Hello from the Olympic peninsula of Washington

mckate · 07-06-2008, 02:17 AM

Hey all.
I have a rather sad personal tale. I am a life long dog lover/owner but for the first time in many years I find myself without a pet. I lost my darling yellow lab Gladys last month. I am still devastated.
I have been searching the internet for lab breeders, although I am not sure I am ready to bring another dog in the house quite yet. I have become very interested in the labradoodle breed.
Recently, someone talked to me about labradoodles.. I had never heard of them!

My Grandkids are around my home alot and have a few allergies. This is another reason for considering a labradoodle.

I have a huge fenced yard and am retired so I wouldn't have to worry about leaving a dog alone very much. I am looking for a companion to ride with me to see the kids..walks and 'chillin' with me. My daughter, bossy as she is, seems to think that a big ol Lab wouldn't suit my lifestyle. She feels that labs are hunters and it would be unkind to have a breed that doesnt get to do what is ingrained in their makeup.
Also, my labs have been VERY big. I'm not "old" per se.. good grief! I'm younger than Cher! lol But I did hit the big 60 in march eeeeek. So, a huge dog 'could' be a bit difficult to handle at times I'm sure. From what I've seen regarding the labradoodles they can be a bit smaller.

After owning my three wonderful yellow labs.. I have completely fallen in love with them.. and I miss all three every day. I love the personalities, the gentle nature, and even the (omg!) lonng time puppyhood.

I can't imagine my life without a dog. As I said, I have owned 3 yellow labs, and for many years had two. Prior to Labs ( my late husband was a duck hunter), I had a cockerpoo for 17 years. As a child we owned boxers and various wonderful mixed breeds.

So, I am curious about this new found (to me) miracle of the labradoodle. I am interested to know if one of these cuties would fit with me .. do they have the hunting instinct, would one be sad if they didnt get into a duck blind on a regular basis?

Anyway.. it seems my introduction has become a bit verbose. I wanted to mainly say hello.. and that I will be lurking here to see what I can discover about this breed from the people who would know them best.
Take care all and thanks for listening!
Kate

hrashelle · 07-06-2008, 07:27 AM

Hi Kate!

We may be a little biased here but I don't think you could do any better than a Doodle. I have a 6 month old f1b standard labradoodle and he's the sweetest little guy. He doesn't shed and for the most part he is very well behaved. He learns so fast, and he's a bit of a comedian. I have never had any experience with the smaller Doods but I'm sure a few owners will chip in here.

And again, welcome!

Heather

**MaxandMe** · 07-06-2008, 09:21 AM

Heather...nice to meet you and i so sorry about your loss

ON a happier note: a Labradoodle would be an excellent choice!

they love to retrieve/play fetch and some do it naturally at 6mos old
w/out being taught
they are very LOW shedders to others being nonshedding (less vacuuming)

They're happy on a walk, at your side while you read a paper/book or watch a movie........like a lab they just want to be with you

I could go on and on......i love Labs, many of my friends have them but we have allergies
the Labradoodle combines the best of 2 dog breeds into ONE

ps I also have a goldendoodle ...same thing as a LD just a tad more apt to be like a golden laying at your feet when they're mature

L's Mom · 07-06-2008, 09:36 AM

Hello and welcome! I am so sorry for your loss...

From what you say, sounds like the doodle may be the perfect choice for you!

I have 2 doodles under 1 year, Lucas is almost 1 and Della is almost 6 months!

Both will probablyl top out at about 45-50lbs...

Neither shed or smell... they are big dogs, but not HUGE...

Lucas likes to retrieve more than Della, Della is more of a chiller!!! But both are certainly capable of both hunt type behavior as well as just relaxing, going for walks, watching a movie etc...

Labradoodles also come in various sizes... 25 lbs and up...

If you LOVE labs, I don't see how you can go wrong with a labradoodle!

mckate · 07-06-2008, 03:20 PM

Thank you so much for the kind replies!
The 'doodle' certainly does seem a fine match for me!
As far as the 50 lbs.. I am sure I can manage that size with no problem.
One of my grandson's is just about that size and I'm able to lift him with no difficulty lol.
I am a bit adverse to 'too' small a dog.. to quote Dave
Barry" emergency backup dogs"

They do sound just wonderful. I loved the silliness of my labs in their youth.. and just could never been mad at them no matter what they did.. incuding being 'presented' proudly with dining room baseboards complete with nails attached at my return from the store.

