Candoodle Basics
The super alert Candoodle brings together the smarts of the Poodle with the caring nature of the Canaan dog for a great family dog that is loyal, loving and devoted to his human pack. A protective instinct that comes from a herding and guarding background means this charmer has great watchdog potential.
The loyal and loving Candoodle brings together the intelligence of the Poodle and the protective nature of the Canaan dog.
Origin
The Candoodle is considered a Designer Dog versus a mixed breed because he is the offspring of two pure-bred dogs. Introduced back in the 1980’s these dogs are the result of mixing and matching pure-bred dogs to produce puppies that carried the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed.
Pedigree
The Candoodle is considered a mixed breed so doesn’t quality for the coveted American Kennel Club (AKC) roster however both parent breeds are members. The Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Canaan Dog became a member of the “herding” group in 1997.
Food/Diet
The Candoodle is a medium-sized dog that is super active and needs a nutrient-rich food that will meet his needs based on age, size and activity level. Plan to feed him a top-quality kibble that is not high in fillers (carbs) 2 to 3 times per day versus free-feeding as weight gain can prompt joint issues later in life. Because Poodles can suffer from digestive issues and bloat, choose a low-fat food and ensure exercise is not taken within an hour of him eating.
The Candoodle is a great companion pet for an experienced dog owner.
Training
The Candoodle dog is a mixed bag when it comes to training. He comes from intelligent breeds which make him quick to pick up on commands yet an independent streak means he may or may not decide to follow the command. Patience will be required to bring out the best in this dog and if needed, a professional trainer. The Canaan in this pooch is highly pack sensitive, so establishing a leader early on is very important. A firm and consistent approach to his training will help ensure he knows you are top dog and of course loads of praise and rewards for a job well done will net you great results.
Weight
Your Candoodle will weigh between 35 and 55 pounds when fully grown.
Temperament/Behavior
The Candoodle is a great companion pet for an experienced dog owner. While he does well with children and is a great addition to any family, he is also cautious around strangers and can become protective and “barky” if he feels necessary – meaning he doesn’t do well when left on his own for long periods. He needs to know who leads his pack in order to feel confident and secure so establishing this early on will help him assume his place in the family and respect your commands.
Common Health Problems
Health issues typical for some purebred dogs are often eliminated when they are cross bred. It is however important to know what your little pup may possibly inherit later in life and with the Candoodle this can include joint and digestive issues from the Poodle as well as a kidney disease called Addison’s and Mitral Valve Disease.
Life Expectancy
Candoodles typically live between 12 and 13 years.
Exercise Requirements
The Candoodle comes from two working breeds so activity will be a big part of his life. Longer daily walks will help expend some of his energy and active playtime in a fenced yard or off-leash park will help meet his instinctive needs to run, fetch and herd. This boy can be a digger so be aware if you intend to leave him in the yard without supervision for any period of time.
The loving Candoodle is a great companion dog and is highly loyal to his family pack.
Recognized Clubs
The Candoodle’s designer dog status means he is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
The Candoodle has a thick-double coat that is typically comprised of a short, straight outer-coat and softer thermal under-coat. In spite of the Poodle DNA in this pooch, he’s going to be a moderate- to heavy-shedder and will require brushing 3 to 4 times a week to keep it in check – more during the semi-annual shedding season. He is also a floppy eared dog so a weekly inspection and cleaning should become part of his grooming ritual to prevent infection.
Puppies
If your Candoodle pup picks up the traits of the Canaan, he can be dog-aggressive and cautious around strangers so early socialization is an absolute must for this little guy. Exposing him to other animals and new faces will help make him comfortable and confident in new surroundings and naturally less aggressive. Establishing his owner as the pack leader is also crucial for this dog to feel secure and this can be accomplished through early obedience training.
Photo credit: By Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock; David Spates/Shutterstock.com; Ian 2010/Shutterstock.com
