Goldendoodle Adoption
Background Information for Goldendoodle Adoption
Goldendoodle adoption can be an exciting or stressful time depending on how well-informed you feel. While this is true of all puppy adoptions, taking on hybrid dogs or designer dogs can be a particular challenge because there is less information about them. Here is some information on designer dogs and goldendoodles to make your choice easier.
What are designer dogs?
Designer dogs or hybrids refer to a mixture of two breeds produced to create a breed that brings together the desirable qualities of both the parent breeds. These dogs are called designer dogs disparagingly sometimes because they have been custom-made to meet human expectations and are not naturally occurring dog breeds.
Designer dogs are popular among pet owners because interesting combinations such as goldendoodles, a combination of poodles and golden retriever, become possible. However, it is not recognized as a legitimate pure breed by the American Kennel Association. This leads to some interesting pricing patterns when it comes to hybrid dogs. Some breeders hype-up the mixed breeds and sell them at very high prices and sometimes some of the new breeds do not find homes and end up in shelters where there price drops dramatically. The source of the dog more than the breed does seem to determine the price.
Goldendoodles
Now that you know that you can look around to get a good price on goldendoodles, it is time to learn a little bit more about this breed itself. It is a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever but it is hard to predict the exact characteristic of each dog because the combination of each parent breed varies between individual dogs. A goldendoodle which is 75 per cent golden retriever will vary from one which is 40 percent golden retriever. Also breeders take different approaches to hybrid dogs. Some breeders work with a pure bred of a golden retriever and poodle to produce one litter of goldendoodles. Some others seek to mate two such F1 or first generation goldendoodles to create a purer variety of the new breed.
While there is some unpredictability when it comes to the exact dog, it is safe to say that goldendoodles broadly speaking are large dogs with minimal shedding. They tend to grow to a height of 20 to 24 inches and weigh anywhere from 40 to 85 pounds. Given the social nature of the golden retriever and the poodle, goldendoodles are very sociable and loving creatures. They are overtly affectionate and loyal and responsive to training. They are intelligent companions.
Goldendoodles will need outdoor time and exercise. They are not very physical dogs but it will help their physical and emotional health to ensure that they get their dose of fresh air every day.
Among things to watch out for if you are considering goldendoodle adoption is the fact that both the parent breeds are vulnerable to cataracts and hip dysplasia. It is also important to note that not all goldendoodles are non-allergic. It is worth visiting with the breeder to ensure that the puppy you are bringing home is the low shedding kind and there is enough variation here to be cautious.
It is important to do your research about the breeder you are thinking of using. Unfortunately there are a few unethical breeders who think nothing of creating puppy mills and breeding in unhealthy conditions and puppies from such breeders tend to have a lot of health problems. While there are breeders who ship goldendoodles, a breeder whom you can visit either in person or via a webcam or a shelter near your home may be the best place to get a goldendoodle. This will give you an opportunity to see the conditions in which the puppy is being raised and it will allow you to make sure that you get all the right paper work also.