Help finding a mini Labradoodle - worried about red flags

[Elaine Uomini]

Finally, after much reading about Labradoodles, the time has come to choose a breeder and put in a deposit for a Spring puppy.  But I am still hesitant and confused.  I live in Santa Barbara, CA and have yet to find a breeder of mini  Labradoodles very close to us.  Some breeders on my short list live about a day’s drive away, okay for picking up a puppy, but not conducive to many home visits.  However, even some breeders on my short list, in spite of glowing testimonials and photos of puppies that fill my heart with love and joy, seem to have a few red flags.  I need help sorting these out.  Should I eliminate breeders from my short list if they do these things?

1. Spay or neuter at 8 weeks.  Our two rescued kittens, Rosie and Puffin, had this done to them, and they are now 6-year-old healthy cats.  The Rescue cat lady said that the new micro surgical techniques made this possible.   But of course, they are cats, not dogs.
2. I know this is a whole can of worms, but I read a couple of posts from a few years ago on Doodlekisses about Rutland Manor.  If a breeder mentions Rutland Manor as good thing in her “about us” section is that a red flag?   Even though she health tests all current mother and father dogs, is this a problem?
3. Many of the breeders use guardian homes so that every dog gets to have a loving family.  I love this concept.  If a breeder is doing this, and yet still has a few “retired” mother dogs to rehome, is this a red flag?  It seems to me that the guardian homes would still love them, even though retired or am I misunderstanding something?  Certainly the dogs would love their guardian families and want to be with them after bonding with them for 5 or 6 years.

I appreciate  your help in sorting all of this out.  I understand we can’t rate individual breeders here, but if anyone has any suggestions about mini Labradoodles close to Santa Barbara, CA, feel free to write to me personally.  Thank you in advance.  I love coming to Doodlekisses and reading everyone’s stories and seeing all the cute Doodle pictures!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I guess what I resent is the statement "Why on earth would you not want to learn about the breed you love dearly and some of the issues going on with them? It implies, or really says explicitly, that we are poorly informed people about our dogs. Many of us did in depth research before we got our dogs. We have also learned so much from this site as well as from other sites since getting our dogs. Maybe newcomers would do well to go through the effort of searching through our site, before trying to educate us. We have so many discussions and blogs on the cons, as well of course of the pros, of doodles, breeding, and so much more. And now we have a great search engine : )

[Marie Dennen]

I can tell that people their research. I do research as well. But the conclusion I have come to is different than others that do decide to get a doodle. I have met and presently take care of some very nicely bred doodles, coat , structure,temperament. But I have to say they are in the minority. That is where my cynicism is from, that's all. I don't think it is going off topic to bring this up to a potential owner.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I guess you did not read Adina's "Welcome to New Members".
"Welcome to DoodleKisses.com -- thanks for joining this fun, friendly, and informative community of labradoodle and goldendoodle enthusiasts."
You are not an enthusiast. The person who originally posted the question was asking for opinions from this site. If she wanted negative opinions about doodles in general she had lots of other sites to chose from.

[Marie Dennen]

"You are not an enthusiast" Did you per chance read it? I spoke in generalities. You are taking this to a personal level and really being cruel.Saying that would be like me saying you are not a good doodle owner. It is neither fair nor true. These are known issues with this kind of dog. I have encountered many naive new doodle owners. When I was a less experienced new dog owner I wish I would have more people offer the pros and cons with the breeds I was deciding to take on. Sugar coating these known issues doesn't help any doodle.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have stayed out of this discussion, but I think a blog I wrote over a year ago is very relevant to the debate that has formed from this post. Marie, Most of us try very hard to educate newbies and posters that there is no Perfect Doodle. We also try and help with food, training, temperament, puppies, and every other question known to man when it comes to our dogs. We do love our dogs very much, but very few of us think they are perfect. No dog is and it is that expectation that lands so many dogs (not just Doodles) in shelters and rescues.

The other thing I would like to say is that F answers a ton of questions on this forum and I have never known her to be cruel in any way.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/wanted-perfect-doodle

[Adrienne]

Very well said Cheryl!!  

[Marie Dennen]

"Complete distaste for doodles" are your words not mine. I only said I would never buy one. I never said I disliked them. I would not want to wade researching through the enormous amount of breeders out there for them, when only a few are decent. It's just a personal preference.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It's always best if you can visit the breeder and meet them and some of their dogs but good breeders at a distance will explain their selection process fully, know their dogs and their pups very well and will spend time with you to try and make sure you and your new pup are a good fit.  The also offer ongoing advice and support. 

You can ask for references and talk directly to people who have a puppy or a dog from them. Although it was a 4 hour round trip, I was able to go to an Open House and meet the breeder and many of her dogs and guardian families before Finnegan was even born.  I went back to pick him up.

IMO guardian homes are the responsible and loving way to go if a breeder is breeding more than one or two dogs.  They give the dog a forever home and a full and loving life.  

The good news about Rutland Park and Tegan Manor in the bloodline is that most of the dogs now being bred in this country have been health tested --if it is a responsible breeder --and taken out of the breeding lines if they don't pass. Familiarize yourself with the health testing that is needed for ALDs.

I know many people here have had their puppies shipped safely but if I was to choose a breeder at a distance, I would fly to get the pup and carry him back with me on the plane. There are too many airline horror stories recently and I remember how traumatic it was when Finn first realized he was leaving his home.I expected some crying but I didn't expect the head splitting howls that began the minute we turned on to the main road.Snuggling and music quickly quieted him down but who would have been there to reassure him if he was alone on a plane?  

I know of a good breeder in Oregon --but not familiar with CA.  But I'm sure you'll find a wonderful pup.  Good luck and keep us posted. 

   

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Breeder reviews, referrals, recommendations, and links to breeder websites are not permitted here in the forum. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't think I was rude. You are on a doodle lovers site but you have made it clear on your page that you prefer "pure" breeds. You have made it clear that you have a doodle by chance. We are well aware that there are people who think breeding doodles is not a good thing. I wonder what you hope to accomplish?  I love to read about dogs too but I do not want to read about why some people think that breeding doodles is unethical.

[F, Calla & Luca]

How strange, the reply in which Marie said I was rude has disappeared. This is what I was responding to:

"Why on earth would you not want to learn about the breed you love dearly and some of the issues going on with them? I would value an experienced standard poodle breeder's knowledge and opinion. Aren't you interested in the type of dogs used for the end result of a doodle. I am. I want healthy parents to produce healthy puppies. They are poodle and retriever people who wouldn't dream of letting one of their dogs go to be bred this way. They have worked had on keeping their lines healthy. Doodles come from two different breeds. Well three depending on their cross. I think it helps to learn about those breeds to understand where they are coming from. The golden retriever, standard poodle, and lab history are.absolutely fascinating. I love to learn about breeds. If doodles continue be a breed this will be part of their history. I just responded with some thoughts to a person who appears to be doing extensive research. I would want to hear all different viewpoints and take in all the information I could before I spent what some breeders charge. While you may not agree or like the view point I offered there is no reason to be rude."

[Marie Dennen]

It is strange because I didn't take it down, thanks for reposting!