Considering a labradoodle in Phoenix- looking for advice on the right type of dog

[mkliphon]

Hi, I am interested in finding a labradoodle in Phoenix, AZ. I have just started the research process and was wondering if an experienced breeder/owner can answer some questions for me.

1. My fiance is partial to labradors and wants more labrador characteristics for hunting, fetching purposes. What should we be looking for?

2. I am an avid hiker. How is the breed for hiking on rocky surfaces, and the hot Phoenix climate?

3. Does it matter if you get a Medium or Standard as far as hiking, swimming, and hunting or is it just personal preference?

Thank!
Michele

[browndog]

Not sure what your weather is like there, but our labradoodle tends to overheat very very quickly, much faster than any other dog we've seen. We have to keep an eye on her on hot days and sometimes cool her off with water and we don't even live in a hot climate. Lovely dogs though....are so happy to be alive and love everyone!

[Jasper'sMomma]

I agree, my doodle gets hot very easily, too. We live in the Dallas area and we have to make sure he doesn't overheat.... But he is pretty good about not letting himself get too hot, lol...he is soo smart and such a happy dog!!

[Lucky Me]

I would recommend a first generation Labradoodle with field Champion lines in it.
Mine is loaded with Field Champions and would make an excellent hunting/service dog..this dog really needs a "job".
I have noticed that a lot of great service dogs have these hunting Champions in them...... they are "working" dogs.
These great noses go on to make seizure alert dogs, diabetic alert dogs, cancer detection dogs......

On coats...I had a couple that had a hard time deciding between 2 pups in a second generation litter. One had a first generation or F1 coat, the other a beautiful, silky, curly coat. The wife hiked a lot, and the final decision came down to getting the one with the F1 coat as her hubby said that she would just end up shaving the fluffy one down all the time like the F1 anyway, as a bushy coat will pick up lots of seeds and stickers..

I would also recommend a light coated Doodle also as Black absorbs heat, and if it is hot there, would tend to overheat the dog more....

I never though about that before as I live in the mountains at 2500 ft, but below me, in the valley is an area that can get up to 110+ degrees sometimes in the summer.
One of my Doodle families brought up this fact...and I now factor this in when placing pups...

On size.....in early generations there can be a lot of surprises....mother Nature can throw a lot of surprises!
Not only do you need too look at the size of the parents, but grandparents influence too, in fact, if both parents have a large dog in the generations behind them, the genes can line up right and you end up with a moose.
If size is important, work with a breeder that has bred a pair of dogs before, and can better give you an idea of how big the pups will get.

My first was an F1. I had a hard time deciding between her and her brother. She matured at 75-80 lbs. Her brother went to 110 lbs.
I bred her to a 90 lb poodle, the pups went 60-105 lbs.
Next 2 litters, I bred to the 90lb boys half brother who is only 45 lbs.
These have gone 50-90 lbs......
The pup I kept, from her first litter, surprising, was not only one of the smallest in the litter @ 60lbs., but also turned from black to "Blue"...a kind of steel blue color.
Find the pup who's personality you like and be open for surprises!

LOVE these dogs!!
Good luck in your search...