Labradoodle owners defend the breed after creator calls it his ‘life’s regret’
Australian dog breeder Wally Conron created the labradoodle for a woman whose blind husband needed a guide dog but suffered from allergies.
But, he said, it "opened up a Pandora's box and released a Frankenstein's monster," MSN reported.
Conron told the Australia Broadcasting Corp. that creating the breed is his "life's regret" because the dogs are either "crazy" or have a lot of health problems.
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“Why people are breeding them today, I haven’t got a clue,” he added.
But labradoodle owners disagreed with Conron’s assessment and came to the defense of their dogs.
For Martha Watton, 20, labradoodles like Barney are the dream dog, the BBC reported.
"He has the perfect mix of lovingness, intelligence and everything. When I'm feeling down or stressed, he picks me up, comes for a cuddle and I feel better again," Martha told Radio 1 Newsbeat.
She adds Barney is "the perfect companion for anyone of any age".
"My grandad has dementia and we take Barney to see him at the care home and he's the perfect calm dog to have around — he doesn't bark."
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Other labradoodle owners posted about their pets on social media.
Never been more ready to fight https://t.co/xhfcxG3LbA
— Jay Willis (@jaywillis) September 25, 2019
On one hand, I would fight a literal duel over the honour of my doodle.
— Tyler Dawson (@tylerrdawson) September 25, 2019
On the other hand, lotta good points in here about the tragedy of designer dogs https://t.co/KoYXoojJKf
Good morning. Here’s a little oil sketch that I did last night of our Labradoodle. Looks like she might be thinking “Take me for a walk”. Have a great day pic.twitter.com/hZyhReZOtD
— Fray Art Studio (@steviefray) September 25, 2019
How could this be someone's life regret, bringing paws full of happiness to so many. My poodle cross Heather (a Woodle - Westie and a poodle) is not impressed. She thinks it's woof!https://t.co/x6zM8sFr3o @AshleyKateUK #labradoodle
— Rachel Rowe (@RachelRoweHR) September 26, 2019
We have one in the family and he is the biggest ball of love you could imagine. Doodle’s must be cherished! However, cross breeding something that should be better regulated 🐶 do you agree? #dogs #labradoodle https://t.co/HKmVGuY6M7
— Hooked (@hkedtweet) September 26, 2019
My Australian Labradoodle Walter takes offense to the assertion that most labradoodles are “crazy” - I’m like, well, a little.” Cc @RobinALevy https://t.co/FjDxxdf1cF
— Justin Gray (@JustinGrayWSB) September 26, 2019
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Grace Mandeville has owned Juno for nearly two years.
"She's a playful teddy bear who is obsessed with socks. Who needs toys for your dog when you have your own socks?" she told the BBC.
"She really is a member of our little family, plus I'm allergic to dogs and cats so there's a massive bonus that I can share a sofa with her and not feel wheezy.”
About the Author
Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.
