Dont Doodle Our Poodles

Over the past two decades, the popularity of “Doodle” dogs—typically a cross between a Poodle and another breed, such as the Golden Retriever (“Goldendoodle”) or Labrador Retriever (“Labradoodle”)—has skyrocketed. While their fluffy coats and friendly appearances may appeal to many pet buyers, the breeding of these designer crosses raises serious ethical and welfare concerns.

Ethical breeders follow established breed standards set by organizations such as the UKC or AKC. These standards protect the structure, health, and temperament of a breed for generations to come.
“Doodles” have no recognized standard. This means there is no benchmark for health, structure, or temperament—allowing inconsistent and unpredictable results in size, coat type, and behavior. Breeding dogs without a standard ultimately contributes to the decline of the purebred lines from which they come.

The claim that crossbreeding automatically produces healthier dogs (the so-called “hybrid vigor” myth) is misleading. In reality, mixed-breed puppies can inherit the health problems of both parent breeds, and without proper genetic screening, these risks multiply. Many “Doodle” litters are bred without thorough health testing for hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, and breed-specific genetic disorders—leading to a higher chance of lifelong health issues for the puppies.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that “Doodles” are low-shedding and low-maintenance. In reality, most have thick, curly, or wavy coats that require the same high-level care as a purebred Poodle. Without proper grooming—often every 4–6 weeks—these coats mat painfully against the skin, leading to infections and discomfort. Many first-time owners are unaware of this responsibility, and as a result, shelters and rescues see a growing number of neglected or surrendered Doodles.

Many Doodles are produced by commercial breeders or backyard breeders who see the trend as a quick source of income. Unlike preservation breeders—who invest years in studying pedigrees, health testing, and improving their breed—these breeders often skip essential steps, putting profit above animal welfare.

Animal shelters and rescues are reporting an alarming increase in surrendered Doodles, particularly large and high-energy crosses. Many new owners were sold on the idea of a “hypoallergenic, low-maintenance family dog” and are unprepared for the grooming, training, and exercise needs of these intelligent, active breeds.

Preservation breeders are guardians of a breed’s history, working to maintain health, type, and temperament according to established standards. This ensures future generations of dogs are predictable, healthy, and suited to their intended purpose—whether that’s companionship, performance, or the show ring. Crossbreeding without purpose or accountability erodes this work, risking the loss of true breed characteristics forever.

 At Beltane Standard Poodles, we are dedicated to breed preservation and ethical breeding practices. We will never sell a puppy to any breeder producing Poodle mixes, including Doodles. Our focus is on protecting the integrity, health, and future of the Standard Poodle.