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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
Warning.. this is LONG!
I just wanted to preface this with the fact that I'm actually a dog person who "knows better" than to buy a designer dog. I know all about responsible breeders, genetic health testing, myths of hybrid vigor, backyard breeders, etc etc. A few years ago, I would never have been asking this question. But situations change... The situation as it stands is this: So there is a good chance that my SO and myself will be buying a house together in the next year or so. The problem is that I'm a dog nut who can't imagine life without dogs, and he only "likes" some dogs. We're in no rush to get a new dog together as I already have one (he understands that we're a package deal). But my dog is getting up there in age, so I'm looking now towards the future. We just have completely different requirements on what we like in a dog. His top requirements: * Medium - Extra Large size (no "footballs" or "foo-foo" dogs) * Very calm / mellow indoor personality. No jumping on him, no harassing him to play constantly. More coach potato like. Basically he wants a dog who will be extremely non-intrusive (at least when indoors). * He has friends with a rescue greyhound and he quite likes this breed. My top requirements: * Non-shedding (or very low shedding). I will happily pay a small fortune for bimonthly grooming and I am very content spending all the time needed to upkeep a non-shedding coat. I just can not stand dog hair all over my house, myself, etc. * Able to go for long walks / runs off leash. I live right by a couple of great off leash parks, which is where I do most of running. So I want a dog that a) can physically handle medium length runs and b) can be trained fairly easily to be trusted off leash when supervised. * My favourite breeds are the larger terriers, wheatens, kerry blues, airedeles, irish, etc because of their outgoing spunky (and stubborn) personality, as well as their low shedding coats. But I do like most dogs as long as they have _some_ personality. No offence, but some dogs are just really boring. Requirements we both want: * Good with kids! Our friends have multiplied like bunnies, so there often are a lot of young kids running around. So yes, we have completely different ideas of what we want in a dog. So what breed would you recommend? I can't seem to think of a purebred dog that really meets our needs. Most of the non-shedding breeds are either toy breeds (which neither him nor I am particularly fond of) or terriers (too "jumpy" for him). While he likes greyhounds, they certainly can't be trusted off leash and they really are not good jogging companions. He likes some of the older (3 years +) labradors he has met, as they tend to be a pretty laid back breed indoors. However, they shed like crazy. I don't mind Standard Poodles (though they are not my favourite), but he has a mental block with the poodle issue. He just plain does not want a poodle. Plus, the ones I've met tend to be fairly "bouncy" indoors. This brings me to the labradoodle issue. I can't help but think that if you combined the more laid back calm attitude of a mature lab with the non-shedding coat of poodles, voila... we'd have a pretty much a dog that meets all of our requirements. So I'm happy with scouring the shelters for a labradoodle or similar mixed breed, but in my area we just don't have the same dog overpopulation problem that the US does (I'm in Canada). While I'm sure dogs like this _occasionally_ come in, I'm guessing it's maybe once or twice a year and they are likely snatched up by shelter staff before they are even available to the public. So that leaves getting a puppy. I've done some preliminary research,and it actually looks like there are "australian labradoodle" breeders out there who are breeding 4th & 5th generation labradoodles. They are offering 3 year genetic health guarantees (not ideal, but better than many), doing health checks such as CERF, OFA, Penhipp, von Willebrands, etc on the parents, having puppy buyers sign responsible owner contracts, spaying and neutering before placement... all of the things that only "responsible" dog breeders tend to do. But they also seem to be cashing in on the fad by charging $2000+. So what is up with these breeders? Are they responsible? Is it ethical to buy a non-purebred puppy, even if the parents are health tested? Looking forward to hearing your responses! |
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
Serena wrote:
* Very calm / mellow indoor personality. No jumping on him, no harassing him to play constantly. More coach potato like. Basically he wants a dog who will be extremely non-intrusive (at least when indoors). This contraindicates a Lab x Poodle. Both are working breeds, and a mix thereof will likely be quite active. * Non-shedding (or very low shedding). I will happily pay a small fortune for bimonthly grooming and I am very content spending all the time needed to upkeep a non-shedding coat. I just can not stand dog hair all over my house, myself, etc. I cannot think of *any* breed that is medium-large, does not shed, and is not very active. * Able to go for long walks / runs off leash. That pretty much contraindicates your SO's requirement for a mellow dog. * My favourite breeds are the larger terriers, wheatens, kerry blues, airedeles, irish, etc because of their outgoing spunky (and stubborn) personality, as well as their low shedding coats. Most terriers are pretty active. Some are kind of "foo-fooy." Many are smaller than what you describe your SO as requiring. Requirements we both want: * Good with kids! Our friends have multiplied like bunnies, so there often are a lot of young kids running around. That could be tricky with some terriers. Good socialization, training, and breeding will help, but you still may end up with a dog that is not good with kids. So yes, we have completely different ideas of what we want in a dog. What you seem to have are some mutually exclusive requirements. One or