Sometimes it seems like doodles are taking over the world (in a good way)!The poodle has been mixed with almost every breed out there and there is good reason. Other than their insanely adorable faces and teddy-bear bodies, there are several reasons why you can’t walk down the street without seeing some form of a dood. Let’s break it all down for you.
Labradoodle = Labrador Retriever + Poodle
Where did the doodle-dog come from?
In 1989 Australian breeder Wally Conran created the first labradoodle. A blind woman in Hawaii reached out to him telling him she needed a hypoallergenic guide dog because her husband was allergic to dog fur. Wally spent three years trialing over 30 poodles as potential guide dogs, because they are hypoallergenic. In the end he didn’t feel the Poodle had the right temperament to be a guide dog. He combined the highly intelligent Poodle with the hard working and most popular guide dog breed, the Labrador Retriever, and the result was magic.
Fun Fact: Wally came to regret creating the Labradoodle. He claims he realized his mistake within a couple of days telling the NY Times, “I opened a Pandora box and released a Frankenstein monster… I find that the biggest majority are either crazy or have a hereditary problem,” -Wally Conran
How to find a good GoldenDoodle (or any doodle dog) breeder
Although we do not agree with Wally, we understand where he is coming from. There are good and bad breeders for all dog breeds. Like anything be it a popular handbag where “fakes” start to pop up the same can be true for dog breeders. The desire to fill the demand for doodle-dogs and greed can cause breeders to over breed or inbreed their dogs.
- Do your research. Visit the American Kennel Club to find a reputable breeder and for all breeding guidelines
- If you see a cute dog on the street ask where she’s from
- There are lots of dog feeds on social media. Go on Instagram or Facebook, do a deep dive, DM people
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Another option is adoption. Petfinder.com has a comprehensive list of available dogs all over the country. It allows you to narrow your search very specifically to your wants and needs.
PRO TIP: A female should produce a litter no more frequently than every 18-24 months.
Pugapoo = Pug + Poodle
What are the different doodle breeds?
- Goldendoodle = Golden Retriever + Poodle
- Bernadoodle = Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle
- Schnoodle = Schnauzer + Poodle
- Whoodle = Wheaton + Poodle
- Sheepadoodle = Sheep Dog + Poodle
- Yorkiepoo = Yorkie + Poodle
- Cockapoo = Cocker Spaniel + Poodle
- Irish Doodle = Irish Setter + Poodle
- Saint Bernadoodle = Sain Bernard + Poodle
- Aussiedoodle = Australian Shepherd + Poodle
- Great Danadoodle = Great Dane + Poodle
- Pomapoo = Pomeranian + Poodle
- Jack-A-Poo = Jack Russel + Poodle
- Dalmadoodle = Dalmation + Poodle
- Rottle = Rottweiler + Poodle
- Maltipoo = Maltese + Poodle
- Peekapoo = Pekingese + Poodle
- Chipoo = Chihuahua + Poodle
- Doxiepoo = Dachshund + Poodle
- Cavapoo = Cavalier King Charles + Poodle
- Pugapoo = Pug + Poodle
- Newfypoo = Newfoundland + Poodle
- Weimerdoodle = Weimeraner + Poodle
We could actually go on! Pretty much every single dog breed has been mixed with the poodle. And there are numerous colors options available, check out the types of Goldendoodle coat colors here!
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Why do people love doodle dogs?
- Low to no shedding
- They enjoy playing AND working
- They are generally affectionate
- They are intelligent
- Adorable
- Good family dog
Another doodle attraction is that they can come in all shapes and sizes. For example you could mix a Mini Schnauzer with a Poodle and you will have a 10-20 pound dog while if you mix a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Standard Poodle the result could be a dog over 100 pounds.
Schnoodle = Schnauzer + Poodle, Bernadoodle = Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle
Also Read - Dog Allergies: Making Dogs Itch Like Crazy
How to pick the right doodle for you
DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Just because a dog is cute is not the right reason get one. Remember that adding a dog to your life is generally a 10-20 year commitment. While we can all be tempted to say, “How much is that doggy in the window”, try to take a deep breath and do some research. Every breed has been bred for a different task and he or she will bring those traits to the doodle mix. A Goldendoodle may have a very different personality to a Pugapoo.
