In the realm of canine companionship, there is an interesting trend that has captured the hearts of many in the last decade or so: Doodles. These adorable hybrid dogs, characterized by their curly or wavy coats and charming personalities, have become increasingly popular among dog lovers worldwide. But what exactly is a Doodle, and what makes them so special? Let us delve into the world of Doodles to uncover their origins, characteristics, and why they have become beloved companions for so many.
The Origins of Doodles
To understand Doodle dogs, we need to trace their roots back to their parent breeds: the Poodle and another breed, typically a Golden Retriever or another non-shedding breed. The most common Poodle crosses include the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever crossed with Poodle), Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever crossed with Poodle), and the Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with Poodle), among others. The concept of crossbreeding Poodles with other breeds emerged in the late 20th century with the aim of creating hypoallergenic dogs with low shedding coats. Poodles are known for their intelligence, non-shedding coats, and friendly demeanor, making them an ideal candidate for crossbreeding with other breeds to pass on these desirable traits. However, the creator of Doodles, Wally Conron, has admitted that he regrets creating the breed.
In 2019, an article published by The New York Times sheds light on the Labradoodle's creator, Wally Conron, expressed regret over creating the hybrid breed. Conron, an Australian breeder, developed the Labradoodle in the 1980s with the intention of providing a guide dog for a blind woman whose husband had allergies to dog hair. The Labradoodle was meant to combine the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever.
However, Conron's creation took off as a designer dog trend, leading to indiscriminate breeding and health issues. He expressed concern over the rise of unethical breeding practices and the proliferation of irresponsible breeders cashing in on the popularity of Doodle dogs without considering the welfare of the animals.
This article highlights an important aspect of the Doodle phenomenon: the unintended consequences of their popularity. While Doodle dogs bring joy to countless families, it is essential to recognize the ethical implications of their breeding and ensure that responsible breeding practices are upheld to safeguard the health and well-being of these beloved companions.
So, why are Doodles so Popular? The Characteristics of Doodles
First, Doodles are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. Doodles inherit the intelligence of their Poodle ancestors, making them highly trainable and quick learners. They tend to be intelligent, eager to please, and adaptable, making them excellent family pets and companions. Many Doodle owners also praise their dogs for their playful nature and gentle temperament, which endears them to people of all ages. This also makes them suitable for various roles, including therapy and assistance dogs.
Second, Doodles come in various sizes, depending on the parent breeds involved in the cross. Whether you're looking for a small, medium, or large dog, there's likely a Doodle breed that fits your lifestyle and living space.
Third, they can (sometimes!) be hypoallergenic and don’t shed. One of the most striking and notable features of Doodle dogs is their coat. Depending on the parent breeds, Doodle dogs can have curly, wavy, or straight coats, often in varying lengths and colors. While some Doodles inherit the non-shedding coat of the Poodle parent, this has led to widespread myths regarding the Doodle coat such as Doodles do not shed. It's essential to note that not all Doodles are hypoallergenic, and some do shed, as these traits can vary within the individual dog. For individuals with allergies to pet dander, Doodles can generally (but not always!) offer a potential solution due to their non-shedding coats.
Caring for a Doodle
Like all dogs, Doodles require proper care and attention to thrive. They benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and ensure their well-being. Proper training and socialization from a young age are also crucial for Doodle dogs to become well-behaved members of the family. Positive reinforcement techniques work well with their eager-to-please nature.
While Doodles are not “purebred” dogs, we at Chris Christensen believe that all dogs deserve the utmost level of pet grooming care and Doodles specifically need regular grooming. Doodle breeders have been known to sell these dogs as “low-maintenance” or “no-grooming” dogs, which could not be further from the truth. Because of the combination of two very different coat types (scissored coat from the Poodle and double coat from the Retriever), the coats that Doodles end up with can vary and be quite difficult to maintain. Some of the Doodle coat types require weekly if not DAILY brushing to maintain their coats as well as frequent trips to the professional groomer every 4-6 weeks. Depending on the size of the Doodle, grooming costs can range from $80-$180 per session which can cause frustration to someone that was a sold an allegedly “no-groom dog.” Alas, regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and keep their coats clean and healthy. Check out our “Doodle Coat Type Blog” for more information on their coat types.
How to Brush a Doodle
- Brush your Doodle with our Big G Slicker Brush or Big K Slicker Brush (depending on the density of the coat – Big G for less dense coats, Big K for denser coats) if your Doodle has a longer coat (these slicker brushes have 27mm pins, meant for longer coats) or a Kärben Slicker Brush if your Doodle has a shorter coat (these slicker brushes have 12mm pins, meant for shorter coats). Check out this free course for a step-by-step tutorial on brushing basics.
- Brushes by Coat Length and Density:
- Long & Less Dense: Big G Slicker Brush
- Long & Dense: Big K Slicker Brush (the Big K has 30% less pins and will pull less on the coat).
- Short: Karben Slicker Brush
- Always use a brushing spray like Ice on Ice Detangling and Finishing Spray or Just Divine Brushing Spray. This will help lubricate the individual hair strands to prevent static, breakage, and unnecessary damage to the coat.
- Finish with our 7.5" Fine/Coarse Greyhound-Style Buttercomb (aka our 000 Comb) to check for snarls or snags. If there are any snarls, go back over the area with your slicker brush.In Conclusion
Doodles have undeniably captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide with their charming personalities, striking appearances, and hypoallergenic qualities. Whether you're drawn to the intelligence of the Poodle or the loyalty of the retriever breeds, Doodle dogs offer a combination of traits that make them beloved companions for individuals and families alike.
However, the Doodles' popularity has led to unintended consequences, including the rise of unethical breeding practices and health issues associated with indiscriminate breeding. Wally Conron's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible breeding practices and ethical considerations when it comes to creating and caring for dogs. To ensure the health and well-being of these beloved pets, it's crucial to research reputable breeders who prioritize their animals' health. Additionally, consider adopting from shelters or rescue organizations, where many Doodles and other dogs are in need of loving homes, waiting for adoption.
Moreover, despite being marketed as “low maintenance,” Doodles are quite the opposite. They are high-maintenance dogs that require regular grooming to keep their coats in top condition. At Chris Christensen, we believe that all dogs deserve the highest level of quality and care, which includes proper grooming and attention.
While Doodles undoubtedly bring joy and companionship to countless families, it's essential to approach the decision to add a Doodle to your household with mindfulness and care. They require significant attention and maintenance to thrive. As with any dog, bringing a Doodle into your home should be a decision made with careful consideration and responsibility. By doing so, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your new furry friend.