Which Breed Is Right for Me & My Family?
Any of our “Doodles” make great family dogs. They are extremely adaptable and have very few health problems. They tend to inherit the best characteristics of both breeds, with less shedding and hypoallergenic traits as big pluses. Whichever you choose, it’s hard to go wrong with a Doodle.
If you have a lot of space and prefer large dogs, then a Bernese Mountain Dog may be a good option. The breed is good with families and children, provided they have been appropriately socialized. They do require some space and attention, so be sure you can offer your new puppy what it needs.
Comparing Breeds
Here at Doodles on the Ridge, we specialize in breeding several types of dogs. We’d be happy to talk with you more about the best choice for your family and situation. But to get the conversation started, consider this general guide (click here for information on “Doodle” breeds):
Standard Poodle
The Poodle is the national dog of France, but there’s no such breed as the “French Poodle.” It actually originated as a duck hunting dog in Germany, and still sports great swimming and retrieving abilities. Thanks to its many fine qualities, it became a favorite of nobles in France and all of Europe. It’s easy trainability and personality also made Poodles popular with European circuses.
Today’s Standard Poodle makes a fantastic family pet. They have many desirable traits, like a high level of intelligence, obedience and adaptability. Poodles are athletic and playful, and are very social with other dogs and strangers. They make excellent companions and get along well with children of all ages.
- Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, adaptable, hypoallergenic
- Height: 15+ in.
- Weight: 60-70 lbs. (male), 40-50 lbs. (female)
- Lifespan: 10-18 years
- Colors: White, black, gray, apricot
- AKC breed popularity: #7 of 196
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog originally hails from Bern, a vast agricultural region in Switzerland. Berners were used to drive cattle, guard farm animals and pull carts. After the work was done, they served as gentle companions. They were first brought to the U.S. by a Kansas farmer in 1926, and are now a popular breed with families of all sizes.
While large and powerful, Berners are also sweet and affectionate. Because they are openhearted, their feelings are easily hurt — they don’t respond well to strict correction or harsh training methods. This breed is great with families and is particularly gentle with children as long as they have been appropriately socialized. They are always ready to play and do need regular attention, so are not happy when left alone for long periods of time.
With their thick, silky coats of black, white and brown/rust, Berners are beautiful. They have distinctive markings on the body and face that identify them as Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: Good-natured, calm, strong
- Height: 25-27.5 in. (male), 23-26 in.(female)
- Weight: 80-115 lbs. (male), 70-95 lbs. (female)
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: Black, white and brown/rust mix
- AKC breed popularity: #22 of 196
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever was developed as a breed in the mid-1800s in the Scottish Highlands in an effort to create the ideal gundog. It was a mix of Yellow Retriever and Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct), as well as a bit of Irish Setter and Bloodhound. It arrived in America in the early 1900s and impressed both hunters and dog show fanciers. The breed found extensive popularity when President Gerald Ford introduced Americans to his Golden named Liberty.
Golden Retrievers are popular family dogs because they are outgoing, trustworthy, easy to train and eager to please. They’re friendly and playful, and a good match for a robust family of growing kids. Goldens are full of energy, and can spend hours just swimming and playing fetch.
The Golden Retriever gets its name, of course, from its dense, lustrous coat of medium-long gold fur.
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, devoted
- Height: 23-24 in. (male), 21.5-22.5 in. (female)
- Weight: 65-75 lbs. (male), 55-65 lbs. (female)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- AKC breed popularity: #3 of 196
Labrador Retriever
The traditional waterdog of Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever has a history as a duck retriever and fisherman’s mate. They became popular in the early 1800s when English nobles brought them back to England. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1903, and the AKC followed in 1917.
Labrador Retrievers have reigned as America’s favorite breed for 30 years now, and for good reason. The breed standard describes their ideal disposition as “a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and nonagressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog.”
The Lab’s smooth, dense coat typically comes in yellow, black and chocolate. They are always friendly, and make enthusiastic pets who bond with the whole family, including other pets and neighbors. Labs are quite athletic, requiring plenty of exercise, especially swimming never-ending games of fetch.
- Temperament: Friendly, active, outgoing
- Height: 22.5-24.5 in. (male), 21.5-23.5 in. (female)
- Weight: 65-80 lbs. (male), 55-70 lbs. (female)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- AKC breed popularity: #1 of 196
What Kind of Puppy Are You Looking For?
Let us know what type of puppy you’re considering and when you’re looking to adopt. We’ll get back to you as soon as we’re done feeding, grooming, exercising and playing with our dogs! Better yet, give us a call or text to Bruce at (224) 330-9038.