Outdoor weather and size

[rex]

We are considering an LD for a family of four children but due to various reasons the pets must live outdoors.
How do they do in the cold of winter? With the Lab traits can they still handle the cold ok?
How can one tell how large a puppy may get? Can you estimate it by the size of their paws?
Do they tend to bark very much? We are in the city and where he/she will have to live outdoors making lots of noise would be a problem.

I appreciate any info. Thanks!

[lindamarie]

Welcome rex!
I don't know how to say this, but these dogs nor any dog should not live outside.
I can see how you might really want a dog or a doodle.......but this just cannot work.

Is it allergies? Because if it is, an F2 may help........and the doodle could be inside......other then that, being blunt, you shouldn't consider a dog.
Sorry

[KingstonTodd]

Doodles are social dogs and need to be around their people and in their lives. I dont think they would do well alone outside for extended periods. I wouldn't sell one ofmy puppies into a situation like that. Maybe try a more outdoor, solitary breed. Check the AKC for breed descriptions.

[sheamusmom]

Originally Posted by KingstonTodd

Doodles are social dogs and need to be around their people and in their lives. I dont think they would do well alone outside for extended periods. I wouldn't sell one ofmy puppies into a situation like that. Maybe try a more outdoor, solitary breed. Check the AKC for breed descriptions.

I agree totally with Todd. IDOG rescues just doodles and we absolutely will NOT allow an adoption if they family plans to keep the dog outdoors. Doodles are so social that they strive to be with their people. Please don't do this to a doodle. I can't frankly think of any breed that this life would be good, are you looking for the dog to be security, living in the city?

[Jac]

Hi Rex, welcome...I imagine that the answer to your question is not what you had hoped for...sorry...but it is true. Labradoodles are the most social dogs I have ever known. They adore being with their family and do not do well when they are secluded. It would not be fair to the dog to keep him/her outdoors, even with a nice dog house and sufficient shelter/heat/air conditioning.
I am with Todd, I would not sell a puppy to a family that planned to keep it outdoors.
I do think that you have other options...many dogs do just fine outdoors. But, Doodles are much too social to do well if not in a home, near their family pack.

[MaxandMe]

HI REX

while i'd love to say GET an ALASKAN MALAMUTE or HUSKY as they LOVE living outdoors in the winter
as other breeds do
can i ask you a question? if the dog has to live outdoors and NOT make much noise
why NOT CONSIDER volunteering at a local shelter instead of getting a dog?

seriously, you could help walking dogs giving them time attention they need and possibly help them get homes
Some shelters need volunteers and YOU could learn more about different dog breeds and IF having one full time
really does suit you or not.

also MOST dogs if left outside most of the time WILL BARK for attention and/or at noises, people etc
which could be a problem as you stated.

I myself at one time did volunteering at the local ASPCA shelter years ago when i couldn't have a dog due to my
work schedule as i used to drive 2hours a day for work. Soooooo i would spend my day off at the shelter
with lonely dogs aching for a little attention and a new home but i also worked with them showing them a bit of
training, trust and socialization as some were strays , some were dropped off....REGARDLESS these dogs
needed some one on one with someone as it made a difference in them being adopted sometimes.

sooooooooooo why not for now say once a week try volunteering one hour or two
and after a while see if having a dog permamently would work out for you as well as learn what kind of dogbreed
would be good for you.

DOODLES are 24/7 people dogs shadowing you at all times.........they won't go out alone NOR handle being left alone.

[cindy456]

You have heard from wonderful people. This is my first labradoodle and she is only 6 months old so I am not experienced at all. I can say that Mandy is a velcro dog, she loves being with us. And housetraining her has been so easy. I wondered if that could be a reason you need one outside, maybe look to an older dog that is calm and housebroken so it can stay indoors with you. But labradoodles are very social like everyone has stated, Mandy even sleeps next to my bed in her crate. Because of their need/desire to be near their people they may not be a breed for everyone.

[SykoSofie]

Hi Rex,

I have to agree with everyone else - Doodles need to be with their people. My Linus (middle name "Underfoot", if that tells ya anything...) is asleep at my feet as I type this.

Are you concerned about size? I didn't want a big dog because I'm a small person in a small house. But I didn't want a little yappy dog, either, so I chose a miniature Labradoodle instead of a standard. Linus is between 35 and 40 pounds, and about 20" tall at the shoulder. He's actually on the large side for a miniature, at least from his breeder. Some are 20 to 30 pounds. Are you concerned about shedding and/or allergies? From what I've read, F1b's are a pretty safe bet.

If you absolutely cannot have a dog in the house, please don't get a Labradoodle, he/she just wouldn't be happy. Besides, these darlings are too valuable to be left outside!