So he flew to Houston to pay big money for a mutt? We have plenty of mutts dying in our shelters he could have chosen from and if he looked hard enough I'm sure he could have found a Labradiddlydoodle available for adoption or at least a mixed breed that closely resembles it. I don't care if the parents are imported from Australia, they're still high priced mutts with no set breed standards or purpose.

These breeders are claiming them to be "hypoallergenic and non-shedding".....there's no such thing and anyone that falls for that sales pitch is a sucker and I have this bridge I'd like to sell you.

Dog breeds were created for a purpose or to do a job; what's a Labradoodles job or purpose that any other breed isn't capable of doing and still be able to be registered and shown with a reputable registry?

Tiger, if you have money to splurge on mutts, why not send some to the dogs who really need it, support a rescue group instead of these backyard breeders.

This is stupid. I can hardly believe that Tiger would pay 2700 for a mutt!! if you go to the breeders website, they even refer to their dogs as a business! All Tiger would have had to do is go to any animal shelter to get the same dog. Labradoodle is not a breed, its a catch-phrase. If people want a dog that doesnt shed but they dont want a poodle, there are plenty of other breeds they could get, bedlington terrier, kerry blue terrier, bichons, curly-coated retrievers, portugese water dogs, spanish wwater dogs, and many more. But i supose doing this would mean that Tiger would actually have had to reasearch various breeds and find the one that actually fits his lifestyle. However none of these dogs have catchy, cute little names, so most people wont both to just take the time and do the reaserch. Mayabe shelters can start charging extra for mutts with cute names.

I have rescued all but one of my animals and have loved each and every one of them with all my heart. They bought me great joy but when I had to have my last dog put to sleep after 14 years of joy she gave me, I needed something to heal my heart. When I saw my hybrid (goldendoodle) I knew that was what I needed to start the healing process so purchased it, yes I said purchased -- it has been the most intelligent, loving, gentle, pleasant dog I have ever had. So I would say that the purpose of the "labradoodle" or in my case my loving goldendoodle Simon is that he makes me happy and he is happy to be with me. Call them "designer dogs" if you want, all I know is that my healing has begun.

It really is unfortunate that blogs are so often plagued by vituperative railings like those of Michelle and Dee. Some people would do well to manage their anger - or at least redirect it - a little better. For persons of their mindset to think that purposefully-bred dogs and homeless dogs in shelters are mutually exclusive propositions is nothing less than inane. Just as there will always be a market for Gucci handbags when a paper bag will serve the same pupose, there will will always be a market for dogs that engender certain qualities, be they nonshedding, hypoallergenic, good with kids, or otherwise. Virtually all dog breeds were created for a reason, if not a purpose - and, yes, even the labradoodle was bred with a pupose in mind when an Australian guide dog organization set out to develop a breed of highly intelligent dogs that does not shed hair or incite allergies in those who need assistance. Does Dee really think the breeds she mentioned have been around since the dawn of time, rather than having been specifically bred for certain qualities like size, coat, color, etc.? As for a lack of being "registered," a little research will show one that almost all of today's breeds took years - the airedale took decades, for instance - to attain so-called recognition as a breed. People choose dogs for reasons that are purely their own. Why attack people like the breeder, who houses these dogs as pets, in this instance? What is a "backyard breeder" anyway? Should they be driveway breeders or bedroom breeders or what? Perhaps there are some prigs in this world whose time and energy would best be spent on a blogs frequented by the many irresponsible pet owners who fail to spay and neuter their dogs, thereby filling our streets and shelters with the very dogs about which they seem to care so much.

I believe the original purpose of a labradoodle was to provide see and eye dogs to those that had allergies. Mixing the poodle (which tends to be hypoallergenic and non-shedding) with the labrador retriever provides a dog that people in need can use if they have allergies. People soon realized that these dogs also have wonderful and loving personalities and many people enjoy them.

