Doodle dogs are here to stay. Thinking of adding one to your family? Here are my thoughts on four kinds of Doodles that I see in my work as a dog groomer.
Bernedoodle
This is the breed I chose for my next dog. My elderly Anatolian Shepherd was near the end of her life and I wanted to bring a puppy home before she passed. This worked out well because my puppy Maya had an older female from whom to take comfort, and Annie had a little playmate.
I chose this breed because I wanted a dog that is active but not hyper. Bernese Mountain Dogs are big and mellow. They were really popular in the 90’s when I was first pet sitting in San Francisco, so I got to know quite a few of them. Unfortunately, like many purebreds, they can have some pretty serious genetic problems. I have known several who sadly died quite young due to cancer, between 5-7 years of age. Choosing a cross-breed like a Doodle doesn’t guarantee longevity, but it does greatly decrease the chances of recessive gene health problems.
Maya is a standard size Bernedoodle. She is 70lbs but they can get as big as 100lbs! I like a big dog, but they are also available in smaller versions. Beware, though, that the “Mini” Bernedoodle can exceed its intended size. This smaller version is created by breeding a smaller Poodle with a Berner, or by breeding second-generation smaller Bernedoodles. I groom two Mini Bernedoodles who are brother and sister. One is 25lbs and the other is 40!
Like all Doodles, Bernes require regular grooming. Their coat can very from thick and curly like Maya’s to wavy to wiry to what we call a drop-coat. Of all the Doodles I groom, I find that these guys mat the least. That’s not to say you don’t need to brush your Berne, or that he or she won’t get matted, just that their coat can be more forgiving than others. If you keep a short style, you can get away with grooming every six weeks, but a longer style will require every 2-4 weeks at most.
Goldendoodle
This is one of the most popular Doodles that I see. Who doesn’t love a Golden Retriever? They are adorable with the sweetest personalities. Unfortunately, like many other purebreds, they can have health problems. Like the Berners, I have known several who died young due to cancer. They are also prone to foul-smelling ear infections and skin problems, and they shed massive amounts of fur.
Cross a Golden with a Poodle and voila! You get a dog with the great personality, lower chance of health problems, and no shedding. Since this is a cross breed, the no-shedding feature isn’t guaranteed, but I have to say that none of the ones I groom shed.
They can be large and hyper! Doodles in general are people-oriented, and with that Golden parent it’s 10x. They want to be the center of attention and need a lot of exercise. This is not a couch-potato dog.
Goldendoodles seem to have the widest variety of coat types in my experience. Their fur can be thin and wispy, thick and kinky like a Poodle, or wavy. They mat very easily and are best kept in a short style. If you want a cute longer style, be prepared for daily brushing and frequent trips to the groomer.
One of my secret weapons in grooming is Mane N Tail detangling spray. You can buy it at any feed store, or follow my link to Amazon. This is a must for a longer-coated Doodle. If you dry brush through tangles, it will hurt the dog and make him resistant to grooming. A spritz of detangler makes brushing easier and coats the hair, keeping it from tangling.
Labradoodle
This is the breed that started it all, why we call them “Doodles.” Surprisingly, I don’t see too many of them these days. Like Labradors, they tend to be sweet, friendly, and active. They make good hiking and camping partners. All the ones I know are Labrador size and don’t seem to come in a mini version.
Cost types vary like these two dogs who are brothers! One has a soft, curly coat, and the other has a straight, wiry coat.
This happy fellow is what’s called a Double Doodle, or a second gen, or F2. There are all sorts of monikers meaning Doodle bred with Doodle. This guy has very tightly curled hair and a totally Poodle tall, skinny body. When we clip him down he looks like a stick figure! It just goes to show there’s no guarantee of appearance with Doodles, so when you get a puppy be prepared to love him or her for whoever they turn out to be!
Sheepadoodle
This is a less common but absolutely adorable contender in the Doodle field. Old English Sheepdogs are huge, hairy, bouncy beasts. I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw one. There is a great example of one in the old movie The Shaggy Dog. This movie is silly, dated, and a lot of fun, and features a real OES in all the scenes except for at least one which is a man wearing a costume! It’s a hilarious reminder of the fact that there were no special effects in the 1950’s.
I groom two Sheepadoodles and they are the cutest. They are as sweet as they are hyper, so be prepared to give them a lot of attention and exercise. They are BIG, like 80lbs+, and they mat easily, so be prepared for a frequent grooming schedule.
I think this Doodle is a great combo, as they look for the most part like the OES but can be groomed in cute styles due to the influence of the Poodle coat.
Conclusion
Whichever Doodle you choose, be prepared for a lifetime commitment. Dogs require love, attention, a good diet, exercise, training, and grooming. Puppies can be a handful, especially if you haven’t had one in years and don’t remember what it entails! Adult dogs from a shelter or rescue can be shy, not house trained, or unused to your lifestyle. Be realistic in your expectations, and give your new dog a chance to be successful.