What does generation mean?

Sunshine Acres specializes in hybrid crosses of Golden Retriever and Poodle, often called the Goldendoodle.  There are so many breeding programs for doodles today that it can be confusing to the newcomer that is trying to educate themselves on what F1, F1B, F3, etc might mean.  Most geneticists agree that hybrid vigor or heterosis occurs in the offspring of two genetically different parents of the same genus.  When Gregory Mendel discovered this with peas, a latin term for generation was created called F for filial (generation = filial).  Thus, we get the term F1 which stands for a first generation cross between two different breeds of dog.

Many years later, mid 1900's, corn geneticists discovered other types of first generation crosses that improved over the single crosses of hybrids of the day (only using two different parent lines).  This 3 way cross, otherwise termed F1 Type 3, was found to improve the genetic performance of the corn lines.  The corn geneticists would use a hybrid and cross it to another unlike parent line.  This improved disease resistance, increased yields, and improved drought tolerance.  However, these same geneticists will also tell you that you must start with at least one line with a desirable characteristic to achieve improvement.  For example, one corn line must have higher yield performance to improve the offspring of a cross.  The more desirable traits that a parent line starts with and the fewer undesirable traits they do not posess, the greater the chance for a successful cross.  This advice is the same for dogs.

Sunshine Acres has adapted this knowledge to our program and have now included the Irish Setter as one of the parent lines.  This new type of hybrid is an F1 Type 3 and has a greater potential for better health and vigor than the traditional F1 (Golden x Poodle).  We have searched far and wide for our genetics to create a firm foundation in our breeding program.  Our Irish Goldendoodles puppies have a hybrid mothers (Irish x Golden) and a purebred father (Poodle).  Other breeds could have been selected, but Sunshine Acres' program is focused on devotion, intelligence, dark rich colors, silky, low to no shedding coats and high health in an attempt to have puppies who live long happy lives.

Since this cross was instituted in 2008, Sunshine Acres now differentiates the two different types of puppies we raise:

F1 Type 1 = Hybrid puppy from purebred parents (Golden and Poodle)

F1 Type 3 = Hybrid puppy from one hybrid parent (f1 Type 1) and one purebred parent (Poodle)

Why Doesn't Sunshine Acres raise other generations?

First of all let's define some of the other generations.

1. F1B refers to a puppy from crossing an F1 Type 1 Goldendoodle to a Poodle (1/4 Golden and 3/4 Poodle).  This cross has been borrowed from the days of the Labradoodle.  An F1 Type 1 Labradoodle often had an undesirable coat, so the F1B Labradoodle was bred in an attempt to set the coat to a more poodle type coat.  This cross can be beneficial to the Goldendoodle if the breeder consistently has F1 Type 1 Goldendoodles with poor quality coats.  Otherwise, the F1B does increase the amount of inbreeding and can lower the amount of hybrid vigor.  Special care by the breeder should be taken to be sure the Poodle parents are the most unrelated as possible.

2. F2 refers to a puppy that is produced by crossing two F1 Type 1 (F1 Goldendoodle) parents.  Unless a breeder is focusing on creating a new purebred dog, this mating would otherwise produce an undesirable offspring if you are looking for a puppy with known genetics.  Simply put, the offspring from to F1 Type 1 Goldendoodles would produce litters that have puppies that are 25% pure Poodle, 50% F1 Type 1, and 25% pure Golden.  Essentially, you can get a similar puppy to the F1 Type 1, but you may not.  Sunshine Acres has chosen not to raise the F2 because we would not know what we are selling.

3. F2B refers to the above mentioned puppy that is mated to a purebred Poodle.  Again, this would set the coat a little more to the Poodle side, but here is what you would really be getting from a litter of puppies with this mating.  50% of your puppies would be purebred Poodle and 50% would be the same as the F1 Type 1 Goldendoodle.  So if you want a Poodle, why not just buy a purebred Poodle (it is worth more and costs less).  If you want an F1 Type 1 Goldendoodle, then buy the F1 Type 1.

4. Anything beyond these crosses are going to yield similar results but the percentages in a litter are going to be different unless the breeder has access to huge gene pool (hundreds of dogs) and are selecting for certain characteristics.  So don't go telling a breeder making these crosses that they are wrong for doing so unless you understand their motivation for the cross.  Sunshine Acres supports the F1 Type 1, the F1 Type 3, a double cross (not yet defined), and the F1B as superior matings for the loveable Goldendoodle.  Remember our focus at Sunshine Acres is about the hybrid vigor and not about making another pure breed.

5. It is Sunshine Acres belief that any Goldendoodle with less than 50% Poodle is not a Goldendoodle.  It is a dog.  It is a hybrid of some sort, but it is not a Goldendoodle.

6. Supporting links on Goldendoodle genetics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F1_hybrid

http://idog.biz/Doodle%20Articles/DoodleArticleHybridVigor.html

http://www.creativegeneticsofca.com/documents/others/australian%20crossbreeding.pdf

just search for 3-way cross and read :)

What kind of coats do your puppies have?

My Goldendoodles have mostly wavy to slightly curly coats.  My reds, golds, and creams shed very lightly to not at all.  I have seen this in person by attending Doodle Romps where my puppies have grown into adults.

You read and hear of so many classifications of coats, such as fleecy, flat, wavy, woolly.  Generally, these terms fit the Labradoodle and not necessarily the Goldendoodle.  For the most part, my Goldendoodles will be soft to the touch and wavy in appearance.  I have found that the male Poodle contributes very much to traits and not all Poodles are cut out to be Doodle Dads.  The Golden Retriever will play more of minor role in the determination of the coat, but generally I look for Doodle Moms who have a decent amount of feathering.

