Rufus and Molly doodles

ILA Breeder Member

Rufus and Molly's page

Rufus is a cream scruffy doodle (sired by Curly) and Molly is a black F1 curly doodle. They have great fun together and keep each other company. They live in Scotland.

	"Rufus finds the kicks from the baby a bit disturbing whem he is having a lap cuddle but I think he is getting used to it now. I will put some new photos in the post - we were away for half term and I had the time to photograph everyone. Unfortunately I still haven't managed to get the two doodles on the same photo - I have some wonderful ones with eight legs disappearing at the edges. Still not technical enough to load them on here but I might get time to learn soon. Rufus enjoyed his holidays but he was not quite so enthusiastic about water as Molly - she dived out of the car and straight into the river by our cottage. Rufus was non-plussed by it all and only paddled in the sea rather tentatively. We also discovered that he is not one of life's travellers - particularly on highland single track roards which twist along the coast. But nothing that kitchen roll and hot water can't deal with. It was very interesting to watch them away from home as the usual order was reversed. Rufus is becoming top dog most of the time but Molly was definitely the boss away from home and even got to hog all the treats. She spends all her time wet on holiday - sea and river - and they both had to have baths when they got back and as ever Rufus was good and Molly a bit of a challenge. As you will see he is growing very fast and he is probably about 3/4 of Molly's size now and getting quite shaggy. I don't think he will be as curly as Molly but he is getting hairier by the day and we all love the chocolate nose he has inherited from Curly. Completely trained now and no accidents on holiday. There is definitely more of a lab character than with Molly and although this means that he is a joy in nearly all respects he is a chewier dog than she was. We have a hole in the plasterboard to prove it! He is still teething and I am hoping it will ease off as all the teeth come in. He has even left one on the bed - maybe hoping for the doggy tooth fairy. One of the things I am finding intriguing is that he will "borrow" a shoe from me - why are they always mine? - and chew it. Once the shoe gets past a certain stage I have to let him keep it at which time he seems to lose interest but Molly then adopts the shoe and takes it every where with her and completely destroys it. I have tried to get all footwear away from them but they have enjoyed the fancy italian leather of the only very posh ankle boots I once had. He is developing into a very confident dog and loves his walks, chasing squirrels and anything else he and Molly uncover in the woods - they flushed a pair of woodcocks a couple of weeks ago while they were out. He is a pretty boy and always gets comments wherever we go - he blocked the street in Tobermory when we were there with people wanting to chat with him. He seems to like all the fuss - especially if the person finds a stray dog treat in their pocket. I will try and send you another update before Christmas as I probably will have my hands full after that - the current priority is cutting out any jumping before the baby comes! Look after yourself. Hope the girls and Dave all managed while you were away but so well that you felt redundant"
"He's still doing really well. He's now 4 1/2 months and growing quickly - he's filling out around his chest, although his legs still don't seem to quite fit. He's getting on really well with Molly - the pair of them are as thick as theives, sharing bed (ours), toys (the children's) and food (each others and the cat's). As he gets a bit bigger, the pair of them are really enjoying their walks together around the woods. Rufus is noticeably calmer off the lead than Molly was at the same age, and less prone to chasing squirrels, other dogs and people. He's also quicker at learning to "come" - so long as he gets his treat - he's a slave to his stomach ! It's interesting to see the difference between the two doodles. Rufus is much more laid back than Molly, much calmer and less bouncy. We're guessing it's the diluted "nutty poodle" genes in Rufus. He's also smaller of course, so when he does have the occasional bounce, he's no chance of getting his paws on your chest, which is great ! I think he's actually calmed Molly down a bit, whilst she definitely mothers him. He's fantastic with the children, who all love him to bits. They particularly like being able to walk him - Molly is a bit big and boisterous for them to hold at the moment. His only weakness is a slightly dopey approach to house training - he's most of the way there, but occasionally he forgets which side of the front door he's supposed to go ! We havent started any formal obedience yet, although (name of child ommitted) says she does loads with him at home. We'll see how he gets on - Molly loved a couple of hours every week in a room full of dogs, but sometimes let her enthusiasm get the better of her ! That's about it for now,. We'll send you another update and some more pictures soon"
	Molly and Rufus (left) on the sofa !!! Better not let mum see you both..
	Rufus on the way to the woods. I think he's been practicising his "sit, stay"
	" Look how beautifully his legs stretch behind him. This is a sign of good hip and joint mobility.
Molly with Zebra toy