What to Look For in a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle
Puppy
Bonding with your dog can be one of life's most rewarding experiences. Carefully selecting the right dog for you and your family will bring years of enjoyment and enrichment to your home. The average dog lives from ten to fifteen years. When placing puppies we look for people who intend to have their dog for it's lifetime.
When selecting your dog consider your lifestyle, your home and family needs - and what your dog will need from you.
Temperament
Your lifestyle plays a huge role in the type of dog that would be best suited for you. Your personality and their temperament need to compliment each other. Are you a get up and go kind of person who loves activity? Do you like to go for long walks and enjoy the outdoors? Do you prefer a quiet lifestyle and the companionship of a dog at your feet?
Different breeds are known for displaying different temperaments. For example, Labrador Retrievers are known to be patient and gentle with children, crave attention and need to feel as though they are a part of the family. Beagles are strong-willed and not always easy to train. Some breeds are nervous, some are mellow, some require a lot of exercise, others prefer a more sedentary life.
Within breeds different dogs will display different temperaments. We suggest that you carefully research different breeds to determine which breed best fits your lifestyle. Then find a breeder you can trust, and work with them to select a puppy that has the personality you desire. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are renowned for their temperaments. See our labradoodle picture gallery for images of a labradoodle or goldendoodle puppy.
Size and Shape
In determining what size and shape you would like in a dog, think about the size of your house and yard, health issues associated with dogs of certain size and shape, the ages and size of family members.
Large, active dogs need an area to run that will provide needed exercise and safety. If your house or yard are small you might consider a smaller dog, or be willing to take your dog on frequent walks away from home.
Dogs that are extremely large or small have their own health issues. Extremely small dogs can have delicate bones, leading to dislocated kneecaps and have problems with their teeth. Extremely large dogs can have bone growth problems, genetic heart ailments and a shorter lifespan. When choosing your dog avoids dogs that are extremely large or small.
Do you have small children or are there elderly people who will be with your dog? Large dogs can overwhelm them, however small children can be rough on a dog that is too small.
Coat
How much time and money do you want to spend and how much hair can you bear? Do you have the time or the desire to brush your dogs coat every night? Do you mind having to vacuum dog hair off your furniture? What about grooming costs? The type of coat your dog has will determine how much time you will need to spend maintaining it. Coat is also important to consider if you have allergies.
There are three types of coats; Wavy or Hair Coat, Curly or Wool Coat, Fleece Coat. Wavy or Hair coats require little maintenance, but can shed heavily. Some are light shedders. Curly or Wool coats have tight curls like a poodle. These coats are non-shedding, but require high maintenance when they get longer. Fleece coats consist of loose curls over the entire body. The coat has a soft feel and is easy to care for. Many fleece coats are non-shedding and allergy friendly.
Health
In determining the health of your puppy you should always look at the health history of parent dogs. Have they been tested for potential health problems and genetic defects. To prevent against possible hip dysplasia, cataracts, blood disorders and heart problems it is important to purchase puppies from healthy, tested parents. This is a distinguishing characteristic of a goldendoodle or labradoodle breeder who takes the necessary steps to ensure the health of your puppy. We only breed parent dogs who have been tested and cleared of all health problems.
- Look at health problems that occur with specific breeds.
- Consider Crossbreds, who tend to be healthier than Purebreds.
- Make sure your puppy has been wormed and vaccinated prior to purchase.