Labradoodle Breeders: Accredited Breeder Are The Best Choice
When looking for a Labradoodle puppy to buy, your best choice is to go to an accredited Labradoodle breeder. Breeders who take the time and expense to register with the national Labradoodle association do so because they believe in the breed and are passionate about breeding quality Labradoodles that will make wonderful family pets and companions.
The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) and the International Australian Labradoodle Association (IALA), and other Labradoodle Associations, encourage the responsible breeding of these wonderful dogs. It follows therefore, that those breeders who are affiliated with these breed associations are responsible in their breeding programs and produce reliable puppies.
These associations have a code of ethics which is far-reaching and covers things like the care of the breeding stock; dogs and puppies always get the best vet care and required vaccinations; no dog will ever be sold into an environment that is less than favorable; the breeder will assist in the re-homing of their dogs, if this becomes necessary; written information about the care, feeding, training and vet care is given to every new owner.
Labradoodle Associations produce lists of accredited breeders which are designed to be a valuable tool for prospective Labradoodle owners. Association members are required to be a signatory to the code of ethics, to register all their litters with the association and to have all their breeding stock health and DNA tested. This testing ensures the health of the puppies and assures buyers that the parents are not carrying the genes that cause genetic defects or diseases.
For people who are looking for a Labradoodle to be a family dog, these associations give security and assurance that the puppies they are looking at are from quality stock and are fit and healthy. Although there are never any guarantees with animal breeding, buying from accredited breeders gives you confidence that you are buying from the best sources.
You probably have discovered already that there are several variants within the Labradoodle breed. These include coat type, coat color and the size of the dog. You may also have come across other terms like F1, F1B and multi-gen or multi-generational. These terms refer to the parentage of the puppies; whether they were pure breed Labrador or Poodle, or whether they were labradoodle themselves. A simple explanation of these terms is:
- F1 – a first generation Labradoodle, the parents being a Labrador and a Poodle.
- F1B – a 2nd generation Labradoodle, the parents being an F1 labradoodle and a pure-bred Labrador or Poodle. Usually a Poodle is used to improve the softness and curly aspect of the coat.
- F2 – a 2nd generation Labradoodle, with both parents being Labradoodle, most commonly F1s. Good breeders will select the parents to give the best of the Labradoodle traits.
- F3 – 3rd generation Labradoodles, both parents being F2 Labradoodles.
- Multi-generation – beyond F3 or 3rd generation Labradoodles.
- Australian Labradoodle – often multi-gen, and may have other breeds mixed in to improve the coat and temperament of the off-spring. Breeds used include Cocker Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniel and the Curly Coated Retriever.
Your labradoodle breeder will explain the parentage of the
puppies you are considering, and will probably be able to show you the
parents. Go to several breeders before making a decision and ask lots
of questions. Be prepared for a quality breeder to ask you as many questions
as you are asking; they are finding out whether you can offer a good home
to one of their 'babies'.