alena strelaeff Labradoodle passion BC Canada X breed descriptions

Doodles are intelligent, highly trainable and have a low to non-shedding coat. They are playful and enjoy being with their families, they are known to be wonderful family dogs. Doodles also tend to get along very well with other family pets. They also tend to lack the typical doggie odor, that is so strong in pure Labs and Goldens. They take on more of the stocky build of the retriever, over the stall slender Standard Poodle. Their coats are usually wavy or curly, and come in seven colors: Silver, Golden, Black, Cream, Apricot, Chocolate, Red, and Café au Lait . Most doodles need regular grooming to keep their coats free from tangles, and occasionally need professional grooming to style the longer coats.

(This page will be reconstructed soon!. We will be adding the faults we have witnessed over the years with doodles for buyers and owners awareness)

As their are many versions of labradoodles. I understand this can be quite confusing for people. I have written a short explanation below:

Wondering about the sizes of poodles mixed into your labradoodle. Both are very sweet dogs but do in fact have different temperaments health concerns and different exercise requirements.

This applies to both Early Labradoodle crosses and Australian Labradoodles as pure poodles are still mixed into both these types of doodles.

Neither Labradoodles are purebred dogs recognized by CKC or AKC.

What is the difference between all the Labradoodles? Is one truly better than the other? Does price mean your getting a better pet?

Many breeders will say yes that the foundation labradoodles are better. That they are the original or TRUE labradoodles, meaning they are better. Really all labradoodles are the same other than Australian labradoodles went on to add several other purebred dog breeds into their lines. They breed more true to type with the non shed coat.

Truly both labradoodles are wonderful and both great dogs. It comes down to what you prepared to spend on a pet $2500 to $3000 or $1000 to $1500.

Early generation Labradoodles: can have a mix of coat types and looks from each purebred parent. Saying that doodles tend to all have a certain look, the shaggy dog look, the Irish wolf hound look and the Teddy Bear look. Prices range for early generation crosses from on average $850 to $1500. Early crosses do not have to be spayed or neutered before they leave the breeders home. It's always best to read breed descriptions on the breeds mixed into the labradoodle. For early American bred labradoodles its only the Lab and Poodle.
Australian labradoodles: These are the foundation to the labradoodles and were the first intentional breedings done. The Australian Labradoodles are in fact still crosses as they are not breeding true to type and other purebred breeds to this day are still being bred in. Any of the foundation breeds are still allowed to be bred into the Australian labradoodle these breeds are: pure poodle, cockerpoos and early labradoodle crosses, American and English cocker spaniels Irish Water Spaniels, Curly Coated Retrievers. The Clubs and breeders have set a base price for the Australian Labradoodles to be sold @ $2500 each and up. They must all be spayed and neutered before they leave the breeders home.

Listed below are Club proposal definitions:

International Labradoodle Associations proposal to define different labradoodles:

Grading Scheme

As promised, the ALAA Board has proposed the following model for the ALAA Grading Scheme. As you are aware, the current scheme was to be evaluated after one year of general use to determine what problems exist and to make recommendations to ALAA breeder membership based on feedback. We are happy to announce the following scheme. It is simple and accurate in describing the Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle, and for the AKC foundation service which requires 4 generations of like-to-like matings.

Please review the information. As questions arise, please feel free to email or even call Krista Waitz - 407-595-7889. You may also email the ALAA Dog Registrar for verification of the scheme: dogs@ilainc.com. The ALAA Board has determined the Quality Assurance process by member vote should be followed for the implementation of the grading scheme into the ALAA database. Therefore, in 30 days an online vote will be issued, a reminder will be sent 14 days prior ( December 21, 2007), and your ballot will give you the ability to vote once within a seven day period (January 9 - 14, 2008).

After the vote is completed and if the scheme is accepted, the database will begin to reflect the grading over the next three to four months. The system will be automatic, however the coding of older dogs into the system will be required.

Definitions: Titles in Red will be the ALAA terms used in ALAA pedigrees and ALAA registration certificates.

