Help us pick our puppy!

I like number 2 too. But she might shed a little. Any luck finding out more about their personalities?

[rabidpecan]

I called our breeder this morning and asked her if she could tell me a little more about the pups' temperments, and she basically said the same thing. She said they don't bark much and none of the three seem particularly active or curious. Just a bunch of laid-back puppies. Which would suit us just fine. We want a dog we can play with and take on hikes and such, but for the most part we'd prefer them to be easy going.

[Bella]

Originally Posted by rabidpecan

I appreciate all of your comments about meeting the puppies......but they live five hours away, so it's just not possible.

Is it 100% not possible? Even just once? I'm not trying to be whiney but it really is invaluable meeting the puppies AND the mum. How are the parents hip/eye/elbow scores? If they're good then seeing them for health reason isn't as much of a priority.

Our trips to see Mabel before we brought her home sometimes took 4 hours each way. Once we were even on the road for 12 hours, not counting the time we spent with her. I do not regret a single second if it.

As I said I'm not preaching, just wanting the best for you and your future pup.

[AdinaP]

I probably wouldn't drive a 10 hour round trip either...you just can't tell from a short visit which pup is ideal. Perhaps the breeder needs more of a rating question:

If you had to choose WHICH pup is shyest?
If you had to choose WHICH pup is most bold?
If you had to choose WHICH pup is __fill in the blank__

Perhaps that would help her be more specific???

I like #1 best, but for less grooming #2 seems most middle of the way.

Good luck!

[rabidpecan]

Okay.......so now the great debate is REALLY on! lol The little girl in me wants the fluffy #1, but the practical side of me is afraid she's going to be a pain to groom. Anyone care to venture a guess as to weather or not there will be a problem with matting? The breeder says she's the only one with a soft coat, and I've been trying to guess from the "puppy to full grown" post what they'll each look like as they grow. But it seems that a lot of you who have a fluffier dog are dealing with an F1B, and these are F1's. Do you think this F1 would grow to have hair that long? And does it look like the type to matt?

Someone asked if I could find a way to drive to visit before the pick-up, but it's just not possible with time and cost of gas. The parents health tests are good, and I've spoken to other people who have bought from her and had a good experience. As for asking her again about temperments.........I'll probably try. I just feel like I'm being such a pest asking her the same questions over and over. I've probably already driven her mad with all of my questions. lol But I'll try again. Thanks!

[Bella]

Originally Posted by rabidpecan

As for asking her again about temperments.........I'll probably try. I just feel like I'm being such a pest asking her the same questions over and over. I've probably already driven her mad with all of my questions. lol But I'll try again. Thanks!

I assume you're paying quite a bit of money for the puppy, you're entitled to ask as many questions as you want. I'd go so far to say you're obliged to ask as many questions as possible. One of the things i was told when we were picking a puppy was stay a million miles away from a breeder who is reluctant to answer questions. This can be a 15 year commitment so ask now while you can. I'm guessing your breeder is only to happy to boast about her pups, and so she should with such beautiful babies

From what I've read about F1's you shoud be lucky with their coat. The ones I've seen tend to be scruffy rather than fleece, much easier to maintain. Maybe people with F1 experience will be able to give you better information. Guessing how an adult coat will turn out is way above my experience.

You must be beside yourself with excitement

[Jac]

If the breeder makes you feel like a pest, find another...there are many breeders and many doodles out there.

The first one is really cute and you are right, will have the best "looking" coat...but she will likely mat. You can help to avoid that by good brushing on a regular basis...but 2 and 3 will most likely be easiest to groom.

My F1s rarely mat and when they do it is very easy to cure...my F1Bs often mat...and can be a real pain to clear because you risk cutting their skin...if you do get one that mats, be sure to have it groomed every 6 months to a year and that should help.