Winding Creek Ranch

Goldendoodles & Double Doodles

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Frequently

Asked
Questions



1.    What is a Goldendoodle?
 
       A Goldendoodle is the cross between a Poodle and a Golden
       Retriever.  The Goldendoodle comes in many sizes and
       colors.  Goldendoodle owners have reported a significant decrease
       in shedding and allergic reactions.  Everyone agrees that the
       Goldendoodle is highly intelligent, loving, and absolutely
       adorable!!  It's also reported that they are much healthier than
       either of the contributing breeds.  However, crossing breeds does 
       not negate the need for genetic health testing on every parent dog.

2.    What is a Double Doodle?

       A Double Doodle is simply a breeding done with two different
       types of Doodles.  At Winding Creek Ranch, when you see a
       Double Doodle, it means the parents consist only of
       Goldendoodle and Labradoodle genetics.  Therefore, the breeds
       involved are Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Poodle. 
       Double Doodles are absolutely wonderful!  The gene pool is even
       more diverse, with three breeds, increasing health potential in the
       offspring.  We still do full genetic health testing on all parents.
       Our Labradoodle lines come from a breeder whose focus is
       in producing therapy dogs. Many people ask us about
       differences between Double Doodles and Goldendoodles.  We
       have not noticed any difference in intelligence, trainability, or
       temperament.  Both are wonderful options.  We have worked
       hard, over the past few years, to get to the point of being able to
       offer exeptional Double Doodles, to our client families, in
       addition to our well established Goldendoodle lines. 

 
3.  I saw a breeder who promised me a non-shedding
      Goldendoodle puppy.  Can I get a non-shedding
      puppy from you?

       It is impossible to promise a non-shedding puppy of any breed.
      Goldendoodles are known to be low to non-shedding.  
      However, any breeder who guarantees a non-shedding
      puppy is either misinformed or isn't trustworthy.  We are very
        careful, in the way we breed our Doodles.  The first generation is
      going to have greatly reduced shedding.  After that, each
      consecutive generation is bred carefully, using DNA coat trait
      testing, in order to create the least amount of shedding possible
      and make sure every Doodle has furnishings (full coat on entire
      body).  After the first generation, most of our Goldendoodles are
      non-shedding.  Please read THIS PAGE to learn more.
   
4.   Is there is specific generation that would be best for my family?  I
      heard that the F1b is best for allergy sufferers. 
     
       The short answer is "No." It makes absolutely no difference what
       label you put on it.  The question you need to ask is:  Which litter
       will produce what I'm looking for?  Then, you need to be sure
       that you are working with a breeder who is knowledgeable in
       canine genetics and does genetic coat trait testing so they can
       advise you.  We have the technology, at our fingertips, to be able
       to predict coat types, amount of shedding, and how
       hypoallergenic a Doodle may be.  The one exception is for those
       families who have someone in the home that has some mild, dog
       dander allergies.  The F1 generation can shed some so, while an
       F1 might be fine, it is usually advised to go with any other
       generation in which DNA coat trait testing and appropriate
       pairing will create a more hypoallergenic Doodle.  Literally all
       other generations are good options, provided there has been
       testing done for furnishings.  For a full explanation, please read
       our article,"Generations or Genetics: Which Matters Most?"

5.  What is a Multigen Goldendoodle?


     Well, a breeding program and development of a breed must go
     somewhere, plain and simple.  If a breeder only breeds F1 and F1b
     Goldendoodles, there would quickly be a dead end to the
     program.  The natural next step is a Multigen.  Anything after the
     F2 is called Multigen.  As a side note, it is not recommended to
     breed an F1 to an F1 which produces an F2.  The result of such a
     breeding is not as consistent as with the F1 and can produce
     offspring that have flat, shedding coats and faces with no long fur,
     more like a small Golden Retriever with a narrow bone frame and
     skinny muzzle.  With that said, there are many lovely F2 breedings
     which can be F1xF1b, F1bxF1b, F1xF2b, and the list goes on and
     on.  The key is:  At least one parent must be +/+ for furninshings.
     All F1 generation doodles, at best, are +/- for furninshings so you
     shouldn't breed them together. 

     The Multigen, as stated by the Goldendoodle Association, is two
     Goldendoodles bred together or a Multigen bred to a Poodle.  If
     you are a family with dog allergies, a Multigen can be a great
     option for you, assuming coat trait testing has been done and the
     dogs properly paired.   