"Their dog isn't a cross between a poodle and a lab. Yogi's parents are both Australian Labradoodles imported from Australia. There's a big difference." Wow! What marketing hype! I see that Rutland Manor (the supposed inventor of this breed) lists a standard poodle as the sire of a number of their dogs. Looking at the Australian Labradoodle, I see dogs that are clearly poodle mixes (and heavy on the poodle). I just hope Tiger has a good groomer lined up! He's going to need one.

Thank goodness the USA is a free country so that anyone can purchase WHATEVER breed or mix they want and pay however much they see fit. Who CARES what he paid for it. The question to ask is was the money given to a breeder that bred for health and temperament or was it a breeder that just put two random dogs together and hoped to make some money?

I haven't looked at the website for the breeder, but despite the MANY sleazy breeders out there...there are a NUMBER of very careful breeders that do a fabulous job (yes breeders of mixed breeds).

And actually labradoodles ARE bred for a purpose. They are bred to be a FAMILY dog.

For those of you who do NOT know. Please note that "Australian labradoodle" is not just a fancy name for the same thing you get here. NO...the Aussie ones (which are NOT my favorites) have several breeds in the mix and have been developed over some time TO BE non shedding and low allergy and THESE Types of doodle crosses do typically stand the test for what they were bred for.

Now the typical first generation cross between a lab and a poodle (the kind everyone complains CAN be shedding) is a totally different dog. I actually prefer this one (but I'm not allergic). Some of these can be LOW shedding and some can me moderately shedding...there is more variation.

There is also the backcross labradoodle: first generation labradoodle crossed to a poodle. This one has a lower chance of shedding. A good breeder will TELL you if the one you choose stands a chance at being low shedding...they will NOT claim they are all nonshedding.

Do some research before you paint all labradoodles with the same ignorant brush. Thanks!

--Owner of 2 doodles!

I have a scottish terrier named Mr. Binkles (Binky). He is the smartest dog I have ever known. He is bright, inquisitive, and quick to play. He is a non-shedding dog who would love to meet and play with the Wood's puppies. Write to him to schedule a play date.

This is my comment to all of these people who feel Tiger bought a high priced mutt. First of all they are not mutts, a mutt is not bred they just happen, Labradoodles are bred with a standard just like any reputable breeder would use. They are health tested and have to pass all of the requirements that a so called pure bred breeder would have to pass. They have been bred for a purpose, to provide an allergy friendly family pet and service dog. I have an Australian bred Labradoodle that is involved in Pet Assisted Therapy and has passed the Delta Society Screening process. If everyone was truly interested in eliminating shelter dogs then start dealing with puppy mills and all of those people who do not get their mutts fixed. Frankly, all dogs are mutts since all dogs originated from the same source and were bred to achieve a certain look and function. Just get over yourselves.

Yes I paid $1300 for my Rubee. She is a vibrant, gentle and extremely intelligent ruby red female Labradoodle. I live in Michigan and picked her out of a new litter at the St Clair kennels in St. Clair Michigan. My buddies made fun. Now they think she is the greatest. She is sweet, beautiful and the fastest runner you will ever meet. I always loved Tiger Woods and now I know that he and his wife have made an excellent choice in a wonderful "Mutt". Yogi will keep up with Taz easily. Border Collies are smart and quick also.
Rubee replaced my beloved Dalmatian Emma. I am not sorry. She is one of a kind and she reminds me of my Emma as she runs along the beach or waits for fish in the Lake. Have lots of water around for Yogi.
Sincerely,
ME Cunningham

Breeders are tantamount to slave-traders. No, they're worse, because they go so far as to create new life for their profiteering. Well, as with any nefarious business (drugs, pornography, prostitution), there wouldn't *be* a business if there weren't people supporting the business. So Tiger, you're 50% to blame. As Michelle said in post #1, get off your fancy arse and save a life at your local shelter rather than add to the bloated animal-breeding industry. Not only will you save a life; evidently you'll save $2700.

