A Proper Introduction

[lovemydogs]

I would like to give my most sincere apology to anyone I have offended with my previous inquiries. Please be assured that there had never been any malicious intent in my posts at all, and I honestly came here to learn.

Already I have a better understanding of how many here value and breed their doodles, and though I know there are still many differences in my opinions and yours, I'm definitely sticking around to learn more and share my stories of Noodles and co.

So allow me to introduce myself (once more!) -

I am a German shepherd breeder, breeding pure West German working line German shepherd dogs. I work with my dogs in the Schutzhund competition and many of my pups are working as narcotic dogs, police k9s, and guide and service dogs, though most are competitors in the Schutzhund ring. I have a total of 10 dogs, 3 horses, 2 cats, and a parakeet. Oh, and a husband But he's not much fun.

My 3rd niece is severely allergic to dogs, but had always wanted one. Her father decided to answer an ad in the newspaper for a young labradoodle pup and brought Noodles home for her. Unfortunately, Sarah had an allergic reaction to Noodles as well, though they tried to keep him, Sarah was getting worse so they decided to give Noodles to me. And I have to say - I sure am darned glad they did! I have never had a poodle or a lab or a doodle before, all of my dogs consist of German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Belgian sheepdogs, and herding dog mixes. Though my other dogs do have their silly moments and play together, their minds are usually focused on "TRAIN TRAIN TRAIN!!". High drived, tireless, and often smarter than me, they are still my heart dogs, but cannot match Noodles when it comes to silliness or playing, or overall friendliness. My GSDs especially are aloof dogs that stick to me like velcro, begging to go out training, but never caring for anyone else. Noodles, too, has become a velcro dog, but loves everyone unequivocally, which my husband was delighted to find. I think with his help, I'll have more relatives willing to coming over to visit! He knows how to cheer me up when I'm stressed and always can bring out a laugh on the worst of days.

I do not have any current pictures of him, just one that was sent to me when my cousin asked me to take Noodles back. He is an ENTIRELY different dog now - well groomed, big happy eyes, and an easy smile. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a camera happy person, and my camera is probably hidden in one mess or another. But here's a picture of the before Noodles, and a picture of some of my German shepherds. You'll also see that these are German working lines and have none of that ridiculous exaggerated slope common in American lines.

Mr. Noodles! I hated how sad he looked... but trust me, much happier boy now !!


Chaos


Rema


Vengeance (she's preggers now)


Ruin


Falkor (he will be shipped over by his breeder next month, very excited to be working with him! A DDR/East German line boy)

Also included some pictures of Schutzhund training -



Oh yes, I was also wondering - according to Noodles' breeder, he is 6 months old. However, I am pretty sure he's much older, though I definitely could be wrong!

[anny51]

Hi - welcome to the forum!! Noodles is gorgeous...even without a smile...he looks to be quite a big boy? If you think he might be older than 6 mths, maybe you can get some clues by comparing his weight with other doods on the forum....if he's appreciably heavier than any other the same age, you may be right! As a kickoff, charlie is just 7 mths and weighs 14kgs (think that's about 31 lbs...can't find my calculator) - he's supposed to be a medium LD.

Your GSD's are beautiful...such a different type of dog to LDs but I'm sure just as much character and just as lovable. I read a bit about Schutzhund...that sounds pretty intense...almost as exhausting as stopping a doodle puppy eating everything in sight LOL!! I have to say I do find Charlie relaxing...he is happy just to hang out...doesn't mind if he misses a few days' training I look forward to hearing more about Noodle's exploits...who knows, maybe he'll even lure you into breeding doodles!

[tuffystar]

Welcome. My reaction is Noodles must be much older than 6 mo. but I am not an expert. Tia doesn't look as tall and she is almost 2 years old now, but she is not the tallest or biggest dog here. It is a bit hard to tell unless he is next to someone or another dog.

I have had a couple of German shepherds in my life but none that are like yours. One was the best dog I ever had as a kid. I must confess he looked a lot different than yours do. I still miss him and it has been 40 years about.

The thing I love about Tia is she is funny and loving and yes, needs me. I am so glad you have discovered this with Noodles! Thank you for being a forever home for Noodles! I hope you find your camera and find the camera person in you. I think this site inspires people to use their cameras a lot more! Again Welcome!

[lovemydogs]

Schutzhund, as tiring as stopping a hyperactive doodle from eating everything in sight? NEVER. My goodness, I cannot believe how much calories I am burning chasing after Noodles from one room to the next, saving scarves and socks and spankin' new blouses and purses. And, of course, the 9 other dogs in the house just HAVE to see what's going on and follow. And then, when I take away my nice silk scarf from Noodles' jaws, he looks at me like I've just sentenced him to sleeping out in the snow every night! Either that, or he thinks I'm playing tug-o-war.

I was not able to meet the breeder Noodles came from, but according to my relative, she continued to assure them that he was "just a big boy for his age and breed, but very young!". I would have put him anywhere between 1 1/2 - 2 years, though I've no idea, really. He's a whopping 64 pounds right now, and I'm sort of thinking he's going to keep growing! But it is such a joy to watch him grow and get into trouble, even if I'm not so thrilled at times.

