The Dangers of The Doodles

Poodle icon. Dog standing silhouette. Vector black flat illustration isolated on white background.

Poodles are a popular breed, well-known for being extremely intelligent, loyal and adorably cute. One of the main appeals to poodles is their hypoallergenic quality. Because they have hair instead of traditional dog fur it makes them  the perfect dog for someone with allergies. This is the very reason the labradoodle was created in 1989. Wally Conron first crossbred a Labrador and a Standard Poodle for a client that needed a guide dog that was also hypoallergenic.

Because these mixed breed dogs are a hybrid of two different dogs, these crossbreeds do not have predictable characteristics. For example, only three of the 10 dogs Conron bred were tested as hypoallergenic. This means that without proper testing, uneducated buyers can potentially purchase a dog marketed as hypoallergenic when it is not.

This also created a market for unethical dog breeders, some who operate puppy mills in cruel conditions, carelessly creating mixes.

Many different issues can arise when crossbreeding two different kinds of dogs. These different mixes of “doodle dogs” can have an increase in health problems, which can impact their quality of life and longevity. This is something that has been commonly ignored in favor of creating a “cute dog”.

If you are in the market for a labradoodle of other mixed Poodle breed, it is important to have a clear understanding of that dog’s history and any potential health issues they may have. Be sure to purchase from a reputable breeder. Check our Quality Breeder page for more information.

In an article by the NYTimes, Conron stated that he regretted his decision to crossbreed the poodle and Labrador. “I’ve done so much harm to pure breeding and made many charlatans quite rich. I wonder, in my retirement, whether we bred a designer dog—or a disaster!”

Before purchasing a dog, whether it be a purebred or mixed breed, be sure to check the history of your dog. Ask the breeder about their parents and health history.

For ethically bred poodles, visit Scarlet’s Fancy Poodles. Scarlet’s Fancy Poodles specializes in Red and Apricot Poodle puppies in varying sizes. Visit our website to start your puppy application today!

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