· Labradoodle F1: the first cross of a purebred Labrador Retriever to a purebred Poodle

· Labradoodle F1B: the backcross of a first cross (F1) to a purebred Poodle

· Labradoodle: the breeding of any F1B, Multigen Labradoodle or Purebred Labradoodle to a poodle or F1

· Multigenerational (Multigen) Labradoodle: 1 to 4 consecutive generations of Labradoodle (F1B, F1, or Multigen) to Labradoodle (F1B, F1, or Multigen) matings

· Purebred Multigenerational (Multigen) Labradoodle OR Purebred Labradoodle: 5 or more generations of consecutive generations of Labradoodle (F1B, F1, or Multigen) to Labradoodle matings

· Australian Labradoodle: Dogs with Poodle, Cocker Spaniel (American and/or English) and Labrador Retriever Pedigrees*

· Multigenerational (Multigen) Australian Labradoodle: 1 to 4 consecutive generations of Australian Labradoodle (Australian Labradoodle, Multigen or Purebred) to Australian Labradoodle (Australian Labradoodle, Multigen or Purebred) matings

· Purebred Multigenerational (Multigen) Australian Labradoodle OR Purebred Australian Labradoodle: 5 or more generations of consecutive generations of Australian Labradoodle (Australian Labradoodle, Multigen or Purebred) to Australian Labradoodle (Australian Labradoodle, Multigen or Purebred) matings

· Cock a poo: American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel and Poodle

· Spanador: English or American Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever

· American Cocker Spaniel: purebred American Cocker Spaniel

· English Cocker Spaniel: purebred English Cocker Spaniel

· Irish Water Spaniel: purebred American Irish Water Spaniel (no longer allowed)

· Labrador Retriever: American or English, pedigree will delineate

· Poodle: French, English and all sizes, colors or patterns, pedigree will delineate

*other ALAA acceptable breeds at small percentages acceptable in DNA testing

Rules

PURE BREED USE

1. Purebred Poodle is to be used for the F1 and F1B stages of development and can be used for coat correction twice thereafter every 6 generations in the Multigenerational Labradoodle Development. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with a purebred.

· Poodle bred to Labrador Retriever equals a Labradoodle F1

· Poodle bred to a Labradoodle F1 equals a Labradoodle F1B

· Labradoodle or Multigen Labradoodle or Purebred Labradoodle bred to Poodle equals Labradoodle. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with a poodle, restrictions apply.

· Australian Labradoodle or Multigen Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle bred to Poodle equals Australian Labradoodle. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with a poodle, restrictions apply.

2. Purebred parent breeds, Poodle, Labrador Retriever, or IALA infusion approved American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, may be used if necessary for coat correction or pedigree infusion twice every 6 matings, i.e. a 6 generation pedigree may only have the same purebred single breed (and its ancestors) twice (NOT counting those used poodles for Labradoodle F1 and Labradoodle F1B development). Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with each separate purebred.

· Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle of any generation to purebred Cocker Spaniel equals Australian Labradoodle (three breed dog)

LABRADOODLE AND OTHER TWO BREED MIXED BREED USE

3. IALA infusion approved 2 Breed Mixed breeds may be used if necessary for coat correction or pedigree infusion twice every 3 generations, i.e. a 3 generation pedigree may only have the same IALA infusion approved mixed-breed (and its ancestors) breed twice every three generations. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with each separate two breed mixed breed dog.

· Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle bred to Labradoodle equals Australian Labradoodle

· Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle bred to Cocker/Poodle cross (Cockapoo or Spoodle) equals Australian Labradoodle.

· Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle bred to Labrador/Spaniel cross (Spanador) equals Australian Labradoodle.

NEW and EXISTING AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION LINES and USE

4. Breeding any generation Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle to another is considered one generation of like-to-like mating. The database will automatically calculate these matings. Once a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle reaches 4 generations of consecutive Purebred Australian Labradoodle, Multigen Australian Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle to Multigen Australian Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle matings, it is considered a purebred Australian Labradoodle and will be notated in the database and registration certificate as such. Any use of a one or two breed dog is considered a non-like mating and will reset the counting process. Only 4 consecutive like-to-like matings will result in purebred status.

5. Current assumed Australian Labradoodles dogs (three breed dogs) registered with the IALA without proof of breed via AKC, ANKC registration or DNA will be designated as Australian Labradoodle. No new dogs without proof of pedigree (AKC, ANKC, DNA) will be registered.