     If you understand that all dog breeds were created by selective
     breeding, then you understand that all purebreds are, in essence,
     Multigens.  The term is really unneccessary since a Multigen
     Goldendoodle is simply, a Goldendoodle.  Just like a Golden
     Retreiver is no longer called a Multigen Golden Retriever.  No
     matter what generation you are referring to, the generation label
     will not give you any answers as to what physical traits to expect.
     Only genetic testing can provide that.  Once uniform physical
     traits can be expected in every litter and the breed is widely
     accepted in breed registries, the term Multigen will no longer be
     used.  However, we think diversity is part of the fun of Doodles and
     all are beautiful!
            

6.   Isn't the Goldendoodle just a mutt?

        Our Goldendoodles are different than the average mixed
      breed dog.  Both parent breeds are registered, purebred dogs 
      that have traceable lineage. 
Parent dogs at Winding Creek Ranch
      are all health tested for various genetic disorders common to their
      breed.  All breedings are carefully planned.  I don't see how this
      can be compared to a couple of random dogs having puppies. 
      Calling our puppies mutts is highly offensive.  We consider them
      superior because of what goes into producing them.  With that
      said, not all breeders of Goldendoodles follow this strict protocol
      so keep that in mind as you travel across the many websites you
      are visiting in your search for one of your very own.  There are
      many good breeders that do what we do but there are a thousand
      times more that don't.  If we don't have what you are looking for,
      click on the banner, on the bottom of our home page, for the
      Goldedoodle Association.  As far as cleanliness, honesty,
      quality of parent dogs (temperament, conformation, etc.) , it
      is up to you to ask questions and decide which breeder is best
      for your family.

7.   Should I get a male or a female?
        Many people have a preference for one reason or another.
       Sometimes those reasons are a result of misinformation.
      Both genders offer the same exact possible nuances, training
      challenges, differing energy levels, submissiveness vs. dominance,
      dependent vs. independent natures, etc.  Gender based behaviors
      are avoided by having your male or female puppy spayed
      or neutered prior to puberty.  Our contract required proof of this
      procedure be received by the time the puppy is 8 months old. 
      I would never avoid choosing a puppy based solely on
      gender with one exception....if I already have an older female dog,  
      I would get a male to avoid problems.  The most risky combo is
      2 females, not raised together.  The best combo is a male and
      female, both fixed.  The next best combo is 2 neutered males.  If
      you already have a female, even if it grew up with an older female,
      bringing in a female puppy puts the puppy at risk of being severely
      bullied.  The reason it would have done well with the older female
      is because of her place in the heirachy.  Now that she's the oldest,
      the response to a new puppy is, "I'm the boss of you."   Do not
      underestimate your sweet female dog.  Bringing in a female puppy
      can cause your existing female dog to show a whole new side to
      her and often times, it isn't pretty!  The puppy suffers and the
      family becomes stressed over trying to keep them separated.  Yes,
      there are exceptions to the rule.  However, this placement is still
      considered extremely high risk by every dog professional out there
      so it's not a gamble worth taking, for the well-being of the puppy
      and the family.  At the end of the day, you want a compatible
      puppy that will enhance the quality of life for your family,
      existing pets, and the puppy itself.  We are here to make sure
      that is the exact experience for all involved.  :)
       

8.   Aren't Goldendoodles supposed to be gold in color?

      An interesting thing about the Goldendoodle is the
      fact that their coloring is limited only by what a  
      poodle's color can be.  That leaves it wide open!!  We
      most commonly produce puppies in shades of cream, 
      gold/apricot & red.  However, we have been known to 
      produce black, black/tan phantoms and tri-colored
      Goldendoodles.  Regardless of color, we think
      all Doodles are beautiful! 

