All right all you dog people...choosing a breed

[Iain Utah]

While I am a herding dog owner/lover, they do require experience at handling. I would NOT recommend any of those breeds (aussie shep, german shep, border collie, etc.) I would however suggest the boxer breed for a 1st time owner. They do shed and sneeze-spray you when they get excited, but they are great family pets. They are just as happy to go for long runs as they are to be couch potatoes. And they are so very happy to meet each and every new person that comes to the house.

And X2 on doing your homework on specific breeders if you go the pure-bred route.

 

[Chicken Frenzie]

Labs are great, but they are around 80 something lbs for a healthy lab. They also LOVE excersize, but need lots of it. And, you odn't really need to groom them much! I got a lab when I was 6, and right now she is 7 years old and is wonderful.

 

[Kaitie09]

I have two Labs and have had Golden Retrievers all my life. I love the breeds, and we have gotten lucky with our rescues. I have a black lab that is the sweetest girl you can imagine, and then a chocolate that is 5 and still thinks she is a puppy and 20 lbs.

They want nothing to do with the shedding a lab has, and I told them flat out that a labradoodle will shed some. I mentioned boxers but their neighbors have them and they apparently always slobber, so that is a no-go. They also want nothing to do with "dangerous" looking dogs either. They are basing their breed on the look of the dog and what they have heard about breeds, not the best fit for the family.

Personally, I think they are being ridiculous and have suggested multiple great family breeds (including pit bulls), but they shot all of them down. I took time out to look up breeds and gave them 8 different breeds, breeders, and decriptions of the dogs, lifespans, and personalities. My guess is they will probably disregard all of my information, and go out and get a BYB labradoodle that the owner said was hypoallergenic and never sheds. This is the second time I've done this for them, and they always back out. I won't be doing it again.

 

[Oregon Blues]

If their minds are made up, then they are getting a Labradoodle and nothing you say is going to change their mind.

I hope it works out for them. My groomer friends say that most of them are awful dogs with miserable temperaments. Plus they need a lot of grooming.

The problem with Labradoodles, is that no responsible breeder of quality health screened dogs would ever sell a Labrador or a Poodle to anyone who is planning on breeding Labradoodles. So the Labradoodle parents are going to be dogs from puppy mills or backyard breeders, with very little health screening or attention to temperament. You can't escape genetics. If the parents aren't great dogs, the pup won't be, either.

Maybe they are going to get lucky and get one of the few good ones. I suspect they might be setting themselves up for an unpleasant first dog experience.

Hey, if they have lots of money maybe you could convince them to get a Portuguese Water Dog. Great dogs, but rather expensive to buy one from a reputable breeder. They can get that Labradoodle look that they like, plus extensive health screening and bred for excellent temperament.

Big bonus: the snob appeal of having an expensive and rare breed.

 

[watchdogps]

Another note about the doodles - you do NOT know if they are a shedding or a non shedding doodle till they get their adult coats in, after six months old. So, if non shedding is important to auntie, she should consider an adult rescue doodle. There are plenty of them out there, since so many people had to have a doodle without considering that they are a pretty high energy dog.

Other medium/largish non/low shed breeds:

Soft coated wheaten terrier
Portugese water dogs
Schnauzers (come in a standard version, which is medium sized)
Airedales
Xolos - they come in three sizes, as well as a coated version - I do not know if the coated version sheds

I'm sure I am leaving some out, but there are some to start with.

Note - bouviers, giant schnauzers and black russian terriers are also non shedding, but they ARE NOT for novice dog people.

Pugs and bulldogs are walking vet bills and shed like crazy.

 

[Nslangton]

I am a sucker for Labradors. I bred for years and all three of mine were born and raised here. I know a million people who breed just because they have dogs. These doodle dogs are very popular now, but I do not know one reputable breeder of these and there is no regulations. A responsible breeder will have all of the proper certs. and health checks recommend for that breed as mentioned in a previous post. They should have vet references. The puppies should be raised with optimal conditions and nutrition. Both parents should be on premises and in optimal condition. I screened all potential buyers and turned many away. I limited registration on every dog I ever sold because I worried about our reputation being tarnished with irresponsible breeding practices. It cost a lot of money and a ridiculous amount of time to have a litter of puppies the right way. A good breeder will allow you access to their facilities at any time allowing you to see the conditions in which they are raised. They should answer any question you have throughout the dogs life. If they don't you are better off going to the pound and saving a dog!!! Labs do shed, chew, dig, need lots of exercise and space to run. A few walks a day will not work. I would love to sell your cousin a dog, but our breeding days are over and the breeding room is currently being turned into our new chicken coop for our new baby chicks.

 

[solanaskyes]

http://rufflyspeaking.net/blog/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/

Puppies as birthday gifts are bad ideas, Labradoodles are an even worse idea, from the OP it really doesn't sound like anyone is ready for a dog in this situation.

 

[yomama]

http://rufflyspeaking.net/blog/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/

Puppies as birthday gifts are bad ideas, Labradoodles are an even worse idea, from the OP it really doesn't sound like anyone is ready for a dog in this situation.

I hate to say it, but I totally agree. I realize you (op) are trying to help your family make an informed decision, but sounds to me that they aren't willing to do what it takes to make sure they have a breed that will match the family. I see the dog being at the losing end on this one. This is how so many dogs end up in shelters. People go by looks, not what the specific breed entails, and end up not liking what they have chosen. Dogs are what they are, they can't help what breed they are. Maybe your aunt should look into another type of pet that is less demanding? Maybe a cat or something that doesn't require as much human dependancy? Sorry if this sounds harsh, I just worry that whatever dog they might choose, will be chosen for all the wrong reasons.

 

[TonySorrento]

The Vizsla ... absolutely the best dog for your wants

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

I second the suggestion of a Portugese Water Dog!!! Smaller and more compact than a St. Poodle, very eager learners and most have a super temperament. They are non-shedding and good for active families. The only warning is they need strong leadership and a lot of challenging exercise. They are not couch potatoes until they are well inside of being an adult dog.