· A dog in the back of an older pedigree that is not identified but is believed to be an Australian Labradoodle will be considered an Australian Labradoodle. Dogs that are believed to be Poodles, Cock a poos, Labradoodle or other Australian Labradoodles will follow the rules above moving the generations forward or not as the rules indicate.

· Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle bred to Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle equals Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle once four consecutive matings are counted by the database the term purebred multigenerational Australian Labradoodle will be used until the dog is breed to a two breed or one breed dog whereas the offspring will be Australian Labradoodles.

Labradoodle Breed Description:

The Labradoodle comes in three sizes, Standard (largest), Medium (somewhere between the Standard and Miniature size), and Miniature (smallest). There should be no appreciable difference in the general appearance in any of the three sizes.

A compact dog, not exceptionally boxy nor long bodied. A galloping dog which gives the impression of light footed athleticism, and joyful bearing. Medium to light boning, graceful in movement and with vivacious expression. Coat should be non shedding, be of even length over body, on legs neck, tail and head, and should be as close to non allergenic as possible. Their unique traits of intuitive nature and the seeking of human eye contact should be easily discernible at a glance. Easily amenable to training.

(Why was the Labradoodle created: doodles where bred for GUIDE DOGS, dogs with excellent temperaments, health, minds and bodies to work with people as service providers. People with asthma were needing guide dogs, and the traditional Labs and golden where causing allergy problems)

The Labradoodle is considered a low to non shed Hybrid dog. However, some Labradoodles do shed to some extent. People with severe allergies to dogs will most likely be allergic to any dog including Poodles or Poodle crosses. It is not the hair that people are normally allergic to, it's the dander and saliva of the dog. Low to non shedding dogs release less dander into the air and into your house. People with low allergies usually can tolerate the non shedding dogs.

Labradoodles are intelligent, highly trainable and have a low to non-shedding coat. Labradoodles are playful and enjoy being with their families, they are great family dogs. Doodles also tend to get along very well with other family pets. They also tend to lack the typical doggie odour, that is so strong in pure Labs and Goldens. They take on more of the stocky build of the Lab, over the stall slender Standard Poodle. Their coats are usually wavy or curly, and come in seven colors: Silver, yellow, Black, Cream, Apricot, Chocolate, red, and Café au Lait . Most Labradoodles need regular grooming to keep their coats free from tangles, and occasionally need professional grooming to style the longer coats.

Labradoodle Breed Temperament:

Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable, easily maintained, quiet, and excellent companion dogs for children, the blind, people with disabilities, retriever hunters, and those with allergies. Their sweet temperaments make them a true joy to be around. Their versatility can be enjoyed as a watchful family companion, a patient baby sitter, a clever helper or a brilliant athletic performance dog. Physically, they present a statuesque picture of lithe grace and beauty .with a dash of comical humor an uncanny wit.

Labradoodle Breed Exercise Requirements:

Labradoodles will gladly partake in all family activities, but they do not have unmanageable exercise requirements, which makes them a wonderful choice for disabled or elderly dog lovers.

Labradoodle Breed Grooming Requirements:
The Labradoodle has a wavy or curly coat that sheds very little. Depending on the coat type, it may need to be stripped occasionally. Regular brushing should be done to keep your Labradoodle's coat shiny, fluffy and tangle-free.
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 Years
Good with Children: Yes
Dog Breed Group: Dog Breed Hybrid

Size: Varies
Standard - 21 - 24 plus inches and weighing between 20 kg and 40 plus kg. (2.2 lbs = 1 kg)
Medium - 17 - 20 inches and weighing between 15 kg and 19 kg. (2.2 lbs = 1 kg)
Miniature 12- 16 inches and weighing between 10 kg and 15 kg (2.2 lbs = 1 kg)
Other Names for the Labradoodle:
Doodle, Labrador-Poodle, Lab-Poodle Hybrid

Listed below are what is known for labs you can see some of these traits in labradoodles.

Facts about non shedding dogs: All dogs do shed, YES, that is right, all dogs shed.

The term non shed is used on dogs that have hair over fur. The hair grows long and will require grooming to remove the loose or fallen out fur. While this hair falls out at a very minimal amount it does come out as hair does need to regenerate. But instead of it falling out like a Lab or Golden leaving it all over you, your home etc., with Poodle and non shed breeds the hair goes into mats or tangles.

