Labradoodle advice? Post Reply

[Muddlemoo]

Hi

We are keen to get a labradoodle puppy and i wondered if anybody knew where to start! I've been on the labradoodle association website but it looks like it was last updated in 2006! i'm just not sure where to start.

Thank you very much x

[mims]

Can I ask why you specifically want a labradoodle? As they're a cross between two pedigrees you could end up with a 50/50 mix of appearance and traits but you could end up with a puppy which is much more towards the poodle or lab end of the spectrum

There's no guarantee they'll be non-shedding as lots have lab coats and they come in a dizzying array of sizes. We know some lovely labradoodles but they're all very different from one another in appearance and temperament

It's very hard to find an ethical breeder of crosses who's done all the essential health tests for both parent breeds. As crosses have become so fashionable a lot of puppy farmers have jumped on the bandwagon and are churning out puppies in industrial quantities

There are fewer labradoodles being born now as most of those breeders have moved into cockerpoos - smaller, cuter so the breeders are getting rid of their standard poodle studs and bitches

If you really want a labradoodle your best bet would be to talk to people you know who have one you particularly like and get in touch with their breeder. Then ask the breeder lots of questions- what health tests have been done (walk away from anyone who tells you guff about hybrid vigour), how many dogs do they have, how many litters a year, and where are the puppies raised. Good breeders should have waiting lists so if there's a puppy available immediately that should sound warning bells and they should ask you lots of questions too. Go and visit, several times if possible and make sure you see at least the mother with the puppies

[Souza]

Morning,

I am the admin for a Facebook group called 'Common Dog'. This is a group for dog owners / walkers who live in & around Clapham. We have about 500 dog owners in our group. Here is the link:-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/343360205806453/

We are a very friendly group. It might be worth posting in our group and speaking to libra-doodle owners.

I'm a dog owner [Mastiff-X] & my feedback is very similar to that of the last poster - labra-doodles make for great family pets

As you rightly point out - the important part is finding a reputable breeder. There are cowboy breeders out there for all breeds of dogs - not just labra doodles.

We have owners of all breeds in our Facebook group - & someone may be able to give you a personal recommendation about a breeder they have purchased a puppy from.
X

[Muddlemoo]

thanks so much everybody! we've actually come full circle and are getting a lab cross rescue dog! i've joined the Facebook page so thank you so much for the recommendation! x