9.   There are so many breeders out there.  What
      difference does it make where I get my puppy from?
 
        There are many breeders out there, this is true.  You
       have to learn to how to sort through them.  If you really
       don't care about what you and your family has to go
       through in the future, it doesn't matter where you get
       your dog.  Consider that many dogs used for
       breeding are inbred because they can keep many dogs
       from a litter and breed it right back to the sire and
       make tons of money.  They don't health test and
       sometimes ask premium prices for their puppies
       anyway.  What are you getting for your money?  They
       might offer a health warranty even though no testing
       has been done.  Well, let's just say you get a puppy
       from them and it has a terrible, genetic heart
       condition and has to be put down at 18 months of
       age.  Is that warranty going to save your family from
       heartache?  Warranties are a great thing to have
       but the idea is NOT to have to use them.  Nobody can
       guarantee their puppies will never have anything wrong.
       Wouldn't it be nice if humans and animals never had
       to suffer?  The point is, you can look for best case
       scenario and that would be from a breeder who takes
       the time and invests the money to help ensure your
       family is getting the best chance at worry-free canine
       companionship. Believe me, all puppies are cute.  It is
       best to do your homework and not rush into any
       decisions regarding your choice of breeder.  To learn about what
       sets Winding Creek Ranch apart, visit Our Difference...
                  
10.   Why are your puppies so expensive?

       Maybe you can find a dog at the shelter.  Maybe it will turn out
       fine.  Maybe that dog will be healthy enough to not cost you
       hundreds or thousands of dollars over the next several years. 
       Maybe it will have a stable personality that you can trust around
       anyone.  Maybe it won't develop some dreaded disease in a year or
       two, only to leave you and your family, perhaps children, in tears
       and full of grief.  Maybe it isn't inbred and plagued with defects.
       Maybe it wasn't bred by a local person who thought the neighbor
       dog would make cute puppies with his/her dog.  This may sound
       drastic and I never want to sound heartless toward homeless
       animals.  It is terrible what we face today with all these homeless
       animals.  However, until we stop supporting this, it is going to
       keep happening.  Don't you want to know the history of your
       dog?  Where they came from?  Did the dam walk with bad hips?
       Did the sire have chronic ear infections?  Did either parent have
       hair loss and rough patches of skin suggesting a thyroid
       condition?  When a good breeder has a litter of puppies, they
       have thousands of dollars and thousands of hours behind it. 
       Special care is taken at every angle.  I don't have space on this
       page to list every single detail of what goes into it, time wise
       and financially, but if a person is doing it right, the bottom line
       will be much less than you would expect and the hourly wage
       would be laughable.  Why would anyone want to raise puppies
       then?  Well, it would be a lie to say dog breeders don't make
       money.  It just is that it isn't without challenges and serious
       demands.  Many people begrudge breeders for "making money"
       on selling puppies.  You won't find a good breeder, of any dog
       breed, that isn't "making money" on their dogs.  Anyway, doesn't
       every job done well deserve compensation?  The truth is, the
       reason we deal with the ongoing demands of being a dog breeder
       is because we love it.  Sure, there are other things we can do
       with our time and money.  We choose this because there is
       nothing more fun than watching a new litter come into the world
       or talking with people you've never met about something as
       exciting as a new puppy for their family.  Seeing children's faces
       and adults becoming like children again, when they come to pick
       that puppy up and take it home, after weeks of waiting, is
       pricless.
  
       Health testing is done by very few breeders.  It
costs a great
       deal of money.  If one doesn't pass, then you have to replace that
       dog and you've lost all the time and money invested, not to
       mention how difficult it is to see one go after you have become
       attached to it.  For each breeding dog, we have expenses in
       food, shots, flea and heartworm prevention, grooming, vet visits,
       health testing, puppy care which includes all the above plus
       microchipping.

       Then we add advertising (including website), building
       of facilities, equipment, training, and renovations
       of home and property, as needed.  The list goes on
       and doesn't count the hours spent, the sleepless
       nights and the demanding, 24/7 schedule a dog
       breeder keeps.  Going on vacation rarely happens and
       when it does, we aren't gone long and a lot of
       preparation has to be made.  A good breeder is always
       easy to get help
 from and willing to do more than just
       take your money.  A dog is an investment into the
       enrichment of yours and your families' lives.
  
A
       modest, week long tropical 
vacation will cost you
       $3,000-$4,000.
  Even if it cost you that entire amount,
       you would be investing into a friend that will love you
       and give you joy for 10+ years.  One week vs. 10+
       years?  It's more than worth it...it's priceless.  :o)  To learn
       about what to expect, when you work with Winding Creek Ranch,
       please visit, Our Process.  Thank you!


Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.



  Winding Creek Ranch  †
wcrgoldendoodles@yahoo.com