The Doodle dog—like the Golden Doodle, Labradoodle, and other poodle mixes—has become very popular over the years for its joyful personality and adorable curly coat. However, while these crossbreeds make wonderful pets for many families, it's important to look at both the positives and the challenges that come with owning a doodle dog.
Are they really easy-going as we assume? In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of poodle mixes, compare them with purebred dogs, and help you decide whether a poodle mix breed is right for you.
Silver Standard Poodle, photo by @evenstarpoodles
What is a Doodle Dog?
A doodle dog is a crossbreed that typically combines a poodle with another breed, most commonly a retriever or spaniel. The most famous of these are the Golden doodle (golden retriever + poodle), Labradoodle (labrador retriever + poodle), and Cockapoo (cocker spaniel + poodle).
Doodles come in all shapes and sizes – from Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles to Maltipoos, Bernedoodles, Sheepadoodles, and beyond! Often recognized for their curly coats and cheerful personalities, they’re popular among families. But are they truly the low-maintenance dogs many believe them to be?
Photo by: Julius Weidenauer
The Pros of Owning a Doodle Dog
- Potential for a Low-Shedding Coat: One of the main reasons doodle dogs have become so popular is their potential for low-shedding and hypoallergenic coats. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, poodle mixes like the Golden Doodle tend to shed less and produce fewer allergens than other breeds, although this can vary, as we will discuss later in the article.
- Social and Friendly: Doodle dogs, like their Poodle parent, are often friendly, affectionate, and social. They typically get along well with children, other pets, and strangers. However, due to the varying temperaments inherited from their parent breeds, their personalities can differ. While many make great companions, some may require additional training and socialization to thrive as well-behaved pets.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Poodles are highly intelligent, and this trait tends to carry over to the poodle mix breeds. Doodle dogs are often eager to please and easy to train. Whether it's a labradoodle or a cockapoo, these dogs are generally quick learners and responsive to positive reinforcement training.
- Variety of Sizes: With poodle mixes, you get a range of sizes depending on the other breed involved. For example, golden doodles can come in mini, medium, or standard sizes, so there's a poodle mix breed suitable for different living environments, from apartments to larger homes with yards.
The Cons of Owning a Doodle Dog
- Health Issues and Genetic Concerns: While poodle mixes inherit some of the poodle’s great traits, they also carry the potential health issues of the other parent breed. For instance, golden doodles can suffer from hip dysplasia, a common issue in golden retrievers. Likewise, labradoodles may inherit the same health issues seen in Labradors, such as elbow dysplasia. It’s important to research the specific health concerns related to both breeds.
- Grooming Challenges: Doodle dogs can inherit traits from both parent breeds – the Poodle's constantly growing hair and the shedding coat of breeds like the Golden Retriever. This mix can result in a dog that needs regular grooming and frequent vacuuming. The outcome is unpredictable, even within the same litter. Some may inherit poodle hair, while others may have a coat that sheds more. Their curly coats could mat easily, and without consistent care, you may face tangling or skin irritation. Additionally, grooming costs can add up, especially for larger poodle mixes, as they require professional grooming on a regular basis.
- Popularity Can Lead to Irresponsible Breeding: Doodles are not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, and there is no standard for Doodle mixes. Over the past few decades, the demand for Doodles has grown, leading more breeders to focus on producing Poodle mixes. Due to the high demand for doodle dogs, some breeders may prioritize profit over the health and well-being of the dogs. This can lead to irresponsible breeding practices, where the health and temperament of the puppies are not carefully considered. Always choose a reputable breeder who focuses on the health of the dog.
Unethical Breeding Practices and Health Problems
One of the key concerns when it comes to Doodle dogs is the breeding practices behind them. Unfortunately, the growing demand for Doodles has led some breeders to prioritize profit over the health of the dogs. Many breeders may not carry out the necessary health checks or follow responsible breeding practices. Despite what some breeders claim on their websites, it can be difficult to verify whether they are truly conducting the proper health screenings required to ensure the dogs are healthy and well-adjusted.
It’s important to note that purebred dogs, like those registered with the AKC, follow strict breed standards and guidelines to ensure health and temperament. These standards prohibit crossbreeding, which means that many poodle crossbreeds are bred by less experienced breeders who lack the expertise and resources to raise healthy puppies. When breeding standards and health testing are not followed, the well-being of both the dog and the future owners can be at risk. Purebred dogs are carefully bred for specific traits, including health, not just appearance, which helps ensure better long-term health outcomes.
Curious about the purpose of the AKC and how it ensures breed standards? Learn more in our detailed article here!
Poodle Mixes vs. Purebred Dogs: What’s the Difference?
While doodle dogs are a popular choice, it’s essential to consider the differences between a poodle mix breed and a purebred poodle. One of the primary advantages of purebred dogs, like the standard poodle, is predictability. When you adopt a purebred poodle, you can expect consistency in traits like size, coat type, and temperament.
With doodle dogs, while the poodle traits are sometimes dominant, you might encounter variations in coat type, size, and behavior due to the other breed involved. This unpredictability can be challenging for first-time dog owners who are looking for a specific set of characteristics in their pet.
Additionally, purebred poodles tend to have well-established breed standards and can be a better choice if you're looking for a dog with a specific, predictable temperament or working ability.
Photo by: Skyler Ewing
Should You Choose a Doodle Dog?
Doodle dogs are increasingly popular for their charm, but they also come with their own set of challenges. Choosing between a Doodle dog, such as a Golden Doodle or Labradoodle, and a purebred poodle depends on your preferences and lifestyle. While Doodle dogs can inherit the poodle’s intelligence and coat, they can be less predictable in terms of temperament, coat type, and health due to their mixed breeding.
Some Doodle dogs may also carry health concerns from their other parent breed. On the other hand, a purebred poodle offers more consistency in traits and health, making it a safer choice if you're looking for a reliable and well-documented breed. Ultimately, it depends on whether you’re willing to accept the variability that comes with poodle mixes or prefer the stability of a purebred poodle.
Conclusion
When deciding between a purebred Poodle and a Poodle mix breed, it's important to prioritize health above all else. While Doodles, such as Golden Doodles and Labradoodles, can make wonderful pets, they come with their own set of concerns. They may inherit a variety of traits from their parent breeds, which can lead to unpredictable health outcomes. To make an informed decision, it's crucial to do thorough research into the specific health issues associated with both breeds.
It's equally important to choose a breeder who follows ethical practices. Responsible breeders prioritize health, perform necessary screenings, and ensure a safe environment for the dogs. Whether you choose a purebred Poodle or a Doodle, thorough research and selecting a breeder who values health and well-being will help you bring home a happy, healthy pet.
Do you have experience with a doodle dog? What is your opinion on owning a poodle mix breed? Would you consider having a doodle dog or a purebred poodle? Which do you think is the better choice?
I’ve had a Goldendoodle, and I absolutely love them! They’re such sweet, playful dogs. But, as much as I love them, I can’t ignore the darker side of things. The whole breeding industry can be pretty messed up, with some breeders more focused on making money than actually caring for the dogs. It’s frustrating, and I really wish there was more awareness around this kind of breeding. They deserve the best!
Thanks for talking about bad breeding practices when it comes to Doodles. It’s such an important topic that doesn’t get enough attention.
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