Thanks again for your replies.. I will be in the process of finding an excellent breeder in my area.
Cheers!

07-06-2008, 03:57 PM

If you loved the lab silliness you will love a doodle. Maya is constantly doing something funny and she doesn't even try. They are a very loveable dog and want to be wherever their "Mom" is. The only way My would be in a duck blind is if I was in there with her and there is no way that is happening!!! She does love to be on squirrel patrol in the yard at times though

If you want a smaller dog I would look at Mediums. Standards tend to be 60 lbs and up. My is now 14 mos old and weighs in at 60 lbs. I expect her to put on another 5-10 lbs. She can be a handful at times (when pulling on walks).

debbildog · 07-06-2008, 04:06 PM

Welcome! I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm happy you found us! Doodles really are the best of both breeds and I have personally fallen head over heels in love with them - you can't go wrong!

Lucee&Rusty · 07-06-2008, 06:55 PM

Welcome! Your situation just about described mine. I am semi retired with grandkids and allergies. We also were getting over the sad lost of a faithful dog.

We wanted a dog that was good with kids and hypoallergenic. We have two medium labradoodles. They are around the 30lb mark at the moment but they are both under 12mths old and will get heavier. We actually started with one and she was so great that when she was 6mths old we got another.

They love to be where you are. They are a people dog. If I am working in the study they are there by my feet. If I go out in the yard they are there with me. My DH calls them velcro dogs. Hahaha

Rusty is our goofy boy and is always doing something that has you in stitches. Lucee is the more serious of the two but she has her silly moments too. I love these dogs so much and every day brings more love and humour to our lives.

Lucee&Rusty · 07-06-2008, 06:57 PM

Kristin I love your new Avatar!!

sdrudge · 07-06-2008, 08:00 PM

Welcome to doodleland. I am sorry for your loss. I just wanted to add that I have a mini Labradoodle ((color Chocolate)) very sweet. And she is only 8mohts old right now. She is 34lbs. She should maybe get another ten lbs or so. But she is so sweet and perfect for travel. Then we have a Goldendoodle ((color RED)) he is 58lbs and GRRREEEAT doodle. They are wonderful for just around the house but also love to take walks and be with you. I would have to say it is the PERFECT breed.

I hope these pictures help you see the size differences between the two.

mckate · 07-06-2008, 10:26 PM

Wow!!
What a nice bunch of folks on this board!!
My sincere thanks for the kind words from all.... and the wonderful
information on these adorable dogs!!
Thanks so much for the pics too!
It really helps to see the size comparison with the standard and medium!

The allergies aren't an issue for me, but the grandkids to a degree.....although for some reason my one grandson wasn't "too" bothered when around my dear Gladys. LOL.. I have a pillow in my house that says "No outfit is complete without dog hair" So I think a "shedder" or not.. this dogs look great to me!!

Finding this board was super. I have been having a fun time reading the posts and looking at the pics of these darling pups, following links and hunting for an excellent breeder in western Washington state.
You all have really perked me up!! Thanks .. is there any nicer person in the world than a "dog person"?? I think not!!

OLIVER DOODLE · 07-06-2008, 10:33 PM

Hi Kate. Welcom to the site. Sorry to hear of your loss. Our dogs are such a big part of our families , it is always sad when they pass on. I have an 8 month old Australian Multi-Gen Labradoodle. Our family is totally in love with this breed. I am sure you will get many answers to your questions on this site. There are so many wonderful friendly knowledgable people here. Welcome and good luck on your new puupy search.

AdinaP · 07-18-2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdrudge

THAT pic is soooo gorgeous! I have a black and an apricot...I just need a chocolate!

AdinaP · 07-18-2008, 12:49 AM

I'm on the EASTERN side of WA...good luck in your doodle search!

blueteal · 07-18-2008, 10:39 AM

Welcome to doodleland and good luck in your search...........