What vaccinations, dewormers, etc do you give?

Here is a link to our schedule, which will accompany your puppy.

Do you remove dew claws?

Yes, they are removed when are puppies are only a few days old.

Do you dock the tail?

No, I feel this is the barometer of what your dog is thinking and is too important to remove.  Of course, you could have it removed at any time, but I would not encourage you to.

What size will the puppies be?

Royal Standards will range above 70.

Standards will range from 40-65 pounds for most of my puppies.

Minis will range from 25-40 pounds.

What is your philosophy on breeding doodles?

All of our Doodle puppies are first generation (F1) crosses.  The F1 hybrid is the healthiest cross possible due to “hybrid vigor”.  It is our desire to raise and promote this hybrid.  We carefully select each purebred parent for the characteristics that would result in puppies with the most desirable pet qualities.

Our goal in breeding F1 puppies is to breed a very healthy puppy with the desirable companion traits found in their purebred parents.  We do not breed multigenerational Doodles as we have no desire to produce a “pure breed” Doodle and we don’t want to see the Doodle hybrid begin to have the inbred genetic problems found in the purebreds.

What testing do you do?

Hips - Canine Hip Displasia (CHD) merits concern by all doodle breeders and its prevalence may be reduced with selective breeding.  CHD is caused by a poorly formed ball-and-socket joint in the hip.  The quality of this joint may be screened by x-ray and can then be certified by either the OFA or PennHip organizations.

To select for new parents at Sunshine Acres, we only use those who rank within the top 50th percentile on their PennHip scores with most of our parents ranking in the 80th and above.

Heart - A second health issue affecting doodles are heart murmurs.  Heart murmurs come in two different forms.  Many puppies, like human babies, can have heart murmurs that go away around 16 weeks of age.  A more severe heart murmur may not go away and develop into an adult dog health issue.  If adult parents have heart murmurs, there is a good chance that a percentage of their puppies may also have heart murmurs.  

All the parents at Sunshine Acres have had their hearts screened.

Blood - von Willebrand is a bleeding disorder that is prevalent in the Poodles.  If you are considering your puppy for breeding, it is important that the Poodle background is clear so you do not pass this down from one generation to another.

All my Poodle parents have been tested for this disease.

How are your puppies socialized?

The training your puppy receives in its first 8 weeks can last a lifetime.  Thus socialization is not taken lightly at Sunshine Acres.  Following is a general schedule each litter follows while here:

• 0-3 weeks -- The puppies are maternally socialized.  This simply means they are cared for and taught by their mother.  Human contact is limited to healthcare and frequent but short contacts.

• 3-6 weeks -- The puppies are imprinted to human contact with petting and light play as well as continued training from their mother.

• 6-8 weeks -- The puppies spend time meeting different aged humans (primarily children) and are placed in different environments to accustom them to change.  They will also interact with other adult dogs and see and hear various other animals.

• 8-12 weeks -- The puppies are now ready to go to their new homes and start their skills training.

Socialization never ends.  As puppies join their new packs, they will instinctively seek their level in the family hierarchy.  Although we love them dearly, they must be trained and taught that they are at the bottom of the family hierarchy.  A very big help to learn how to communicate with your puppy is to enroll him or her in a puppy basic obedience course as early as allowed by the instructor.  Classes are offered at most pet supply stores and canine schools in your area.  This class not only teaches your puppy skills, but continues your puppy's socialization to you, other people, and other dogs.

Following is my recommended schedule for your puppy once he/she is in your care:

• 8-16 weeks -- Take your puppy to its veterinarian for a wellness check shortly after your puppy comes home (within 3 days).  Start to potty train your puppy.  I recommend the crate-training method.  Teach your puppy to sit and stay.  Take your puppy for short walks, but limit interaction with strangers and their pets until his or her immunizations are complete.  Finally, enroll your puppy in an obedience class.

• 16+ weeks -- Once a puppy is trained, he or she will occasionally relapse or possibly start an undesired behavior.  Review the basics with your puppy to remind them of your expectations.  There are many additional courses and training that is offered and you may consider more classes.

What do your Doodles Do?

My doodles have been involved in search and rescue, hunting, and therapy work.  With their socialization skills and intelligence, they are the most suitable for therapy and companion-assistance type of work.  I have personally seen lives touched by my doodles and it does make a difference.

Mostly though, my doodles are acting silly, happy, loving and doing their best to make family ties stronger.  Of course, they still need training.

What do you mean __-Mart mentality?

Be prepared!  Our society has taught us that all we need to do is take our purchases out of the box, put in batteries, and away we go.  Real live puppies p__p and pee where we do not want them to, chew on your belongings (especially through teething time), and require a part of your busy schedule.  They in turn reward you with unconditional love, much happiness, and relief of stress.  

It is so so important to train them up in the way you want them to go or else they will be the biggest menace in your life!  You must learn how to communicate with them.  Read the books and attend a Basics class of your choice.  I do recommend the formal class setting for at least the first part of training so your puppy may continue to socialize with other puppies and people.                                          

Where is Sunshine Acres?

We are located in northwest Indiana, about halfway between Indianapolis and Chicago off I-65.  Here is a link to driving directions.

Where do you advertise?

http://www.pets4you.com/dog_links.html -- A puppy classified page

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com -- A puppy classified page