both of you are going to have to compromise if you want to get a dog. This brings me to the labradoodle issue. I can't help but think that if you combined the more laid back calm attitude of a mature lab with the non-shedding coat of poodles, voila... we'd have a pretty much a dog that meets all of our requirements. You might think, but there's really no guarantee what you are going to get, coat-wise, with that mix. You could end up with a wiry, shedding nightmare. Also, I think you are seriously underestimating such a dog's activity level. So that leaves getting a puppy. I've done some preliminary research,and it actually looks like there are "australian labradoodle" breeders out there who are breeding 4th & 5th generation labradoodles. They are offering 3 year genetic health guarantees (not ideal, but better than many), doing health checks such as CERF, OFA, Penhipp, von Willebrands, etc on the parents, having puppy buyers sign responsible owner contracts, spaying and neutering before placement... all of the things that only "responsible" dog breeders tend to do. But they also seem to be cashing in on the fad by charging $2000+. So what is up with these breeders? Are they responsible? Do you have any pointers to specific websites? Is it ethical to buy a non-purebred puppy, even if the parents are health tested? It might be. It also might not be. -- Shelly http://www.cat-sidh.net (the Mother Ship) http://esther.cat-sidh.net (Letters to Esther) |
#3
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
"Serena" wrote in news:8Culi.108345$xq1.14657
@pd7urf1no: Looking forward to hearing your responses! One of my dogs is a lovely medium-sized non-foo-foo mixed breed from a shelter. She is double-coated, so she sheds into her coat and needs lots of brushing (as you prefer). She is calm around the house and good with visiting kids. She loves to go for walks and would enjoy runs even more. She is now 5 years old and has been this way since she made it past adolescence, although I did get her as a puppy. So my recommendation is that you and your SO go to a shelter and look for a 3+ year old dog whose temperament you like and whose coat you think you can deal with. I would also like to mention that retriever shedding can be pretty well handled with a shedding blade -- since you're willing to brush, you might enjoy working with the shedding blade pretty often. -- Catherine & Zoe the cockerchow & Queenie the black gold retriever & Max the pomeranian & Rosalie the calico cat |
#4
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
"Shelly" wrote in message: This contraindicates a Lab x Poodle. Both are working breeds, and a mix thereof will likely be quite active. None of the Poodle mixes I've met, including Lab x Poodle mixes, have even come close to being mellow. Typically, they've been on the highly active end of the spectrum. I cannot think of *any* breed that is medium-large, does not shed, and is not very active. Unless it is an older adult. That pretty much contraindicates your SO's requirement for a mellow dog. An adult dog of some of the existing non-shedding breeds could be like this. Not that I have non-shedding dogs, but my older, adult dogs are mellow in the house, but more than willing to go on long hikes and stuff (as long as the weather cooperates). Most terriers are pretty active. Some are kind of "foo-fooy." Many are smaller than what you describe your SO as requiring. And terriers aren't exactly the easiest dogs to live with that I can think of, as a general rule. You might think, but there's really no guarantee what you are going to get, coat-wise, with that mix. You could end up with a wiry, shedding nightmare. Yup. Of the Lab x Poodle - Golden Retriever x Poodle type of dogs I've seen, about a third seem to shed. And some of them end up with coats that shed that are also horribly difficult to maintain by virtue of being wiry. Also, I think you are seriously underestimating such a dog's activity level. It is just about impossible to get a mellow puppy of any breed, never mind a mellow puppy of a mix of two active breeds. Suja |
#5
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
"Serena" said in rec.pets.dogs.breeds:
So I'm happy with scouring the shelters for a labradoodle or similar mixed breed, but in my area we just don't have the same dog overpopulation problem that the US does (I'm in Canada). While I'm sure dogs like this _occasionally_ come in, I'm guessing it's maybe once or twice a year and they are likely snatched up by shelter staff before they are even available to the public. Generally, where in Canada are you? I ask because I'm going to suggest that you look into Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. I've been taken to task here before for suggesting SCWTs because of their purported drive and low biddability, but honestly, almost all of those I've met in western Canada are fairly laid-back in their temperament yet are still athletic when needed. Maybe it's a regional thing. -- --Matt. Rocky's a Dog. |
#6
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
"Serena" wrote in message news:8Culi.108345$xq1.14657@pd7urf1no... Looking forward to hearing your responses! Since your SO wants laid back, that could be a problem, but I'm thinking Porti Water Dog. (Can't even come close enough on the spelling so that spell check can help me out here!) If you are willing to do the jogging, grooming, training, etc it might work. Beth |
#7
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
This contraindicates a Lab x Poodle. Both are working breeds, and a mix