07-06-2008, 02:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
mckate Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Western Washington State Posts: 3	Hello from the Olympic peninsula of Washington Hey all. I have a rather sad personal tale. I am a life long dog lover/owner but for the first time in many years I find myself without a pet. I lost my darling yellow lab Gladys last month. I am still devastated. I have been searching the internet for lab breeders, although I am not sure I am ready to bring another dog in the house quite yet. I have become very interested in the labradoodle breed. Recently, someone talked to me about labradoodles.. I had never heard of them! My Grandkids are around my home alot and have a few allergies. This is another reason for considering a labradoodle. I have a huge fenced yard and am retired so I wouldn't have to worry about leaving a dog alone very much. I am looking for a companion to ride with me to see the kids..walks and 'chillin' with me. My daughter, bossy as she is, seems to think that a big ol Lab wouldn't suit my lifestyle. She feels that labs are hunters and it would be unkind to have a breed that doesnt get to do what is ingrained in their makeup. Also, my labs have been VERY big. I'm not "old" per se.. good grief! I'm younger than Cher! lol But I did hit the big 60 in march eeeeek. So, a huge dog 'could' be a bit difficult to handle at times I'm sure. From what I've seen regarding the labradoodles they can be a bit smaller. After owning my three wonderful yellow labs.. I have completely fallen in love with them.. and I miss all three every day. I love the personalities, the gentle nature, and even the (omg!) lonng time puppyhood. I can't imagine my life without a dog. As I said, I have owned 3 yellow labs, and for many years had two. Prior to Labs ( my late husband was a duck hunter), I had a cockerpoo for 17 years. As a child we owned boxers and various wonderful mixed breeds. So, I am curious about this new found (to me) miracle of the labradoodle. I am interested to know if one of these cuties would fit with me .. do they have the hunting instinct, would one be sad if they didnt get into a duck blind on a regular basis? Anyway.. it seems my introduction has become a bit verbose. I wanted to mainly say hello.. and that I will be lurking here to see what I can discover about this breed from the people who would know them best. Take care all and thanks for listening! Kate

07-06-2008, 07:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
hrashelle Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Monroe Mi Posts: 166	Hi Kate! We may be a little biased here but I don't think you could do any better than a Doodle. I have a 6 month old f1b standard labradoodle and he's the sweetest little guy. He doesn't shed and for the most part he is very well behaved. He learns so fast, and he's a bit of a comedian. I have never had any experience with the smaller Doods but I'm sure a few owners will chip in here. And again, welcome! Heather __________________ Heather, Marduk, and Tiamat

07-06-2008, 09:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
MaxandMe Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 15,103	Heather...nice to meet you and i so sorry about your loss ON a happier note: a Labradoodle would be an excellent choice! they love to retrieve/play fetch and some do it naturally at 6mos old w/out being taught they are very LOW shedders to others being nonshedding (less vacuuming) They're happy on a walk, at your side while you read a paper/book or watch a movie........like a lab they just want to be with you I could go on and on......i love Labs, many of my friends have them but we have allergies the Labradoodle combines the best of 2 dog breeds into ONE ps I also have a goldendoodle ...same thing as a LD just a tad more apt to be like a golden laying at your feet when they're mature __________________ *Annmarie, Max,& Peanut* "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France uncondtional love: what a dog always does for us and humans strive to do but can we?

07-06-2008, 09:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
L's Mom Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GA Posts: 1,162	Hello and welcome! I am so sorry for your loss... From what you say, sounds like the doodle may be the perfect choice for you! I have 2 doodles under 1 year, Lucas is almost 1 and Della is almost 6 months! Both will probablyl top out at about 45-50lbs... Neither shed or smell... they are big dogs, but not HUGE... Lucas likes to retrieve more than Della, Della is more of a chiller!!! But both are certainly capable of both hunt type behavior as well as just relaxing, going for walks, watching a movie etc... Labradoodles also come in various sizes... 25 lbs and up... If you LOVE labs, I don't see how you can go wrong with a labradoodle! __________________ Jenny, Sam, Lucas, & Della

07-06-2008, 04:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
debbildog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cape Cod, MA Posts: 1,153	Welcome! I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm happy you found us! Doodles really are the best of both breeds and I have personally fallen head over heels in love with them - you can't go wrong! __________________ Kristin & dd Annie with our crazy doodle crew - Sandy, Iris, and Maggie We are officially outnumbered by the dogs!

07-06-2008, 03:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
mckate Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Western Washington State Posts: 3	Thank you so much for the kind replies! The 'doodle' certainly does seem a fine match for me! As far as the 50 lbs.. I am sure I can manage that size with no problem. One of my grandson's is just about that size and I'm able to lift him with no difficulty lol. I am a bit adverse to 'too' small a dog.. to quote Dave Barry" emergency backup dogs" They do sound just wonderful. I loved the silliness of my labs in their youth.. and just could never been mad at them no matter what they did.. incuding being 'presented' proudly with dining room baseboards complete with nails attached at my return from the store. Thanks again for your replies.. I will be in the process of finding an excellent breeder in my area. Cheers!

