Dog lovers all have a favorite breed, or two, or three… Certain dogs just fit us and we respond to them. I’m going to present you with Herbie, the best Goldendoodle on planet Earth. Ok, maybe I’m a bit biased but this dog has got it all. Looks, charm, love, warmth, people skills, personality, sneakiness (the cute kind), language skills, you name it Herbie’s got it. He’s just so sweet.

Herbie’s human is Amy. I’m not entirely clear on how she came to have Herbie. She lavishes attention on him and I’m pretty sure Herbie is her child. They go to the dog park regularly and Amy likes to take Herbie to the doggie bar now and then. It is a bar/restaurant that caters to pooches. One thing is for certain. Herbie has got it good.

Herbie on his birthday

Before I met Herbie I was strictly a Labrador man. I love Labs. They are basically nice people in dog form. I tend to go for personality. I still love Labs but Herbie has broken into my heart and made camp. Everyone who meets him loves him. He’s just that sweet. He knows where the treats are kept and will nose the container when he wants one. He understands words like “Out” and “Walk”. I’m pretty sure he knows “Hug” too since I tend to say that before laying a huge hug on him. He stoically takes it until I let go.

Fun fact about Goldendoodles. They were created by Wally Conron, an Australian. Originally it was to be a guide dog breed with hypoallergenic fur so people who were allergic to dog hair could have them. There are Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. They are a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever mixed with a Poodle. They seem to inherit the personality of the Retrievers. All those great people skills and unconditional love. Wally famously said “I opened a Pandora’s box and released a Frankenstein monster” when referring to his creation. This did not win him any love from those who adore their Doodles. I don’t know why he would be regretful about creating such a wonderful breed unless it’s something about bloodlines and purity. The fact remains Goldendoodles are wonderful dogs and perfect companions.

Herbie taking a nap

Herbie stays in the house most of the time but gets regular walks and time in the backyard to go pee or hang out. He loves to go lift the window blinders up with his nose to look outside and bark at whatever is out there. It’s his favorite thing to do. But he’s also a lot like a cat. He spends a lot of time just chillaxing on the couch or napping on the floor. When I start to approach him his tail will wag a little as he knows a hug is forthcoming. He soaks up love like a sponge.

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One strange thing about Herbie is that he doesn’t like water. There is a pool in the back yard but Herbie won’t go in the water. He is after all a descendant of water dogs. Dogs bred to retrieve game and splash about with glee. So it’s odd that Herbie has such a dislike for the pool. Sometimes Amy will have other dogs over for a big doggie bash. The other Goldendoodles hop right in but Herbie just doesn’t like to swim.

Herbie being Cute

All in all, not being a big swimmer is a small trait compared to Herbie’s numerous good qualities. I highly recommend Goldendoodles if you’re after a cozy companion.

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