Getting Pup - MultiGen Questions

Bill C · 09-29-2010, 11:32 AM

Hello Everyone: This is my first post here, but I’ve been one of the ‘lurkers’ for a while, learning as much as I can about this breed. We’ve been a ‘Dog Family’ almost forever, and at my age, that’s quite a while. My wife and I have raised several puppies over the years, and we currently have a wonderful, somewhat docile Golden Retriever. Our children, who are grown and out of the house have: Bernese Mountain Dog (wonderful breed – we’ve been watching her for a couple of months as our daughter is in middle of moving and changing jobs); son has two goldendoodles and Australian sheep dog (rescue) and another daughter has two smaller rescue dogs. Although we really like all the dogs, the goldendoodles have really captured out interest. As we’ve considered adding to our family, the Goldendoodles/Labradoodles are at the top of our list. We don’t have a concern for shedding as we are used to fur/hair all over the place

but we really like the doodle temperament and look.
Although I am far from an expert, I have learned a lot about this breed, mainly thru the generous sharing of information here. I understand the basics of breeding, and of course, have a question: First of all, I want to make sure that everyone understands we do not have anything against poodles. The ‘uneasiness’ I have with them is because growing up we had a poodle and there were a few issue between the dog and me. (Probably my fault not the dogs). Anyway, having had several golden retrievers over the years, our preference is for a doodle that has more of a golden look and temperament than a poodles. (I realize that this is ‘shallow’, but that’s the way we feel) So, after all this setup, here are the questions:
We have an opportunity to get a chocolate female Labradoodle from a reputable breeder about an hour from where we live. He breeds ‘multigen’ labradoodles, and several weeks ago we gave a down payment towards one of the puppies. Although we saw the pups, they were really way to young to be able to tell what they would look like, and unfortunately, I didn’t ask to see the parents. We go back in a couple of weeks to pick her up, and I’m wondering if there is a way to tell what the pup will look like grown (whether or not the look will be more towards a lab or that of a poodle? And, of course, temperament is important) It is my understanding that multigens have anywhere from 60-90 percent poodle, is that correct? Is there a way to tell how ‘hyper’ the pup will be once grown and do multi-gens tend to me more hyper than F1’s? Thank you. As you can tell, we are a bit anxious about meeting our new family member, and no matter what we will love her fully. I look forward to being an active participant here as I’m sure we will have many more questions.
Thanks!

**lindamarie** · 09-29-2010, 12:08 PM

WELCOME TO THE FORUM, BILL!

Quote:

Anyway, having had several golden retrievers over the years, our preference is for a doodle that has more of a golden look and temperament than a poodles. (I realize that this is ‘shallow’, but that’s the way we feel)

It's not really shallow, as that is the way I feel too and I hope it's not offensive to anyone. Some of us just prefer more traits and looks of the Lab or Golden Retriever.
Bogart's mom is an English Yellow Lab. We saw her and liked her.
She had the "boxier" body and labby face. Louie, Bogarts dad, is a smaller Standard Poodle and beautiful.
When dry...Bogart has that boxy body and face. Even when wet, his muzzle may be a tad more pointy like a poodle, but overall, he has the body and face of his mom.
Many people think Bogart is a Bouvier. I raised Bouviers and Bogart looks totally like him too. It's amazing!

Your question refers to "multigen".......and I am unable to answer that. Perhaps one of the breeders here can.
All I know is that Bogart is an F1Labradoodle.
His personality is definitely the mom's....kinda laid back and so gentle! Yet, he definitely is playful, energetic and SMART! I'm not referring to hyperactive.......but just an overall energized and ready for anything kind of guy.
I see the poodle in him only in his, once in awhile, "standoffishness". My brother has a poodle and he says that, for sure, that part of Bogart is poodle.
What I mean by that is that sometimes he just is aloof and will let you do hugs, kisses etc.....but he likes his own space. It's kind of funny actually.
As a Service Dog and also Therapy dog at schools and hospitals, he is a TEN! He interacts very well and is very loving to anyone.
I wish I could freeze Bogart at this time in life as he is, most likely, the BEST dog I have ever had......and I have had some real WINNERS!