If you brush a non shed coat you will soon realize you get fur in the brush. This is you brushing out the tangle before it forms into a tight mat which is from the dog shedding its hair. The non shed breeds shed less dander and do not drop hair like the other breeds which help reduce the dander and hair being spread through out your life that can cause allergy reactions.

Non shed breeds or crosses make them ideal for people with allergies, asthma, and people that just don't like to be eating, wearing, and living in their dogs fur. Shedding dogs are dogs that blow their undercoat spring and fall. e.g. all the fur underneath the top guard hairs falls out to prepare the dog for winter. They will shed out their thin undercoat from summer and grow a thick undercoat for winter. I am a certified professional dog groomer, and have full training and experience with these coats.

Designer Dog?? What the heck is a designer dog you ask?? A "designer" dog (as the media has labeled them) is a cross between two purebred dogs. A purebred dog is one that has been bred over many generations to breed true. Meaning each puppy that is born looks and has the same temperament and characteristics as one another. In most cases a standard is written and breeders must follow this written standard. Only dogs which make the written standard are to be bred. Purebred dogs are beneficial in that, when you buy a purebred dog you know what you are getting. You know how big your puppy will grow and you know basically what type of temperament and care the dog will need. You know the dogs limits, whether it is capable of agility, hunting, search and rescue, police work, herding, flock guardian, or just simply a companion dog. You have a pretty good idea if the dog will be good with your kids, you know if they will have a tendency to wander or if they will stick close to home. You have a pretty good idea if they will like strangers, or if they will fear them. When one breeds purebred dogs great care must be taken to insure the lines to not become too thin. Even with all the best DNA testing available, genetic problems can occur, however with the proper testing these problems can be greatly reduced. To give you a simple analogy, let's say there was a law passed that stated only people with blonde hair and blue eyes with a high IQ could have children, with the end goal, everyone in the USA to be smart with blonde hair and blue eyes. If this were to happen, as you can imagine, our gene pool would eventually become thin, and many genetic problems would occur. This is why it is very important to ask breeders breeding purebred dogs what types of genetic testing they perform.

What's the difference between a designer dog and a mutt? Generally, a mutt is of uncertain ancestry. A designer dog has documented purebred ancestry, and one knows for sure what it is. The is ACHA the leading registry for designer dogs.

So what's up with these hybrid, "designer" dogs? Are they healthier? Hybrid dogs can still have genetic problems because you are still crossing two first generation dogs, however the percentage of hybrid dogs with genetic problems is much lower than purebred dogs because the gene pool is mixed. Breeders who breed purebred to purebred creating a first generation hybrid believe in the heterosis effect and hybrid vigor. Vigor means, "Physical or mental strength, energy, or force." Unlike purebred dogs, when you adopt a hybrid, you do not know exactly what the temperament, size of the dog, or exact look of the dog will be.

When you breed two different types of purebred dogs together you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. If you are stuck on a hybrid dog how do you know which one to choose? Read the temperament and care for both breeds in the cross and be prepared for any combination of the two. If everything about both breeds matches you and your families personality and lifestyle, than you can most likely assume this cross will work for you. If there is ANYTHING about either breed in the cross that you do not feel matches what you are looking for, avoid that cross. Do not assume or take the chance that only the good characteristics will emerge. You may be in for a big surprise and it is not fair to the puppy to chance that.

It is also important to be aware; not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. While a simple F1 generation cross is said to produce the most hybrid vigor in the dog and the further down the multi-generation chain, the more vigor is lost in the hybrid; there are some benefits to multi-generation crossing. If you want to greater your chances of certain traits, such as non-shedding, sometimes it is necessary to move further down the generation chain, risking less vigor.

To help you understand this concept we will use the Goldendoodle as an example. A Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle (usually the Standard Poodle). In general we will call the first purebred "purebred-A", and the second "purebred-B". Note, the examples of the differences in coat only apply to the Goldendoodle hybrid, all other hybrids will vary in their own way depending on what is in the cross.

