A Doodle is a cross-bred dog created by breeding a Poodle with another purebred dog. But, some people don’t like them, calling them overpriced mutts. What’s the truth?
Pretty much every dog pure breed was created by crossing one type of dog with another. For example, the Bullmastiff, Airedale, German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, and Doberman all started out as “mutts”. Someone bred one breed or type of dog with another.
I’ve trained a lot of Doodles over the years. The first ones I saw were Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever X Poodle). Then came the Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever X Poodle). I’ve also trained Australian Labradoodles, Bernadoodles, Schnauzerdoodles, Sheepadoodles, Whoodles, and Aussiedoodles.
But there were other Doodles long before this. Ever heard of a Cockapoo? How about a Yorkiepoo? I’ve trained those, too.
So, what are they like? As a general rule, Doodles tend to behave mostly like whatever breed was mixed with the Poodle. I’ve also found them to be physically robust, being well built and able to take good rough and tumble play. Regarding the actual dog, they all vary in temperament within each mix, depending upon the parents of the dog. Some are calm, some active, some shy and some outgoing. The Giant Schnauzerdoodles have been pretty territorial with guests, in my experience. As a general rule, they all train well and turn out to be good family dogs as adults. The puppies have been generally easy to housetrain (however the Bichonpoos have taken extra effort).
What makes a dog a “purebred” and the other a “mutt”? The real world dividing line comes when the type of dog becomes standardized over multiple generations, not requiring crosses of either parent breed, and accepted in the marketplace as a breed. I think a number of the Doodles are on this path, especially the Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Aussiedoodles. They are gaining a firm foothold and following in the marketplace. Other Doodles may become standardized over time.
What about the price some people are paying for the Doodles? It really doesn’t matter, does it? If someone wants something, the price of anything is what the buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to sell. No one tells you what you should pay for your cup of java, your arugula salad, or your hybrid car. It’s none of anyone’s business. What about people who say that you should rescue a dog instead of getting a dog from a breeder? I get the concern, I have always volunteered my time to animal rescue, and poorly run shelters are overflowing at the brim with adoptable dogs. However, generally, when someone pays for anything, they tend to value it. The shelters aren’t flooded with Doodles, and the ones they get are generally adopted rapidly. Pet overpopulation in the shelters is a result of dogs being allowed to breed in the streets, and lowlifes that don’t care about their dogs. Only a small percentage of dogs picked up by animal control are recovered by their owners, whether a pure bred or mixed bred dog. That says a lot.
I like all dogs. Get whatever you want. Donate to animal rescue if you can. Take good care of the dog you have, include training, supervision, containment and good vet care.
So, are Doodles worthless mutts? Not to the families their families that love them, and these owners will do what it takes and spend what it takes to have a good pet. I like Doodles, and would be glad to train yours if you are in need. Doodle on, folks!