07-06-2008, 03:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	If you loved the lab silliness you will love a doodle. Maya is constantly doing something funny and she doesn't even try. They are a very loveable dog and want to be wherever their "Mom" is. The only way My would be in a duck blind is if I was in there with her and there is no way that is happening!!! She does love to be on squirrel patrol in the yard at times though If you want a smaller dog I would look at Mediums. Standards tend to be 60 lbs and up. My is now 14 mos old and weighs in at 60 lbs. I expect her to put on another 5-10 lbs. She can be a handful at times (when pulling on walks).

07-06-2008, 06:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Lucee&Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,028	Welcome! Your situation just about described mine. I am semi retired with grandkids and allergies. We also were getting over the sad lost of a faithful dog. We wanted a dog that was good with kids and hypoallergenic. We have two medium labradoodles. They are around the 30lb mark at the moment but they are both under 12mths old and will get heavier. We actually started with one and she was so great that when she was 6mths old we got another. They love to be where you are. They are a people dog. If I am working in the study they are there by my feet. If I go out in the yard they are there with me. My DH calls them velcro dogs. Hahaha Rusty is our goofy boy and is always doing something that has you in stitches. Lucee is the more serious of the two but she has her silly moments too. I love these dogs so much and every day brings more love and humour to our lives. __________________ Ingrid, Lucee & Rusty A dog may look at you with its eyes, but it sees you with its heart - anon

07-06-2008, 06:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
Lucee&Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,028	Kristin I love your new Avatar!! __________________ Ingrid, Lucee & Rusty A dog may look at you with its eyes, but it sees you with its heart - anon

07-06-2008, 08:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
sdrudge Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 2,196	Welcome to doodleland. I am sorry for your loss. I just wanted to add that I have a mini Labradoodle ((color Chocolate)) very sweet. And she is only 8mohts old right now. She is 34lbs. She should maybe get another ten lbs or so. But she is so sweet and perfect for travel. Then we have a Goldendoodle ((color RED)) he is 58lbs and GRRREEEAT doodle. They are wonderful for just around the house but also love to take walks and be with you. I would have to say it is the PERFECT breed. I hope these pictures help you see the size differences between the two. __________________ Samantha, Cacao and Beau (AKA:Romeo and Juliet)

07-06-2008, 10:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
mckate Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Western Washington State Posts: 3	Wow!! What a nice bunch of folks on this board!! My sincere thanks for the kind words from all.... and the wonderful information on these adorable dogs!! Thanks so much for the pics too! It really helps to see the size comparison with the standard and medium! The allergies aren't an issue for me, but the grandkids to a degree.....although for some reason my one grandson wasn't "too" bothered when around my dear Gladys. LOL.. I have a pillow in my house that says "No outfit is complete without dog hair" So I think a "shedder" or not.. this dogs look great to me!! Finding this board was super. I have been having a fun time reading the posts and looking at the pics of these darling pups, following links and hunting for an excellent breeder in western Washington state. You all have really perked me up!! Thanks .. is there any nicer person in the world than a "dog person"?? I think not!!

07-06-2008, 10:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
OLIVER DOODLE Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: CALGARY, ALBERTA Posts: 429	Hi Kate. Welcom to the site. Sorry to hear of your loss. Our dogs are such a big part of our families , it is always sad when they pass on. I have an 8 month old Australian Multi-Gen Labradoodle. Our family is totally in love with this breed. I am sure you will get many answers to your questions on this site. There are so many wonderful friendly knowledgable people here. Welcome and good luck on your new puupy search. __________________ Loving my doodle, Kimberley "Dogs are not are whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~~~Roger Caras~~~

07-18-2008, 12:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
AdinaP Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 30	I'm on the EASTERN side of WA...good luck in your doodle search! __________________ -Adina __________________________________________________ ___ http://www.doodlekisses.com A social network and photo gallery for crazy doodle owners like you!

07-18-2008, 10:39 AM	#15 (permalink)
blueteal Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,334	Welcome to doodleland and good luck in your search...........

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Labradoodle Forums Advertisement