thereof will likely be quite active. The issue is not so much outdoor activity level, but indoor activity level. I've met several labs who are very mellow and calm indoors, but will happily chase balls for hours outside. Of course, I've also met labs who are absolutely nutso indoors too. It does seem that at many of the labradoodle sites I was looking at seem to aim for a fairly mellow temperment. * Able to go for long walks / runs off leash. That pretty much contraindicates your SO's requirement for a mellow dog. I don't see how this is a contradiction. Basically my SO doesn't want a hyperactive, bouncy, extremely in your face dog running around the inside the house at a mile a minute. So Jack Russel Terriers (or most terriers for that matter) need not apply. These are the types of dogs that I am used to owning, and my SO is really not a fan of. But I'm positive there are plenty of dogs who are quite content to lounge around the house, assuming they are given plenty of daily exercise (off leash runs, etc). Non-shedding ones? Well, that's a different issue, hence my dilemma. What you seem to have are some mutually exclusive requirements. One or both of you are going to have to compromise if you want to get a dog. Which may very well end up happening. Or I may end up going dogless, which will be so extremely difficult on my part. You might think, but there's really no guarantee what you are going to get, coat-wise, with that mix. You could end up with a wiry, shedding nightmare. Also, I think you are seriously underestimating such a dog's activity level. From what I understand, the multigen lines are pretty consistent in producting low to non shedding dogs. Of course there is always a chance something could pop up, but I'm sure a coat type like that would still be better than a purebred lab. And again, I have no problem with a dog who has high exercise requirements. The SO just want a dog who doesn't view the inside of the house as an indy 500 track. Do you have any pointers to specific websites? One I was browsing at was: http://www.morningsmilelabradoodles.com/ Is it ethical to buy a non-purebred puppy, even if the parents are health tested? It might be. It also might not be. I never thought I'd even consider a "doodle" breed before, and I would have preached to pretty anyone who asked about how unethical it was. Howeve, I always assumed that there was a purebred dog out there that already existed for everyone. Apparantly there isn't. And now with there being "doodle" breeders out there seemingly attempting to do things the "right" way, well, to me it makes the ethics more fuzzy. But honestly, I can't see me spending $2K + on a puppy, especially since I'd much rather adopt an adult dog anyways. So it will likely end up with me scouring pet finder, and hoping I can trust the staff at US Shelters to accurately describe temperment to me over the phone. Or if I'm lucky, I may find a dog even closer to home in a shelter (not holding my breath though). It did make for an interesting discussion though. Thanks for your feedback! |
#8
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
"Rocky" wrote in message
... Generally, where in Canada are you? I ask because I'm going to suggest that you look into Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. I've been taken to task here before for suggesting SCWTs because of their purported drive and low biddability, but honestly, almost all of those I've met in western Canada are fairly laid-back in their temperament yet are still athletic when needed. Maybe it's a regional thing. I'm in Western Canada as well, and I am actually a huge fan of SCWTs. Though I didn't specify this before, my current dog is a Kerry Blue, which is a bit more "harder" and serious than SCWTs, but otherwise very similar in personality. My SO gets along with my dog "okay", but I think that is largely because my guy is 9.5 years old and is finally beginning to slow down. The SO still finds him too bouncy indoors for his likely, as he never walks anywhere in the house... he's either sleeping or running and leaping from place to place. He also is very mischevious, and does things deliberately "wrong" to get attention, which drives the SO crazy. I'm pretty much thinking that terriers in the future are out, which is a shame because they are my favourite dog group and they are what I have grown up with. |
#9
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
"ceb" wrote in message
... So my recommendation is that you and your SO go to a shelter and look for a 3+ year old dog whose temperament you like and whose coat you think you can deal with. By all means, I completely agree that this would be ideal! However, the shelter situation up here is very different than the situation in most areas of the US. Dogs are almost never euthanized because we just don't get that many dogs turned in, and the ones that do find their way to the shelter get snatched up fairly quickly (which is great!). But therefore it's also extremely rare for any dog fitting my requirements to even come in (bad for me). That said, this likely what I'll end up doing, though I may need to drive down the US to find the right dog in a shelter. I would also like to mention that retriever shedding can be pretty well handled with a shedding blade -- since you're willing to brush, you might enjoy working with the shedding blade pretty often. Having a pretty much non-shedding dog right now, I can tell you that I've yet to meet a retriever that doesn't shed what I consider "tons". When I pet a dog, I don't want to see any evidence of it on my hands or clothing. This may seem silly requirement to some, but I know myself and what I'm willing to put up with. Thanks for your advice! |
#10
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Actually considering a labradoodle (Help with choosing a breed)
"bethgsd" wrote in message news:jvAli.18140$MV6.2976@trnddc01... Since your SO wants laid back, that could be a problem, but I'm thinking Porti Water Dog. (Can't even come close enough on the spelling so that spell check can help me out here!) If you are willing to do the jogging, grooming, training, etc it might work. Porties are very cool indeed, but I've yet to meet one in an indoor situation (they are not exactly common!). I always figured that they'd be a dog who likes to bouce off the walls a lot, so I had excluded it from my list. But I think I'll have to do more research to see what their indoor energy level is really like. Thanks! Beth |
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