International Doodle Dog Day
Who knew there was a day dedicated specifically to Doodles? Our labradoodle, Paris, would certainly expect us to celebrate, especially if it involves treats.
The first Labradoodles were bred by Australian Will Conroy, whose job was to breed the best Labrador guide dogs. When a blind woman requested a non-shedding dog because her husband was allergic, Mr. Conroy tried to train poodles (33 dogs over three years) to be guide dogs. His experiment failed.
In 1989, he mated a standard poodle with a Labrador guide dog with the goal of the low shedding of a poodle and the trainability of a Labrador. He called the resultant litter of three “Labradoodles.”
We adopted our male Labradoodle puppy, Paris, at six weeks. Labradoodles are hybrid or “designer” dogs who are friendly and HIGH energy animals. They weigh an average of 50–65 pounds and are 22–24 inches tall.
They are generally easy to train, but you may encounter independence and stubbornness because they are very intelligent. We say Paris has “ADHD-d-d-d-d” due to his occasional determination to continue doing an undesirable behavior repeatedly. He requires plenty of toys so he doesn't get bored; a bored Paris can be a “Chewbacca.” Food must be kept in well-secured containers at a height (or sometimes hidden in the microwave).
Because Labradoodles are designer dogs, they sometimes have health issues. Paris has digestive and skin allergies. He is sporting the “cone of shame” to prevent licking and “hot spots.”
“Zoomies!” If a Labradoodle doesn’t get enough mental stimulation or exercise, she may run around in circles to eliminate their pent-up energy. This activity can be exciting.
Fortunately, life is not all “zoomies,” Labradoodles are affectionate. Our 45-pound guy still thinks he is a little puppy and loves lap time with my wife Bobi.
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Do you or your family have a dog? Is your animal a purebred, a hybrid, or a good old mutt?
