The world of hybrid dog breeds has been expanding rapidly, and among the most popular mixes are the Doodles. These playful, smart, and often hypoallergenic dogs have captured the hearts of many pet owners.
The Double Doodle is a particularly intriguing mix within this exciting category.
But what exactly is a Double Doodle?
Let’s explore this unique breed's origins, characteristics, and appeal. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about Double Doodles, such as why they are so expensive, whether they are high maintenance, and whether they bark a lot.
Cross Breeding Two Different Types of Doodles
A Double Doodle is a hybrid dog breed resulting from crossbreeding two Doodle breeds. Typically, this mix involves a Labradoodle (a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix) and a Goldendoodle (a Golden Retriever and Poodle mix). The goal of this breeding is to combine the best traits of both parent breeds, resulting in an affable, astute, and less allergenic dog.
Double Doodles are sometimes called "North American Retrievers" due to their Retriever lineage. They can vary significantly in appearance, size, and coat type, reflecting the diverse genetics of their parent breeds.
However, most Double Doodles share a few common characteristics: they are medium to large in size, have a wavy or curly coat, and exhibit a friendly and sociable temperament.
Related articles about Doodle breeds:
The Appeal of Double Doodles
What makes Double Doodles so appealing? There are several reasons why these dogs have become increasingly popular with dog lovers:
Hypoallergenic Traits: One of the main reasons people choose Doodle breeds is their hypoallergenic coat. Double Doodles often inherit this trait, making them a good option for families with allergies. Their coats can range from curly to wavy and tend to shed less than other breeds.
Friendly and Intelligent Nature: Double Doodles are known for their amiable and pleasant nature. They get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, making them excellent family pets. Their cognitive skills also make them highly trainable and eager to learn.
Versatile Size Options: Double Doodles can vary in size depending on the specific mix of breeds in their lineage. This versatility allows potential owners to choose a dog that fits their living situation, whether they need a smaller companion for an apartment or a larger dog for a house with a yard.
Attractive Appearance: Double doodles are undeniably adorable, with their cute, teddy bear-like appearance. Their expressive eyes and fluffy coats make them a favorite among dog lovers.
Double Doodle Dogs: Temperament and Personality
Double Doodles are known for their agreeable temperament and buoyant personality. They tend to be outgoing, affectionate, and playful, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
Here are some key traits of Double Doodles:
Social and Friendly: Double Doodles love being around people and other animals. They are generally good with children and can get along well with other pets. Their sociable nature makes them great for households that frequently have visitors.
Intelligent and Trainable: Double Doodles are brilliant dogs thanks to their Poodle ancestry. They learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This intelligence also means they need mental stimulation to keep them happy and engaged.
Energetic and Playful: Double Doodles are enthusiastic and love to play. They enjoy activities like fetch, running, and swimming. Regular exercise is essential to keeping them physically and mentally healthy.
Affectionate and Loyal: These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are very loyal. They enjoy spending time with their family and can sometimes develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Health and Lifespan of Double Doodles
Double Doodles can be prone to specific health issues like all dog breeds. However, responsible breeding practices can help mitigate some of these risks.
Common health concerns for Double Doodles include:
Hip Dysplasia: This is common in larger dog breeds and can be inherited from their Retriever parents. Regular physical engagement and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and mobility issues.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This genetic condition can lead to blindness. Responsible breeders test for PRA to reduce the likelihood of this issue.
Ear Infections: Double Doodles are predisposed to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent this.
The typical lifespan of a Double Doodle is around 12 to 15 years. This should give you plenty of time to socialize and cuddle with your loveable puppy. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate exercise are essential to ensure a long and healthy life for your Double Doodle.
Preventative care and early detection of potential health issues can significantly improve their quality of life.
