Large vs small doodle insight please?

[doritodust]

We have had a cockapoo in the past and she was an amazing dog with the sweetest temperament. After losing her a few months ago I am slowly coming around to wanting another dog when I am fully ready and have started dipping my toe in and looking around a little.

I love cockapoos and originally thought I would probably stick with the breed but a few weeks ago I met a man with the most gorgeous goldendoodle and it has made me consider one.

The main question is the practicalities of the 2 quite different sizes, our cockapoo for a lack of a better word was quite portable and I can imagine it's not quite the same with a larger dog.
Also I have never had a dog this size in the house (as it will 100% be living inside the house with us) so I wonder if that's a big difference.

Last but not least I would love to hear some opinions and insight into the breed and what challenges they might pose.

Has anyone gone from owning a small breed to a large one?

To start, crosses aren’t a “breed” so they don’t breed true.

Even another cockerpoo may be completely different to the one you had before.

You can’t predict size either, a friend got a “small” labradoodle and the bloody thing just kept growing and is now labrador sized. Others in the litter are more poodle.

Plus where will you get it from? With the huge rise in popularity and profitability finding a properly bred cross is a challenge in itself…

With all cross breeds there's a lot of unknowns. If a small poodle is bred from then obviously you are likely to have a smaller dog but it's not guaranteed! Some crosses end up with the worst of each breed too. Be very aware, I think you need consider if dog ownership is for you, they aren't all perfect

Oh good grief, you have had the standard responses already op. Try a different forum for this type of question I'd say, there's a couple of really friendly dog forums out there where you won't get these stock answers. Good luck with whatever you choose 😊

I have/have had 2 goldendoodles and a standard poodle (and a shepherd cross)
The goldendoodles are massive. One is bigger than the standard poodle.

Putting aside the financial and space impacts of a large breed, it’s also the practical implications - they are stronger on a lead, they need strict training (it’s not ok to have any dog running out of control but definitely worse if it’s a huge great thing), they need more exercise, you can’t pick them up, they get in the way.

However. I love my goldendoodles. For me, they are the perfect dog. They have amazing temperaments, clever, energetic, cuddly, don’t shed, beautiful to look at.

I would consider a golden retriever crossed with a mini poodle rather than a standard next time though.

Labrador or goldie poodle mix can be massive. They can be between 30-45kg so can be massive and very hard to tell when you see the puppies which will be big or small.

They can moult like mad. Loads of them have health issues.

Goldies and Labs can take a while to mature so add in the highly intelligent poodle to the mix and you need to be prepared for a large bouncy puppy for maybe 2 years (at least).

I would not call a lab/goldie mix portable, they will be muddy, they love of goldie puddles is rarely breed out of the doodles, they will have every bit of bracken attached to them. If they are the non moulding type you will need to spend a lot more on grooming than a cocker poo.

If you dont want a lab or a goldie I would not consider a poodle mix.

I love this list from the doodle trust well worth a read things to consider

These are some important considerations before you add a doodle to your family:

If you want a Golden Retriever or a Labrador that does not shed, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Most doodles shed to some degree and those that do not, do not look like either of these parent dogs.

If you are just not a Poodle person, DON'T GET A DOODLE. All doodles have Poodle in them and if the word Poodle makes you cringe, then do not get a Doodle.

If you are allergic to dogs, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles go through coat changes and even if you are not allergic to your Doodle's puppy coat, you may be allergic to his adult coat. Doodles are often deemed hypoallergenic by the media, but for most, this is not the case.

If you want a clean dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Many doodles love water, mud and rolling in smelly things. Their coats can be like Velcro and will collect twigs, dirt, burrs, leaves etc.

If you want a low-energy dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Most Doodles require at least 30 - 60 minutes of real exercise a day. Simply letting your Doodle out in the backyard is not exercise. There are plenty of low-energy dog breeds that would be a better fit if you aren't overly active.

If you can't devote time and money into training, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles are intelligent and want to please you, but they are not born with manners.

If you want an independent dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles thrive on human companionship and most are Velcro dogs. They need your attention and will demand it.

If you want the perfect dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. There is no such thing as a perfect dog, and just like other breeds, Doodles can have a wide variety of temperaments and health issues.

If you want a low-maintenance dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. The look that attracts so many would-be Doodle owners requires a lot of time & money; there is major grooming involved.

If you want a dog 'for the kids', DON'T GET A DOODLE. Doodles need lots of time on a daily basis, keeping their minds stimulated and reinforcing their behaviours. Kids won't keep that commitment.

If you want a small to medium sized dog, DON'T GET A DOODLE. The average sized Doodle is about 30 kilos but they can be up to 45 kilos!

If you are still interested in a Doodle, that's great! But keep in mind that some of the pre-conceived notions touted by the media that have made Doodles so popular are also reasons why so many of these dogs are abandoned by their owners.

A Doodle can be a wonderful dog and will provide you with unconditional love but you must consider if this is the right type of dog for you.

Please do not break your Doodle's heart.

Yes I am aware it is a cross breed. I will also conduct due diligence when looking for a breeder.
I have seen a few which specialize specifically in goldendoodles and have waiting lists with a lot of information and lots of pictures and info on their previous pups/litters but I will be doing plenty more research before I make any sort of decision.

@PollyRoulson what health issues are they likely to develop?

I WFH 4 out of 5 days so will be around and we are semi-rural with lots of walking routes so can definitely do long walks - actually it's my prefect motivation to get my steps in.

