<p>dmd, your concern is one which can be a problem with any breeder and any breed. In fact, many breeds, such as golden retrievers, are so plagued with health problems due to ‘in-breeding’ that it’s become a real concern to the reputable breeders. It’s necessary to do your research and find a breeder who does testing and who can give you the documentation. Too many people don’t do their research, and not only that, way too many people do not have any idea how much work having a puppy is and figure that they can just abandon the dog when it gets to be too much. As someone who has volunteered in shelters and with rescue operations for 20 years, I can assure you that every breed is, unfortunately, well-represented there. We have two labradoodles and have met close to a hundred other satisfied owners across the U.S. and Canada, and have corresponded with several in Australia where they originated. There are many reliable, well-respected breeders who have been breeding labradoodles and goldendoodles for more than a decade. It’s just a matter of finding the one that is right for you! :)</p>
<p>To the OP: we have always had dogs, both my husband and I, from the time we were young children, many different breeds and a few mutts. I can say that these two labradoodles are the best we’ve come across. After our last dog died a few years ago, we had a family member develop allergies and thus we researched breeds which would lessen this problem. After talking to many people who already had them, and learning about the breed, we consulted many breeders, visited a few, and finally found one that we were comfortable with and who had a great reputation. We decided we wanted two puppies and it has been a joy having them (most of the time!). They are the smartest dogs I’ve ever had, and the most affectionate, and the cutest. And little to no shedding! If you’re interested in seeing some pictures of them, feel free to PM me with your email address and I’ll send some to you.</p>
<p>My male golden only lifts his leg if he is on a walk with another dog who does it first. Otherwise, he is a squatter. I always figured it was because he has weak hips, and squatting is more comfortable than trying to balance on three legs. But I also wonder if marking territory has a lower priority for neutered males. I wouldn’t be at all concerned about your dog’s lack of interest in socializing with other dogs. Your family constitutes his “pack”!</p>
<p>Alwaysamom: clearly, our experiences with labradoodles are different. I have met numerous owners who regret the choice, saying that they shed far more than they’ve been led to believe, and are also allergenic. I am delighted to hear that your experiences have been otherwise. I absolutely agree with you that genetic testing and responsible breeding is essential with any dog.</p>
<p>We share environs with a Kerry blue terrier. No shedding, but I don’t think the OP would like the barking that goes with this breed. They are supposed to be dog aggresssive but we’ve never experienced that. We were looking for a non-shedding dog because of a family member with allergies and we’ve had no problems. I do think it’s an individual thing, though, and hard to guarantee for all people. Regarding PWD, someone told me the coat is oily - don’t know if that would be an issue for you (that may be true of all water dogs). </p>
<p>Kerrys are very terrier and not everyone’s cup of tea. His nickname is Beelzepup, the Prince of Barkness. We can’t imagine life without him.</p>
<p>We have an 11 year old bearded collie (female) and a 6 year old minature poodle (male). While I love them both and can’t imagine life without either, I have to say that the bearded collie has the best disposition of any dog I have ever known. She was so easy to train, very very quick to learn what was expected of her. She is terrific with kids and adults (and other dogs); she is just very social. Beardies are medium-sized dogs with females in the range of 50-55 pounds. She calmed down from her puppy exuberance at the age of 3. Not a barker, unless someone comes to the front door or she is in her herding mode. Of course, they do shed, but to us, the tradeoff is definitely worth it. And the big shedding is seasonal, not all year round. The breeder described beardies as “play with me” dogs and I think that is true. </p>
<p>My minature poodle (20 pounds) is completely different in temperament, but a terrific dog nevertheless. He is much more affectionate. When anyone sits down on the couch, he jumps up to cuddle. He also is very social, loves people. But he thinks he is a person and behaves as if he should be treated as one. He sleeps in our bed (my beardie loves the floor), he sits and stares at you or whines when you are leaving the house because he wants to come along (my beardie goes to sleep). He is a bit of a yapper. He also is extremely attached to me (the mom) so he follows me everywhere in the house, upstairs/downstairs. I think I once read that it is a poodle trait to become particularly attached to one person. But for someone who wants a devoted, social, affectionate dog, a poodle is a wonderful choice. And no shedding.</p>
<p>As far as leg lifting, my male minature poodle didn’t lift his leg for about 4 years. I thought it was because my other dog was a female and he just learned from her. But now I see that he will lift his leg if the grass is especially tall.</p>
