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While Doodles typically share some traits with their Poodle parent, there are no guarantees regarding which traits they will inherit. Credit: Madeline Block

Why are Doodle Dogs so Popular?

The first popularized Doodle was a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix, bred in 1989 by Wally Conron as a guide dog prospect. He aimed to create a dog with the temperament of a Lab, but the non-shedding coat of a Standard Poodle for a woman who needed a guide dog, but whose husband had dog allergies. In a 2014 interview with Psychology Today, Conron said that he regrets popularizing Doodle breeding. "I opened a Pandora's box, that's what I did,” he said.
Barn hunt for dogs is an all breed sport that allows dogs to exercise their hunting and tracking instincts.

Barn Hunt for Dogs

Want a fun sport that is physically and mentally exhausting for your dog, uses your dog’s instincts, and is filled with great camaraderie? Then...
Adopting a shelter dog, a rescue dog, or another dog in need is a great way to make a friend for life.

Adopting a Dog from a Shelter

On average, it takes three to six months for a shelter dog to fully settle into their new home and to see their true personality. Some dogs may blossom quickly. Others may take longer to adjust. This is normal, and it can take longer if a dog has experienced a lot of turmoil and change throughout their life before adoption.
The best dog water fountains can help ensure your dogs is continually well hydrated.

Water Fountains for Dogs

Pet water fountains offer a steady supply of fresh water and encourage drinking by attracting a dog’s attention with their sights and sounds. Some fountains filter impurities, and constantly circulating water maintains a cool temperature, which dogs enjoy. Fountains are convenient for dog owners, too, because they don’t require the frequent refilling that water bowls do.
Skijoring is a winter sport for dogs that challenges the athleticism of both the dog and skier.

What is Skijoring?

If you’ve ever dreamed of your dog pulling you while you run, ski, or bike, there are dog sports for all of those activities. For winter sport lovers, skijoring is an excellent way to get out and enjoy the snow with dogs.
Designer dogs, like doodle dogs are highly sought after and expensive pets.

Designer Dogs: Mixed Breeds with High Price Tags

A designer dog is the purposeful breeding of two dogs of different breeds to create a new mix that brings out the most desired features. The most popular designer dog breeds today include Poodles, which tend to be smart, athletic, and friendly. They’re also widely considered low-shedding dogs. Poodle-mix dogs are often called “Doodles,” or "Doodle Dogs."
The best family dogs are a product of training and management.

What Traits Make the Best Family Dogs?

Committing to a dog should never be taken lightly; before you do, ask yourself some critical questions about your lifestyle. Though there are no guarantees, dogs with certain traits may show promise to be good family dogs with the proper training and care.
Search and rescue dogs play a vital role in first response after a disaster or major incident.

Extraordinary Canines: The Dogs of Search and Rescue

She was the last living search and rescue dog who worked to find survivors at the Twin Towers after the September 11 attacks. At 16 years...
Dog dancing is an activity that can be a lot of fun for both a dog and owner.

What is Dog Dancing? An Intro To Freestyle Heelwork To Music

There are two different types of dog dancing in the United States The first is musical freestyle. The other type of dog dancing is heelwork to music, which has stricter rules
The best dog snuffle mats offer a balance of engagement, stimulation, and ease of cleaning.

5 Best Snuffle Mats for Dogs

Dogs are natural foragers, the best snuffle mats can give your dog a good outlet to practice this instinctual behavior.
The size of your dog's crate should allow them to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably.

What Size Dog Crate Do I Need for My Dog?

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a crate. A crate that is too small can cause stress and discomfort, while one that is too large may not feel secure and may make training more difficult.
Our editors have selected the best dog gear of 2025.

Whole Dog Journal’s Gear of the Year 2025

Here at WDJ, we’re always on the lookout for products that improve life with our dogs in any way. Every year, we talk with our experts and determine the toys, training and care tools, and treats that provide the biggest lift to them and their canine companions. These are their top picks for 2024!

Latest Blog

Informing? Or Selling?

A couple of days ago, I received a text from a dog-training client, wondering about a video she had just watched—and which she linked in the text. “Is meat meal bad for dogs?” she asked. She followed that message with, “I get that she’s selling her own pet food, but is it (meat meal) that bad?”