The Labradoodle breed has only been in the public eye for the last few decades. The breed was originally created to be used as guide dogs for blind people who couldn’t have a dog due to allergies. The first cross was between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. Then, Labradoodles were crossed with Labradoodles to take on the characteristics that were most desirable with this new breed.
This breed gained popularity so quickly that people who were not knowledgeable about the breed were mating any old Lab and Poodle together. These crosses made breeders a lot of money, but produced crosses that did not have any reliable characteristics. There was a wide range of coat types and sizes. Many of these did not have the hypoallergenic quality that was so important to the breed. Behavioral characteristics could not be accounted for, and some breeders bred dogs that had more health problems than the originals.
If you purchase a Labradoodle from a breeder who does not know what they are doing, you may not be purchasing a Labradoodle at all. Good breeders take great care into making sure their pups fit the mold of what a Labradoodle is all about. Buying a Labradoodle from a bad breeder is almost like paying for a designer handbag, but receiving a knockoff. You may have a lovely pet, but you did not receive what was advertised. When you pay high prices for a dog, you’re paying for a breeder’s expertise and careful work.
Breeders have worked hard over the years to breed out coats that shed a lot and are not hypoallergenic. In most Labradoodles, you will see the fleece coat or the wool coat. These variations shed the least and generally don’t induce an allergic response. The fleece coat is a bit longer than the wool coat. It is fairly silky and wavy. The wool coat has tighter curls that are often cut closer to the body. These coats are a result of breeding Labradoodles with other Labradoodles, or breeding a Labradoodle with a Poodle or Cocker Spaniel. The infusion of other breeds helps develop softer coats that shed less. A Labrador/Poodle cross can sometimes result in a straight coat that sheds like a Lab’s coat. Some variations can also result in a dog with a top coat and under coat. A reputable breeder will make sure that their crosses yield the preferred coat styles.
If the breeder doesn’t choose the parent dogs carefully, this may lead to health problems with the pups. Some conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, or diseases that affect the blood and organs are passed down from generation to generation. Your dog may have a serious health concern that may not appear until they are older. Not only have you shelled out money to pay for a potentially sick pup, but you will have to continue to pay for medical treatment to keep them healthy. Also, it’s heartbreaking to see your young dog suffer or die because the disease was bred in.
Behavior is another big concern when it comes to purchasing a Labradoodle. Properly bred Labradoodles should be energetic, intelligent, and gentle around children. If a breeder is using dogs that show bad behavioral traits, it may result in a dog that shows aggression. This is the last thing you want when getting a Labradoodle because it can put your family members at risk. A poorly-bred Labradoodle that can’t get along with children can become very agitated and annoyed. Unfortunately, many dogs that are advertised as sweet, even-tempered dogs end up in shelters because owners didn’t get what they paid for.
The improper breeding of Labradoodles have created mutts that are nothing like the original Labradoodles. Even the first Labradoodle breeder has said that he regrets what has become of the breed. If you’re thinking about buying a Labradoodle, make sure you research breeders. There are many ethical, knowledgeable breeders out there who know what they’re doing. We have a list of Labradoodle breeders for you to browse.
When looking at a breeder’s website, there are often clues that will tell you that they might not be able to be trusted. If the breeder has more than one or two breeds at their business, it suggests that they don’t spend all of their time working on perfecting the breed. If you ask for health clearances or specifics on the genetic health of the parents, they should be able to provide you with that information. They should be concerned about the well-being of their pups in their new home. Breeders who don’t ask you questions about your knowledge of dog care or don’t check up with you later may be trying to sell as many dogs as possible without care.
Good dog breeders have a passion for the dogs they breed. You should be able to look at and choose your dog on their premises before buying. If they care about good breeding, they own their own Labradoodles as pets and show them. You should be able to see that the parents are in good health and treated well. The mothers should not be overused and should display a good temperament. The breeder should always wait to sell pups until they are weaned from the mother. Don’t underestimate your instinct, either. If you are talking to a breeder and something doesn’t seem right, don’t be afraid to question what they are saying.
A properly bred Labradoodle is a joy to have in your home. They are smart, sweet, and good with kids. Their coat should not shed a lot, and their dander and saliva should not cause an allergic response in most people. While it’s not always possible to avoid all health problems, your Labradoodle should not display serious illness at a young age. A good breeder is passionate about Labradoodles and should want to ensure the health and happiness of their pups. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find a breeder you’re comfortable with, because you’ll want to be sure you know exactly what you’re buying.