Dogs are man’s best friends. These bundles of joy are not only loyal to you, but they are fun to play around with. These cute little dogs take up all the space in your heart and fill it with love and warmth. So, what exactly is a doodle dog? With a cute, curly look and an enchanting face, doodle dogs are a fan favorite.
They are a mix of popular breeds such as golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, or labrador retrievers, etc with poodles. Breeded with utmost care and due diligence, these dogs are rather popular.
Energetic, cheerful, loving, and brilliant, these poodle puppies inherit some of the best possible qualities from their parents. They result in many cute and adorable mixes such as Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle, Labradoodle, etc. If you’re looking for a breeder, feel free to check out Central Illinois Doodles.
Characteristics of a Doodle Dog
As their reputation precedes them, doodle dogs are greatly attractive to their buyers. Doodles, in particular, are likely to offer the following fascinating characteristics
- They don’t shed hair
- They are among one of the most brilliant breeds
- They are easier to train
- They are highly engaging, they love playing with you, and are affectionate
- As they are energetic, they love working too
- They are gentle, loving, and people-pleasers
- They come in all shapes and sizes
- Their adorable wavy curls make them stand out
- They are highly affectionate, gentle, and patient
If the above-mentioned characteristics appealed to you, you’re not the only one. Their outstanding personalities make them excellent companions.
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Different Kinds of Doodle Dogs
Presently, there are over 40 different types of doodle dogs, or poodle mixes out there. Born from the crossbreeding of poodles with another breed, their population keeps increasing day by day.
Goldendoodle
The cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle has become one of the most desirable doodle dogs. They have an impeccable combination of cute looks, adorable personalities, and intelligence, along with their hypoallergenic coats. They’re also quite reputed for being therapy pets.
Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These giant dogs are known and admired for their goody personalities.
Labradoodle
The cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, these dogs tend to be a popular choice among people who are more prone to allergies. These moderately active dogs are both witty and amicable. In most cases, the coat these dogs inherit comes from the dominant genes of Poodles, however, you might be able to find a variety of colors too.
Sheepadoodle
The cross between the Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, these dogs are amicable and caring. They are usually happy and joyous to keep around because of their positive vibe. They manage to get along fairly well with other pets and family members too, so if you live in a large household, you’ve found your match. Although, they may require some initial training before they let their playful nature take over.
Whoodle
A cross between the Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier and a Poodle, they are very energetic dogs who don’t seem to bark much. They’re naturally quiet. They also go by the name of Wheatendoodle, the Wheatenpoo, or the Sweatendoodle. This breed mix is quite rare and might be a little difficult to come across.
Pomapoo
The Pomapoo is a cross between the Pomeranian and a Toy Poodle. These feisty dogs are fun-spirited and make up for everything that they lack in size by having adorable personality traits. They usually tend to bark or dig when they’re left alone and are on their best possible behavior in front of their owner.
Aussiedoodle
A cross between the Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, these are incredibly intelligent and witty, joyous and energetic, and of course loyal. They are best suitable for people who have an active lifestyle as they’ll make you run after them quite a lot. These dogs love playing as they believe in the idea of work hard and play hard.
Dalmadoodle
A cross between the Dalmation and a Poodle, these dogs are huge in size and loving in nature. Incredibly smart and equally stubborn, they never back down from anything. Their ‘do or die’ attitude is what makes them totally worth it. Although you’ll require extra patience while training them, their loyalty and devotion are totally worth it.
Doodles as Guide Dogs
The first doodle that came into existence was to serve as a guide dog to a blind person. Since then, doodle dogs have gotten popular as pets and as service dogs. This is because of their non-aggressive nature and easy trainability. These traits make them desirable service and guide dogs.
Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are common choices for the same because of the possession of desirable traits. These dogs, sometimes, also manage to help people with physical and neurocognitive disabilities.
Are Doodle Dogs Hypoallergenic?
If you have allergies, we have some bad news for you. No dog is ever truly nonallergenic. If you are looking to get a doodle only because you think that they will not shed, then you need to understand that you could trigger allergies with them too.
It is very important for you to your own research before making any kinds of assumptions. While one of the most desired traits of doodle dogs is that they shed less because people suppose that this is related to being hypoallergenic. Sure, some studies suggest and classify dogs who shed less as hypoallergenic, but sometimes these dogs can show a higher level of the allergen.
Should You or Shouldn’t You Get a Doodle?
While this decision should be solely your own, there are a few points that you can consider if you’re confused. Doodles are highly energetic dogs that require high maintenance. When bored, they’re likely to show destructive behavior.
You should avoid getting a doodle if you don’t have plenty of time on your hands. Each day, you need to assign at least 2 hours to play with your dog and train it. If you’re not a big fan of the rainy or cold weather, do not get yourself a doodle.
If you do not have the patience to repeatedly tell your dog to not chew on your shoes, or bite your feet, or sleep on the couch, do not get yourself a doodle. Additionally, you also need to be able to afford a doodle. As they are quite difficult to maintain, you need to take them to professional groomers on monthly basis.
You also need to wash and brush them yourselves several times a week.
Will Doodles Ever Become a Breed?
Presently, the various mixes of poodles with other breeds, or as we lovingly call them, doodles, aren’t recognized as official breeds, the day might not be too far.
It all depends on the breeders. Whether they are determined and reputed breeders who want to develop special characteristics and traits and make it official. Or, they just breed these doodles out of their love for it.
Conclusion
As cute as your canine buddies might seem, there is a certain danger to cross-breeding. When you take the qualities of two unique breeds, you risk losing the desirable characteristics. You also risk medical problems and undesirable traits. When you mix breeds, you are likely to get unpredictable results.
Although we often make generalizations about the behaviors and characteristics of particular breeds, there are always exceptions. While we assume Golden Retrievers to be friendly, German Shepherds to be loyal and protective, and border collies as workaholics. You’ll also come across some irritable goldens, lost and confused German Shepherds, and some lazy border collies.
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