Labradoodle Puppy

My Mom has a Labradoodle. I think, like any dog, if they are trained properly they can be good dogs. She did get hers as a puppy and I remember LOTS of chewing (probably true of most pups). He's pretty jumpy too. She also has a "mut" from the shelter, and in hindsight I think wishes she would have stuck with mut breeds. Her Labradoodle, though pretty sweet, isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Only thing I know about this breed which came into existence to battle allergy issues is this. If it's about allergies, you'll need a 1st generation Labradoodle, not second and down. That is to say, a puupy with one parent who is a lab, and the other parent who is a poodle, not TWO parents who are Labradoodles.

As far as the cat goes, well, cats can be very traumatized by the introduction of a dog or puppy. If your cat is younger and used to chaos caused by kids then he/she might be more adaptable.

(I'd also like to say, I hope you'll consider adoption from a local shelter rather than a breeder)

:)

First things first... .don't buy a dog. Look for rescue organizations in your area that already have labradoodles available. If you purchase a labradoodle, please know that you will be paying big money for what is basically a mutt. It would be better to rescue a poodle or a lab -- or even a labradoodle. People give up puppies all the time. My ex is a vet and puts to sleep hundreds of dogs each year that do not have homes.

please go to the pound first!
khairete
S.

Designer breeds (especially those sold in pet stores) are often riddled with disease and genetic issues. Before you do anything else, go down to your local animal shelter and see if there's a puppy there that stands out for you.

For introductions just go slow and have the puppy on a leash. If either pet is stressed, have them in separate rooms where they can smell each other first, you can feed on opposites of a door if you need too. Allow your cat a place she can get away from the puppy, if she jumps on things then she probably already has a way to get away. Don't be surprised if there are a few swats or hisses or barks as they get to know each other, just watch the paws around the eyes. Most cats and dogs do great together, we have 3 cats and a dog. You may also want to exercise the puppy before the meeting so it is a little tired, which may make it easier for the cat. If your cat wants to stay away, let her and when she is ready she will come and check out the new family member.

Labradoodles can be great dogs, I have met many and worked with a few and since they are mixed I will say they really vary in what you get. I've know many first generations ones that shredded worse than any lab I have ever met, so if you are worried about allergies check that out. The first generation ones really come out all over the place, some are just a little scruff but look all lab, some look a little more poodle. The second and third generation ones get a little more consistent in what you are getting with coat and temperament. It is still going to vary breeder to breeder and there is nothing wrong with wanted a dog from a breeder. Especially with the lab, but also the poodle, make sure they have had their eyes CERF and hips certified (PennHip or OFA). There are several other diseases and problems that the parents can be tested and certified for and I would recommend with going the breeder route that the dogs have been certified. You can look at akc.org or parent groups for each breed to see what tests are recommended and what are frequent problems. Our dog is from a breeder and it took me awhile to find a breeder in our area that had had their dogs checked, but she is a lab and they are overbred and lots of backyard breeders, so I wanted to start out with one with good genetics if possible. I do understand the breeder route and if you want a puppy for the kids it can be easier to find one.

Good luck to you and your family when you go and visit. I hope you find your dream puppy and everyone gets along wonderfully.

Why a Labradoodle? I think that is kinda important to the question. Every breed has good and bad points. It would be easier to answer if we knew why you picked that breed.

I have only had Golden Retrievers. Spactic for the first couple of years then they can be mistaken for rugs. I picked that breed because a well bred one has a very even temper and tollerance for children. My younger two used their fur to pull themselves up to learn to walk. All Dianne (yes that was her name) would do is look at me like you had to have more kids didn't you?

My cat could care less how many dogs you bring in the house. He can jump, they cannot. He also found their warmth nice in the winter when no one else was home. :)

My friend has a Labradoodle and it is GREAT with her three boys (ages 14, 9, and 5). They also have allergies in the family and this dog causes no problems for them. She has a great personality and temperament.

Usually a cat who already rules the house will put a puppy in its place right away :-) then they will get along fine. You will want to supervise the two of them together the first few times, just to be safe.

Hi,
We have "Sasha" and she is a fantastic dog! She is great with the kids (age 9, 7 & 3 when we got here) she doesn't shed. I keep her trimmed becuase she loves to dig in the dirt and be outside. She plays fetch and always brings us something when we say its time to go outside. We got her because growing up we had a poodle and a lab so I figured we couldn't go wrong combining the two. I was right! Make sure to ask what size her parents are so you can gauge how big she will be. The only down side I can think of is be careful when you stand up because they will lay right under your feet or they will steal your seat!
Good Luck!

Our cat was 7 when we brought home our labrador. She was a year old, so pretty big already and intimidating for a small cat. Wherever the cat was hiding, I would bring our dog nearby and have her lie down, and talk to the cat (I'm sure I looked like an idiot). Over the week, I did this closer and closer to our cat. I would also bring our cat over when our dog was in her crate and hold her there and pet her and talk to them. After about a week, the cat roamed more freely around the apartment, though still not comfortably, until she learned the dog was not going to harm her. They never became best buddies, but our cat became very comfortable with our dog (later in life she would lay on our dog's bed so our dog couldn't get on it, and I even caught them laying together a few times). Because your puppy will be smaller, she may not be as intimidated, but puppies are also bouncier and less predictable. Cats almost always put up a fuss to show that the house is their territory, but they will get probably get used to each other naturally without all the crazy transition stuff I did!

Also, I have to respond to Laura by saying shelter dogs are a great choice, and I would like to know where you did your research about lack of pet overpopulation. A huge number of shelter dogs are there because kids wanted dogs and did not take care of them, or people had to move and couldn't take their pets with them, or the dog got bigger than expected...Shelter dogs are the best! They are so appreciative of a good home, and though some have behavior problems, it is almost always due to lack of attention and training and this is very correctable with a patient family. I could go on about they benefits of shelter adoption, but that is a whole other posting!

Labradoodles can really vary with their shedding and dander propencities. You can't know as a puppy whether one will shed or be good for allergies or not. Some labradoodles will still shed a lot. If the allergies are a serious consideration you might want to think about another breed that is not mixed with a shedding dog. There is no such thing as a completely non-allergenic dog, but non shedding breeds are much less allergenic. We looked into Labradoodles and Goldendoodles for the same reason (and we think they are adorable), but after some research we ended up with a purebred miniature poodle. I was unable to find a rescue dog that fit our qualifications. I looked into that too. I do have some concerns about the "designer dogs" as others have mentioned, but that's another topic! Anyhow, we are happy with our poodle and he came from a breeder that does genetic testing to help ensure the health of her dog and she restricts breeding with her purchase contracts so she is responsible about that. Good luck.

Labs are not good for allergies. So I don't think this would be your best combo. I am very allergic to labs but not other less al.ergenic dogs.

A Morkie would be a good choice.

I'd do some more research before buying.