Double Doodle Dogs: Pros and Cons
The Double Doodle is a medium-sized dog bred from a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Poodle.
Though the Double Doodle is a newcomer to the “designer dog” scene, having been created only a few short decades ago, they already have a huge following of devoted owners.
Why? Because they are highly adaptable, intelligent, and friendly dogs that are easy to train and trustworthy around family members and strangers.
Double Doodle History
Although they are believed to have been bred as early as the 1970s, the Double Doodle itself just gained popularity in the last ten years.
To take a deeper dive on the original Goldendoodle and Labradoodle breeders and how the Double Doodle breed came about, read on!
Labradoodle Origins
Australian breeder Wally Conron created the first Labradoodle in 1988 for the Victoria-based Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia.
The Labradoodle was created specifically to provide guide dogs for allergy sufferers with the intellect and pleasant disposition of Labrador Retrievers and the hypoallergenic coats of Poodles.
Due to the hybridization's success, breeders in Australia and North America were rather enthusiastic about crossing Poodles with virtually any other breed.
Goldendoodle Origins
The first Goldendoodles were produced in 1969 by Monica Dickens, the famous author's great-granddaughter, but became more well-known in the 1990s due to the popularity of Labradoodles.
The offspring of purebred Golden Retrievers and Poodles, Goldendoodles have a low to no-shedding coat and a lovely disposition with many other favorable traits.
Due to their soft and easygoing personalities and low to no shedding coats, the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle soon became regarded as excellent family dogs.
As a result, breeders decided to breed the two together, and the result was the “Double Doodle.”
Double Doodles gained popularity in the 1990s, and families are still smitten with this affectionate and spirited crossbreed today but they are not for everybody.
To decide whether the breed would be a good fit for your family and lifestyle, one must become familiar with the Double Doodle's pros and cons before purchasing one.
Double Doodle Pros
Double Doodles make excellent pets and tend to lead a long and healthy life, so it’s hard to find anything wrong with them.
Fantastic Personality
Double Doodles have exceptional characters. These hybrid dogs are everything a dog lover could ask for. They love to show affection and are the most devoted breed of dog you will ever meet. No matter your interests, your Double Doodle will enjoy spending time with you.
Dogs of this breed are also highly sociable - you might as well forget about having dinner guests over because your puppy will monopolize the conversation! Considering their laid-back disposition and other advantages, you will realize Double Doodles are extraordinary.
Dog, Child, and Family-friendly
It is known for being an excellent option for families with small children. They are polite and trustworthy enough to leave your little children with.
They are extremely playful and lively and like being the center of attention. The sweet and caring temperament of Golden Retrievers contributes to their sincere and devoted attitude.
Intelligence and Ease of Training
The working breeds descended from the Double Doodles are highly bright and teachable. They thrive on pleasing their owners and love to learn, however, your chances of success increase the earlier you start training your puppy.
Keeping a Double Doodle's puppy’s attention is naturally more challenging, but they may also maintain outstanding focus if training begins after some play or exercise.
Although they require good socialization from an early age, Double Doodles are naturally gregarious and normally have no difficulties getting along with others.
They are bright, thoughtful, and brilliant dogs that need a lot of cerebral stimulation, Double Doodles will thrive if you take the time to train them and give them plenty of enrichment toys to play with.
Significantly Less Allergic
Suppose you are searching for a hypoallergenic breed because you have allergies. If so, the Double Doodle is an excellent choice for someone with allergies, eczema, or asthma who wants a fuzzy pal to cuddle with because it doesn't shed.
However, the safest and best course of action is to find out from a reputable breeder if your Double Doodle is more likely to have Poodle or Retriever dominant DNA. Your Double Doodles with more Poodle genes than not will be hypoallergenic, although they may still shed a little bit.
The coat of a Double Doodle may be straight, wavy, or curly. Those with curlier coats are often more likely to be hypoallergenic and to have inherited the Poodle genes.
