So, why are Flandoodles considered the perfect dog? Have you ever heard of the Flandoodle? Well, you are going to learn all about these unbelievable pets in this article today.
Not only is this breed fun to say, but they are also one of the perfect breeds for many families. Today we will go beyond just looks to show you exactly why your next dog needs to be a Flandoodle.
Origins
Flandoodle has a rich history. They are a crossbreed of a Bouvier des Flandres and the Poodle. The Bouvier is a herding dog from Flanders,
Belgium that developed into extra farmhands.
But they have also ventured into working as guard dogs and police dogs. The Poodle is a natural-born hunting dog from the German and France regions.
In the early ’90s, the first Flandoodle came about as a designer dog in the USA. They are the perfect combination of the hunter and herding dogs. They are hypoallergenic thanks to the Poodle lines and have fantastic temperaments.
You may be wondering since they are so large, do Bouvier des Flandres drool? They do not drool more than the average dog, and therefore neither will your Flandoodle.
Temperament
Flandoodles have a great personality. They are energetic, fun-loving, gentle, and loyal. Your Flandoodle will want to go everywhere you go. Being right at your side through all daily activities are what helps them thrive. They are intelligent and sensitive to others’ emotions around them.
While they can be the perfect family pet, they will also need to have early socialization. If they are not socialized early, they can be shy towards other pets and people.
But, when you introduce them to new experiences early, they will be outgoing and excepting of almost everything.
Your new Flandoodle will have strong bonds with you and enjoy everything you enjoy. But, these Doodles are not for the light-hearted. They do require a lot of attention and can not be left alone for a long time.
Training
Doodles of all kinds are known for their intelligence. The same is true for the Flandoodle. Flandoodles learn at an average pace. So while they probably will not be at the top of their class, at least they aren’t at the bottom. They are eager to please and also respond well with positive reinforcement.
It is a good idea to exercise your dog before training sessions. Especially as young puppies, they can be very hyperactive. Getting a long walk-in to wear them out can help them keep focus while training. You may also want to break up training sessions into 20-30 minute increments at first. Since large dogs take longer to mature, it will be hard for them to keep focus for too long.
It is also essential to train a Flandoodle’s mind with puzzles, tasks, and mind teaser games. They do not like being alone for long and can develop bad habits to curb boredom. When you leave for work, give your dog special treats and toys that they only have while you are gone. You will also want to have a rotation of these toys to keep their minds active while you are away.
Exercise
Exercise is just as important as training with Flandoodles. A dog that does not get enough activity throughout the day can have serious adverse effects. Your dog may start to act out, chew things, and even mark inside the house. They will also have a hard time listening to commands, even when trained.
We recommend giving your Flandoodle at least an hour’s walk a day combined with an hour of playtime. This walk will help provide them with time outside the yard and stretch their legs. It can also prevent them from wanting to run away every time a door is left open. Even Mini Flandoodles need a lot of exercise, so there is no escaping that.
There isn’t anything that you do that your Flandoodle won’t be able to keep up with. They love swimming, hiking, running, and exploring and are the ultimate outdoor dog. They don’t even mind the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
Coat Type
Is the Flandoodle hypoallergenic? Yes, they can be, but not always. A Flandoodles coat can be curly or wavy depending on which genetics they get. Curly coats tend to shed less than wavy coats, but even wavy coats do not shed much. These dogs are great for anyone that has allergies, asthma, or does not want a shedding dog.
But, a word of caution. Hypoallergenic does not mean that you will not be allergic to these dogs. Flandoodles will still produce dander, which is what people are allergic to. So if anyone has severe dog allergies in the home, a Doodle might not be optional.
Their hair is usually very thick and kept at a longer length. But, there technically isn’t a breed standard for a Flandoodle haircut. If you like it shorter or longer than others, that is fine too. Flandoodles can come in almost any variety of colors you can imagine. But, the most common colors are brown, black, white, and grey.
Grooming
Since Flandoodles are hypoallergenic, it means that they need a different type of grooming than short-haired dogs. Flandoodles typically are kept with a long shaggy coat that requires daily grooming. Because of how active they are, you will want to comb behind the elbows, ears, and stomach every day to prevent knots.
You may even have to brush their hair every day to keep it from matting during activities. If you want to decrease whenever you need to brush their coats, you might want to keep their hair cut short. You will still need to brush several times a week and comb in high-friction areas, though.
Your Flandoodle will also need to see a groomer every 6-8 weeks for a cut and bath. Coat health is critical with Doodles and needs maintenance from a young age. And they will need this grooming their entire lives. This might seem like a lot of work, but once your puppy gets used to the process, it will be fast and easy.
Size And Lifespan
When you think about a Flandoodle, what usually comes to mind is a standard. These are the most bred Flandoodles and grow up to weigh about 55-80 pounds. These Flandoodles are bred with a Standard Poodle and Standard Bouvier des Flandres and live 10-12 years. But, since both of these dogs come in miniature sizes, it is possible to get a mini Flandoodle.
There is a lot of debate on how small a Mini Flandoodle is since they do not have a breed standard yet. If you are wanting a mini Flandoodle, it is best to talk with your breeder about how they breed their minis. Seeing how small both of the parents are will give you a good idea of how little your puppy will be. Your breeder may even be able to show you pictures of their fully grown minis for comparison.
Medical Concerns
Flandoodles are known to be reasonably healthy dogs with the right breeding. But, every breed of dog is prone to getting some diseases.
Flandoodles are the most prone to developing eye diseases, hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and heart disease. You can screen for all these with health screenings on puppies and parental dogs.
A reputable breeder will always health screen their breeding pairs before a match is final. These health screens will tell them the probability of passing on genetic disorders and mutations. Your breeder wants to make the breed they love better and will not take high chances of making sick puppies.
A lot of these medical conditions are familiar in the purebred parents from years of inbreeding and poor breeding. So, if you want to qualify that your puppy’s chances are better, getting a family history might help.
Cost
Of all the Doodles in the world, the Flandoodle is probably the most affordable. Your average Flandoodle will cost anywhere from $300-$1,000. These Doodles are also pretty standard across the US, so you won’t have to look far for a breeder. These can be a blessing and a curse. The good news is that you will likely not have to pay thousands of dollars like with other breeds. The bad news is that it makes it harder to weed out backyard breeders and puppy mills.
There are a few safeguards that you can take to make sure that your breeder is reputable. Always tour a facility and do a wellness check on all breeding dogs. The conditions they are in are a great way to tell how well they are bred. Also, make sure to ask for wellness checkups by the parents and to see family medical history. If your breeder can accommodate these two requests, chances are they are a backyard breeder.
In Conclusion
The Flandoodle makes a wonderful pet for the active owner. They are the perfect pet for the outdoor family that likes to see the world. Not only do they have fantastic temperaments, but they are also hypoallergenic and smart. Your new Flandoodle will enjoy life to the fullest with you by their sides.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
