Choosing a Labradoodle Breeder

"Temperament and Soundness are the two KEY elements in a good family companion; they must not be sacrificed for any reason." Quoted from the LAA Breed Standards http://www.laa.org.au/breed_standard.htm I want to stress the importance of not choosing a Labradoodle puppy based on price. You want to buy your puppy from a credible and experienced breeder, and that usually comes with a heftier cost. However, if you're looking for an allergy-friendly, top-quality Labradoodle, the price should be at the bottom of your priority list. You know you've found a good breeder if their mission is to better the breed with healthy, well-tempered dogs. The best way you can do this is - research, research, and more research. It's a long and tedious process, but it's worth every minute when you find the breeder who can provide you with the right Labradoodle. Finding the right breeder is especially critical with Labradoodles, because there are so many backyard breeders claiming to be Doodle breeders. They're obviously in the business solely to make money and aren't concerned with the betterment of the breed. Don't settle for this type of "breeder!" Also, steer far away from buying a puppy from a pet store. Yes, I know they look cute and needy in the window, and in your heart you may want to buy it, but a majority of these puppies were raised in puppy mills and they're most likely not allergy-friendly and very probably ill and/or genetically flawed. Puppy mills typically consist of dozens of pups confined in crates contaminated with pests and feces. These dogs receive little if any veterinary care. They don't get any exercise, playtime, or companionship. They often endure mistreatment and malnutrition. Then, these dogs reproduce with each other, resulting in severe genetic defects and health problems. If you purchase a puppy from a pet store, you're supporting this horrific practice. The reputable Labradoodle breeder strives to advance the quality of the breed with each new litter. This breeder matches parents based on certain criteria to produce a healthy litter. These criteria include desirable physical and behavioral characteristics and with each litter, the quality of the breeding stock improves. I recommend you visit as many breeders as possible before selecting a puppy. Don't be tempted to buy a Labradoodle puppy on your first visit - it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing all the precious pups! Visiting the Labradoodle breeders gives you an opportunity to meet the puppy's siblings and the parents--giving you an idea of the physical and behavioral characteristics. Pay close attention to the parents to see if they're healthy and well behaved. Also, ask what kind of temperament they have and what types of health issues they've had as well. Take notice of how the puppies interact with the breeder. It's a good sign if they're playful and outgoing. If they're shy are fearful, there is a reason why! Copyright by Edie MacKenzie. All Rights Reserved.