Doodle mix dogs’ popularity has grown exponentially over the years thanks to their friendly temperaments and their playful, fun-loving natures.
From Goldendoodles to Labradoodles, there are plenty of breeds to choose from. However, while buying a dog from a Doodle breeder is one option, the better option is always to adopt.
In this article, I cover the best Doodle rescues for Doodle breeds and some key factors to consider so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to adding a new dog to your family!
Keep reading to find out more.
Is a Doodle the right choice of breed for you?
Doodles are known to be great family dogs, as they’re friendly, playful, and loyal.
While Doodles can make wonderful companions, before you commit to adopting a Doodle, you need to establish whether a Doodle is the best choice for your family and your lifestyle. That being said, below are some key facts that you should know about owning a Doodle.
Doodles are high-energy and need a lot of exercise – Typically speaking, Doodles are high-energy dogs that will require multiple hours of exercise per day. If your Doodle doesn’t get enough exercise, it can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors when they are left alone for long periods. They crave a lot of attention and need to be entertained to keep them stimulated, whether that’s taking them for a long walk in the local park or playing with them in your yard. If you live a busy lifestyle and don’t have the time to exercise and burn your Doodle’s high energy off, then it is likely that a Doodle isn’t for you.
Doodles are high maintenance to groom – It is important to note that Doodles require lots of brushing and grooming. Generally speaking, you will need to spend 30 to 45 minutes brushing your Doodle’s coat per day if your dog is on the larger side and if you want to keep their coat long. However, if not, they will need to go to the groomer to be trimmed every six weeks, which can cost anywhere between $100-$150 depending on where you live. That being said, whether you groom your pup yourself or have them groomed by someone else, their coats take a lot of maintenance to keep in good condition.
Doodles often experience separation anxiety – It is also essential that you are aware that some Doodles are prone to developing separation anxiety when they are left alone by themselves, which can be detrimental to their well-being and happiness. If you leave them alone every day to go to work, then their worries or boredom can result in destructive behaviors. For instance, these dogs love to chew anything that is within their reach, so you might come home to your furniture being destroyed. That being said, if you work long hours and don’t have the time to spend with your dog or exercise them frequently, then it is likely that a Doodle isn’t the right fit for you.
Doodles aren’t always hypoallergenic – Due to the variations in the coat of the Doodle, from wiry to soft, it is tough to predict what sort of coat that your dog will ultimately end up with. Doodles go through coat changes, and even if you’re not allergic to their puppy coat, you may be allergic to their adult coat. Although Doodles are cute, it’s a dangerous lottery to play if you have bad allergies. Generally speaking, the severely allergic should, for the most part, avoid buying a dog as there is a high chance that you could have a reaction, and it is unfair on everyone involved if you buy a Doodle that you will eventually have to give up.
Doodles require lots of training – Although Doodles are highly intelligent and want to do their best to please you, training them will take time, patience, and dedication. They are not born with manners, just like a human baby isn’t, and they need to be trained from a young age, or they will learn bad habits! Although they are considered relatively easy to train, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to consistently work at it to ensure that they are well-disciplined and that they obey your instructions. If you are too busy to dedicate the time and effort to training your Doodle, then you probably shouldn’t add one to your household.
Doodles aren’t independent – A Doodle is a great option if you want a companion and new best friend, but it is important to note that they require a lot of attention and will often demand it if you’re not giving them enough of it. If you don’t like a dog following you around and being by your side 24/7, then a Doodle probably isn’t the right choice for you.
What are the benefits of adopting a Doodle over buying a Doodle?
A benefit of adopting a Doodle is that it is a cheaper alternative. Doodles are an incredibly in-demand and popular choice of dog which heavily contributes to how expensive they are. On average, most Doodle puppies cost between $1000 and $2500, and that’s just the price of the puppy! It is also important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Cheaper puppies may come from less respectable breeders who don’t do any health screens on the puppy’s parents, meaning that they could pass a variety of health issues on to their litter. Alongside this, less reputable breeders often keep dogs in cages at all times or in poor conditions that you don’t want to support. By adopting rather than buying from a breeder that offers cheaper puppies, you are bound to save money and will be supporting a better cause.
Another huge benefit of adopting is that you are rescuing and providing a Doodle with a loving home. So often, puppies are bought and aren’t trained properly, leading to their owners abandoning them or putting them up for adoption because they haven’t done the proper research and have realized that they haven’t got the time it takes to properly care for a Doodle.
The sad reality of so many dog’s lives is that they’re bought as puppies for presents and when they’ve grown up, they’re no longer wanted. While some owners break their Doodle’s hearts by giving them up, you could become their whole world by rescuing them from an adoption agency!
A huge benefit of adopting is that adoption is helping to eradicate puppy farms and pet shops. A puppy farm is an illegal practice of breeding puppies to maximize profit without any regard for the dogs’ health or well-being.
Adopting from a shelter aids in stopping dogs from being subjected to such horrific circumstances because rather than funding this illegal trade, you will be rehoming a dog instead. Not only will this be so much more rewarding for you, but you will also break the chain by not supporting puppy farms that often sell puppies that are bred for profit and can have a wealth of health problems.
Last but by no means least, by adopting a dog, you are saving a life! You’ll be giving a Doodle the second chance that they deserve. Many dogs are rescued from horrendous conditions, including cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. By saving them, you’re giving them the life they deserve after someone else deemed them unworthy, and they will forever love you.
Doodle rescues in the USA
If you live in America, below are a few Doodle rescues that you could get in contact with if you are interested in adopting a Doodle!
- IDOG Rescue
- Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue
- Doodle Rock Rescue
- Doodle Dandy Rescue
- Doodle Rescue Collective
It is important to remain realistic that you might not have a local shelter or rescue center locally to you. However, that doesn’t mean that you should lose hope or give up looking for a rescue Doodle, but you need to remain patient as they are an incredibly popular breed.
That being said, you should always research where the closest shelter is to you and keep an eye out on their page for incoming dogs. You should always try your best to adopt a Doodle puppy rather than buy one.
Doodle rescues in the UK
Alternatively, below are some options in the UK of places you can adopt Doodles.
Suppose you find that there aren’t currently any Doodles available to adopt. In that case, you should remain patient and always keep an eye out for any social media accounts that your favorite rescue groups are running.
You need to understand that the process can take time. Rescue groups never know when they will get a dog in. Alongside this, they need to take time to evaluate the dogs to see if they are healthy and if they have any behavioral issues that you should be made aware of.
In summary
If you think you’re up to the challenge of owning a Doodle, then they make an excellent companion! Adopting a Doodle is always a better option than buying from a breeder, as you are able to rescue a dog that has been abandoned or been put up for adoption and needs a loving home.
Alongside this, you will be supporting a cause that is helping to save animals’ lives! That being said, you should research and try to locate a Doodle rescue instead of contacting a breeder directly.
Adopt, don’t shop!