Hip dysplasia essential to check parents scores on this and Elbow dysplasia
Cruciate Ligament injuries
Eye issues including optic nerve hypoplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Von Willebrand's factor blood clotting disorder make sure parents are tested for this.
Also need to have tests for sebaceous adenitis

Loads seem to have ear issues and bizarrely allergies so skin issues.

Have a read of that doodle site @PollyRoulson posted- it’s very informative and covers all the health issues, allergy myths etc.

@PollyRoulson thank you for all of that information I'm sure it will prove really helpful.
I'm also aware they won't be even half as portable as our cockapoo was!

I think because I have not had a large ''house'' dog before I'm not sure how much the dynamics differ from smaller ones.

@RunningFromInsanity your dogs sound fab.

Do you mind telling me how they compare to a poodle? It's also been one of the breeds I have been quite interested in just didn't want to give too much info in my OP.

[quote doritodust]@RunningFromInsanity your dogs sound fab.

Do you mind telling me how they compare to a poodle? It's also been one of the breeds I have been quite interested in just didn't want to give too much info in my OP.[/quote]
Much the same.
The poodle is tall and lanky, the goldens are tall and more solid.
All have lovely temperaments, poodle is a bit more goofy (but that is just her individual personality)
Goldens love agility, poodle loves running.

All require grooming but I have them all cut short anyway.
None of them shed and none of them affect my highly dog-allergic father and sister.

Again, this might be just our poodle and we’ve been unlucky but we have many more health issues with our pedigree standard. She has regular ear infections and a very delicate stomach.
No issues with our goldens so far.

Personally, the goldendoodles are nicer looking. I love her but standard poodles (especially when short cut) have a weird face shape that the goldens don’t.

thankyou @RunningFromInsanity

I think poodles have lovely faces regardless I don't really see many in my area but they are gorgeous.

I feel like I have some real thinking to do.

Something else to consider any vet treatments including flea/worming will cost quite a bit more

May not be an issue for you of course

@doritodust

Yes I am aware it is a cross breed. I will also conduct due diligence when looking for a breeder. I have seen a few which specialize specifically in goldendoodles and have waiting lists with a lot of information and lots of pictures and info on their previous pups/litters but I will be doing plenty more research before I make any sort of decision.

@PollyRoulson what health issues are they likely to develop?

I WFH 4 out of 5 days so will be around and we are semi-rural with lots of walking routes so can definitely do long walks - actually it's my prefect motivation to get my steps in.

As part of your due diligence, I would recommend speaking to the relevant councils to find out how many dogs the breeder is licensed for (if the council licensed breeders list is not already online, many are).

Lots of breeders have lovely websites and tell a very good story, but a licence for a large number of dogs will tell a very different reality. Buying from a breeder like this is directly supporting puppy farming, so should be avoided at all costs.

I have a small breed, my friends have goldie-sized ones

The biggest difference that I notice in day-to-day life is that her dog can get stuff off the kitchen counters. You have to dog-proof to a whole different level (literally, upwards) and never leave food out

I have a sproodle (springer Cross minature poodle) and she is amazing. 2 walks a day and a nighttime game of fetch is enough for her. She does love water and needs lots of showers. She is taller than a cockerpoo and slightly stockier but she is the most intelligent thing I have met. I have had standard poodles before and she far surpasses their intelligence. We don't clip her she is kept long and I brush her out at least twice a week to avoid any mats. She was very velcro but now she sleeps downstairs her independence is increasing and can be left alone for an hour or so.

I have a Golden Retriever, I have met a few Goldendoodles are they have all been bigger than him.
Big dogs aren’t as portable, you have to think about transport etc. If we go away here in The UK we take 2 cars because by the time he’s in the boot there is no room for nothing else.

@Qwertyyui Please could you share a photo of your sproodle as I don’t think I have seen one. Your dog sounds amazing!

My sister has an 10 month old goldendoodle. He weighs 30kg and is an absolute nut job.

Op, is there any reason why you wouldn’t consider a standard poodle, or golden retriever without them having to be a cross breed?

@Feckauras I am attracted to the potential temperament of a goldendoodle (Yes I am aware it is never guaranteed but neither is it with a registered breed) and I think they are beautiful dogs.

As I mentioned in a reply earlier I have considered a poodle as well which is why I asked a PP about the difference she notices as she has both.

@Qwertyyui your dog sounds gorgeous I would absolutely love to see a picture if you feel happy to share?

I currently have a standard poodle, she is currently 6 months old. She was very easy to train, however due to her being very smart (too smart sometimes, you need to be two steps ahead) she requires a lot of mental stimulation games or she would get bored easily. I give her at least an hour long walk in the morning, with a top up around the evening too, which will probably have to increase as she gets older. She’s massive currently weighs 17kg, expected to reach 20kg.

She loves humans and is very determined to socialise with people, and she doesn’t like being left alone much.

I used to have a male miniature poodle too, he had the complete opposite personality, he was very chilled, never barked and was happy to go with the flow.

It can be down to the individual dogs personality never mind the breed.

Oh yes, and she needs grooming every 8-10 weeks, costing £50 a time. The larger the dog the more grooming costs.

@Feckauras

Oh yes, and she needs grooming every 8-10 weeks, costing £50 a time. The larger the dog the more grooming costs.

Same for medicines and wormers, they need a higher dose so it's a bit more expensive. And obviously food.

(And of course the poos you have to pick up are bigger too!)