Dear Don Bates of Doindogs Kennels,
I would like to take just a moment of your time to ask some questions. I am a dog trainer and enthusiast living in British Columbia, Canada, who has been interested in the "Doodle" boom for some time now. I want to get to the bottom of it, and by doing so I decided to talk to breeders of both kennel club recognized breeds that are being used in developing new breeds like the Labradoodle, as well as Labradoodle breeders, the recognized Kennel Clubs, Veterinarians and whomever I can find to help answer my questions.
My goal is to compose a well thought out article that will be posted on Dog Gone Good Training Forum for all to see, and hopefully, to clear up some questions many other owners and dog enthusiasts may have as well. If you would like your words not to be quoted in the article, please let me know, otherwise all information you provide may be used in the article (full credit will be given).
Thank you in advance for any information you can provide for me!
Shara Slorstad
Dog Gone Good Training
Obedience and Master Trainer
Here are the questions that I ask:
1. In your opinion, how many generations of breeding are required between mixed (one purebred parent mixed with a different purebred parent) breeds before the offspring of said dogs are considered purebred?
Don: "Many and then many more. It has taken thousands of breeders many decades to bring the Labrador to its present day form with relatively predictable results. It will probably take as many to destroy that work and then start all over."
2. What genetic problems may be of concern in the Labradoodle that are also seen in Labradors and Poodles?
Don: "All the health and temperament concerns that affect each breed now, put together!"
3. What effect has the Labradoodle boom had on your own breeding practices?
Don: "It has made it easier to sort out the people who really appreciate good breeding from those who want to follow a fad. It has also made it easier to spot poor lab breeders who are chasing $$$"
4. What are your concerns for your breed of choice that the Labradoodle may cause?
Don: "Quite the opposite, my breed of choice will be better off because we will be rid of the aforementioned people and breeders."
5. Have you noticed a large difference between different "Labradoodles" that goes beyond a different breeders lines, or working vs. conformation lines?
Don: "I don't waste my time with mutts or people who do not want to improve the breed."
6. What are your thoughts on the "designer breed" phase that has been seen in the past few years? What are your thoughts regarding other "doodles" (such as the Goldendoodle, Shnoodle, Puggle, Maltepoo, and other breeds being bred together and claimed as a "designer breed")?
Don: "I think you should make your own study. Spend your time and money improving the Labrador breed and then see how much time you want to waste on people who are only trying to make money. Along the way you will probably learn that others have another scam, producing "Red Fox", "Silver" and even "Pointing" labs."
7. Do you find you are approached by the public for a Labradoodle puppy, or to breed your dog to theirs to create a Labradoodle? What is your general response, if so?
Don: "I have been asked but usually by people who would all ready know my opinion !!"
8. Are there any concerns you have for the future for your breed of choice, or even for its current standing that may be a cause of the Labradoodle?
Don: "I have no concerns about the future being negatively affected by these people, they are usually seen as scam artists. My concerns are from the "show people" , their top priority is to win. It is very difficult to find good breeders or good dogs at dog show, quite the opposite to the ideal."
9. Is there anything else you would like to tell me regarding the Labradoodle?
Don: "I have all ready given this topic much more time than it deserves."
