Labradoodle

Mocha just shouts, "Fun!" He's all about running and playing and being by my side wherever I go. But he seems to be torn between being a bouncy, high-energy Poodle or a more serious minded working Labrador. Like he just can't make up his mind. He'll be obediently walking beside me, looking out for my safety, when all of a sudden the temptation to play will blow across his mind and he's off and running.

It's like he gets a notion that won't wait a single minute longer or that some kind of energy drink just kicked in and calmly walking at my side isn't going to cut it any longer. And each time it happens, I think to myself, "Good thing that I'm not handicapped thinking I have a dependable service dog." It's not as though he can't be trusted to be there when I want him. He always comes back to me when I call him; that's the loyal Labrador in him. He just seems so sad when I interrupt his 'poodle-moments' and ask him to "grow up!"

The truth is, I rarely even imply that he should stop his playful antics. More often, I am laughing and enjoying his poodle moment way too much to make him stop. It's this division - almost a split personality - that makes Mocha such a special dog and a breed that you just won't find at the local pet store. But thanks to hybrid breeders, there are plenty of these Labradoodle characters around; someday they may even be a recognized breed. If you're looking for a dog that can consistently keep you in a good mood, give you cause to suddenly break into a laugh and can be easily trained, then go for it!