Double Doodle Dogs: Pros and Cons

Double Doodles rose in popularity in the 90s, and today, families continue to fall in love with this energetic and loving hybrid breed. Familiarising yourself with the Double Doodle pros and cons before owning one is vital in determining whether the breed would suit your lifestyle and family.

Here’s a summary of Double Doodle pros & cons:

Pros:

  • Loyal, friendly, loving temperament and nature
  • Family dog (kids friendly)
  • Smart & easy to train
  • Strong hypoallergenic odds
  • Good health and lifespan

Cons:

  • Overly friendly
  • Not guard dogs
  • Regular grooming is required
  • High energy levels

Before going into detail about the pros and cons, it is valuable to understand the Double Doodle’s legacy and where these positive or negative characteristics originated. 

What is a Double Doodle?

The Double Doodles’ origin is a little unclear, and the breed is known to have accidentally come into existence.

A relatively modern breed of dog, also commonly known as the North American Retriever, the Double Doodle is a multiple mixed hybrid combination of the Golden Retriever, Standard Poodle, and Labrador Retriever.

Initially, the Double Doodle was a cross between two Poodle hybrids, the Golden Doodle and the Labradoodle, making it approximately 25% Golden Retriever, 25% Labrador, and 50% Poodle.

Despite this, the Double Doodle name has been given to any mix of two Doodle breeds.

Graham a tan and white double doodle dog sitting outside on the grass.
Meet Graham, a tan and white double doodle dog | Photo Credit: Taylor Ross

The Double Doodles’ personalities and characteristics are widely dependent on the combination of inherited genes. Let’s look at some of this gene pool’s common pros and cons. 

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Double Doodle Pros

The Double Doodles have a long list of pros. Let’s justify why they are known as the ‘Perfect family dog.’

Incredible Temperament and Nature

If you have had the pleasure of encountering a Double Doodle, you will unquestionably agree that these dogs are among the most sociable and friendly dogs you have met.

Double Doodles are loyal, loving, and affectionate dogs. They are friendly to anything and anyone that they meet. Visitors are welcomed as family members, and they offer the same loving affection to all animals they encounter.

Family, Dog, and Kid-friendly

Double Doodles are known as an excellent choice for families with young children. They are very gentle and are safe to leave your small children with.

They are incredibly active and love to play and will thrive on all the attention and play they can get. In part, this loyal and loving nature can be explained by the Golden Retrievers’ gentle and affectionate personality.

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Intelligence and Ease of Training

Double Doodles come from a line of working breeds that are extremely intelligent and easily trainable. They live to learn and thrive to please their owners. The sooner you begin with training, the more success you will likely experience.

It is understandably harder to hold a puppy Double Doodle’s concentration, but if training is initiated after some play or exercise, they can also hold excellent focus.

Double Doodles are a naturally sociable breed, and although they need proper socialization from a young age, they typically do not struggle in this department.

Nevertheless, they are also highly intelligent, which typically indicates that they require lots of mental stimulation. Double Doodles will flourish when provided with stimulating toys, games, or tricks that challenge them.

Strong Hypoallergenic Odds

Suppose you suffer from allergies and have been looking for a hypoallergenic breed. In that case, the Double Doodle is not a shedder and is an excellent option for the allergic, eczema suffering, or asthmatic wanting a furry friend to snuggle.

Nevertheless, it is safest and best to confirm with a reputable breeder whether your Double Doodle is likely to have more Poodle or Retriever dominant genes.  Your Poodle dominant Double Doodles will be hypoallergenic, but those with less dominant Poodle genes may still shed somewhat.

Double Doodles can have a straight, wavy, or curly coat. Those with curlier coats are typically more likely to have inherited the Poodle genes and to be hypoallergenic.

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They Are Not Yappers

Double Doodles can bark at strangers, but their easy-going and friendly personalities make them less likely to bark at passers-by.

Red / apricot colored double doodle (golden doodle + labradoodle) dog sitting outside.
Double Doodle dog (golden doodle + labradoodle), red/ruby color | Image credit: Ava Doodles & Poodles

Despite their high energy levels, this breed does not have an increased tendency to bark. If a Double Doodle does bark, there is usually a good reason for the bark, such as pain, loneliness, or frustration.

