A poodle is a poodle unless it’s a doodle

As most of you know, I’m a Goldendoodle. My Golden Retriever mom was named Mari Gold and my Standard Poodle dad was named Jude. I was born on March 26, 2017 and came to my forever home on Saturday, May 27, 2017.

Technically, I’m a F1B goldendoodle (first generation goldendoodle-back bred), which means bio mom was a direct cross between a standard poodle and a golden retriever. Since she was half poodle and bio dad was full poodle, that makes me 3/4 poodle.

Now, I know some of you roll your eyes at the thought of poodles. Probably, because you think of poodles as this prissy, sissy, snooty breed. I don’t blame you. I think poodles have gotten a bad rap. We are not sissy dogs….at least standard poodles aren’t.

So, consider this your re-education! According to the American Kennel Club, standard poodle male puppers get to be at least 60-70 pounds and are more than 15 inches high at the shoulder. We are not little fur babies.

Standard poodles are wicked smart, athletic and strong. Mom swears I’m just a human in a dog coat. I think she is spot-on correct! A common mistake is thinking poodles came from France (aka: French poodle) but the name, poodle, is derived from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which means to splash in the water. And, being both poodle and retriever, I LUUUUV to play in the water! And, I’m a pretty good jumper too. Mom is amazed how I can become airborne at a moment’s notice…especially when there’s a bouncy ball in play.

Poodles are in the AKC’s “non-sporting” class. But, I really beg to differ. Poodles are far from their spoiled stereotype. Poodles are thought to be the result of crosses between several European water retriever dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. It’s also a possibility poodles developed from Asian herding dogs, and then traveled with the Germanic Goth and Ostrogoth tribes eventually becoming water retrieving dogs for duck hunting. Yet another theory is they descended from dogs that were brought out of the Asian steppes by the conquering North African Berbers, eventually appearing in Portugal in the 8th century with the Moors. Whatever the poodle’s heritage, it’s far from being the leisurely, pampered pup.

Poodles are fiercely protective of their families and I’m no exception. I can distinguish between the motor of the mail delivery truck, the UPS truck and the trash truck and I’m quick to tell Mom and Dad with a guttural growl before the official alert. I consider my domain as far as I can see so anyone caught trespassing will immediately be “announced.” But, we’re suuuuper social and love to meet new people.

Poodles and doodles are said to be hypoallergenic. Dad wanted me because I don’t shed. Pssst: news flash….I do shed but not like other dogs. The problem with poodle coats is they  never stop growing. While most dog coats, grow and fall out at a certain length, my coat grows and grows and grows. Loose hair falls out but gets wrapped up in my adorable curls and stays there, which forms matts. Grooming a poodle….or doodle is not for the faint of heart. I’m suppose to be brushed every day or at least two-three times a week….yeah, that doesn’t happen. I guess that’s where part of the poodle stereotype came from because we need major grooming and trimming every six weeks or so or we’re almost impossible to brush/comb.

Mom does try and do some of the maintenance herself….but eventually she calls the mobile groomer to come and give me a spa day. Now that it’s summer, I spend a lot of time hanging out on the inside AC registers. Hey….you try being outside with this fur coat! Plus, I hate being by myself….and I think Mom hates to be by herself too because she keeps me inside a lot.

Many people buy poodles and doodles without knowing what they’re really getting into. And, I’ve heard, because we’re very high maintenance, there are some poodle rescue sites. We are awesome puppers, but do need to be trained so we know manners and how to behave around others. We’re physically strong and equally strong-willed. If not trained correctly, we’ll quickly think we’re the alpha in the family. I know because I’ve tried this numerous times, but Mom is quick to remind me who is the pack leader….and it’s never me. While we are a proud breed, we’re also goofy and fun. And, since I’m part golden retriever, I’m especially goofy and fun!

I don’t know if all poodle doodles like to sleep, but I’m not an early riser. It’s not uncommon for me to sleep past 8am. I’m really just trying to accommodate Mom and Dad  (wink, wink). Of course, i make up for  it the rest of the day.

That is, until I’ve had my chew bone in the evening and have exhausted every. single, one. of my toys. Then…I’m done.

Now that you’ve been re-educated on the nuances of the poodle doodle, I hope you never look at another poodle the same way. Today, we’re playing along with Comedy Plus for Awww Monday.

Doodle kisses from Cabo,