Introducing Rudy The Labradoodle

Some of you got a sneak peak at the new addition to our family when you saw Rudy the Labradoodle starring in his very own music video with me.

Remember all that “I must have a labradoodle” talk?

Well I made it happen.

After some research, I realized many serious breeders have a Guardian Program. Basically you are given one of the dogs they want to breed in return for your cooperation in the breeding program. This means you will continue to raise their dog to their standards and allow them to breed the dog while providing a home for it. When the dog has finished it’s course in the breeding program you get to keep it forever.

And this is how Rudy came to be a member of our family. He’s a multi-generational Australian labradoodle and let me tell you…this dog is amazing. This breed was first developed in Australia in an attempt to create a low shedding guide dog for people with allergies. Wikipedia describes them as, “very intelligent and quite trainable, often seeking commands and finding pleasure in learning. Labradoodles can be taught to obey verbal or sign language commands, or both.” and that they are “generally friendly, energetic and good with families and children”.

And honestly? That is Rudy in a nutshell.

I jumped at the chance to take him in because he had completed courses in obedience training and has lived with a caregiver who took him to work with her as a teacher everyday. After some changes in career she chose to return Rudy to his than Oregon breeder before he was sold to Sound Labradoodles last summer.

Knowing that he’d had exposure to large groups and that he’d already spent some time in training, I thought he might an amazing little friend. In fact we’re hoping to continue his training so that he will one day have completed all the necessary work to become a certified therapy dog. He’s that amazing.

A little bit about Rudy:

• Rudy wants to be a lap dog and gently squeezes his way onto your lap if you sit next to him…or if you invite him to. Whichever.
• Rudy thinks Laina’s stuffed dogs should belong to him.
• Rudy loves cheese and when you attempt to wrestle away a BLOCK OF CHEESE that somehow found it’s way to his mouth (ahem Kainoa) he doesn’t growl or attempt to bite your face off but instead just looks super disappointed that he didn’t get to devour the entire block of cheese without you noticing.
• Rudy is a gentleman and when you thank him for bringing you a plastic Easter egg from your daughter’s basket he will make TEN. more. trips to her bedroom and one by one drops ten more Easter eggs at your feet so you can continue thanking him and stacking them in a pile on your office desk.



• Rudy has two lovely girlfriends in Seattle and his relationship with them may or may not be documented in future vlog plans…from conception to birth (you can thank me later).
• Rudy has the cutest way of resting the full weight of his head in your hand if you massage his ears.
• Rudy will sit and lay down and go to his kennel and heel….but really he just wants you to give him a block of cheese.
• If Rudy manages to weasel out of the house without a leash (ahem Kainoa) he will become 100% engaged in a hunt for another girlfriend and will barely hear your coaxing, but might be enticed to come home for a block of cheese.
• Rudy feels like a teddy bear. Honestly.



• Rudy loves kids and chooses to sleep amongst the noise and chance being stepped on rather than escape to the safe confines of his kennel or a back bedroom.
• Rudy adores the Mouse Family and could spend hours excitedly watching them shuffle about inside their cages…though his excitement worries me at times.
• Rudy is my new best friend.

I would marry Rudy…but I’m spoken for…and I do believe leaving Pat for our pet dog would be frowned upon these days.

But back in the 20′s…when relationships with your dogs were acceptable and encouraged…I totally would have chosen Rudy over Pat.

There’s just something to be said for the calm that a dog like Rudy brings when things feel crazy. Of course those benefits are not without a price. Rudy comes from an impeccable line of high standard Australian labradoodles and therefore came with a hefty price tag…as does his puppies.

If I had that kind of money I would totally buy one. And I’d buy all the orphans in Africa one too. Because that’s what they need. Puppies.

And ps  I know breeding programs are not for everyone and I certainly got an earful the last time I posted about wanting a labradoodle. We’re just a family looking for a dog that won’t bite our faces off. I 100% support rescue programs and have fostered and volunteered with local groups for two years now. The Greyhounds especially hold a special place in my heart and when my kids are older I suspect I may choose to go that route again. For now, I’ll opt for a lovely non shedding, cuddly, kid friendly therapy dog who retrieves plastic Easter Eggs and plops them directly at my feet.

Tagged as: australian labradoodles, labradoodles, Sound Labradoodles