – Golden Retriever and Poodle
- Cockapoo – Cocker Spaniel and Poodle
- Yorkie poo – Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle
- Maltipoos – Maltese and Miniature Poodle
Things to Prepare
Bringing your new Doodle puppy home can be exciting but it can be a bit overwhelming especially if you are a new pet parent. Prepare these things in advance in time for your pup’s arrival:
- Water and food bowl – opt for dishwasher-safe and rust-resistant stainless steel.
- Grooming tools – including a slicker brush or comb, de-shedding tool, nail clippers, and dog shampoo, conditioner, and dog bath wipes
- Dental care kit – consisting of doggie toothpaste and toothbrush
- Crate – large crates are ideal for standard size Doodles. If you have a small Doodle dog, a medium-sized crate will be fine to have.
- Leash – because Doodles are quite active and playful, it is a must to have a strong leash so you will be able to control as your dog explores outside.
- Toys – should be the most durable chew toys you can find because these dogs have strong jaws.
You will need these things regardless of your dog’s age. If you are adopting an adult Doodle, check if they were already house trained or if they will be compatible with your household. If you have young children at home, you may want to think twice before adopting a senior dog.
What to Expect with Doodles
Each Doodle dog comes with different sets of characteristics but they are not always easy to predict like in the case of purebred dogs. For instance, Labradoodles are known for their sociable nature and calm temperament.
Just like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles love being with people and are extremely smart but they are more gentle and affectionate especially toward young children.
Maltipoos are clever and playful. They retain their puppy appearance until adulthood that is why many people prefer them over other types of Doodles because it is like having a puppy forever.
Yorkie poos are also affectionate and gentle just like Goldendoodles. If you like a small Doodle dog that comes with stunning coat color, you will never go wrong with a Yorkie Poo.
If you want a Doodle that looks like a stuffed toy, your best bet is a Cockapoo. It comes in a beautiful caramel or cream color that will surely keep everybody looking when you go outside for a walk.
A Schnoodle also looks like a Teddy Bear but it usually comes in black, silver or a combination of black and white like its Schnauzer parent. Like Poodles, Schnauzers also have a miniature version. A Schnoodle usually takes the coat color of Schnauzers but they get the same coat texture as Poodles.
Where to Find Doodles
You have the option to adopt or buy a Doodle dog. You can find Doodle puppies in dog shelters and rescue centers online. If you are eager to adopt, you have to wait for a post when a Doodle is ready for adoption. It’s a cheaper way of getting a Doodle, but it usually takes longer.
Adoption fees for a single pup should not cost more than $500. These fees cover the health services a dog will get before it gets turned over to you. It includes vaccinations, neutering or spaying, microchipping, and vet checks. Puppies ages six months and below are usually more expensive than adult dogs.
Don’t forget to meet the dogs first before submitting an application. It’s the only way you can get to know more about a dog’s temperament. Shelters will allow visiting the dogs and they will even let you play with them in a private area.
Rescue centers normally take a few weeks reviewing applications and selecting people who can adopt because these people are just volunteers and also have busy lives.
In adopting dogs, you need to list a vet or people for reference. Rescue centers will call these people to gauge your capability taking care of a dog. These people will prioritize those who they believe will be responsible pet parents.
If you are interested to buy, start your search for a reputable breeder. There are Doodle associations that you can use as a reference for finding good breeders. You can also ask your friends and even the vets you know for referral.
Things to Remember Before Getting a Doodle
- Avoid buying from puppy mills and backyard breeders. These breeders do not usually adhere to the best breeding practices and are only after the money.
- Secure the results of each parent’s genetic testing. If both parents are generally healthy, you will also have a pup that is not prone to hereditary problems related to their breed.
- Set aside time for housetraining and obedience training. This should not be a problem with Doodles because they are usually smart dogs that are easy to train and love pleasing their owners.
Conclusion
A Doodle dog is usually more expensive compared to purebred dogs but they are not different from regular dogs. They deserve responsible pet parents who will care for them and guide them. They have their own unique characteristics, they have their own charm, and they are among the irresistible dogs you can ever find. Don’t forget to do your homework and research first about these dogs.
