In light of the recent announcement by the Obama family that the
“labradoodle” is under consideration as the next "first dog," the
Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC) and the Poodle Club of America
(PCA) are voicing their concerns about this trend – one that they feel
is detrimental to canine welfare and potential pet owners.
“These crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with
the idea that there is an advantage to these designer dogs,” said LRC,
Inc. Board Member Frances S. Smith DVM, Ph.D. and Diplomate American
College of Theriogenology. “The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the
genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that
owning a purebred dog has to offer.” To read the LRC’s full statement
go to: http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/labradoodle.php
“Some breeders breed to improve a breed while others do it for profit,”
says Fred Kampo, vice president of the LRC. “‘Doodle’ breeders hype
them as the ideal dog, but every dog in a litter of mixed breed pups is
different-- there is no predictability in size, temperament, energy
level, coat type so selling them for thousands of dollars to an
unsuspecting public as so-called ‘designer dogs,’ often at prices
higher than what a reputable breeder of purebred dogs would charge
makes no sense. Our clubs can’t sit back and watch people being misled
any longer.”
According to the PCA’s “Report to the Media on Poodle Rescue,”
“Labradoodles were first produced in Australia in 1989 through an
experimental breeding program sponsored by the Royal Guide Dog
Association. The goal of this experiment was to produce a dog more
suitable for disabled individuals with allergies than the typical
Labrador Retriever. The Association believed that by crossing the
steady temperament of the Lab with the Standard Poodle, with its low
shedding coat, a solution for this small population of people would be
found. Upon analysis of the breeding program however, it was found that
fewer than 35% of the labradoodles produced were acceptable as guide
dogs and an even lower percentage were found to be ‘hypoallergenic.’
The last labradoodle bred to attempt to become a guide dog was born in
1996 and the Association has no plans to continue the experiment.” Read
the complete report at:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8079809/A-Poodle-for-Obama-Press-Release-from-The-Poodle-Club-of-America-Rescue-Foundation-Inc
“We aren’t necessarily advocating for the Obamas to get a poodle as we
are always concerned about our breed’s profile being raised,” said Jack
MacGillivray president of the PCA. “We do not want to encourage
disreputable breeding or see more dogs come into our rescue program.
However if the choice is between a ‘doodle’ mix and a purebred, we felt
we needed to speak out and educate the Obamas and dog lovers everywhere
about the difference between a purebred and a mixed breed.”
Should the Obamas decide on the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) as their
choice for first pet, both clubs agree that the Portuguese Water Dog
Club of America (www.pwdca.org) is
their best resource. As with the LRC and PCA, club members are
responsible PWD breeders dedicated to the principles of preserving and
protecting the integrity of their beloved breed.
About the organizations:
Poodle Club of America -The Poodle Club of America (PCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of the Poodle. For more information visit: www.poodleclubofamerica.org
Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. - The Labrador Retriever Club, Incorporated (LRC) is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Labrador Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function - that of a "working retriever." For more information visit: www.thelabradorclub.com/