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Original poster

Poodles

11 replies

sylvm · 18/09/2006 17:19

We would love a lab (previous dog was one) but we are wondering about poodles as DD has asthma - doesn't seem to react, but you never know. How are they as pets - we are thinking standard. All the websites I've been on show them all clipped and they look hideous (imo) but I know I've seen some that are just curly all over and they're fine. Any thoughts anyone?

OP posts:
bluenosesaint · 18/09/2006 23:03

Hi.

If you like labs, how about considering a labradoodle? They are a cross of the two breeds and are supposed to be great dogs ...cute looking too, more scruffy/mutt-looking than a standard poodle

The labradoodle has an allergy-friendly coat as well as lots of characteristics of a lab (intelligent, biddable, friendly etc ...)

Worth a thought.

Good luck

xx

Original poster
sylvm · 19/09/2006 10:46

Yes, I have seen them and they look absolutely gorgeous. Does seem to be a bit of a craze atm and we would need to be super sure of the breeder's credentials. The prices are huge to for what is effectively a mongrel (and I really don't have anything against mongrels). We (or should I say I) are not really sure if we want a puppy or not. My youngest human child is now approaching 10 and for the first time in a very long time, I feel as if we don't have a baby in this house .. I'm not sure if I want to cope with the housetraining etc.

OP posts:
COD · 19/09/2006 10:47

Message withdrawn

Joannie2 · 19/09/2006 14:51

There are lots of breeds that do not moult (or are low moulting) - including most wirehaired breeds, terriers and alot of spaniels. The problems with crossbreeds like labradoodles is that you have no idea how it will turn out, it may not moult, like a poodle, or it may moult like crazy like a lab, it's a gamble. Also, most breeders who breed these cross breeds are only in it for the money and do not carry out the necessary genetic tests prior to breeding eg, hip-scoring, elbow-scoring eye-testing and sebaceous adenitis testing for poodles.

You can groom your poodle anyway you want . If you go to a reputable breeder they will be able to advise you and teach you how to do it. If I had a poodle I probably would not keep it in full show coat. A few inches of coat all over would be easier to maintain.

Discover Dogs is on at Earls Court in November, it would be worth going along if you have not bought a dog by then.

Original poster
sylvm · 19/09/2006 17:12

I've just been looking at Discover Dogs Joannie and it's sounds everso interesting. I've also found a few more potential non shedding dogs on the site too. Keep the ideas coming please ....

OP posts:
lyla · 20/09/2006 19:47

we used to have a poodle, kept his fur all one length and people used to ask what breed he was (looked cute). BUT he was a nightmare to train, they are very intelligent but very headstrong and he always wanted his own way. not a good family dog IMO and i would not have another one.

(got 2 labs now & a house full of fur)

Original poster
sylvm · 21/09/2006 16:19

Has anyone else found poodles difficult to train? Could you just have been very unlucky lyla or have you heard of others? I would love a lab .. if only I could be certain DD would be OK. We had our previous dog until she was 5 (He was a flat coated retriever collie cross and quite hairy) and she was fine. I think we need to go and visit some labs and see how we get on.

OP posts:
draper · 08/10/2006 00:43

just caught up with your post and have to tell you that i have a standard, not my first choice of dog, always had german shepherds, but he came to us at two years of age via my work(I'm a dog groomer) and i can't fault him. We had no children when he came and now we have 3 and he is 10y. Highly intellingent,loving and affectionate and fiercly loyal and protective of the family. I haven't done any particular training with him but he is treated like a dog i.e. not allowed upstairs or on beds and furniture(although he'll have a sneaky snooze if we're out and have left door open!!)Downside is excercise, needs plenty and grooming, again needs plenty which is costly depending what u have down and how much effort you put in yourself. All in all a great character and having met a lot of poodles in my line of work i have yet to meet anyone with a bad thing to say about standards and would certainly think of getting another one, hope this helps if it's not too late!!

Rachee · 23/10/2006 16:41

i have a toy poodle, having always had german shephards bfore. Did consider the standard, but i felt it was too big for the house. Miniture size could be ideal for you, as they aren't THAT small and you can walk them for hours if you want or just round the block. Poodles are a really clever dog, easy to train and don't smell or shed ( hence the ideal dog for allergies)and you don't have to have them clipped to look like a puff ! ( i don't understand why people do )

a labradoodle IS a pedigree dog now, kennel club have recognised it. but you must find a propper breeder. they where bred especially for the blind that have allergies ! so again maybe ideal....

Poodles have there own rescue society, so if you don't want a pup, there may be some available. Also look on-line in the ad-trader or freeads, as people emmigrate or split so you might find one already trained.....

Good luck .. I love my poodle, she is a treasure, a little lap cat , but in doggy form.

Joannie2 · 23/10/2006 20:03

Hi Rachee,
Sorry to contradict you, but the Kennel Club do not recognise the Labradoodle and they have no plans to recognise it in the forseeable future - Labradoodles do not breed true, some shed some don't. All dogs have a pedigree, even mongrels, a pedigree is just a family tree. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association did try breeding Lab/poodle croses as an experiment for blind allergy sufferers, but the experiment was not very successful, for the very reason that the crosses did not breed true.

Joannie2 · 23/10/2006 20:06

Rachee, just reread my post and it sounds a bit cheeky, sorry didn't mean it to be

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