Finding the Right Breeder
There are many people breeding Labradoodles and Goldendoodles since they have become so popular, however, not all are excellent breeders. Some are basically trying to "cash in" on the new trend. Finding a reputable breeder is essential. It is important to ask questions of any breeder you may wish to work with as you carefully select a breeder who will offer you a quality well tempered and healthy dog while offering support before during and long after your puppy arrives to your home.
I want to stress resisting the temptation of choosing a Labradoodle puppy based on price. You want to get your puppy from a credible breeder, one that has the betterment of the breed in mind with extensive officially recorded health testing, and that usually comes with a cost. If a breeder claims to have done specific testing on their dogs, ask for proof. Since the life expectancy of a labradoodle is 12 -15 years you want strong genetic soundness for a healthy lifetime with your companion.
The reputable Labradoodle breeder strives to advance the quality of the breed with each new litter. This breeder matches parents based on certain criteria and DNA to produce a healthy litter. The criteria includes desirable behavioral characteristics (temperament) and physical characteristics (conformation and coat) so with each litter, the quality of the breeding stock improves. Temperament, health and Soundness are the KEY elements in a good family companion; they must not be sacrificed for any reason.There is no license required to breed dogs. Many people breed for the wrong reasons.
They love their dogs and want to reproduce them, but have no understanding of the genetics of breeding for the betterment and advancement of the breed. Purchasing from a well meaning but irresponsible breeder results all too often in problems down the line. It is the buyer that will pay the price for it later.
There are no guarantees when buying a dog that no problems will arise; however, the odds are better when buying from a reputable breeder who offers lifetime support. A reputable breeder knows their breed and is willing to discuss everything with potential puppy buyers. A reputable breeder will never “push” a puppy, but will share with potential buyers both positive and negative about the dogs. Someone who is desperately trying to sell you on their puppies is cause for concern.
Integrity
It is not always easy to find someone who puts the effort into breeding integrity. Does the breeder answer all questions confidently and accurately? Where are the dogs raised and kept? Are they willing to let you see where the parent dogs and puppies are raised? Do the animals appear healthy and happy? How much does the breeder know about each of the dogs? How well-socialized are the dogs.
Intent
A reputable breeder should have a worthy purpose. What are the breeder's intentions? What drew them to a particular breed? What are their goals with the breed?
Knowledge
A breeder should be educated about the breed; including any genetic issues and recommended health testing. Don’t be afraid to ask about any health tests performed.
Records
Don’t hesitate to ask for copies of a parent dog’s pedigree and health records. A quality breeder will give you this information willingly. A responsible breeder will keep extensive and accurate records of his or her breeding dogs and puppies, including all vet visits, vaccinations, health screenings, litter records, and pedigree information.
Cleanliness
A breeder’s home or kennel should be clean. A conscientious breeder will require hand-washing and shoe removal before handling puppies. Many breeders will not allow visitors when young puppies are in their home. They will only allow visitors once puppies have been vaccinated, and some do not allow visitors at all to protect their property and dogs from disease. Diseases are easily carried on clothing and shoes, putting the puppies at risk. You may be asked to delay your visit until puppies are vaccinated.
Contracts
Do they have a written contract /health warranty? A written contract is not only to protect the breeder, but the consumer as well. Understand and appreciate that this is the breeders way of attempting to ensure that the puppies they have carefully bred will be cared for by responsible people. Many breeders state they have a 1 year guarantee. This is pretty much worthless to a buyer as most genetic issues will not present until after this age. The health warranty should include a minimum of a 2 year health guarantee, protecting against any life-threatening genetic diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia.
Screening
A good breeder will ask several questions about you and your family. This breeder will be honest with you about the aspects of their breed. You need to be equally honest about your needs, expectations and experience as all of these play a big part in selecting the right puppy for you. Some questions you might be asked are: Have you ever owned a dog before? Why do you want a dog? How much time can you spend with the dog? Is your yard fenced? You should feel assured that the breeder is someone who is genuinely concerned for the puppy's well-being as they want the right puppy to be placed for lifetime. A good breeder puts a lot of effort into matching a puppy’s personality to their forever family.
Lifetime Support
What kind of support does the breeder offer? A reputable breeder should have a genuine interest in how the puppy is doing in its new home. They should be a helpful resource throughout the pet's lifetime. Many breeders will also want to be in contact with you from time to time as your puppy is progressing. They will also look forward to the new owners sending them pictures and keeping them appraised of the puppies progress into a well mannered adult dog and joyful member of your family.
References
Ask for references. A responsible breeder should eagerly give you references that confirm their credibility as a breeder. Do they belong to any accredited organizations that track the health and pedigree of their animals? Ask!
Take the time to find the right breeder with integrity for you and rest, knowing that you have invested in a lifetime of support and advice as well as a quality well tempered dog.
