Labradoodle health

[Heathm]

I am still reeling from the recent loss of my 3rd Standard Poodle. Within the past 5 yrs. I've lost 3 Standards. The first at 4 yrs. to bloat or the complication from the surgery, the second ffrom cancer at age 3 yrs., and this month I lost my last due to an obstruction in his intestines. The vet said I've had a string of bad luck; we've spent thousands trying to save these pets. We love them and I was wondering if a poodle mix would be more healthy. 2 of my dogs were from a great show background with health clearances, and one was a rescue. I used my middle one for threapy with my special needs kids. We were all so attached. It was hard onmy students as well as my family. What do you feel is the health and longevity of this breed? Also, can you tell me more about the F1 generation ( coat, temperment...) Thanks for sharing.

[blueteal]

Wow so very sorry for your losses............................
I have an F1, his coat is no maintenance and his temperment
is brilliant , seriously he is an amazing dog...............
He also does not shed but he is not typical of F1's in that way,
as most do shed...................Longevity I do not know so maybe someone with older dogs
can chime in here as I do not know what is the norm
other than what we have been told and I have been told that they should live to
10 to 15 years.................

[Doodlesville]

First off ,,im so very sorry for your losses, I cant imagine the heartbreak you and you family have felt

In My experience standard poodles are very healthy generally

Bloat is in most cases caused by feeding, gobbling food and the food expands in the stomach, the way to avoid that is to free feed from puppyhood

Im not sure that 2 of those problems (bloat and obstruction) had much to do with the health of the breed in general,, or genetics

to answer your question yes doodles would tend to be healthier, they are hybrids, and most genetic problems both parents must carry the gene in order to pass it on to pups,

Again im so very sorry for you loss

[Doodlesville]

PS ,,F1 labradoodles are the most likly to shed, and coats are not predictable
The F1B Labradoodles generally have a very easy care coat, and are the desired wavy shaggy look
( i have loads of pics on My site, in fact 3 pics of pups from same litter that will show you how the coats vary)
the F1B Labradoodle is the Most likly to be low to no shed of any doodle

F1 Goldendoodles and F1 Aussiedoodle come in a close 2nd

Temperaments are awesome, This is why they do so well in service and therapy
Bocker a f1 labradoodle born and bred here is doing amazing things in his life
www.bocker.tv
Dont hate me if his song gets stuck in your head,

[Jac]

Heath, I am so sorry for your loss...three times is just unbearable.
I agree with Nancy that none of these health issues, in my opinion, are consistently linked to genetics. Of course there are genetic links to cancer and other diseases, but you can't rule out cancer by testing genetics and you can't expect cancer if there is a family member with it. Too many other factors influence these problems.
Yes, the hybrid vigor is real. Here is an excellent (but loaded) report comparing pure bred dogs to mixed breed dogs. I think that you will find it enlightening: http://www.canine-genetics.com/Default.htm
Again, I am extremely sorry...you have been through an emotionally taxing 5 years...I hope that you will find a strong, healthy, canine companion soon...

[MaxandMe]

Heathm......I am sooooo sorry to hear of your loss and you've been through alot to-date.

finding a breeder that does full testing w/a good health contract is good to pursue but not 100%. yet it can rule out disease, ensure good health etc.

I have a F1 LD and F1 GD .....the LD is sensitive to some foods while the GD seems to have a cast iron stomach but I think that depends MORE on the parents/breeding pair used.

the f1GD coat's usually are more fleecy, and lower to nonshedding
the LD I have is scruffy looking but moves like a poodle and trains like one as well.
either breed definitely needs mental stimulation as does std poodles due their intelligence and natural playful ways.

both train easily , i am slowly working towards therapy training here with my doodles. I have found Goldendoodles to naturally be very calm and excellent with infant to small kids w/no training.
YET Max the LD trains faster or at an earlier age than my GD.
NOW some might agree w/me but based on a doodles temperament it could go either way with both types of doodles.

i've been told doodles live 12-15years based on the heritage lifespans of the breeds used. I have heard of 2 doodles reaching ages 11 to 14years old to-date.
we do have 2 friends that have doodles ages 3yrs old and other one is now 6years old both in excellent health.

I don't know if my input helps.....as its from my own experience thus far
max is 2yrs old and peanut is 18mos.