Labradoodle as “First Dog” Raises Concerns

Digital News Report- The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC) and the Poodle Club of America (PCA) are voicing their concerns about the labradoodle trend, which they feel is detrimental to canine welfare and potential pet owners.  The recent announcement by the Obama family that the labradoodle is under consideration as the next “first dog” has increased their worries over the crossbred dogs.

“These crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an advantage to these designer dogs,” said LRC, Inc. Board Member Frances O. Smith DVM, Ph.D. and Diplomate American College of Theriogenology. “The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.”

Labradoodles can suffer from hip dysplasia, a number of eye disorders, and sometimes even Addison’s Disease.  Their appearance and temperament vary greatly and are often difficult to predict.  There are three main coat types, but almost a dozen different colors.  However, both Labradors and Poodles are known for their intelligence and labradoodles are often easy to train as a result.  But nothing is guaranteed with a crossbred dog.

“Some breeders breed to improve a breed while others do it for profit,” says Fred Kampo, vice president of the LRC. “‘Doodle’ breeders hype them as the ideal dog, but every dog in a litter of mixed breed pups is different… so selling them for thousands of dollars to an unsuspecting public as so-called ‘designer dogs,’ often at prices higher than what a reputable breeder of purebred dogs would charge makes no sense. Our clubs can’t sit back and watch people being misled any longer.”

According to the PCA’s “Report to the Media on Poodle Rescue,” “Labradoodles were first produced in Australia in 1989 through an… to produce a dog more suitable for disabled individuals with allergies than the typical Labrador Retriever… Upon analysis of the breeding program however, it was found that fewer than 35% of the labradoodles produced were acceptable as guide dogs and an even lower percentage were found to be ‘hypoallergenic.’”

“We aren’t necessarily advocating for the Obamas to get a poodle as we are always concerned about our breed’s profile being raised,” said Jack MacGillivray president of the PCA. “We do not want to encourage disreputable breeding or see more dogs come into our rescue program. However if the choice is between a ‘doodle’ mix and a purebred, we felt we needed to speak out and educate the Obamas and dog lovers everywhere about the difference between a purebred and a mixed breed.”

The Portuguese Water Dog was the first families other top choice.  If they go with this breed, both clubs say that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America is their best resource.