| 1. Are Labradoodles, Goldendoodles and Double Doodles really non-shedding? Sometimes. These are hybrids, and the shedding varies by generation and by specific dog. In general, the likelihood of shedding is lower in the woollier F1B Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, in multigeneration Labradoodles, and in Double Doodles. Many dogs in those generations are extremely low to non-shedding. Be aware that even 'non-shedding' dogs do lose hair, just as you do! But it tends to come out during brushing and bathing, as opposed to falling on the floor or coming out on your clothes when you hug them! 2. Do Labradoodles and Goldendoodles need much grooming? This also varies by generation and coat type. F1 Labradoodles with the more 'labby' (hair) coats require almost no grooming at all. F1 Doodles with the fleecier coats, or F1B and multigeneration doodles, require brushing frequently, ranging from every other day to once a week. They also need to have their coats trimmed or thinned every month or every other month. Those dogs that do not shed, meaning their hair does not fall on the floor, do tend to matt more easily, as the dead hair remains in the coat until brushed out. 3. Labby coat, fleecy coat, woolly coat...how do I decide what I want? A labby (hair) coat is very low maintenance as far as brushing and grooming time. They do, however, usually shed some. The fleecier coats are OFTEN (not always) lower shedding, but require more grooming time to avoid matting. Wool coats are often allergy-friendly and low shedding, but require a lot of grooming to avoid matting. So you have to decide where you want to spend your money or time, cleaning hair from your home and clothing, or grooming your dog. If you get a dog you WILL spend money and time, there's no free lunch! 4. Are Labradoodles, Goldendoodles and Double Doodles really hypoallergenic? Sometimes. Dog allergies can be to dog hair/dander, or they can be to dog saliva. If the allergy is to saliva the breed of dog doesn't make any difference. With hair/dander allergies, the woollier F1B and multigen labradoodles are more likely to be allergy-friendly than the F1 Labradoodles. F1 Goldendoodles are more often allergy-friendly than F1 Labradoodles. However, we do not recommend F1 Labradoodles OR Goldendoodles for families with allergies. The chances of reaction are just unacceptably high. For those families with dog allergies we recommend a woolly F1B or multigen Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, or Double Doodle. It is important to understand that not all F1B are allergy-friendly. Only an experienced breeder can recognize puppy coats that will be likely to develop into the allergy-friendly variety. 5. How important is health-testing of a puppy's parents? This is a very personal choice. Many puppies from non-tested parents will never have a problem. However, we do know that there are health problems of genetic origin (here is an article on Genetics/Health Testing in Labradoodles and Goldendoodles) that Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles all share. Different sizes of dogs are at risk for different disorders. For example, minis hardly ever suffer from hip dysplasia, because there is so little weight placed on their joints. Many breeders are more flexible in their hip testing requirements for minis for this reason. But health problems can and do occur in Doodles, and in some cases can be very expensive and emotionally devastating. Testing doesn't guarantee the problems will not occur, but it increases the chances your puppy will be healthy. However, breeders who health-test often charge more for their puppies and often have waiting lists. Everyone has to balance for themselves the expense and time of a puppy from health-tested parents vs the expense and time of a dog with a significant health problem. Search our site to find what you need to know! |
Frequently Asked Questions About Doodles
Westwood Doodles:
Labradoodles, Goldendoodles,
and North American Retrievers
Labradoodles, Goldendoodles,
and North American Retrievers
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