I hope no one gets upset with me over this because this is my opinion and is surely open to criticism. So, please remember it's just MY opinion and not meant to be anything but that or to hurt.
My experience with Golden Retrievers has been both positive yet negative.
I see them as a bit more hyperactive and not as calm as the Lab. It is for this reason that I chose a Labradoodle over a Goldendoodle and would again. I LOVE the Lab in him!

In closing, ask your breeder what their thoughts are as to which pup may be more prone to look less "poodley".
My breeders were able to do this and also knew exactly what his coat would be like. They were totally correct!

Looking forward to hearing more from you, Bill and your future doodle...whatever he/she might be!

Bill C · 09-29-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindamarie

...snip...
In closing, ask your breeder what their thoughts are as to which pup may be more prone to look less "poodley".
My breeders were able to do this and also knew exactly what his coat would be like. They were totally correct!

Looking forward to hearing more from you, Bill and your future doodle...whatever he/she might be!

Thanks for the response Linda. Yes, I most definitely will discuss this with the breeder. Our golden is quite the opposite of 'hyper' - too much like me I guess - a bit over weight and needs more exercise. Heh - maybe a hyper dog would be good for me and our golden. (Jai Mahasi - aka "Moose")
Bill

UnketyBrook · 09-30-2010, 07:43 PM

Hi there - I breed Australian Labradoodles, not straight Labradoodles - but I can tell you the meaning of a multigen. A multigen is a (in you case a lab x poodle mix) labradoodle that is bred to another labradoodle through multiple generations. If you are buying a first cross or a second cross, it is early in the development. You would probably have some problems with shedding, the coats not being allergy friendly and the dogs looking more or less poodley or lab'ish. It takes many generations to achieve consistent results which is why if you want a certain look you would look at not just a multigen, how many generations.
Hope that helps,
Jill
Welcome - Unkety Brook Australian Labradoodles

Bill C · 09-30-2010, 10:14 PM

Thanks for the response Jill. Yes, that helps. Shedding is not an issue for us, and we have a Golden anyway. I've 'settled down' a bit, I guess it is just 'adoption' nerves

which is strange as we've had many dogs over the years. The breeder has answered all my questions, and of course will have the mother/father there when we look at the pups. I think what also helped is to look at a few of the youtube labradoodle clips

Regards,
Bill

Bill C · 10-05-2010, 11:59 AM

As you can imagine, we are getting excited as we pick up our new family member on Saturday (which just happens to be my wife's birthday). We are busy 'puppy proofing' the house, reading up on crate training again, and of course, reading the many message threads here, including interesting ones on food. Any hesitation I had was overcome when the breeder sent me current pictures. ( hah

sho could resist 7 week old puppy pics!). It also looks like we may have a selection between a chocolate and an apricot. The apricot was the 'runt' of the litter (I really do not like that term). As it is my wife's birthday, I'll let her decide. Pictures to follow.
Bill

**lindamarie** · 10-06-2010, 12:10 PM

YAAAAAAAAAAY!!
This is really exciting and I can't WAIT to see the PUP!!
So, among all the other things you're getting ready..........make sure the camera is all set to go!!

Bill C · 10-06-2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindamarie

YAAAAAAAAAAY!!
This is really exciting and I can't WAIT to see the PUP!!
So, among all the other things you're getting ready..........make sure the camera is all set to go!!

