Considering a Labradoodle....or have one?

[lindamarie]

Let's talk Labradoodle's/Goldendoodle's.
We know that many people come to this forum, just as I did, when considering purchasing one.
I had heard many good things, but had no experience. NOW I DO!
My doodle, above, as many know is BOGART!.....often called BOGIE. He turned TWO in September.

Of all the dogs I have ever had, and I have had many, no dog can compare. I know we don't do that.........compare or replace dogs, because we can't. Any dog I ever had I loved deeply and was in complete sorrow when I lost them.

But, there is just something SPECIAL about these dogs that my husband and I have found.......and we will NEVER have any other kind of dog again!

Aside from the fact that Bogart is my Service Dog and got his CGC .........oh.........maybe 4 months before his 1st Birthday........he has so many other things to offer.
Bogart is:
The most gentle dog I have ever had. I have no fear of him being around ANYONE from tiny babes to old and vulnerable Seniors.
He has this special way of smiling and knows when to lick and not to lick....when to HIGH FIVE and not to........when to lie still and when to play.

He brings such JOY to us that on a daily basis, seriously.......MANY times a day.......my husband and I both say, "OMG! I just love that dog so much!"

It's the way he serves, plays, loves........ his gentleness........and that SCRUFFY FACE that just melts even the cold of heart!
This dog looks me square in the eyes and communicates!! People are so impressed when I have him out with me when they see how he watches me and can't have me out of sight. It melts my heart!

I know that those of you that have a doodle know exactly what I am talking about. But, for those of you who wonder........don't even hesitate...JUST DO IT!
Last week, I was in Whole Foods with Bogart. A lady asked me if he was a Portuguese Water Dog. (OH!! I also get asked if he's a BOUVIER a LOT! At Verizon, 2 different people asked if he was a Bouvier within 5 minutes! Having raised Bouviers, he does look a lot like my first Bouv......except for the tail and ears not being cropped).
I told her he was a Labradoodle and she WANTED HIM! She had a sad story. She has a PWD who is 4 years old. He has bitten several people now.
She is afraid of an eventual lawsuit, but for now, the PWD has only bitten family members.
I have heard other stories such as these and know that there can be a BAD dog in any breed or mutt once in awhile, so I'm sure doodle's are no exception to the rule..........BUT!! If you want the BEST............GET A DOODLE! I will always have one!

[SamsonsMom]

I will completely second everything Linda said! Doodles are an amazing breed...but its not until you own one that you really understand what all the fuss is about! They have amazing personalities - Gotta love the doodle!!!

[MaxandMe]

i've fostered dogs on and off for almost 30yrs............the LABRADOODLE and GOLDENDOODLES are VERY UNIQUE!
had it not been for my allergies i wonder if i had would have read a story years ago being developed and not offered to the public
that i'd ache for one.

well on Oct 7th 2006 my dream came true...........MAX came home w/us after my 4 or 5yrs of telling my kids
i had 1001 reasons WHY I"D never get another dog, FOSTER YES , own one? no way

then 5mos later Peanut came home.........and 6mos later BEAU ..........Beau is with Sdrudge since last year.

anyway.........everything LINDA said is true!!!!!


i will say i still love Bull Mastiffs to no end yet they dont' compare to DOODLES

MINE are also great with babies a few months old to almost grown teenagers
their lovign comical nature with intense intelligence and more........WOW!!!!!

[SamsonsMom]

Originally Posted by MaxandMe

MINE are also great with babies a few months old to almost grown teenagers
their lovign comical nature with intense intelligence and more........WOW!!!!!

ABSOLUTELY!! Issac, 6 years old, LOVES dogs, but especially loves Henry & Samson. I've watched Issac around other dogs, and he always comes back with scratch marks on his arms or back. Issac has a habit of wanting to get down on the ground and play with the dogs. I was especially concerned when he started getting down on the ground with Samson - and than Samson and Henry. I mean a Standard Labradoodle is NOT a small breed dog. I was ABSOLUTELY AMAZED at how both doodles recongnize and are aware of themselves and Issac. Issac has NEVER had a scratch mark - he has never said the dogs hurt him, the dogs haven't even stepped on him accidently. Issac has had their favorite toy in hand, waving it around before, and the doodles STILL have not gotten over-excited and forgot themselves.

They are careful and mindful - and they absolutely are aware of their teeth and claws and heavy feet. They do not even attempt to play with a toddler, they will just come sit by the visiting toddlers and babies and let the baby pet them. If a baby is on the floor, they make a big circle around the baby and will not rough house with each other while a baby is on the floor. People say labs are great for families and I agree - however, I'd suggest the doodle. The doodle just seems to me to be even better suited to a family life style. Intense intelligence for sure!

[Jac]

I absolutely agree that Doodles are uniquely designed to be great family pets...they ARE different, I can't explain it and people think "yeah. right." but, without exception, people that I know who own a Doodle will say the same thing...they are so smart, intuitive, comical, loving, gentle...wonderful dogs.

I do, however, want to add (for those who are seeking a dog) there are two major things that will determine your satisfaction with a Doodle: 1) Choosing the right breeder. Any one can put two dogs together and make puppies, but a good breeder does a lot more. They find the best breeding pair to create the best puppies possible...and they CARE about those puppies. 2) You start out with a great puppy, but the dog you end up with is directly related to the time you put into caring for his/her needs, and that includes training, attention, health, devotion, love.

So, while I absolutely agree with what is being said, I will add that those on this forum who treasure their dogs....EVERY ONE OF THEM are great Doodle parents! (It takes a good dog and a good human to make a good dog.)

[lindamarie]

Amen, Jac! I second all that!

[deepnite10]

its so true about the *self awareness* of themselves..they can instinctively gentle around children and smaller dogs..
and rip it up with the biggies at the dog park..

i am amazed at the gentleness of Toby..as other have also noticed..

certainly i read how easy they were to train..YEAH, i heard that befor..another amazement..doodles are easy to train
i know at 2yrs. they re suppose to be in their terrible teens..but, if this is as hyper as he s going to get..i really don t know how
much mellower he can be..