F1 = 1st generation puppy - 50% purebred-A and 50% purebred-B - for example, a Golden Retriever to Poodle cross, this is first generation, resulting in healthier offspring. In this particular Goldendoodle cross hair type can be smooth like a Golden, wirey look like a Irish wolfhound or Wavy/shaggy, they can shed or not shed, pups in the same litter can vary. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies.

F1b = backcross puppy - 25% purebred-A and 75% purebred-B. For example, an F1 Goldendoodle and Poodle cross; this is Goldendoodle bred back to Poodle, Wavy Curly shaggy look doodle very consistent in coat types. F1b is the MOST likely of any to be non shedding and allergy friendly then ANY doodles (poodle crosses) and is the easiest coat to take care of.

F2 = second generation puppy - F1 hybrid crossed with an F1 hybrid - for example, an F1 Goldendoodle crossed with an F1 Goldendoodle. This combination you get the same percentage of purebred-A as purebred-B as you would an F1 hybrid. In the case of the Goldendoodle, they are more likely to shed.

F2b = second generation backcross puppy = F1 bred to a F1b (hybrid backcross)

Multi-generation = F3 or higher generation hybrid crossed with F3 or higher generation hybrid

First picture if of a wire hair coat that sheds, Second picture is of a fleece coat that does not shed:

and not to be used with out written permission
Thank you for your understanding

Miniature Poodle	Standard Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is a cheerful, super smart, sensitive and highly trainable companion dog. The breed is great at learning tricks, and a favorite in the circus ring. The Poodle will feel slighted if it is left out of family activities. He is very amusing and clever. Many owners feel this dog understands speech in an uncanny way. Some love to play with children, but some are sensitive and nervous. They can be somewhat high-strung. Be careful where you buy your puppy. Purchase from parents you have met and liked, and even ask to see the grandparents if possible. They tend to be quite reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. They do tend to bark a lot. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets.	The Standard Poodle is an elegant, medium to large-sized dog, with a profuse, but well groomed and clipped, wiry curly coat. The head and muzzle are long. The skull is a bit rounded, with a slight stop. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The ears are wide and hanging close to the head. The eyes are oval and generally very dark. Brown and cafe-au-lait colored Poodles have dark amber eyes, while apricot dogs may have amber eyes, but dark eyes are considered better. The Poodles length from breastbone to rump is approximately the same as the height at the withers. The topline is level except for a slight depression behind the withers. The croup is rounded and the feet are compact, small, and oval. The tail is docked to half the original length. All solid colors are allowed. The coat may be groomed into three basic styles: the "pet clip" (or puppy clip), with relatively short hair all over the entire body, the "English saddle clip," and the "Continental clip," with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles, and pom-poms left on the tail and hips. The Standard Poodle has a delightful springy gait. The Standard Poodle is proud, elegant, dignified and good-natured. These dogs are highly intelligent and one of the most trainable breeds. They are pleasant, happy and sensitive. The Standard Poodle tends to be a bit calmer than the smaller variety of Poodles. They need to be with people and dislike being alone. For the most part they are generally friendly toward strangers, and are excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some Standards are good guard dogs and some can be trained as hunters.
Height: 11-15 inches (28-38 cm.) Weight: 15-17 pounds (7-8 kg.)	Height: 15 (38cm) or more. Weight: Dogs 45-70 pounds (20-32kg.) Bitches 45-60 pounds (20-27kg.)
A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness. Allergies and skin conditions are common - possibly due to unskilled use of clippers or allergies to shampoo and/or color reinforcer. Runny eyes and ear infections are also common. They are also prone to PRA, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)	A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness, allergies and skin conditions are common... possibly due to unskilled use of clippers or allergies to shampoo and/or color reinforcer. Hip dysplasia, runny eyes, and ear infections are also common. They are prone to Von Willebrand's Disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Prone to bloat, so it is wise to feed your Standard 2-3 small meals a day, rather then one large one.
Miniature Poodles need a daily walks. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. They adore water and love sessions of play. The Miniature Poodle is good for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.	The Standard Poodle needs to be taken on a daily walk. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes, so long as they get their walk in. They however, will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard retains its sporting instincts, has great stamina, and needs more activity than the smaller varieties. Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice.
Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years.	Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years or more
Grooming requirements: Extensive grooming is needed. They must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The ears should be checked regularly for mites and the ear hair should be pulled out if necessary. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming and protection to the joints and major organs from cold, but many owners opt for the plain lamb clip - the same length all over, because it is easier and more economical to maintain. The teeth need regular scaling. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. (See description for different styles of clips.)	Grooming requirements: Extensive grooming is needed. They must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The ears should be checked regularly for mites and the ear hair should be pulled out if necessary. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming while protecting the joints and major organs from cold, but many owners opt for the plain lamb clip - the same length all over, because it is easier and more economical to maintain. The teeth need regular scaling. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. (See description for different styles of clips.)
Origin: Although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont, is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place on the affections of the French. It is certain that the Poodle is descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" probably derives from the German word "Pudel," which means one who plays in water. The Poodle was used as a gun dog. Originally the breed was used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl. Hunters clipped the dog's thick coat to help him swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breeds high intelligence, trainability and innate showmanship and made the Poodle into a circus performer. His great popularity in that country led to the breeds common name "French Poodle." In France, however, the Poodle is called the "Caniche," or duck dog. The Poodle has been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century. The toy and miniature poodle varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. The three sizes are considered as one breed and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything.	Pictures of standard Poodle Angel

