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#1
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Interested in Labradoodle; want opinions
Hi,
I am a long time labrador owner and fan, but my wife has serious allergies. After my last labrador passed away we have been hard at work trying to figure out which breed of dog would be best for us. We were interested in the wheaten terriers for a while, but I'm worried that, after having labradors, I will find a wheatie they too hard headed and difficult to train. Also, we are not interested in having to have our dog regularly groomed. This requirement seems to rule out standard poodles too. Having finally figured out that the labradoodle might be a good option, I began to look a little further into them, and found a breeder that seemed very intelligent and helpful. I have also seen a lot of posts to this group over the past year that are very negative towards the labradoodles; people that are amazed that anyone would fork over $1000 for a mixed breed. My question then is, what are other good options? I would love to pay less, or rescue a dog from a shelter, but am worried about taking chances that might endanger my wife's health or well-being. Any responses and opinions are appreciated. Thanks, -Logan |
#2
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"Logan" wrote in message om... Hi, people that are amazed that anyone would fork over $1000 for a mixed breed. My question then is, what are other good options? I would love to pay less, or rescue a dog from a shelter, First, remember that a Labradoodle is a *cross* between a Poodle and Labrador. It could inherit characteristics from either parent, or combine them, but there is no guarantee. You might get a Labradoodle that is very similar to a Poodle in temperament but has a Labrador coat--the thing you are trying to avoid. A poodle would probably suit you better. Yes, they do require more grooming than a Lab, but any breed that doesn't shed will require grooming. You can also have it clipped down fairly short, which will help with the grooming time. -- Emily Carroll Dealing 80s Toys - Rainbow Brite - My Little Pony - More Website: www.geocities.com/diamonds_in_her_eyes CPG: www.geocities.com/cyberpetgame --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.532 / Virus Database: 326 - Release Date: 10/27/2003 |
#3
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Logan wrote:
standard poodles too. Having finally figured out that the labradoodle might be a good option, I began to look a little further into them, and found a breeder that seemed very intelligent and helpful. I have also seen a lot of posts to this group over the past year that are very negative towards the labradoodles; people that are amazed that anyone would fork over $1000 for a mixed breed. The problem with mixed breed dogs in general is that it is hard to predict what you're going to get. For example, I have what is suspected to be a GSD - Malamute mix. He has German Shepherd coloring, but has the Malamute structure, and is quite a handsome dog. His temperament is somewhere between the two, smart and trainable, but butt-headed and independent. I've looked long and hard on Petfinder to see if any other purported GSD - Mal (or Husky) mixes look anything like him, and in 2 1/2 years, have found one that comes close. A Poodle- Lab cross could yield dogs that very quite a spectrum in both looks and temperament. I've only ever seen one labradoodle, and it was a big, shaggy looking beast with longish wavy coat. The owner said that the dog didn't shed much, but the coat maintenance was hell. The bigger problem for me is that the people who are purposely breeding these mixes are generally not what I'd consider 'responsible' breeders (for finding out what to look for in a responsible breeder, check outhttp://www.dog-play.com/ethics.html) , and are essentially willing to put together two dogs of the appropriate genders as long as they have working reproductive organs. There is very little by the way of consideration for temperament and health (don't believe anyone who says 'Oh, my dogs don't have any health problems), and for all that money that you're paying, you're not getting a dog that is sufficiently different from a mutt you'd find in a pound. My question then is, what are other good options? I would love to pay less, or rescue a dog from a shelter, but am worried about taking chances that might endanger my wife's health or well-being. Any responses and opinions are appreciated. If you are willing to get a dog from a shelter or rescue, you can look for dogs that are known to be less allergenic, or mixes thereof. The good resues are always up front about the temperament of the dog, and will help you select one that will be a good fit for your situation. In addition, you can meet the dog you'll be living with, your wife can spend some time with the dog, and you might even be able to take the dog home on a temporary basis, to find out how your wife responds to living with the dog on a daily basis. If you are looking for a puppy, perhaps the people here can help you narrow down the breed if you will post your requirements (other than the allergen factor). Good Luck, Suja |
#4
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Hi,
I've seen numerous Labradoodles and Goldendoodles and they are the product of one parent being a lab or golden and the other a standard poodle. I know a few owners of both "breeds" and they say they still shed and they were getting them with the purpose being hypoallergenic and they are not. Also, many are just cross breeds and from parents with no health clearances. It is not like Labra and Golden Doodles have been bred consistently for 10 generations at least and therefore, have a cookie cutter distinct look and characteristics. They all look differently not according to a particular standardized look. They are extremely expensive for basically a glorified cross breed, as are so many others,i.e. yorki poo, malti poo, shi poo, etc., In addition to that, Labs and Poodles are two breeds that rank high on the PRA list for eye abnormalities, so you are looking into getting a dog that can be potentially blind at an early age, especially since we have no guarantees here in what is clear or in the ancestors backgrounds for one. There are lots of other health issues involved in all three breeds that make a doodle, so in many ways, two wrongs don't make a right and you could have in addition to an expensive dog a walking vet bill on your hand too. Anyway, just my opinion. Paula |
#5
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Logan wrote:
Hi, I am a long time labrador owner and fan, but my wife has serious allergies. After my last labrador passed away we have been hard at work trying to figure out which breed of dog would be best for us. We were interested in the wheaten terriers for a while, but I'm worried that, after having labradors, I will find a wheatie they too hard headed and difficult to train. Also, we are not interested in having to have our dog regularly groomed. This requirement seems to rule out standard poodles too. Having finally figured out that the labradoodle might be a good option, I began to look a little further into them, and found a breeder that seemed very intelligent and helpful. I have also seen a lot of posts to this group over the past year that are very negative towards the labradoodles; people that are amazed that anyone would fork over $1000 for a mixed breed. My question then is, what are other good options? I would love to pay less, or rescue a dog from a shelter, but am worried about taking chances that might endanger my wife's health or well-being. Any responses and opinions are appreciated. Please, please check with your wife's allergist before acquiring ANY dog. S/he'll tell you that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed. The primary allergen is the dander - pulverized airborne skin flakes, which are produced by ALL breeds. Kathleen Hansen Z-Control Skid Boots Leg armor for gonzo dogs! http://webpages.charter.net/dhfm/ZControl.html |
#6
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"Kathleen" wrote in message ... Please, please check with your wife's allergist before acquiring ANY dog. S/he'll tell you that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed. The primary allergen is the dander - pulverized airborne skin flakes, which are produced by ALL breeds. Kathleen Hansen Z-Control Skid Boots Leg armor for gonzo dogs! http://webpages.charter.net/dhfm/ZControl.html .....and also no non-shedding breeds. All animals with hair shed it at some point. Whether or not it is "seen" as shedding or not shedding, depends upon whether the loose shed hair is caught in the coat and therefor doesn't fall to the ground where it is noticed, or, as in the case of many Poodles, they are clipped constantly which cuts down on shedding quite a bit. EGD --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.525 / Virus Database: 322 - Release Date: 10/9/2003 |
#7
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Emily Carroll said in rec.pets.dogs.breeds:
A poodle would probably suit you better. Yes, they do require more grooming than a Lab, but any breed that doesn't shed will require grooming. You can also have it clipped down fairly short, which will help with the grooming time. But it should be possible for the owner to learn to do a simple trim. To the OP: You mentioned Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers as hard headed and difficult to train. I've helped train a half dozen in agility and the ones that I've seen are fairly soft and are great family pets. Perhaps it's my area and the line(s) of Wheatens that I'm seeing, but if you haven't already, it might be worthwhile for you to meet a few. -- --Matt. Rocky's a Dog. |
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