Double Doodle Grooming and Maintenance
Double Doodles have varying coat types, which can affect their grooming needs. Generally, they have a wavy or curly coat that calls for regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Here are some coat care tips for Double Doodles:
Regular Brushing: Brush your Double Doodle's coat at least a few times a week to prevent matting and tangling. For curly coats, daily brushing might be necessary.
Professional Grooming: Regular visits to a professional groomer can help maintain your dog's coat. Groomers can trim the hair, clean the ears, and keep the nails short.
Bathing: Bathing your Double Doodle every few months can help keep their coat clean and healthy. Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Dental Care: As with all canine care, Double Doodles require dental diligence. Brushing their teeth a few times a week and providing dental chews can help maintain oral health.
Are Double Doodles High Maintenance?
Given their coat maintenance needs and the time allocated for regular physical education, some might consider Double Doodles to be relatively high maintenance. However, their affectionate and loyal nature often makes the effort worthwhile.
Compared to some other breeds, their allergy-friendly coats and cordial personalities can make them easier to manage in households with allergies or young children. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and consider whether you have the time and resources to commit to their care.
Training and Exercise Needs
Double Doodles are active, bright dogs that thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Here are some tips to keep your Double Doodle happy and healthy:
Daily Walks: Aim for at least one long walk per day. Double Doodles enjoy exploring new environments and will benefit from the physical workouts.
Playtime: To keep them entertained, engage in activities like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war. Interactive toys and puzzles can also provide intellectual stimulation.
Training Sessions: Regular training sessions are essential to keep their acute minds sharp. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Double Doodles, as they respond well to praise and rewards.
Socialization: Expose your Double Doodle to different environments, people, and other animals to ensure their well-being and confidence.
FAQs
Why are Double Doodles so expensive?
Double Doodles can be pretty expensive due to several factors:
Breeding Costs: Breeding Double Doodles involves significant costs, including health testing, veterinary care, and proper nutrition for the parent dogs. Responsible breeders invest in these areas to ensure the health and well-being of the offspring.
Health Testing and Certifications: Reputable breeders perform extensive health tests on their breeding dogs to reduce the risk of genetic health issues. These tests and certifications can be costly but help ensure healthier puppies.
Popularity and Demand: Double Doodles are in high demand due to their desirable traits, such as low shedding coats and friendly temperaments. This demand drives up the price.
Quality Care: Responsible breeders provide high-quality care for their puppies, including early socialization, vaccinations, and deworming. These costs are reflected in the price of the puppies.
Do Double Doodles bark a lot?
Double Doodles are not typically known for excessive barking, but individual behavior can vary.
Factors influencing double doodle barking behavior include:
Training and Socialization: Proper discipline and early socialization can help reduce excessive barking. Teaching your Double Doodle commands like "quiet" or "enough" can be effective.
Exercise and Stimulation: Ensuring your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise can prevent boredom-related barking. An under-stimulated dog is more likely to howl out of frustration or monotony.
Environmental Factors: Some dogs bark in response to specific triggers, such as strangers, other animals, or loud noises. Identifying and addressing these triggers can help manage barking.
Individual Temperament: Each dog is unique, and some Double Doodles may be more vocal than others. Understanding your dog's specific needs and personality can help address these yapping issues.
Finding a Double Doodle
If you're considering adding a Double Doodle to your family, finding a highly reviewed dog breeder or adopting from a rescue facility is important.
Start by researching breeders with positive reviews and a good reputation, and don't hesitate to ask for references from other Double Doodle owners. Ensure the breeder performs health tests on their breeding dogs and provides certifications to reduce the risk of genetic health issues.
A clean and well-maintained environment is a good sign of responsible breeding practices.
Ask the breeder about their practices, health testing, and offical papers. A reputable breeder will happily answer your questions and provide detailed information. Be wary of breeders unwilling to provide visibility into their processes and health certifications.
Avoid those who have multiple litters available at once or who seem focused on profit over the well-being of the dogs.
For more information about Doodles of all kinds, contact us here. Thanks for reading.
Jenna and the JLDD Team
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