When it comes to in-demand dog types, doodles are at the top of the list. Doodle dogs are recognized for their friendly personalities, affectionate natures and signature curly coats. However, in exchange for these great qualities, owners usually have to pay a hefty price.
For those who are considering adopting a doodle dog, it’s normal to wonder, “Why are doodles so expensive?” There are a variety of reasons doodles come at a high cost, from their desirable personality traits to their strict breeding requirements. Let’s take a closer look at what doodles are and why they’re so valuable.
What Is a Doodle Puppy?
Before we break down the different factors behind the cost of a doodle puppy, it’s important to establish exactly what this dog is. In general, a doodle puppy is a mixed-breed dog that has one poodle parent. Many doodles inherit the low-shedding hypoallergenic coats of poodles, which is helpful for those with allergies. While doodles come in many variations, the two most popular kinds are labradoodle and goldendoodle puppies.
Labradoodle Puppies
A labradoodle puppy is a cross between the poodle and the Labrador retriever. Similar to goldendoodles, these designer dogs have several coveted qualities. Major traits include:
- Intelligence
- Affectionate natures
- Sociable personalities
- Loyalty
- Moderately high energy levels
In terms of appearance, you’ll find labradoodles in all sorts of colors. Some will have a standard yellow coat, while others may be patterned.
Goldendoodle Puppies
A goldendoodle puppy is the result of two purebred dogs: the poodle and the golden retriever. It inherits many of the desirable traits from its purebred parents, such as:
- Intelligence
- Obedience
- Friendliness
- Eagerness to please
- Playfulness
Staying true to their name, goldendoodles typically have a yellow, curly coat that makes them resemble a teddy bear. And if you work with a quality goldendoodle breeder, the dog is hypoallergenic.
What Makes Doodles Great Pets?
Now that you know what doodles are, you may be wondering what makes them such great pets. The truth is, families wouldn’t be willing to pay high prices for doodles if they weren’t getting an excellent pet in exchange. Here are some of the traits that make doodles special.
Sociable Personalities
A big reason why doodles stand out is their ability to connect with just about anyone. These crossbred dogs are known for being very sociable. You can expect them to form friendships with anyone they cross paths with, from neighbors to other dogs. However, there’s nobody they’ll love as much as their family — doodles are very loyal and enjoy spending time with their owners.
Intelligent Minds
In addition to inheriting hypoallergenic coats, most doodles get intelligence from their parent dogs. Combine this natural intelligence with a desire to please and you’re left with a curious dog that’s easy to train. Not only do doodles pick up on commands rather quickly, but they also enjoy learning new things and improving their behavior. As an added perk, training gives them a chance to connect with their loved ones.
Playful Natures
If you’re looking for a pet that enjoys spending time outside, doodles definitely meet that criteria. While energy levels vary depending on the type of doodle, most require around 30 minutes to one hour of exercise per day. These needs can be fulfilled by anything from a long walk to games of fetch in the backyard. For families with young, active children or exercise enthusiasts, doodles make great outdoor companions.
What Costs Go Into Getting and Caring for a Doodle?
All dog breeds come with their own special costs, from the price of adoption to the general costs of caring for the dog. Let’s review a few of the expenses related to doodle puppies.
Grooming
It’s easy to recognize a labradoodle due to the famed curly coat. However, to keep this coat clean and healthy, it’s important to groom it regularly. Most doodle owners take their doodle in for a professional grooming session every six to eight weeks. Along with professional grooming, you should perform the following regularly:
- Combing
- Bathing
- Nail trimming
Ultimately, you can expect to invest some money into keeping your doodle healthy and well-maintained. If you neglect grooming, your doodle’s fur may become matted and start housing dirt and germs.
Vet Bills
Taking your doodle in for regular veterinarian checkups is key to having a healthy dog. Generally, this dog breed is susceptible to the following conditions:
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Von Willebrand disease
- Addison’s disease
While vet bills may be expensive, keeping up with your appointments will help make sure your doodle enjoys a long, healthy life.
Reputable Breeding
A big reason doodles tend to be costly is because a lot of effort is put into breeding them. A reputable breeder will perform genetic testing to check for common canine diseases, as well as coat testing to certify the dog is low-shedding. At Pride & Prejudoodles, we go above and beyond to ensure our doodles are happy, healthy and hypoallergenic.
Pride & Prejudoodles: Adopt a Doodle Today!
If there’s one thing all doodle dog owners can agree on, it’s that a doodle puppy is worth every penny. When you buy a doodle puppy, you’re investing in a friendly, loving dog that’s unique, hypoallergenic and typically healthy. And, once you get past the initial investment, caring for a doodle isn’t all that different from caring for any other breed.
To guarantee your doodle has all the great qualities that make this breed special, you should work with an established, experienced breeder, like Pride & Prejudoodles. In addition to standard coat testing, we offer the following services:
- Health testing
- Obedience training
- Housebreaking
Through testing, we make sure all our doodles are in prime condition before sending them to their new homes. We also offer training that helps our dogs reach therapy dog quality. If you’d like to learn more about our doodles and pricing, please contact us today!