Lifespan and Health
The Double Doodle has a somewhat long lifetime compared to other medium- to large-sized breeds. Their estimated lifetime is twelve to fifteen years, and because they are hybrids, they are less likely to inherit their parents' or purebred ancestors' genetic disorders.
Double Doodles are generally healthy if given ample activity and a high-quality diet, although the breed is susceptible to some of the same hereditary problems as the Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Labrador. The high DNA variety will help to ensure a pretty healthy life for the ordinary Double Doodle, though.
Double Doodle Cons
Unfortunately, potential owners must be aware of several drawbacks before buying a Double Doodle, the most glaring of which is the cost of grooming.
While some people would see these drawbacks favorably, some dog owners might not share their enthusiasm.
Overly Friendly
Not Guard Dogs
Double Doodles are renowned for having a cheerful, amiable, and affectionate disposition. They are very sociable dogs who like receiving attention from just about everybody, so look the other way if you're seeking a watchdog!
Although Double Doodles will let you know if a stranger is at the door, they become a gooey, cuddly, tail-wagging mess once they are approached.
Due to their outstanding social and compassionate natures, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are both amiable breeds used as therapy and guidance dogs. The soft and sensitive temperament of poodles makes them somewhat reticent with strangers.
This gene pool shows that while some Double Doodles may be educated to discern between a guest and a threat, they are more likely to welcome a stranger spontaneously than to show solid defensive instincts.
Even if a Double Doodle can be a great watchdog, a different breed could be more appropriate if you want a guard dog to defend you or protect your home,
Grooming Requirements
Double Doodles require a fair amount of attention to keep their coats looking good. Whether they inherited their coats more from the Poodle or the Golden Retriever will determine how much maintenance is required, but overall, Double Doodle grooming will require a fair amount of effort.
Depending on their hair type, these dogs don't shed much, but because their coats can mat and tangle quickly (especially if they have more Poodle-like coats), brushing will be necessary twice per week.
Baths should be taken every six to eight weeks, and haircuts every three months are recommended (for which many owners employ a professional groomer).
Brushing
Owners will require a 2-in-1 comb and a pin brush. To brush, moisten the coat with a light mist from a spray bottle. If you'd like, mix a little detangling solution into the water.
Next, brush the coat using the standard line brushing technique, starting at the shoulders and proceeding toward hair development. Try using your fingers to break up any tangles or mats you come across before continuing with the comb to remove them.
Bathing
Double Doodles can be washed with a garden hose in a bathtub or outside the kiddie pool. After properly brushing the dog, thoroughly moisten the coat.
Next, soap up the dog's back with a quarter-sized amount of shampoo (be sure to use dog shampoo; human shampoo will hurt the dog's skin). Work your way down. (Remember to include the legs, belly, and tail!)
The dog's head, ears, and face should be cleaned with a washcloth, being careful not to get any soap in the dog's eyes. Thoroughly rinse, towel dry, and then give the coat one more fast brushing to make it seem tidy and clean.
Haircuts
Every several months, the coats of these hybrids should be cut or scissored to prevent them from becoming too wild. Though it is feasible to trim your DD's coat yourself, many owners choose to take their DDs to a professional groomer.
In any event, it is advised to take your Double Doodle to the groomer at least once so they can show you how to trim your dog's hair correctly and give you tips on different haircuts and how to groom your dog in general.
A Double Doodle may only be viable if you have the time and patience to devote to this intense and somewhat expensive grooming regimen.
Final Thoughts
Double Doodles are lovely, obedient dogs with a kind, trusting temperament. They are fantastic family pets, and their affection for people is obvious. They have a lot of energy, so they can easily keep up with the youngsters.
They are ideal for families with children of various ages who like spending time outside. You may determine this by considering the pros and cons of a Double Doodle dog. They have so many wonderful qualities, having a Double Doodle as a new family member would be a blessing for any home.