<p>I find this thread particularly cheerful and uplifting – just thinking about my dog always makes me happy! The good news is that they don’t grow up and go to college.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your insight into my dog’s personal hygiene. His name is Bartleby and if you’ve ever read Melville and tried to train a dog, you’ll know why. My husband contemplated giving him a role model, but I nixed that idea.</p>
<p>Concur with your thoughts about Beardies disposition. For the training piece I’d like to think it’s us, not him that needs training…Guess we’ll have to wait until he’s three…</p>
<p>Dudedad, that is right. We people are the ones that need training!! I get the same look from my 10 year old border collie, Trixie, that I get from my two teen girls, The dog practically rolls her eyes at me. The border collie/spaniel (we think) mix, on the other had, follows me around like a love sick puppy. Now, if he only money!!!</p>
<p>I just reread this entire thread. It’s such a pleasure to see that everyone cares so strongly for their dogs! </p>
<p>To the OP: I suggest going to a big dog show and talking with the owners of the breeds that appeal to you. Since you like trainable dogs, watch for the dogs that do well in obedience and agility. (In agility, you’ll see lots of herding dogs, though, who are not necessarily the best house dogs, since they need a job to be happy. Watch for the dogs that appear calm, and which follow their owners well.) If you go to the AKC web site (<a href=“http://www.AKC.org)%5B/url%5D”>www.AKC.org)</a>, they have extremely optimistic breed descriptions–whoever wrote them clearly never met a dog they didn’t like–which are a good place to start.</p>
<p>we have an 11 year old lab- female- spayed.
She was bred for hunting apparently not show, she is stockier and shorter than some labs. Great dog- we have had her since she was a pup.</p>
<p>My brother is seriously considering a kelpie pup even though he and his wife both work full time+ have no idea who is going to take the time to train the poor thing ( oh actually I do he will expect his wife to do it)
I showed him the link on choosing a dog- but doubt he will use it.
I am venting becuase my mother is getting rid of her 2nd dog.
When we originally got our dog- she thought "oh what a good idea- and paid lots of money for a bichon frise pup. really nice dog- great personality but she needed to be trained- my mother wouldn’t even take the time to brush her let alone train her so she only lasted a month or so before she gave her away.
about 6 months ago she got another dog- a papillion, this one was trained and had had two litters, but also needed lots of grooming and was a tad nervous for having grandchildren over.
She has only had her half that time, because half the time she was having another litter for the owner or my mother was on vacation and didn’t take her.
She apparently isn’t attached to this dog either and is giving her back ( after paying $700 for her)
It is hard for me to fathom someone who is so cavalier about their pets.
We have our pets for life- they are part of our family. Our much beloved cats just died a year or so ago, they were 21 & 20. The oldest had, had kidney disease and had to have subQ fluids everyday for about 4 years. I understandably took a break from having another cat, but I have been thinking about getting an older kitten…
We also plan vacations with our dog in mind- camping- pretty much requires you bring a dog along, even though we then have to carefully select where we go. Lately we have been beach camping cause then she can be a ways off like a little kid, but I can still see what she is doing :)</p>
<p>Aussies rule! I have two (minis, about 17" & 30 lbs) - they are by and large more people focused than most BCs are (I know many, many Aussies and BCs from years of competing in agility, so although this is a generalization, I think it is accurate - e.g., many BCs will run a course with another handler because they love the game, but most Aussies won’t - the handler relationship is more important to them than the game). </p>
<p>Aussies love to be with you and they like physical and mental challenges, with tons of praise, as they are very playful. Most of them are clownish and have a wonderful sense of humor. They are very sensitive and very intelligent, so are usually very easy to train for obedience, agility, tricks, retrieving, scent work, herding, etc. Some are high strung, some are “busy” like FFs dog or my older female (you may be sitting on the couch, but you might as well be throwing the ball too, right?). Some are fear aggressive, some are afraid of children, some will dig or chew if they are bored or not loved enough, many have a “guarding” instinct - they are supposed to be initially wary of strangers.</p>
<p>One good way to pick the right dog is to get a rescue who has lived in a breed-loving foster home - that way you can get the temperament shade you prefer and know what you are getting.</p>
<p>The PWDs I know are playful, high-drive dogs, who love their water work. The owners do breed, obedience, agility, and water trails, and the PWDs excel at everything. Some are tightly wrapped - one killed a miniature poodle in her household - she was jealous and thought she had the right to take the poodle out.</p>
<p>First with respect to the leg lifting (or lack thereof) that is completely normal. My lab actually does a pretty cool half-hitch with one of his legs. Apparently, that’s as good as it’s going to get!</p>