[tuffystar]

If he is the age the breeder says he is I think you have an elephant on your hands! How tall is Noodles? Tia is 25 inches and weighs 88 lbs but is suppose to be 74 lbs She is almost 2 years old now! The height on Tia is at the shoulders.

[Raleighsmom]

Welcome again Lovemydogs! Noodles is adorable..if you do a search, and type in Elmo, you'll see another doodle that looks a lot like him!!!
Your GSD's are beautiful! How do they get along with Noodles? I'm so glad you decided to stick around here with us..even tho we always don't agree with one another, we've all become good friends, and and learn so much from each other!!

[lovemydogs]

Noodles is around 20 inches tall. Hey, it's not everyday someone gets a elephantadoodle given away to them! Granted, he's more of a trouble maker than a whole lot more talented than elephants I've known of.

You're right - he does look a lot like Elmo! Of course, I'm going to be biased and think he's a tad cuter ;D
I'm taking Vengeance to the vet next week to confirm her pregnancy. I'm also going to take Noodles along and get him caught up on shots (because I'm having the suspicion that he isn't) and get a health check up, too. I'll make sure to ask about his age.

He's getting along pretty well with my shepherds! Havoc really loves him, they're best friends now, along with Anya the Doberman. They're always playing together. My other dogs are used to me bringing home dogs (the dangers of having a sister who works at the shelter) so they're tolerating him. Sometimes they look at me like I'm crazy for bringing in this ball of excitement and goofiness, but I'm quite sure they're just wishing they could have as much fun and get away with it. My German shepherds want other people to think they're all reserved and hard working. I know better!

[blueteal]

Welcome to Doodleland
All your animals are just beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think that Noodles is probably closer to 11 months to 18 month range.
I have large Doodles and my puppy at just over 5 months is about 56 lbs and 22 inches tall which is considered large.
My almost 3 year old is around 98 lbs and stands around 31 inches tall.................
Thanks for all the great photos of your furry family.............

[Lucky Me]

Wow....Mr. Noodle really does resemble Elmo!!
You have some beautiful animals there....very classy looking.
Welcome!!

[KingstonTodd]

Welcome more officially. Noodles looks cute. If we get another doodle I want it to be white, but we would have to bath him all the time with the muddy yard that my 2 doods have made out of my once nice green lawn. They even get muddy with 2 feet of snow in the way! It would be nice to see some pics of Noodles playing with your shepards. There is only one GSD at the dog park here and for some reason he and my doods do not get along. My guys are scared to death of him, the ONLY dog they are scared of, but it is for no reason at all. They have never had a fight, in fact the shepard is a very friendly big guy. Maybe there is some body language between them that I am missing. Are shepards dog friendly for the most part?

[lovemydogs]

German shepherds are not friendly dogs - very aloof. When people meet my shepherds, they are usually somewhat offended when the dog does not greet them with a tail wag or a happy kiss. They are often one person dogs and several are slow to trust others, even if they were socialized as puppies. This is another reason why socialization is very important for GSD pups. But that's definitely a generalization - my Havoc is a big love bug, as well as Rema. Vengeance, Malice, and Bane are all rather slow to accept him, but they are treating him like an annoying little brother. Those three have never been too friendly, though. Even after 3 years, they are not too happy with Anya.

Where is Elmo living in? Maybe they're related!

blueteal - phew! Glad that he isn't too much of an oddball... I was imagining a Clifford - Doodle style!

[Lucky Me]

They are often one person dogs and several are slow to trust others

This has always been my observation with them, HOWEVER.....my girlfiend in gradeschool had a dog that was out of a germanshepard & collie,and she was the sweetest dog with the most incredible jet black, soft & silky coat.

[lovemydogs]

Oh definitely, there are always the incredibly friendly ones out there. Take Havoc, for example. I'll admit, he's a mean looking dog with an even meaner bark. But he loves to be pet and hugged by people of any kind. Unfortunately, when people see a mostly black German shepherd approaching them at an eager pace, they'll think they're getting attacked... And then you have Vengeance and Bane. Put them in a room with someone other than me or DH, and they'll look like they were suffering terribly and tense up like a rock.

[blueteal]

I have always loved and admired German Shepherds, and whenever I see one I always ask the owner if I can approach
and say hello..why ? because I was bitten and chased by one determined gd when I was younger and it always bothered me as to why he would do that
and also I was terrified and wanted to get over those feeling. Denver has never been even close to a GS because since he was a puppy he would make
a wide circle around them...............and still does...........I have always wondered if he felt a fear from me and that is why or something else going on.
I seemed to have gotten past that with Ryder as he will approach all dogs with my and the owners permission to do so................the "dog world" is very
fascinating and interesting....................

Welcome!! Noodles is oh so cute!! I know that the doodle for your neice's allergies didn't work out the first time. However, Noodles is pretty falt coated so he would not be the best choice for an allerg sufferer. If your neice and her Dad searched for a reputable breeder of F1b dogs that is close to your house she could maybe see if she is allergic to that cross. Just a thought. I am glad you are still posting. Your dogs are beautiful. I think I may have a GSD mix. Sadie's head and ears look like a GSD to me however she is really small so she isn't a pure breed. I love her even though she looks mean all the time. (She really isn't...she is the biggest kisser in the world)