Are you on the lookout for a new best friend that will love you unconditionally? Then the Flandoodle is the perfect pup for you! This is a big dog with a heart that’s twice the size. A cross between a Poodle and a Bouvier des Flandres, this pup is bursting at the seams with energy and will be jumping for joy at the idea of a play session with their humans in the great outdoors. They love to run around and have fun and are incredibly affectionate, making them great dogs for families. With a bit of socialization, this pup will get along well with people of any and all ages. The Flandoodle is an incredibly loyal dog and a friend for life!
Due to the mixed nature of this breed, it is difficult to say exactly where and when this breed originated. Chances are the Flandoodle existed through accidental breeding in nature long before any efforts to intentionally bring the two parent breeds together began. Breeders probably started taking interest sometime in the 1980s, since that is when the popularity of Doodle dogs and other hybrid breeds truly took off. The place of origin is the United States, but it is difficult to pinpoint the exact location. The Flandoodle does not have a registered status like the Poodle or the Bouvier des Flandres, but they have a large and loyal following of dog lovers, admirers, and pet owners across the world.
The Flandoodle is one of the friendliest dog breeds out there. They love to socialize and will get along well with just about anyone and anything with a little bit of socialization. These are loyal dogs that are guaranteed to love you no matter what. Flandoodles are rather mild-mannered and gentle, making them great for families with children. They love to goof around and perform silly antics to make their families happy, and with a Flandoodle you are guaranteed to always have a happy household. They tend to get a little too attached, which means some anxiety issues may develop. Early socialization is incredibly important for this reason. To get a good idea of the kind of temperament your pup will grow into, spend some time around the parent dogs. The personalities of the parents are usually fairly good indicators of the kind of personality your dog will grow up to have.
On average, the Flandoodle will grow up to be around 22 to 28 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 55 to 85 pounds.
On average, the Flandoodle enjoys good health. However, the best guarantee of a healthy dog is healthy parents. For this reason, you should take care not to buy from breeders who mate dogs under the age of two since that is when most genetic illnesses surface. Be sure to check the health clearance certificates of both dogs when getting your puppy. Schedule regular visits to the vet to make sure any issues are caught and nipped in the bud. Some issues that your pup may be predisposed to include eye problems, heart problems, patellar luxation, and bloat.
These dogs are very active and so need quite a bit of daily exercise. It is best not to get a Flandoodle if you cannot commit to getting them a good amount of daily exercise. You Flandoodle will love to go on walks and jobs, not to mention running after a frisbee or playing a fun game of fetch. They need regular mental and physical stimulation, or else they may become unhealthy and destructive. These pups aren’t necessarily fast learners, because of which training might require some patience.
Speak to a veterinarian to assess your dog’s exact nutritional needs and design a feeding plan accordingly. Steer clear of free-feeding and break up your Flandoodle’s recommended daily serving into two to three separate meals to prevent issues like gastric torsion (bloat).
Flandoodles usually have coats that can be classified as rough. They are usually shaggy or curly, and in general, are low-shedding.
When it comes to grooming, this dog is not too high-maintenance. Regular brushing will ensure that your Flandoodle’s coat stays healthy and free of any tangles or matted fur. Clip their coats in the summer months to keep them cool, and make sure to have their nails trimmed if they do not wear away naturally. Brush your pup’s teeth regularly to prevent any buildup and maintain good oral hygiene. Keep a check on their ears and eyes, making sure they stay clean and free of any debris. It isn’t a good idea to bathe your Flandoodle regularly since too much soap and water may irritate their skin. It is best to bathe them only when necessary.
On average, Flandoodle puppies cost anywhere between $300 to $700.
Here is a list of organizations that shelter Flandoodles (among other breeds):