I want to stress resisting the temptation of choosing a Labradoodle puppy based on price. You want to get your puppy from a credible breeder, one that has the betterment of the breed in mind with extensive officially recorded health testing, and that usually comes with a cost. If a breeder claims to have done specific testing on their dogs, ask for proof. Since the life expectancy of a labradoodle is 12 -15 years you want strong genetic soundness for a healthy lifetime with your companion.
The reputable Labradoodle breeder strives to advance the quality of the breed with each new litter. This breeder matches parents based on certain criteria and DNA to produce a healthy litter. The criteria includes desirable behavioral characteristics (temperament) and physical characteristics (conformation and coat) so with each litter, the quality of the breeding stock improves. Temperament, health and Soundness are the KEY elements in a good family companion; they must not be sacrificed for any reason.There is no license required to breed dogs. Many people breed for the wrong reasons.
They love their dogs and want to reproduce them, but have no understanding of the genetics of breeding for the betterment and advancement of the breed. Purchasing from a well meaning but irresponsible breeder results all too often in problems down the line. It is the buyer that will pay the price for it later.
There are no guarantees when buying a dog that no problems will arise; however, the odds are better when buying from a reputable breeder who offers lifetime support. A reputable breeder knows their breed and is willing to discuss everything with potential puppy buyers. A reputable breeder will never “push” a puppy, but will share with potential buyers both positive and negative about the dogs. Someone who is desperately trying to sell you on their puppies is cause for concern.
Integrity
It is not always easy to find someone who puts the effort into breeding integrity. Does the breeder answer all questions confidently and accurately? Where are the dogs raised and kept? Are they willing to let you see where the parent dogs and puppies are raised? Do the animals appear healthy and happy? How much does the breeder know about each of the dogs? How well-socialized are the dogs.
Intent
A reputable breeder should have a worthy purpose. What are the breeder's intentions? What drew them to a particular breed? What are their goals with the breed?
Knowledge
A breeder should be educated about the breed; including any genetic issues and recommended health testing. Don’t be afraid to ask about any health tests performed.
Records
Don’t hesitate to ask for copies of a parent dog’s pedigree and health records. A quality breeder will give you this information willingly. A responsible breeder will keep extensive and accurate records of his or her breeding dogs and puppies, including all vet visits, vaccinations, health screenings, litter records, and pedigree information.
Cleanliness
A breeder’s home or kennel should be clean. A conscientious breeder will require hand-washing and shoe removal before handling puppies. Many breeders will not allow visitors when young puppies are in their home. They will only allow visitors once puppies have been vaccinated, and some do not allow visitors at all to protect their property and dogs from disease. Diseases are easily carried on clothing and shoes, putting the puppies at risk. You may be asked to delay your visit until puppies are vaccinated.
Contracts
Do they have a written contract /health warranty? A written contract is not only to protect the breeder, but the consumer as well. Understand and appreciate that this is the breeders way of attempting to ensure that the puppies they have carefully bred will be cared for by responsible people. Many breeders state they have a 1 year guarantee. This is pretty much worthless to a buyer as most genetic issues will not present until after this age. The health warranty should include a minimum of a 2 year health guarantee, protecting against any life-threatening genetic diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia.
Screening
A good breeder will ask several questions about you and your family. This breeder will be honest with you about the aspects of their breed. You need to be equally honest about your needs, expectations and experience as all of these play a big part in selecting the right puppy for you. Some questions you might be asked are: Have you ever owned a dog before? Why do you want a dog? How much time can you spend with the dog? Is your yard fenced? You should feel assured that the breeder is someone who is genuinely concerned for the puppy's well-being as they want the right puppy to be placed for lifetime. A good breeder puts a lot of effort into matching a puppy’s personality to their forever family.
Lifetime Support
What kind of support does the breeder offer? A reputable breeder should have a genuine interest in how the puppy is doing in its new home. They should be a helpful resource throughout the pet's lifetime. Many breeders will also want to be in contact with you from time to time as your puppy is progressing. They will also look forward to the new owners sending them pictures and keeping them appraised of the puppies progress into a well mannered adult dog and joyful member of your family.
References
Ask for references. A responsible breeder should eagerly give you references that confirm their credibility as a breeder. Do they belong to any accredited organizations that track the health and pedigree of their animals? Ask!
Take the time to find the right breeder with integrity for you and rest, knowing that you have invested in a lifetime of support and advice as well as a quality well tempered dog.
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Aspen Grove Labradoodles
Marybeth and Paige Porter Spokane, WA Bedrock Labradoodles Maggie Palmbald Tualatin, OR Coulee Labradoodles Paige Slezak Alberta, Canada |
Pacific Rim Labradoodles
Gretchen Anthony Gold Beach, OR Seattle Labradoodles Jan Probus Seattle, WA Colonial Village Labradoodles Mindi McMillan Zionsville, Indiana |
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