I think Yogi is beautiful! I also have an Australian Labradoodle. They are very intelligent, super beautiful, and easily trained. Tiger Woods couldn't have gotten a better dog. And to those with negative comments: You get what you pay for. These dogs are not ordinary mutts, they are bred with specific intentions.

I agree that paying $2700 for a dog, ANY dog, is insane. That type of money should be given to his local humane society instead.

I do, however, have to apologize for "Michelle 6:46pm 8/25". She apparently knows nothing of what she speaks. I have been hospitalized several times in my 31-year life for my severe dog allergy. My wife's desire to have a dog led me to spend considerable time with a Labradoodle breeder in FL to see what reaction I might have. After several visits, I finally purchased an F2 Labradoodle (for $500, by the way). I've had her for 15 months and have never had a problem. By the way, the only thing that ever sheds is her tail. She might not be considered a "recognized" breed but she is intelligent, strong, loving, and very protective of our house, and that's good enough for me.

Michelle, you are a "dog snob". If the existence of Labradoodles allows people to own dogs that otherwise couldn't, then it qualifies them as a worthy breed. You should find a hobby other than criticism because you're wasting everyone's time with your whining.

I agree that Tiger should've gone to a shelter if he did not want a pure bred.

I think it's sad that someone in the limelight that can influence people like Tiger Woods would not have educated himself before purchasing this puppy. Labradoodles are already beginning to show up in shelters and the fact that there will be people wanting these mixed breed dogs because Tiger Woods has one is only going to lead to more irresponsible people breeding them and more of them being killed in shelters. The only losers will be the dogs.

I have my favorite breed, but I would hate to think that I would be so shallow that only one dog or breed in the world could heal my heart when there are so many out there dying for a home.

Why,why,why. Poodles are extremely intelligant breed, fun loving dogs. I guess that is why you see all the poodle-mixes. But this brings in a whole new ballpark mix of breed health problems (hips, eyes, vwd,cancers). Everyone is allowed to chose their pets but if you want a mutt go to the rescue centers if you want a poodle or lab go to a breeder with AKC dogs. This way you know what you are getting.

Gosh give the guy a break! Okay so he should have adopted from a shelter, but he decided not too. Atleast we know that this dog whatever he/she is, will be in a loving home and will get very spoiled. I bought my dog from a breeder but that is b/c I wanted too and that was my choice as it was Tiger's and his wife. I think some of you are being just a bit harsh on him.

Grace

Tiger has made a great choice. We have had our labradoddle named BUNKER who is now three years old and has turned into a great dog. He was a bit hyperenergetic at first but has since calmed down. As to shedding, there seems to be a great deal of difference between first generations and later generations as our friends who also own labradoddles will attest. The comments made that refer to how Tiger should spend his money and I mean HIS money are tottally uncalled for. Don't tell me how to spend my hard earned money either. Tiger has done far more than most people could even dream of in terms of giving back. Thank You Tiger and GOOD LUCK
Sincerely
Ed & Amy

Gosh folks,

Even if a cocka-poodle-schnu can command some $$ in the marketplace, it seems like a good thing to me. With the attention paid to each mixed breed, we are expanding our recognition of the value of mixed breeds in general - dogs that are otherwise seen as valueless and disposable. Maybe one day they will all have value to us. I dream of that day.

Kim

We recently purchased a goldendoodle named Tucker. My children have allergies and we already have two cats in the house so we were looking for a retriever type (large)dog that is hypoallergenic and low shedding. We found what we were looking for in our new dog. He is 5 months old, completely house broken and obeys our commands and better yet has an excellent temperment. I will never regret what we paid for our dog because he is worth it and by far the best, most obedient and kid friendly dog I have ever owned! I would recommend their breed to anyone. April

For all those that found a wonderful family pet by purchasing a $2000 mutt, I'm glad you're happy, especially for those of you with allergies. However, did you know that it's not the shedding that causes allergic reactions, it's the protien in dog dander that causes it? Different dogs have different amounts of protiens in their dander, even dogs of the same breed.

