Frequently Asked Questions

 The original "doodle dog" was a mixture between a purebred poodle and a purebred Labrador retriever.  Since this "original" crossbreed mix, the Doodle has progressed to many, many, different varieties of mixes.  Truthfully, I would say that the "doodle" has been around for much longer.....it was just referred to as a "...poo" something or other.  Peke-a-poo, Cock-a-poo, Schnoodle, Shih-poo, Malti-poo, and so on.   

One thing can be said in looking at ALL these mixes....is that they have a common denominator.....the POODLE!!!  So, why mix a perfectly good purebred dog with a poodle, to get (what some people will derogatorily call them).....a mutt?  Well, for starters....they are not mutts!  When you're talking about 2 different breeds....you're referring to a cross breed.  Numerous breeds have started out with the crossing of 1 or 2 or more breeds of dogs, to finally end up with the "purebreed."  (Research "shepherd dog varieties if you would like an example.) So toss that argument out the window!   As a person who started out with owning only purebred dogs, showing dogs, and only breeding purebreeds, why in the world would I think that a mix is just as good....and maybe.....gasp!  even better?!  

Well, back to the poodle......the poodle is a smart, loyal, well-rounded, easily trained, non-shedding dog that is great with kids, families.  Although wary of strangers at first, it will accept most anyone and adapt to most situations. Usually touted as the breed to get if you have allergies, poodles have proven themselves in many areas! From being used as bomb sniffers, search and rescue, to seeing-eye dogs, to assistive and support dogs, diabetic alert dogs, circus  dogs and even hunting dogs-the original reason for the crazy fancy looking haircuts!, you would be hard pressed to find so many capabilities in another breed!  So,take all of that smartness, and versatility, and mix it into another breed......that will complement and accentuate the already positive traits of both while adding a twist of uniqueness.......and voila! you have a doodle.  

Now I could take this time and explain about some of the not-so-good backyard breeders who have jumped onto this craze and started tossing any 2 breeds together, try to make cute puppies and colors and then put an astronomical price on a pup, just because they bred something unique in appearance......but I won't at this time.  A Doodle breeder should have the same sort of commitent to quality and health of their dogs and puppies as any reputable breeder of purebred dogs.  Be sure that this is something that you research before you look for that cute furry new family member!  Health testing is important, but breeding properly matched dogs of good quality is just as important!

So, whether they are called a "doodle" of some sort.....micro, mini, etc.....make sure that the breeding of these has been done properly and ethically.  If you are shopping for price only, you will more than likely be dealing with a backyard breeder who is thinking they can make a quick buck on tossing a few dogs together.  Good luck with that!   If you're wanting to understand more about doodles, here is a list to help you understand the terms that professional and/or reputable breeders will often refer to:

F=Filial Hybrid     B= Backcross

F1 = pure bred x pure poodle      (these will be less expensive and can have shedding if the one  is a shedding breed.)

F1b = An F1 x pure poodle  (backcrossed and typicallly no or very low shedding.)

F2 = F1 x F1

F1bb = F1b x pure poodle    (This will often have so much DNA of poodle in it that a DNA test may read 100% poodle, even though the dog may not look like a poodle!)

F2b = F1 x F1b OR F2 x pure poodle

F3 = F2 x F2 (keep in mind we are not adding a different breed into the mix  This is generally going to be called a "MULTIGEN' (multigeneration) doodle.