Double Doodles are not naturally noisy dogs, and if you want a dog that you can keep indoors and outdoors without having to scream the house down to keep them quiet, then the Double Doodle may be a good option.

Health and Lifespan

The Double Doodle has a relatively good lifespan compared to other medium to large-sized breeds. They have an expected lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, and their hybrid nature makes them less susceptible to the genetic issues of their parents or purebred ancestors.

Double Doodles are generally a healthy breed if provided with enough exercise and good quality food.

Nevertheless, the breed can suffer from some of the same genetic issues as the Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Labrador. However, the significant gene variation will aid in providing the average Double Doodle a life that is relatively healthy.

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Lots of Varieties

Double Doodles come in various colors and coat types, making it easy for potential pet owners to find their desired choice. You have an assortment and variety to choose from.

The most popular and common colored Double Doodle is the golden-colored Doodle. This Double Doodle coloration is known to originate from the Golden Retrievers genes and provides your dog with that irresistible teddy bear look.

A rarer coloration would be the black or chocolate Double Doodle. This is known to originate from a recessive gene from the darker Poodle types.

A more common variety would be the cream or tan-colored Double Doodle.  One of the simpler colors to breed and usually results from breeding with a light-colored Poodle.

Buddy a white 2 year old double doodle (half Labradoodle and Half Golden Doodle) sitting on grass outside.
Buddy, a white 2-year-old double doodle (Half Labradoodle and Half Golden Doodle) | Image Credit: Marcia Posz

For the Energetic Family

If your family can be described as the outdoorsy type that loves hiking, going camping, running, and visiting new areas, then this breed may be a good fit.

Double Doodles are high-energy dogs that need more exercise than some other similar-sized breeds. Daily exercise is imperative to their health and mental well-being. You are looking at approximately one to two hours of daily exercise.

If your family loves to exercise and venture outdoors, then welcoming a Double Doodle into your family would be undemanding and enjoyable. It is fantastic to be able to share your hobbies and physical activities with a furry friend, and they will be as delighted to participate.

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Double Doodle Cons

Regrettably, there are several cons that potential owners need to be aware of before purchasing a Double Doodle.

While some may find these cons advantageous and positive, several dog owners may not be as enamored.

Overly Friendly

Double Doodles are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly, and loving temperament.  They are highly social dogs that love attention from almost anyone.

Not Guard Dogs

If you are looking for a watchdog, then look the other way. Although Double Doodles will alert you to a stranger at the door, they will turn into a mushy, lovable, tail-wagging mess once approached.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are both friendly breeds utilized as therapy and guide dogs due to their wonderfully sociable and open-hearted nature. Poodles are also gentle and sensitive in nature and can be relatively reserved when approached by strangers.

This gene pool suggests that although some Double Doodles can be trained to distinguish between a threat and a visitor, they are naturally more inclined to welcome a stranger than to display strong protective abilities.

A Double Doodle can be an excellent watchdog, but if you are looking for a protective guard dog, a different breed may be more suitable.

Grooming Requirements

Double Doodles are relatively high maintenance when it comes to the upkeep of their coats. The amount of care is dependent on whether they inherited their coats more from the Poodle or Golden Retriever.

A daily grooming session will be necessary if the Poodle coat has been inherited, as their fur will be prone to knots and tangles. If they have inherited the Retriever coat, you may get away with grooming every other day.

As the Double Doodle hair grows relatively quickly, you will need a professional groomer or pet salon visit every six to eight weeks to keep their coats trimmed and neat.

Brushing will be a regular ritual in a Double Doodle home, and more frequent brushing will be needed if your Double Doodle is highly active and exercising a lot outdoors. 

Some first-generation Double Doodles have a double coat, and although they shed less than a double-coated purebred dog, their grooming requirements will be marginally higher. Routine brushing will help shed the undercoat and avoid tangles and matting.

Last but not least, the Double Doodles’ furry ears are prone to infection and wax build-up. Their long floppy ears require checking and cleaning every week to ensure they are healthy.

