Why Everyone Has a Doodle Now

"In 1989, a guide-dog breeder named Wally Conron bred a standard poodle with a Labrador to try and create a guide dog for people who were allergic to dog fur. He named it the Labradoodle. Doodles were marketed as a super dog that combined the temperament of a poodle, which is very intelligent, though sometimes a bit nervy, with a golden retriever or a Labrador, which are seen to be sweeter and more affectionate and calmer than poodles."

"While the popularity of doodles was growing, the people who care about dogs were increasingly concerned with the health issues facing purebred dogs caused by inbreeding. The doodle phenomenon grew as an alternative option. It's not a purebred dog, and it's not a mutt or a rescue. There's a theory that these dogs are healthier—that they have less inbreeding—because they have that cross in them."

"They're very good-looking dogs. They look great on social media. So that's another factor, too."

Doodles emerged from a 1989 Australian breeding program designed to create hypoallergenic guide dogs by crossing standard poodles with Labradors. These crossbreeds gained popularity as alternatives to purebreds, marketed as combining the intelligence of poodles with the temperament and affection of retrievers or Labradors. The doodle phenomenon grew partly due to concerns about health issues in purebred dogs caused by inbreeding. Doodles occupy a unique market position—neither purebred nor rescue dogs. Their popularity increased further due to their aesthetic appeal and strong social media presence. However, doodles remain polarizing, with purebred enthusiasts and rescue advocates expressing skepticism about the trend.

Read at The New Yorker