Calling all dog experts! Hoping to get a Labradoodle, any information to be aware of, and do you recommend them?

[Lemon-Drop]

I may not be able to get one, but I am hoping to get a Labradoodle. I want a dog that is around 40-60 lbs, and I'm slightly allergic to dogs so I want one that is at least mostly hypoallergenic. I also have some mental health issues, so I'm hoping I could get it trained to be an ESA. So now for some questions:


I've talked to my parents in the past about getting a dog, and they've said no mostly because of how many pets we already have. Any suggestions on how to respectfully ask for one, but not seem ungrateful? (Starburst, my twin sister and I, have 16 chickens, some fish, and two parakeets, while my other siblings have 2 dogs (mini poodles), a hedgehog, and an axolotl (on the way.) The thing is that you can take you dog a lot more places than a chicken, and they're so sweet and cuddly (no offense to my chickens, but they've got sharp claws and don't like to live indoors)

Another question is, do you know of any reputable Labradoodle breeders? Our preference would be to get a female, color is preferably black (though the silver ones are also super cool) puppy.

Do you recommend them?

We put together a power point on why it would be beneficial, any other ideas on how to present our information?

Thank you so much for any information you can provide!

 

[ButtonHoarder]

All I know is they're expensive

 

[Lemon-Drop]

All I know is they're expensive

Yup! I'm hoping to save up 4000 dollars, with Starburst, to pay for the dog (I'm going to guess that a puppy would be about 3000 dollars, maybe more) and the rest would go for a crate, bed, toys, leash, id tags, collar, etc.

 

[Ebony Rose]

Be aware that both labrador retrievers and poodles have historically been bred to flush & fetch game birds for their owners. Though neither poodles nor labs are actually trained to chase down and hunt game, they specialize in retrieving game for their owner. This may or may not cause you problems with your avian pets, depending upon the labradoodle's individual personality and how strongly they heed mother's nature's genetic predisposition for this behavior.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Be aware that both labrador retrievers and poodles have historically been bred to flush & fetch game birds for their owners. Though neither poodles nor labs are actually trained to chase down and hunt game, they specialize in retrieving game for their owner. This may or may not cause you problems with your avian pets, depending upon the labradoodle's individual personality and how strongly they heed mother's nature's genetic predisposition for this behavior.

Thanks! I did notice that when my friends dog (a golden retriever) got pretty interested in my parakeets, though when we put a towel over their cage he left them alone. My sister miniature poodle, Oliver, whenever I let the parakeets into the main part of the house (though I usually let them roam in a closed room), he once tried to attack them as well.

My plan is to introduce the puppy to the birds (parakeets and chickens) so the Labradoodle knows that they are "friends, not food" and should hopefully be ok with them, but if that does not work, I'll move the parakeets either up higher or to a room that isn't in the main part of the house. As for the chickens, they don't free range much (because of all the predators) so they are fenced in most of the time.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

If you are allergic to dogs, you could still be potentially allergic to a labradoodle. Technically no dog is hypoallergenic. The allergies come from dander. A dog that sheds less has less dander to cause allergies to flair up. I've read many rescue stories where a labradoodle was the cause of allergies and had to be rehomed. As well, even the more expensive labradoodle dogs can throw what is referred to as a smooth coated dog - which would be a shedding dog. Most labradoodles that are bred to be guaranteed non-shedding are considerably more poodle than labrador. It might be more advantageous to get a medium sized poodle - they are less expensive, guaranteed not to shed, and can be trained to be an esa dog as well (which almost any dog with the right training and demeanor can fit into that category).
I wouldn't even trust reviews of labradoodle breeders without going to see and meet the breeder. I've read enough on that subject of not getting what they thought they were getting and paying $$$$. I would also implore you to look into doodle rescues. There are more than you would imagine - and there might be one close by where you live. A forum that might interest you is called doodlekisses.
Do your allergies flair up when you are around the golden retriever?
One more thing, the initial cost of the dog is just that - it's the lifetime care that adds up. Vets don't care if your dog cost you $$$$ or was free, they still charge the same.

 

[Cynthia12]

Not sure if this has been mentioned. Make sure you get the curlier coat if you're going for non shedding. The wavy coat can be quite bad at shedding.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

If you are allergic to dogs, you could still be potentially allergic to a labradoodle. Technically
no dog is hypoallergenic. The allergies come from dander. A dog that sheds less has less dander to cause allergies to flair up.

Thank you! I have heard that. My allergies aren't super bad, (mostly I get itchy and sometimes my eyes and nose get watery depending on the dog) The labradoodle would either be staying in my or my sister's room. I'm not too worried about the allergies for myself (otherwise I'd get a labrador or golden retreiver) but another of my siblings is pretty allergic (more severe then me) However, she is likely moving out within the next couple of years, so maybe I could consider an actual labrador at some point...

I've read many rescue stories where a labradoodle was the cause of allergies and had to be rehomed. As well, even the more expensive labradoodle dogs can throw what is referred to as a smooth coated dog - which would be a shedding dog. Most labradoodles that are bred to be guaranteed non-shedding are considerably more poodle than labrador. It might be more advantageous to get a medium sized poodle - they are less expensive, guaranteed not to shed, and can be trained to be an esa dog as well (which almost any dog with the right training and demeanor can fit into that category).

That's also a great idea... so much to think about!

I wouldn't even trust reviews of labradoodle breeders without going to see and meet the breeder. I've read enough on that subject of not getting what they thought they were getting and paying $$$$.

Thanks! I certainly wouldn't want to spend 3,000+ on a dog that wasn't what I thought. I'll probably try and get one (if I get one from a breeder) that is in my area (PNW)

I would also implore you to look into doodle rescues. There are more than you would imagine - and there might be one close by where you live. A forum that might interest you is called doodlekisses.

I love that idea (I'm all for rescues) but do they often have trauma? I just know that (at least for my twin, who has ptsd) having a dog with trauma might not be the best...?

Do your allergies flair up when you are around the golden retriever?

A little bit, though that doesn't stop me from burying my head in his fur.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Not sure if this is accurate, but I found this really interesting:
Article

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I love that idea (I'm all for rescues) but do they often have trauma? I just know that (at least for my twin, who has ptsd) having a dog with trauma might not be the best...?

Not always the case, but yes some rescued dogs can have issues, but non-rescued dogs can as well. You would definitely have to do meet and greets. Talk it over with the rescuer and let them know your concerns.