CHOOSING YOUR BREED
No matter what dog breed that you decide upon, either a Golden Retriever for example. or a Goldendoodle hybrid is a fine choice. But there are many other great hybrids as well. We also have another very nice hybrid dog- a Cavachon, which is a King Charles Cavalier and Bichon Frise hybrid.
What I would like to do is point out some of the major differences and contrasting a Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle as examples:
Both the Golden breeds are extremely intelligent, and as far as dog training, obedient training, and house training go, my experience with the Goldendoodle has been great. I mentioned in an earlier blog I had always wanted a Golden Retriever. Our main concern as parents and home owners was the amount of shedding that comes with owning a Golden Retriever as well as the shedding that comes with so many others. But when you keep them well groomed, the shedding is not such a problem.
What it basically comes down to is your personal selection and preference. Some questions to answer are:
Congratulations, your dog breed selection has been made. I will continue next with how to select a puppy that will fit with your family's personality and lifestyle.
Many breeders use a technique of temperament testing to determine their personality. This is used to help in determining a good match for what you are looking for. For example, at just about eight weeks old, the breeder will begin a series of tests on each dog. Nothing serious or shocking to the puppy, but rather a simple evaluation that you can do yourself to look for some key characteristics that you are looking for. Some of the main ones are:
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| Goldendoodle Puppy |
What I would like to do is point out some of the major differences and contrasting a Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle as examples:
Both the Golden breeds are extremely intelligent, and as far as dog training, obedient training, and house training go, my experience with the Goldendoodle has been great. I mentioned in an earlier blog I had always wanted a Golden Retriever. Our main concern as parents and home owners was the amount of shedding that comes with owning a Golden Retriever as well as the shedding that comes with so many others. But when you keep them well groomed, the shedding is not such a problem.
What it basically comes down to is your personal selection and preference. Some questions to answer are:
- Are you okay with a Golden Retriever's excessive shedding? A Goldendoodle loses minimal hair.
- Are you ready and willing to pay for expensive hip surgery if required? Some Golden retrievers have a problem with hip dysplasia. You should check with the breeder before you purchase your dog.
- Are you prepared to pay about $2,000 or more for a Goldendoodle
- Do you want a breed that is somewhat more independent as is a Goldendoodle? In other words a dog that is just happy to be in the same room with you vs. a Golden Retriever who most always wants to be right next to you, (However my Goldendoodle always wants to be right next to me.)
- A Golden Retriever loves to retrieve- my Goldendoodle, not so much.
Congratulations, your dog breed selection has been made. I will continue next with how to select a puppy that will fit with your family's personality and lifestyle.
Many breeders use a technique of temperament testing to determine their personality. This is used to help in determining a good match for what you are looking for. For example, at just about eight weeks old, the breeder will begin a series of tests on each dog. Nothing serious or shocking to the puppy, but rather a simple evaluation that you can do yourself to look for some key characteristics that you are looking for. Some of the main ones are:
- Can you roll the puppy on its back without it squirming to get up?
- Gently squeeze its paws. Does the puppy wine at the slightest pressure? Does it allow you to touch its paws, ears, and gently tug on its tail without growling?
- Observe the puppy and evaluate it. Does it stand tall and proud when approached by you and/or the other puppies? Or, does it cower or lower its head? Does it roll over when approached? Does it act indifferent to either? A dog that walks tall and prances around has the trait of dominance.You will need to be sure you are able to be the "pack leader" in this case. If you are not sure you can handle it, choose another less dominant puppy.
- Observe the puppy during feeding time. Does it assert itself with food, or does it lay back and act non- aggressive? The puppy that is more pushy is sure to be more dominant.
- Set the puppies on a chair or other piece of furniture where there is a soft landing. The puppy that jumps first is surely the more dominant. The one that jumps last will tend to be the more submissive.
- Watch the puppy's play time and take notes of dominant or submissive play.
When performing your test, please be sure to check with the breeder first and be careful as to not hurt the puppy.
If you have a comment that you would like to share, please do so as we will all benefit.
If you have a comment that you would like to share, please do so as we will all benefit.
