Is it just me, or is everybody talking about Doodles?
If you read the headlines, Labrador Retrievers are America’s favorite dog for the 30th consecutive year. And the rest of the list looks very similar to recent years as well. Bulldog. Golden Retriever. German Shephard. Etc. BUT…those results are tallied only from actual AKC registrations. So the appropriate headline should read, “The Most Popular AKC Registered Dogs in America.” There is no consideration for Doodle popularity, or any other mixed breed.
So what’s truly the most popular breed these days? Well, there’s really no way to be certain, but I Think Rover.com is a bit closer to reality. According to Rover, the most popular dog in America is simply called “Mixed Breed”. And then Goldendoodle, also a mixed breed of course, is #5. 
I’d tend to agree. If we at Lost Creek formed our top 10, based on what we hear from dog owners, vets, groomers and breeders, we’d definitely agree that “Mixed Breed” would be at the top. And of those mixed breeds, Goldendoodles, and the other Doodles, would rank high.
Why has America fallen in love with Doodles?
When considering today’s Doodle popularity, the first thing everyone talks about is fur quality. Poodles have very little dander and shed very little. This usually translates to the Doodles. While Doodles aren’t 100% non-shedding, they can be much better in that regard than many purebred dogs. This is very beneficial to many people with allergies. (And some (like Michele) who are tired of sweeping up dog hair!)
But once a Doodle goes home, why do families continue to rave about them? Why do many Doodle owners get a 2nd, and a 3rd Doodle? We get many emails about how great these puppies are, and believe it or not, it’s rare the family mentions shedding! The reason might again be attributed to the Poodle, but it might surprise you!
The lesser known Poodle attribute that Doodle owners love...
When we speak with new Doodle owners, we talk about Poodle fur and Retriever temperament. Or Poodle fur and Border Collie personality. Or Poodle fur and Bernese goofiness. Or, new Doodle people love their look. Shaggy. Fluffy. Unkempt. Think Benji (who was a Doodle – Cocker/Schnauzer/Poodle mix) or Shaggy D.A. (if you’re old enough to remember.)
But when we speak with experienced Doodle owners, we start to hear other things. We get MANY comments about the Doodle personality. But it’s usually something like, “my dog seems almost human”. Or, “seriously, she looks like a human in a dog costume.” Or, “his eyes. He looks at me like he totally understands me.” These traits go back to the POODLE! Poodles bring that very unique, human look and presence.
In spite of being known as "circus dogs" or "uppity French pets"...
…Poodles should be taken seriously. Poodles are ranked #2 on the list for WORLD’S MOST INTELLIGENT DOGS! And not only that, they’re also excellent hunting dogs, which is what they were bred to do in the first place.
Poodles are quick learners who are quite adept at figuring things out and they are eager to please.
Poodles are smart and talented, there is no doubt. But they also bring a sort of silliness. They’re playful, quirky and affectionate. It’s been our experience that Poodles, especially Standard Poodles, are highly emotionally intelligent animals. They are sensitive and empathetic and all this translates through to the Doodle.
They love to be challenged and are quick learners. And, they’re very eager to please, as stated by Adrienne Farricelli, of Dog Discoveries. You can see some of their amazing abilities on the video at the Dog Discovery Link. That’s Sailor the Poodle, who is certainly eager to please his dad! Here’s another video. Sailor’s amazing! Be sure to give him some love on YouTube!
In conclusion...
Doodle popularity is still on the rise, and they have become an American favorite. But the reasons for this are sometimes misunderstood. Sure, at first it might just be the cuteness factor or the potential for less shedding. But in the end, they really are very unique dogs. And that’s why most Doodle owners love them even more as they get older. Stop a Doodle owner the next time you see them – at Starbucks, on a walk or anywhere, and ask them what they think. You’ve probably never heard anyone talk about their pet like what you’ll hear a Doodle mom or dad say. And the Poodle is largely responsible for this!
The Poodle brings not only the amazing coat, but also a unique intelligence and personality that makes the Doodles almost irresistible. They blend differently with Goldens, Border Collies, Pyrs, and Bernese. Each type of Doodle is different. But most owners would probably agree that they’re all amazing.
They’re certainly unique…just ask any Doodle parent!
Aw, it was nice of you to talk about just how well-behaved Goldendoodles are. I’m sure my cousin would be thrilled to find out about this when she meets with a pet breeder sometime soon. She already told me a couple of times about her plan to get a dog for her apartment.
Hey Sam! They’re truly amazing dogs! Best of luck helping your cousin find a puppy. You won’t be disappointed!