This grooming regime is fairly intensive, and if you do not have the time or patience, a Double Doodle may not be a good option for you.

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Dietary Considerations and Planning

Nutrition and diet are vital to the health and wellbeing of your Double Doodle. You need to have the time to select good quality food and be watchful to not overindulge your furry friend in human snacks.

Since Double Doodles are hybrid breeds there is no one specific recommended food of choice. Taking the time to find a correctly balanced diet for your Double Doodle could take time and a bit of trial and error.

Unfortunately, Double Doodles can develop gastrointestinal issues with age and should therefore be kept on a strict diet with minimal treats. A low-fat diet is as essential to avoid the development of hip issues that may genetically be passed down.

Feeding your Double Doodle twice a day is generally also recommended as they tend to eat whatever and however much you place in front of them.

High Energy Levels

Double Doodles come from a line of hunting dogs that require more exercise than the average dog. This breed can bore easily if their physical and mental needs are not met.

Suppose you have a smaller home with little or no garden or live in an apartment. In that case, Double Doodle may not be the best option unless you are diligent enough to provide them with the additional exercise needed daily.

The distance and the amount of time you exercise your Double Doodle is more critical than the type of exercise offered. They need enough time exercising to expel the large amount of energy they carry.

If you travel a lot, have limited time, or are not at home very often, your Double Doodle may grow frustrated, lonely, and bored, which may lead to undesirable behavioral problems. 

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Selecting a Double Doodle

Purchasing a Double Doodle can be tricky and confusing for potential dog buyers. The Double Doodle name has recently been used to label any Doodle-to-Doodle hybrid, making it more complicated to purchase a Double Doodle.

A Double Doodle usually refers to breeding an F1 Goldendoodle with an F1 Labradoodle. However, this is no longer the case.

2 month old black Double Doodle F1B (Labradoodle + Goldendoodle)
2-month-old black Double Doodle puppy (F1B Labradoodle + Goldendoodle) | Photo Credit: Ginger Tucker

Suppose you are looking for a Double Doodle with a specific coat, color, or temperament. In that case, it is best to go through a reputable breeder who can guarantee the pup’s parents’ ancestry, hold valid veterinary records, and know the environment they have been raised in.

Purchasing a Double Doodle is different from purchasing a purebred breed. This multiple hybrid breed comes in many variations and if you want to increase the chances of purchasing a pup that best fits your requirements, some effort and inquiry are necessary.

Difficulty Predicting

There are no universal standards when it comes to mixed hybrid breeds due to the great variety in their gene makeup. This makes predictions a lot harder than when dealing with a purebred breed.  

Although the Double Doodles all tend to have big lovable eyes and broad snouts, their face shapes vary along with their coat types, color, size, and temperament.

What Health Issues Do Double Doodles Have?

Even though we discussed the health benefits of hybrid breeds, there is always the possibility that your Double Doodle may inherit some health issues from the Golder Retriever, Poodle, or Labrador. This is mainly dependent on the type of hybrid that you purchase.

There are no reliable statistics covering any predispositions to Double Doodle health problems, but when considering their genetic makeup, one can assume that some conditions may be inherited.

Some of the conditions that could develop include hip and elbow dysplasia, digestive issues, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, skin allergies, epilepsy, and ear infections.

Going through a reputable breeder and requesting that the breeder performs safe and reliable DNA testing will help increase the chances of your Double Doodle pup having a healthier and longer life. 

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Double Doodle Cost

A Double Doodle can be considered an investment and are a relatively expensive breed, especially when going through a reputable breeder.

The Double Doodle breed is so popular that the demand for these furry friends is high. Since the supply is usually not enough for the market, the prices tend to be on the high end.

You are looking at a price of $800 all the way up to $4000 depending on who you purchase from. If you are looking for a Double Doodle with a coat that has more than two colors or is smaller than average, you are likely to pay more.

If you want to breed the Double Doodle pup that you purchase you will also need to pay for breeding rights, which can cost anything up to $3000 alone.

The massive demand for Double Doodles can make purchasing a pup immediately more of a struggle. There will often be a waiting list of a couple of months, especially when purchasing through a reputable breeder. 

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