Yes, Labradoodles were originally created to be services dogs for people with allergies, however it was discovered that people still had allergic reactions to these dogs, so now what is their purpose that any other breed or mix can't do? Breeding them as just family pets is a poor excuse because there are millions of "pet" quality dogs dying in shelters everyday because there aren't enough good homes. For every dog purchased from a breeder, and equal number of dogs die in a shelter. Like Dee said, if shelters started making up cute goofy names and charging high prices for the mixed breeds they have, maybe people would adopt more dogs.

Linda Clear, you think mutts aren't bred, they just happen? Ignorance truly is bliss. Mutts are being bred every day by people looking to cash in on the profit of puppy peddling and slapping a cute name on it and using marketing ploys like "hybrid vigor" to attract uneducated consumers. Labradoodles don't have a standard because even the breeders still don't know what they will get with each breeding. The written standard on Lone Stars site isn't very clear cut and has many options of what could result from a Labradoodle breeding, that's not a standard and if they health & temperament test their dogs, I sure didn't see any proof of that on their site. Ethical breeders are proud to show the results of their breeding stock's tests. Another thing that distinguishes responsible breeders from BYBs is that responsible breeders don't advertise their puppies for sale on their website, or anywhere because they have a waiting list of responsible homes lined up before a breeding takes place.

Dog snob? Me? Not quite. I'm one of the many tired, frustrated, stressed, bitter, sad, animal rescuers that see the results of irresponsible breeding, overbreeding and irresponsible pet ownership. I foster many homeless dogs in my home, working and waiting for the right homes to come along for them. I condone responsible breeding of purebred dogs that have been proven sound of body, mind, and can do the job they were bred for. I strongly encourage the adoption option for anyone that is looking for a pet quality dog whether it be mixed or purebred. And guess what, I've even rescued, rehabed and rehomed a Labradoodle that was about to die in a shelter. He was hairless, covered in mange and emaciated. Had I not saved him he would have been euthanized with the rest of the unwanted mutts because he didn't have a cute label or appearance.

There aren't enough good homes for all of the pets already in this world without people creating more so they can make a profit.

Don't breed or buy while shelter animals die.

This is obviously a hot issue with much passion on both sides. Mutts vs purebreds has been an issue for a long time and will likely not be decided here. There are pros and cons with each. I bred dogs for a numer of years (the breed doesn't matter for this discussion) and did so purely for the love and advancement of that particular breed. I had health checks on all (two) of my breeding females, kept them in a loving home environment, and most importantly, never bred a litter unless I knew I had loving pet or show homes available. I lost a lot of money selling show quality puppies to pet homes when I knew that they would be assured a good forever home. Gave my share away to widows and grieving parents as well. The point is, there are many honest breeders out there who truely care about the breeds they represent and the homes their puppies go to. I know because many of them are still my friends today. That said, there are also many "backyard" or puppymill breeders who couldn't care less. These are the breeders who don't research bloodlines for genetic defects or disease, who don't research buyers to make sure the home will be a good and permanent match,who don't follow-up by helping buyers with training problems or general questions. These are the breeders primarily responsible for the "purebreds" currently in shelters. The mutts in shelters are often from Mr. and Ms Smith with the litter that was supposed to teach little Susie a life lesson. (The major lesson being that they couldn't unload the puppies and dumped them at the pound.) Or the young or grown dogs that were obtained by owners not prepared or committed to helping the dog become a welcome member of the household and later the poor dog was deemed "unmanagable" or "unwanted". Would I personally pay what Mr.Woods did for his dog? - nope, but I'm not him and it's not my money. Would I buy from a reputable breeder? In a heartbeat. I have before and will again. At the present though, I am working with a puppy from a rescue group that has been in shelters from the age of six months - family couldn't stop him from peeing on the floor, destroying furniture and chewing on people. He is one of the smartest dogs I've ever owned (yes, we are adopting him), just never effectively trained on what was appropriate for him to do and not do. He has been, and will continue to be, a lot of hard work, but worth every bit of effort. And I love him every bit as much as I've ever loved any of my other dogs - both purebred and mongrel. In the end, most people choose the dogs, purebred or not, that tug at their hearts. If from a shelter or rescue group, so much the better. But don't put down reputable breeders or the dogs they breed- they are not the problem.

