Goldendoodles. Aussiedoodles. Bernedoodles. Labradoodles. Sheepadoodles. Where are all these doodles coming from and why are they so popular?
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If you aren’t aware of what these “doodle” breeds are, they are a mix between a poodle and any other breed, and they are dramatically increasing in popularity. Goldendoodles (golden retriever + poodle) are one of the most common crossbreeds. Golden retrievers are known for their friendly personalities, and poodles are known for their intelligence; however, the biggest reason that the poodle genes are so desirable is because of their hypoallergenic coat. Owners worry less about shedding and allergies, and the characteristics of two quality dogs are combined.
Even though doodles can be great and adorable dogs, there are some people who see them as controversial or unethical. They are pegged as “designer dogs” which carries a certain stigma. With such a high demand, some breeders are recklessly mating dogs together. If two dogs with desirable features are bred together, but they are closely related, the chance of genetic problems in the offspring are high. Genetic diseases are often found within recessive genes; therefore, if the parents come from the same family, they could both possess and pass on a problematic recessive gene.
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This problem occurs due to irresponsible breeding and smaller populations of the breed, but it can be argued that irresponsible breeding occurs within every breed – bulldogs are a common example of this. In addition, mixed breeds are actually known to be healthier than purebreds because of their diverse gene pools. This isn’t always true, but in general, the likelihood of unwanted genes being passed on decreases as other genes are introduced.
The increased genetic diversity also creates a slight sense of unknown for the offspring, especially within the early stages of a new breed. The two breeds are mixed together for a reason – whether it be for appearance or personality – but nothing is truly guaranteed. I’ve seen firsthand the wide variety of features found in these doodle breeds. This can be looked at as uncertainty or endless possibilities! With purebreds, you have a good idea of what you are getting. Personalities and temperaments might vary slightly, but aesthetically, you can at least expect a certain color, coat, size, etc.
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Ultimately, when choosing a dog, it really just comes down to preference and what best suits your lifestyle. Doodles are all the rage right now, and they are a great option for people with allergies or a low tolerance for shedding that still want to enjoy the features of another dog breed. Poodles and other purebreds are equally great companions. The most important thing for people to keep in mind is who they are buying from and the wellbeing of the dogs.
Doodles are so adorable. I see them all the time, and a lot of my friends back home have them. Although, I do understand the idea that they are considered ‘high-end, designer’ dogs. I thought doodles were highly desired because they looked beautiful, and they were considered trendy. I did not know that their hypoallergenic coat was a factor (although it makes sense). Owners worry less about shedding and allergies, and the characteristics of two quality dogs are combined, which is what everyone would want, right? This is a great post! I cannot wait to read more.
This was a very interesting post to read! I actually used to have a Goldendoodle, and I remember because of his hypoallergenic coat he always used to have to go to the groomer to get a haircut. I didn’t know how many other types of “doodles” there are in the world and how popular all of those breeds are. I understand the hypoallergenic reasoning behind adopting and/or purchasing that type of dog, but on the flip side they must be incredibly expensive!! I feel like the debate over “designer dogs” and inbreeding goes farther than just the “doodles” since there are so many dog breeds that are inbred or made sure that they are completely purebred for reasons such as dog shows (like Australian Shepherd’s). It’s wild how much people control the breeding of dogs to make new breeds, and how controversial it has become. I definitely don’t know enough about the entire issue to discuss it much or make my own opinion, but I appreciate the explanation you offered in this post about the different “doodles.” Thanks so much for an insightful post!
I love doodles! I find them to be fascinating dogs that always have a smile on their faces. I had no idea of the genetic dangers of cross-breeding dogs. I was ignorant in the idea that because they are all dogs, it is fine. I do know of inappropriate or dangerous breeding though, which I would love to know more about. Thank you for educating us on these beautiful “designer dogs” and the dos and don’ts of breeding them!
In general, I love dogs and always have. Growing up I had a friend who had a doodle, specifically because her mom was allergic to dog fur. I wasn’t very aware of this breeding specifically on doodles, but I am eager to hear more about it. Hopefully the doodles we all know of are being bred safely. Thank you for this great info on doodles!