Pro Tip: The popularity and demand for doodles in all shapes and sizes has resulted in overbreeding, inhumane and irresponsible breeders. Please do your homework and work with a reputable breeder. Get recommendations, check credentials and read reviews! If you want to go the adoption route, there are doodle rescue organizations in many states and there is always petfinder. Reach out to your local shelter and tell them what you are looking for. You never know.
Bordoodle = Border Collie + Poodle
You have your doodle puppy, now what?
Doodles can behave like a puppy for a very long time. That’s the good and the bad! A local shelter we know has seen an uptick in owner surrenders of doodles simply because owners are not ready for the responsibility and energy that comes with a doodle pup. They are going to chew, they are going to be hyper, they are going to jump and do all the other things all puppies do but maybe more and for longer.
Does my doodle puppy need training?
Yes yes yes yes yes. Doodles tend to be very smart, therefore not too difficult to train. They are highly motivated by food which is always a plus when training a dog. You can make training fun with positive reinforcement. Don’t forget to socialize your dog from a young age. If you have never trained a dog before, enroll in an obedience class, or reach out to an expert. Even one phone call or session with a professional trainer can set you on the path to success.
The 7 basic training commands are
- Sit
- Stay
- Down
- Come
- Heel
- Off
- Leave it (we prefer it to the more aggressive “NO”)
If you live in the New York area one of our favorite trainers is Sal from The Delighted Dog. "A dog needs an understanding owner who can meet not only their basic needs, but also supply the tools and environment for the dog to have a happy lifestyle. Proper training, adequate exercise, and keen attention to the breed's requirements is the best foundation to provide a happy life for your dog."- Sal, The Delighted Dog
Feeding my doodle puppy
Your pooch should be on a schedule from day one. It will help you keep track of what and how much they are eating. Like a newborn baby the schedule will most likely go something like this - eat, pee/poo, play, sleep, eat, pee/poo, play, sleep….
Ideally you will give your pup a diet of raw, natural food. There are so many options out there at every price point. If a raw all-natural diet still feels prohibitively expensive, consider a meal topper/min-in or supplement.
If going the kibble route, make sure the key ingredients are healthy meats/ vegetables and not filled with chemically created ingredients and additives.
Some of our doodle food favorites
Ollie - for puppies
Brutus Broth - bone broth for dogs, meal topper
Stella and Chewy's - mix-in, meal topper
As your puppy grows into adulthood you will need to adjust portions and feeding times. Consult your veterinarian for guidance.
How do you Groom my Doodle Dog?
Does my doodle dog have HAIR or FUR?
TIP: Hair is the difference between non-shedding and shedding (fur) dogs
Lucky for you your dog is most likely a very low to non shedder. That means he has hair instead of fur. That said, they do require attention to keep them healthy. Keeping their hair on the shorter side (AKA puppy cut) will make grooming easier as they will have fewer mattes. Either way you should brush your dog weekly. We love our 2-sided THE ONLY ONE dog brush.
Start grooming your dog young
Get your puppy used to a regular bath, brush and drying routine at home. For the best puppy shampoo, full of essential oils start with THE SENSITIVE ONE dog shampoo by PRIDE+GROOM.
If your puppy doesn’t have any allergies or skin issues at six months you can switch to best smelling dog shampoo THE NON-SHEDDER, which will leave your doodles coat silky, shiny and smooth.
Get a super absorbent dry by using with THE TOWEL for dogs and then for a salon finish use a hair dryer on a warm (never hot setting)
We love the Dyson because it is so quiet your dog won't get freaked out. He might even enjoy the warmth.
Use THE ONLY ONE dog Brush before the bath, during and after drying, to avoid tangles, release any dander and remove access moisture.
What to do with your dog's nails
Nails should we trimmed twice a month. If this is something you don't feel comfortable doing yourself, your local groomer will most likely let you pop in for a quick nail trim for a minimal fee.
Make your grooming ritual a positive together time with your doodle, that will lead to more enjoyable cuddling on your furniture or in your bed for the whole household.
Also Read - 8 Easy Tips For Dog Grooming At Home for Pet Parents
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
PRIDE+GROOM was born because 4 New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.
With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.
PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.
IN DOG WE TRUST
Shop our entire line: www.prideandgroom.com