VERY WELL PUT MICHELLE. You voiced what I feel on a daily basis when we take in yet another family pet that was dumped at a kill shelter because they were "moving", "they suddenly became allergic after 15 years", "had a baby" or a whole litany of other inane, stupid, pointless excuses. There are TOO MANY, YES TOO MANY, animals in this world without homes and for someone to continue creating more breeds is just unconscionable. For all of you who criticize those of us in rescue and our outspoken opinions on backyard breeders, I challenge any and all of you to spend ONE day in the euthanasia room at the local shelter, THEN, you come back and criticize what we do and our point of view.

Why get a hybrid dog when you can get the real thing in a Standard Poodle. Our 2 year old male has "retriever" gooming so he is not all "dolled" up. He is 70lbs, does not shed at all, is hypoallgenic and is easily the best dog my wife and I have had. Both of us grew up with labs (which are good dogs), but why dilute a Standard Poodle with lab qualities. Our poodle is extremely intelligent, energetic, and doesn't chew or dig. He was easily housebroken and trained. My son has bad allergies and this dog sleeps in his bed and he has no problems. Oh yeah the dog does not smell either.

I am looking for a poodle, a miniature/toy...well, preferably a teacup poodle since I live in an apartment I need a small dog that will not be too big for the environment. Can anyone refer me to a shelter that has these type of dogs. Thanks

Both sides have a point here. We tried very hard to adopt a pooch from a shelter. we were willing to drive hundreds of miles if we had to because I also have severe dog allergies and poodles seem to be the only breed that doesn't make my nose twitch. They are the closest thing there is to hypo-allergenic in the dog world. After more than six months of fostering other supposed "non-allergenic" breeds from local shelters, we finally had to give up and go to a reputable breeder. I would never buy any dog from a pet store or puppy mill and I agree that there are far too many people selling mixed breed dogs as "designer". If that is truly what you want, you can almost always locate one at your nearest shelter. I recommend Petfinder.com as a great resource for locating a specific breed or size or age of dog. In all fairness, I think the creators of the Labradoodle were trying to create a hypo-allergenic working and family dog, but honestly, the standard poodle was orignially bred as a retriever, with that same loving and intelligent personality the lab has, and is great with kids-so what was the point? Even though I had no success with shelters, I still donate money and I have seen them place unwanted and abandoned animals in loving families. They do good work! Its too bad we don't have required classes to teach people to make educated choices when it comes to selecting a pet or even owning one in the first place.

Jennifer here is the link to the Houston Poodle Rescue http://www.poodlerescueofhouston.com/

If you've never owned a Poodle, please do research on the breed to make sure it is the right breed for you. Just like any breed, Poodles aren't for everyone. Also, there is no such thing as a "teacup" Poodle. There is Standard, Miniature, and Toy. "Teacup" is a marketing gimmic that BYBs use to sell dogs by breeding runts to runts to produce smaller than standard, usually, unhealthy dogs.

If you find someone advertising "teacup" puppies of any breed for sale, run! That is a sure sign of an irresponsible breeder out to make money by breeding poor quality dogs.

Please, this is a free country, people have the right to spend their money as they choose. I must assume here that all these rescue shelter purists who take such exception to "buying" an expensive dog must all drive 1980 Toyota Corollas, good on gas and cheap. Let there be no
Hummer owners among you!

