Better with young children?

[Poodleordoodle]

Would you say that an Australian Labradoodle would be better with very young children than a Standard poodle. I must admit then unlike many other doodle owners, I really do love poodles, and love their look....especially the standards. The problem is that I have read that most poodles have very sensitive, soft natures, and can become quite upset with the sort of noise and commotion that a house full of children can produce. And also I have read that labs and lab crosses are more forgiving of children's laying on them, surprising them with a loud noise, or movement, etc than a poodle would be.

Also, we are thinking about an adult dog rather than a puppy...thought it would be easier with the kids.

Any thoughts? My boys are 5, 3 1/2 and 1. The older two are very gentle by nature....not sure about the one year old yet.

[Julie B.]

I love the look of standard poodles. I do think it depends on the poodle- I know some that are very reserved and some that are quite playful. If you're thinking about an adult a doodle may be better with the children. Of course, it will depend if the dog has been around kids. I, too, didn't want the hassle of a puppy but I wanted the dog to be used to my son who has special needs and has unpredictable behavior (he's 8.) You'll need to be very selective about an adult dog or maybe just wait and get a puppy or an adolescent when the kids are a bit older.

[Poodleordoodle]

Thanks, Julie. The dog that we are thinking about taking is a young adult multigen austrailian doodle who has been around young children, so we are hoping it will be a good fit.

[Julie B.]

That sounds like it might be a great fit!!

[deepnite10]

i can only speak on my Toby.. who is great with children as well with other animals..

due to his great mellow nature..i can only rationalize why he s such a kind dog..they re hybrids..as in a hybrid..they re bringing out the best qualities of both dogs..

the friendly nature of a lab..and the superior intelligence of the poodle..and if by chance the poodle has the recessive gene for temperament..your going to have a very mellow, smart doodle..as such the case of Toby..

[GordonDoodle]

my first post I will tell you my experience so far, and I am a new labradoodle mom to Gordon:
I have been a lab owner for more than 15yrs. We've lost two dogs over the past 2yrs to elder issues--my girl in May of this year. I decided early on that I really wanted either a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle just because of all I have seen about their temperaments and how beautiful they are in general. I have a friend who was a guardian of a female labradoodle, and I loved hearing her stories.

Two weeks ago I came across an older labradoodle and I took my two boys (11 and 4) to meet him. Within a few minutes I knew why he was been placed in his 4th home. It was very unfortunate, his behavior was enough that I really didn't think he would be a good fit with especially my youngest. Keep in mind, my family has experience with dogs--years worth, but I had to go with my gut on that one. I don't know if he was quite a year yet.

Then... I found my Gordon. He is currently 12 weeks and his temperament is a total change from the previous dog. He has puppy issues, but I have to say that he is making the puppy time a joy. He has been very easy, quick learner, and he loves the boys. Even though he is very much a puppy, he is especially gentle towards my youngest son. He'll run with him, but he doesn't pounce on him and try to dominate. Gordon is testing my older son however we are working on that.

So, what I am getting at... go with your gut if you begin meeting puppies and dogs. I think in general, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are very family oriented and good with kids.

Good luck! I am loving being a new mom to our Labradoodle!

[Poodleordoodle]

Thanks for the input. You make a good point that you have to just meet prospective dogs, because they are all individuals, and can vary in temperament even within the same breed.