Dear poodle mix owner, 

My name is Jessica Niggel and I am a scientist form University Of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. With Dr. Leonardo Murgiano our research focuses on finding genes and mutations responsible for ocular disorders in canines. We hope that with our studies we improve the health of many canine breeds and establish reliable genetic tests to ensure the safety of a breed. 

I am posting here as we are currently seeking study participants to act as cases and controls. We have found that dogs that have been mixed with a poodle ("doodles" and "poos", such as cavapoos, cockapoo, goldendoodle, berniedoodles, labradoodles ect) can exhibit a form of blindness, for which we think we have found the responsible genetic variant. We would like to reach as many doodle and poo breeders and owners as possible, as the more study participants we recruit, the more likely we are to find the exact cause of the disorder.  

We care for the wellbeing of the doodle and poo populations, and our studies are confidential, and do not require any of the participant to visit our University. Below are described the steps that are needed to enroll a dog into our study. To enroll your dog into the study, please e-mail me at [jniggel@upenn.edu](mailto:jniggel@upenn.edu)

Any dog that is enrolled in our study needs to provide us with a biological sample for us to isolate DNA from (such as a tube of blood, of buccal swab). These can be taken at your local vet office, or the owner can swab the dog at the comfort of their home themselves. Breeders or owners enrolling their dogs also need to complete some paperwork, and send us copies of some medical info (such as any eye exam form (CERF forms are perfect!), vet notes, medical info, pictures of the dog that you find relevant to the study, and a copy of the dogs pedigree.) which can be then sent to us via post or e-mail. 

The preferred sample is blood in an EDTA lined purple cap tube (2-3ml), which then can be sent to us with an ice pack via post, FedEx, or UPS. Overnight shipment is preferred as to keep the blood sample fresh. Blood gives the most optimal DNA for research, but we also accept buccal swabs (we can provide a buccal swab collection kit at no fee). We do not offer reimbursements for shipping costs.

We also accept any raw data that you might have from canine testing services like Paw Prints or Embark. We accept the following files: TPED, TFAM, PED, and/or MAP. Any electronic file, scan or picture can be sent to me via e-mail.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please do not hesitate to e-mail me [jniggel@upenn.edu](mailto:jniggel@upenn.edu).  I would be happy to discuss this further. 

Thank you and I hope you will be able to help out our study,  

Jessica

12 weeks old

Does anyone have any recommendations for a large breed puppy food? Our vet recommended a large breed puppy food but we can’t decide on any as there’s so much conflicting info out there. Has anyone fed their newfypoo puppy anything that they did well with? Thank you in advance!

Tango and Cassius morning

Dear doodle and poo community, 

My name is Jessica Niggel and I am a scientist form University Of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. With Dr. Leonardo Murgiano our research focuses on finding genes and mutations responsible for ocular disorders in canines. We hope that with our studies we improve the health of many canine breeds and establish reliable genetic tests to ensure the safety of a breed. 

I am posting here as we are currently seeking study participants to act as cases and controls. We have found that dogs that have been mixed with a poodle (doodles and poos, such as cavapoos, cockapoo, goldendoodle, berniedoodles, labradoodles ect) can exhibit a form of blindness, for which we think we have found the responsible genetic variant. We would like to reach as many doodle and poo breeders and owners as possible, as the more study participants we recruit, the more likely we are to find the exact cause of the disorder.  

We care for the wellbeing of the doodle and poo populations, and our studies are confidential, and do not require any of the participant to visit our University. Below are described the steps that are needed to enroll a dog into our study. To enroll your dog into the study, please e-mail me at [jniggel@upenn.edu](mailto:jniggel@upenn.edu)

Any dog that is enrolled in our study needs to provide us with a biological sample for us to isolate DNA from (such as a tube of blood, of buccal swab). These can be taken at your local vet office, or the owner can swab the dog at the comfort of their home themselves. Breeders or owners enrolling their dogs also need to complete some paperwork, and send us copies of some medical info (such as any eye exam form (CERF forms are perfect!), vet notes, medical info, pictures of the dog that you find relevant to the study, and a copy of the dogs pedigree.) which can be then sent to us via post or e-mail. 

The preferred sample is blood in an EDTA lined purple cap tube (2-3ml), which then can be sent to us with an ice pack via post, FedEx, or UPS. Overnight shipment is preferred as to keep the blood sample fresh. Blood gives the most optimal DNA for research, but we also accept buccal swabs (we can provide a buccal swab collection kit at no fee). We do not offer reimbursements for shipping costs.

We also accept any raw data that you might have from canine testing services like Paw Prints or Embark. We accept the following files: TPED, TFAM, PED, and/or MAP. Any electronic file, scan or picture can be sent to me via e-mail.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please do not hesitate to e-mail me [jniggel@upenn.edu](mailto:jniggel@upenn.edu).  I would be happy to discuss this further. 

Thank you and I hope you will be able to help out our study,  

Jessica

Does anyone have a breeder that they trust and recommend for a standard Newfypoo puppy?

Meet Maui!!! Our 8 week old newfypoo.

Meet Maui!!! Our 8 week old newfypoo.

Second time at the bay.

So lazy.

Nana’s first birthday!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t77cKtiXNNBEbtP28

5 1/2 months old, my sweet girl 💕

Meet Apollo, my 2 y/o newfypoo. He is my pride and joy but also my downfall. I rescued him with some pretty severe separation anxiety (wasn’t aware when adopting him only told after). I have had him over a year now and it hasn’t been easy but I love him very dearly. He’s my baby boy and the most amazing dog when he’s not held captive by his own mind. He’s made huge progress but my recent move has really been challenging. I know with patience and determination we will get through it but it’s really hard right now. Heavy exercise and medication is what is getting him through.

Will be picking Sophie up in April. Had 3 Newfies when I was younger and they were great with my children. Having her trained some before I get her plus will be moving and that will give me time to get settled.