Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and poodles are all among the top ten most popular dogs in the United States – so why not combine them all into one dog? Currently, this “hybrid” dog is all the rave. Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Sheepadoodles, any kind of poodle-mix, we’ve got it. Everyone seems to be getting a puppy right now to keep them busy in quarantine, but so many people are getting a poodle-mix. From what I have seen, if you walk down the street and see a fluffy, curly-haired dog, chances are it is a golden or labradoodle. 

What is a doodle?

  A so-called “doodle” is any dog breed mix that includes a poodle. This consists of Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Sheepadoodles, Cavoodles, and more. Goldendoodles first appeared in America in the 1990s. Labradoodles were the first doodles to exist, they were created by a veterinarian in Australia who was trying to find a dog that didn’t contribute to the common dog-allergy. Labradoodles can be multiple sizes: mini, medium, and full, and an array of colors: chocolate, apricot, white, black, and particolor. Most doodles are quite fluffy and curly, although they do vary in curliness. Some dogs being more doodle-like and others having more of a lab or golden appearance. Also, some are more energetic than others. I personally can vouch that out of my two Mini Australian Labradoodles, Rose and Claire, one is always demanding for her ball to be thrown while the other you have to slide off of your legs in order to get up from the couch. 

What is the craze?

    Now that we know what kind of dog is all the hype right now, why are “doodles” so popular? Is it the fact that they are hypoallergenic (or at least as close as dogs can get to being hypoallergenic)? That they do not shed? They have adorable faces? Or maybe that they are very sweet and good with kids. According to Bark Busters, “Goldendoodles are so popular because they have the easy going, friendly nature of the Golden Retriever and the brains of a Poodle”. There are so many possibilities to get exactly the kind of dog you want in a doodle because there are so many different variations of the breed.

Looking to get a doodle; why should you go for it?

    Doodles are very friendly and typically outgoing dogs. They have so many positive personality traits like how they are sweet, loyal, and loving. Every doodle is unique, and that is what makes them so special. If you don’t like big dogs, you are in luck because doodles come in multiple sizes. They are fluffy, a friend, and are obviously adorable. Seriously, the mental health benefits of having a dog are amazing: people with dogs have higher self-esteem and less chance of depression. Doodles are also famously intelligent. Overall, when choosing a dog you would want to rescue, but if you have allergies or just think you would want one, get a doodle.