Thanks Linda. Yes, the camera is ready. We have 4 children, now all grown, and I have several thousand pictures of them. Being a 'dog family', I have almost as many pictures of familiy dogs as I do the children. Here's a link to just a few:
http://twinoakphoto.zenfolio.com/dogs
Bill

09-29-2010, 11:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bill C Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Eastern PA - North Of Philly Posts: 53	Getting Pup - MultiGen Questions Hello Everyone: This is my first post here, but I’ve been one of the ‘lurkers’ for a while, learning as much as I can about this breed. We’ve been a ‘Dog Family’ almost forever, and at my age, that’s quite a while. My wife and I have raised several puppies over the years, and we currently have a wonderful, somewhat docile Golden Retriever. Our children, who are grown and out of the house have: Bernese Mountain Dog (wonderful breed – we’ve been watching her for a couple of months as our daughter is in middle of moving and changing jobs); son has two goldendoodles and Australian sheep dog (rescue) and another daughter has two smaller rescue dogs. Although we really like all the dogs, the goldendoodles have really captured out interest. As we’ve considered adding to our family, the Goldendoodles/Labradoodles are at the top of our list. We don’t have a concern for shedding as we are used to fur/hair all over the place but we really like the doodle temperament and look. Although I am far from an expert, I have learned a lot about this breed, mainly thru the generous sharing of information here. I understand the basics of breeding, and of course, have a question: First of all, I want to make sure that everyone understands we do not have anything against poodles. The ‘uneasiness’ I have with them is because growing up we had a poodle and there were a few issue between the dog and me. (Probably my fault not the dogs). Anyway, having had several golden retrievers over the years, our preference is for a doodle that has more of a golden look and temperament than a poodles. (I realize that this is ‘shallow’, but that’s the way we feel) So, after all this setup, here are the questions: We have an opportunity to get a chocolate female Labradoodle from a reputable breeder about an hour from where we live. He breeds ‘multigen’ labradoodles, and several weeks ago we gave a down payment towards one of the puppies. Although we saw the pups, they were really way to young to be able to tell what they would look like, and unfortunately, I didn’t ask to see the parents. We go back in a couple of weeks to pick her up, and I’m wondering if there is a way to tell what the pup will look like grown (whether or not the look will be more towards a lab or that of a poodle? And, of course, temperament is important) It is my understanding that multigens have anywhere from 60-90 percent poodle, is that correct? Is there a way to tell how ‘hyper’ the pup will be once grown and do multi-gens tend to me more hyper than F1’s? Thank you. As you can tell, we are a bit anxious about meeting our new family member, and no matter what we will love her fully. I look forward to being an active participant here as I’m sure we will have many more questions. Thanks!

10-06-2010, 12:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,171	YAAAAAAAAAAY!! This is really exciting and I can't WAIT to see the PUP!! So, among all the other things you're getting ready..........make sure the camera is all set to go!! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

09-30-2010, 07:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
UnketyBrook Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2	Hi there - I breed Australian Labradoodles, not straight Labradoodles - but I can tell you the meaning of a multigen. A multigen is a (in you case a lab x poodle mix) labradoodle that is bred to another labradoodle through multiple generations. If you are buying a first cross or a second cross, it is early in the development. You would probably have some problems with shedding, the coats not being allergy friendly and the dogs looking more or less poodley or lab'ish. It takes many generations to achieve consistent results which is why if you want a certain look you would look at not just a multigen, how many generations. Hope that helps, Jill Welcome - Unkety Brook Australian Labradoodles

09-30-2010, 10:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bill C Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Eastern PA - North Of Philly Posts: 53	Thanks for the response Jill. Yes, that helps. Shedding is not an issue for us, and we have a Golden anyway. I've 'settled down' a bit, I guess it is just 'adoption' nerves which is strange as we've had many dogs over the years. The breeder has answered all my questions, and of course will have the mother/father there when we look at the pups. I think what also helped is to look at a few of the youtube labradoodle clips Regards, Bill

10-05-2010, 11:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bill C Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Eastern PA - North Of Philly Posts: 53	As you can imagine, we are getting excited as we pick up our new family member on Saturday (which just happens to be my wife's birthday). We are busy 'puppy proofing' the house, reading up on crate training again, and of course, reading the many message threads here, including interesting ones on food. Any hesitation I had was overcome when the breeder sent me current pictures. ( hah sho could resist 7 week old puppy pics!). It also looks like we may have a selection between a chocolate and an apricot. The apricot was the 'runt' of the litter (I really do not like that term). As it is my wife's birthday, I'll let her decide. Pictures to follow. Bill

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