Types of Laberdoodles and Breeder Help

[Donna C]

Hello

We recently lost our lab and are interested in a laberdoodle .  We are confused on the different types F1, F1b etc not sure what type to look for also we looking for a breeder is scary and daunting it is very hard to judge . Any help you can provide we would like to get real recommendations from honest owners not breeders websites . we are in the NJ, PA area.   Thank you we look forward to any help you and provide

Donna

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Donna, we have some great guidelines on What to Look For in a Breeder: http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

This is far more important than any personal recommendation you can get. Please read it carefully and use it as a checklist for any breeder you consider. If they cannot measure up, move on. Most important are genetic health testing of parents and the warranty.

Breeder recommendations and referrals are not permitted here in the open forum. People can send you a private message if you accept a friend request from them. 

We also have a wonderful discussion put together by many members here for people who are considering getting a doodle. It's a must read to get the truth about these dogs rather than marketing hype on breeder websites.http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/considering-a-doodle-crowd...

Lastly, there's a pretty good explanation of the generations (F1, etc) here: https://breedingbusiness.com/meaning-of-f1-f1b-f2-f2b-f3-when-discu...

[Donna C]

Hi Karen,

Thank you I am new to this.  I feel that when I look at a breeders website then I try to research them, there is no information or just disturbing information which makes me super nervous. Our Bella passing at 91/2 was just devastating to us and I just don't want to go pick out a puppy and she ends us sick I feel I cant believe anything that the breeders say that is the only reason I am looking for personal experiences.

[Nancy]

Hi Karen....If I can offer a bit of help.  I have 2 Australian Labradoodles both from the same breeder.  I did alot of research before purchasing my first almost 5 years ago and decided that the Australian Labradoodle, ALD was the best fit for my family.  I decided to choose a breeder who was a member of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America because they have standards, including testing for all their members.  

http://alaa-labradoodles.com/

Good luck!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think you probably meant to address this to Donna, as she's the one looking for a doodle, lol. 

But since we're bringing up the ALAA and Australian Labradoodles, one problem with many of the breeders is their insistence upon doing ESN before the pups leave home. Many of us would not purchase a pup under those conditions. It's also mentioned in the "what to look for in a breeder" guidelines.

Here are some past discussions that present important information to consider for anyone looking to purchase an ALD puppy:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/labradoodle-breeders-who-d...

[Donna C]

What is ESN ? I am hesitant to open the links I have trouble reading or hearing anything that is harming the dogs I have to have my husband look into it . It just upsets me to bad.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

It's Early Spay/Neuter (at 7 weeks, usually). I opted out of that for my new pup. And have your hub check that the breeding dogs are at least three years old, and that they've been health tested RecentlY.
I understand your hesitation, truly I do, but these doodlekisses links are great for helpful info - better to know ahead to set up best conditions for a healthy pup!
Good luck and have fun puppy searching! :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

ESN stands for "Early Spay-Neuter", and it is the practice of desexing puppies at 6 or 7 weeks old before they go to their new homes. This is mainly practiced by ALD breeders, and the reason typically given is to ensure that the new owner will not breed their pet dog. However, all reputable breeders have to be concerned about that, and the way that it is universally handled by all other responsible and reputable breeders is to place a clause in the purchase agreement specifying that the owner must provide proof of spay/neuter by a certain age, usually between 7 and 12 months, depending on the breed. There's nothing in the discussions that would upset you, they simply present reasons why many of us believe that ESN is not a desirable practice from a health standpoint, and include veterinary information about studies showing the potential health effects. 

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

This is an interesting and important topic. My Charlotte is a multigenerational Australian Labradoodle and her breeder does not do ESN. And, though not a member of ALAA, she does extensive health testing and offers a comprehensive warranty. Those breeders are out there; you just have to go through the research to uncover them. Good luck in your search!

[Nancy]

Yes Karen, I did mean for my comment to be directed to Donna :)  My own personal opinion on the ESN is that  there are pro's and con's on both sides and assuming I read the article correctly, the Golden Retrievers that were studied were either not neutered or neutered before the age of 1 year. Every Vet that I have encountered has recommended neutering around 6 months, so wouldn't that still be considered ESN?  Please know that I respect everyones opinion and would never try to sway anyone one way or another.  I'm just saying that there are definitely many people who would purchase an ALD from an ALAA breeder knowing what their conditions are.  It is definitely a preference :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You might want to take a look at the discussions I posted to see the opinions of some other members here, including several who did purchase ALDs who had undergone ESN, did not understand the potential health risks, and would not do so again. I personally cannot see any pros to it at all. And I know many, many vets who recommend waiting until 12 months of age to neuter large dogs. It depends on the age at which growth plates close, which varies according to the adult size of the dog. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Testing is SO important for any dog.  You don't want to get an inferior dog or use a breeder that does not have your and their dogs' best interests at heart.

[Donna C]

Hi Karen,

Thank you I am new to this.  I feel that when I look at a breeders website then I try to research them, there is no information or just disturbing information which makes me super nervous. Our Bella passing at 91/2 was just devastating to us and I just don't want to go pick out a puppy and she ends us sick I feel I cant believe anything that the breeders say that is the only reason I am looking for personal experiences.