<p>Now, onto breed…I have Lab and an Sheltie/Cattle dog mix and on personality I far prefer the Lab, although my mutt keeps everyone on their toes! My Lab is more of a companion dog. You might want to consider a rescue - you’d be amazed at how many dogs need good homes. I believe that black Labs are the most common dogs awaiting adoption in the shelters. If you google Lab rescue + your city, you might find something close to home. Most rescues will have done some temperament testing, and perhaps even some basic training, have neutered the dogs, and have had them checked over by a vet. Some dogs come into rescue already trained, so after the testing is done, you would have a pretty good idea of what to expect from your new dog. Just a thought, and a way to skip the puppy stage. Labs do shed though, and some more than others. With them, it’s just a fact of life. But they’re worth it!</p>
<p>Can Dauchshaunds mate with foxes - or racoons? Or, heaven forbid, possums? Because our randy, in heat hussy got out last night for FOUR HOURS - did not come home until 2 pm, looking supremely satisfied I kight add - and we are all a bit concerned now that she will be birthing some very strange creatures in a few months…</p>
<p>However, I would point out that it’s far more likely she encountered some young unneutered stud out for an evening stroll. I would worry about the ability of a dachshund. You may want to call your vet: there are birth control techniques for dogs.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the link, dmd77. I am much relieved. I have a brother who’s a vet away on vacation but will have him look her over when he gets back.</p>
<p>I enter my enthusiastic recommendation for poodles. Ours is a miniature at 20 pounds, but a standard may be more of the size you prefer (50-60 pounds). Well bred, they are awesome animals! Some good points are:
No shedding (zero) because they have hair instead of fur
Non-allergenic, even great for asthmatics
No doggy smell, as they don’t have doggy skin oil
Very sturdy, healthy and long-lived (dogs from my breeder live 15-20 years)
Very intelligent, trainable and obedient…understands complex language
Never barks unless stranger comes on the property
Bark is deep, not yippy…not at all the nervous stereotype
Very athletic animals with stamina for running
Great with children and loves to please you</p>
<p>Actually, poodles are very misunderstood. They are of German origin. They were originally sporting dogs who were bred as water retrievers for duck hunters. Their name comes from the German word for puddle dog (“pudel” or “pudeln”). The reason for the “silly” haircuts is interesting. The dogs were bread to have thick, protective hair for retrieving water fowl from cold water. But their fur becomes water-logged, so the fur was shaved from the hindquarters to make swimming easier, and left to protect the chest, kidneys and joints. Of course, most people who don’t show their poodles keep them in a puppy cut or a sporting cut, which is much lower maintenance.</p>
<p>You may want to visit some dog shows to meet some new breeds. Mixed breeds can be great, too, but you pretty much know exactly what you are going to get if you buy a pure bred dog from a reputable breeder. Good luck with your search!</p>
<p>I’ll chime in with my love for Standard Poodles. We’ve had Standards for 20 years. My husband is very allergic to dogs, but has had no problems with our Standards. Our dogs rarely bark. They are smart, out-going and companionable. My current Standard is a happy hiking/running partner, but is just as happy in “rug-mode.” Several dogs from his breeder are leader dogs for the blind and therapy dogs. I would be leery of one of the current “doodle” mixes. Just about all of the reputable Poodle/Retriever breeders sell their dogs with a spay/neuter contract. So, I think it would be difficult to get the initial breeding pair from a reputable breeder. We have one neighbor who has a “labradoodle.” The dog is very sweet, but he sheds and requires grooming. Best of luck in your dog search!</p>
<p>cyclistsmom, as I said above there’s no reason to be ‘leery’ of the doodle mixes if you do your research, which everyone should do, including those who are interested in a purebred dog. There are good and bad breeders of most breeds and to find the right dog for you and your family, you need to do your research. Our experience and that of dozens of happy doodle owners whom we know, has been positive. Both parents of our dogs are purebred, registered, and had complete health testing to ensure that all that could be checked, was checked. All reputable and experienced breeders will do this. The reputable breeders, and there are many across the U.S. and Canada, will be able to predict with a good degree of certainty what the coat of the dogs will be like. No reputable breeder will tell you that the dogs will be totally non-shedding. Everyone has to find a dog with the characteristics which are right for their family, whether that perfect dog is a purebred or a mutt. Shelters across the continent, unfortunately, are filled with both.</p>
They are the smartest dogs I’ve ever had, and the most affectionate, and the cutest. And little to no shedding! If you’re interested in seeing some pictures of them, feel free to PM me with your email address and I’ll send some to you.</p>