Golden Retriever
Description: The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, sturdy, well-proportioned dog with a feathered, medium-length, cream to golden-colored coat. (The coat is not suppose to be red.) The outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is dense. The head is broad, with a tapering, but wide, powerful muzzle. It has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The nose is black and the kindly eyes are brown with dark rims. The ears are medium-sized and pendant. Its neck and thighs are muscular and the chest is broad. The tail is long, but never curled.	Temperament: These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.
Life expectancy: About 10-12 years	Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.) Weight: Dogs 60-80 pounds (27-36kg.) Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.)
The Golden Retriever needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. In addition, they like to retrieve balls and other toys. Be sure to exercise this dog well and do not overfeed, as he tends to put on weight.	Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. OFA and CERF certification are important from both parents. Parents should also be checked for Von Willebrand's disease and heart problems. Skin allergies are common in Golden Retrievers and require immediate veterinary attention.
The smooth, medium-haired double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average to heavy shedding.	This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.
	Origin: The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. In fact the breed was first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled.

Labrador Retriever
Description: There are two types of Labradors, the English Labrador and the American Labrador. The English bred lab comes from English bred stock. Their general appearance is different. The English bred labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American bred Lab comes from American bred stock and is tall and lanky. The Labrador Retriever is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat that does not have any waves and comes in solid black, yellow, or chocolate. The Labrador has a broad head, thick nose, scissors bite and a pronounced stop. Its muzzle is fairly wide and its neck is powerful. The eyes are chestnut or hazel with an intelligent expression. The medium-sized ears are pendant. The otter tail is strong, thick near the body then tapering, and completely covered with hair. Its limbs have good bone structure. The webbed feet aid in swimming.	Temperament: The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water - for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They can become destructive if left too much to their own devices. Train Labradors early not to pull on the leash, as they have very strong necks. Show lines are generally heavier and easier going than field lines. Field lines tend to be very energetic and high strung. Often the best pets are from combination show/field stock. This breed is very popular. If you are planning to show, buy only from a reputable breeder. Labs are a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever. Some of their talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility, and competitive obedience. Labs bred from English lines (English Labs) are more calm and laid back than Labradors bred from American lines. English Labs mature quicker than the American type.
Life expectancy: About 10-12 years	Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 21-23 inches (53-58cm.) Weight: Dogs 60-75 pounds (27-34kg.) Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.) Some males can grow to 100 pounds (45kg) or more.
Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs, delighted to work and play hard. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walks, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. Labs are big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight.	Health Problems Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA and eye disorders.
The smooth, short-haired, double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs are average shedders.	Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
	Origin: Once known as the "St John's Dogs," the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada the Labrador was trained to jump overboard into the icy waters to haul fisherman's nets to shore. Specimens were brought to England in the 1800's by English ships coming from Labrador, where the dog's fine retrieving instincts were honed and developed. One of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, loving disposition, the highly trainable Labrador also excels in drug detection, as a guide for the blind, and service dog for the disabled. The breed is also an outstanding obedience and field trial competitor.