Sarah and I are very happy to introduce the newest member of our family, Risa Bella Quinn. Risa is our black Goldendoodle who turns 11 weeks old today! In Spanish, Risa means “laughter,” which is a name she has lived up to since we brought her home 3 weeks ago.

A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. To get technical, Risa is a F1b Goldendoodle. That just means that her mom is a first generation (F1) goldendoodle- 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle, and her dad is a full blood Poodle. This makes Risa 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever, which produces an adorable combination of fluffiness!

In the last 20 years or so, Poodle crosses have become increasingly popular due to the Poodle’s non-shedding coat. It started in Australia with the Labradoodle (Lab & Poodle), and has quickly spread. The F1 generation may shed some since it is only 50% Poodle, but the F1b generation, like Risa, won’t shed at all! This means you get a super intelligent dog who won’t shed, but doesn’t look, as I deem, “goofy,” as a Poodle!

Some people are confused on why our Goldendoodle is black. Of course all Golden Retrievers are gold in color, but the Poodle mixes it up. You can find Goldendoodles ranging from a light cream, to apricot, chocolate, sable, and black. Color wasn’t a huge deciding factor to us, but a breeder offered us an amazing price on this little black girl we just couldn’t turn down!

Since we brought her home, she has been such a joy. She loves to play and run. It’s amazing how quickly she is understanding house training. Before 2 weeks were up she had learned to ring her bell to go outside! In the last week we have only had a couple of accidents. She’s so adorable, She even looks and feels like a teddy bear!

We chose a Goldendoodle very intentionally. I love having inside dogs, but hate having hair everywhere. My first choice was a dachshund since that’s what I was raised with. Sarah wanted a dog she could run with: she grew up with Labs. Our compromise was the Goldendoodle! Risa will be a great running partner for Sarah, and help protect the house when we are missionaries in Latin America, without getting hair everywhere!

Coming-up we will be getting Risa’s booster shots and starting puppy training. She already knows how to sit, lay down, and stay, so we can only imagine she’ll be the valedictorian of her class! Below are some more pictures of Risa. You can find the full collection of photos here: Click here for more photos.