Please, this is a free country, people have the right to spend their money as they choose. I must assume here that all these rescue shelter purists who take such exception to "buying" an expensive dog must all drive 1980 Toyota Corollas, good on gas and cheap. Let there be no
Hummer owners among you!

Please, this is a free country, people have the right to spend their money as they choose. I must assume here that all these rescue shelter purists who take such exception to "buying" an expensive dog must all drive 1980 Toyota Corollas, good on gas and cheap. Let there be no
Hummer owners among you!

I THINK TIGER AND HIS FAMILY WILL HAVE MANY WONDERFUL YEARS OF JOY AND LOVE FROM THIS LABRADOODLE NAMED "YOGI". I HAVE 2 DOODLES AND WE ARE TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE THEM IN OUR LIVES. ONE WE PURCHASED AND THE 2ND ONE WE GOT FROM A RESCUE HOME. BOTH ARE GREAT! GOOD LUCK TO THE WOODS FAMILY! ENJOY!

I THINK TIGER AND HIS FAMILY WILL HAVE MANY WONDERFUL YEARS OF JOY AND LOVE FROM THIS LABRADOODLE NAMED "YOGI". I HAVE 2 DOODLES AND WE ARE TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE THEM IN OUR LIVES. ONE WE PURCHASED AND THE 2ND ONE WE GOT FROM A RESCUE HOME. BOTH ARE GREAT! GOOD LUCK TO THE WOODS FAMILY! ENJOY!

We purchased a Labradoodle from Springville Labradoodles in Oregon and we live in Colorado. We were looking for a good tempered, non-shedding dog....we found it with our breeder. We love our dog and he has the best of both breeds. He is a medium size apricot Labradoodle. He is smart and truly does not shed. I completely agree that it depends on the breeder. I was hesitant to purchase a dog via internet, but I knew exactly what kind of dog I wanted. I communicated with this breeder daily until we decided to purchase our puppy. I researched this breed for a long time before I settled on a breeder and then a specific litter. This breeder was wonderful and she made sure we purchased the dog we were looking for. We have two children - 7yo and 8yo - and this dog is wonderful with them. I tell my husband on a regular basis how happy I am that we found him. I truly think it depends on the breeder and how responsible they choose to be when breeding their dogs.
J

We purchased a Labradoodle from Springville Labradoodles in Oregon and we live in Colorado. We were looking for a good tempered, non-shedding dog....we found it with our breeder. We love our dog and he has the best of both breeds. He is a medium size apricot Labradoodle. He is smart and truly does not shed. I completely agree that it depends on the breeder. I was hesitant to purchase a dog via internet, but I knew exactly what kind of dog I wanted. I communicated with this breeder daily until we decided to purchase our puppy. I researched this breed for a long time before I settled on a breeder and then a specific litter. This breeder was wonderful and she made sure we purchased the dog we were looking for. We have two children - 7yo and 8yo - and this dog is wonderful with them. I tell my husband on a regular basis how happy I am that we found him. I truly think it depends on the breeder and how responsible they choose to be when breeding their dogs.
J

We purchased a Labradoodle from Springville Labradoodles in Oregon and we live in Colorado. We were looking for a good tempered, non-shedding dog....we found it with our breeder. We love our dog and he has the best of both breeds. He is a medium size apricot Labradoodle. He is smart and truly does not shed. I completely agree that it depends on the breeder. I was hesitant to purchase a dog via internet, but I knew exactly what kind of dog I wanted. I communicated with this breeder daily until we decided to purchase our puppy. I researched this breed for a long time before I settled on a breeder and then a specific litter. This breeder was wonderful and she made sure we purchased the dog we were looking for. We have two children - 7yo and 8yo - and this dog is wonderful with them. I tell my husband on a regular basis how happy I am that we found him. I truly think it depends on the breeder and how responsible they choose to be when breeding their dogs.
J