If you are seriously thinking of getting a labradoodle, or any puppy, please do a lot of research. Ask the breeder the following questions:

* What is your health guarantee, and what specifics does it cover? Look for a two year guarantee against diseases that can be inherited by the puppies, a good breeder will not ask you to euthanize your pet before refunding your money or replacing your puppy/dog with another one. I know it sounds incredible that someone would ask you to euthanize your puppy before they would give you your money back, but I have seen a contract with that exact language in it.

* What health testing did the parents have? The basic health testing of both parents should include the following: hip/elbows (Pennhip or OFA), Von Willebrand's Disease, cardiac, eyes (CERF). A good breeder will not have a problem producing a copy of the testing done on their breeding dogs. If the breeder tells you that the parents are tested thru parentage, (meaning the grandparents of the puppies), look somewhere else.

* Can we contact or meet a family who has adopted one of your puppies? A referral will tell you a lot about the breeder and the puppies he/she produces. A good breeder will not have a problem providing you with a number of referrals.

* How many breeds of dogs do you produce? A hobby breeder will concentrate on one breed to be familiar with the temperament of the puppies they produce. Most hobby breeders are passionately interested in one specific breed, not in the breed dujour, or in trying to maximize profits by having as many puppies as possible for you to choose from.

* How many dogs do you have? Never get a puppy from a kennel, or a pet shop! You should get a puppy from a family whose breeding dogs are a part of their family, and are not kept in a kennel or a crate most of their lives. In reality, the more dogs you have, the less one on one you can give them. A happy, well loved breeding dog will produce excellent puppies.

* Did you acquire your breeding dog (s) as a puppy or as an adult? You may think this is not your business, but you need to know where your puppy's lineage is coming from, and how the breeding dogs are treated. I know a breeder who acquires adult dogs who have been bred a few times, the breeder does not intend to spend a couple of years raising a dog for breeding, instead prefers to breed the adult dogs she acquires a couple more times then get rid of them in whatever means she can find, including euthanizing them.

* What happens to your breeding dogs when they retire, or if they don't pass the health testing, or are found to have some health issues? It may be a shock to you but I know a doodle breeder who euthanizes her breeding dogs if they are found to be unhealthy to breed. What you would rather see, is that the breeder has the dog fixed and given to an approved, loving home.

* What kind of environment are the puppies exposed to? It is very important that the puppies are handled every day, and that they are exposed to a lot of stimuli, i.e. kids playing, TV, the radio playing, vacuum cleaner, and other family routines. Puppies kept away from this kind of environment grow up to be fearful and have more difficulty adjusting in their new homes.

* Do you do anything special before the puppies go to their permanent homes? It would be ideal to take home a puppy who has been introduced to crate training, potty training, and walking on a leash.

Also, be very inquisitive about the price of the puppies. Surely, you would like to take home a high quality puppy, but do not be deceived by the idea that a $2000.00 puppy is better quality than a $1000.00 puppy. Your basis should be the questions listed above. A good breeder's intention is to find a good home for the puppies, not who can pay the most for the puppies. I have been told by another breeder that I make her and other breeders look greedy because I sell my puppies for a lot less... my simple answer to her is that I don’t make my living out of my puppies, I raise these puppies because I love this particular breed of dog.

Obviously, you are reading this post because you are taking the time to find the best puppy for your family; I congratulate you in taking the first step. Get yourself familiar with the breed of dog that you are interested in. Labradoodles are wonderful dogs and I don't think you can go wrong if you find your labradoodle from a reputable breeder.

Please watch for other posts on this blog as we will be giving health tips, training tips, and reviews on crates, dog toys, dog treats, things that we have found work for us, either through trial and error or recommendations.