Karen's Page

Hi Karen ~ Welcome to Doodle Kisses.  I just noticed you had started a discussion regarding ALDS.  I am partial to ALDs and I have two.  After  much research, I decided the coat of the ALD would be more consistent with what we were looking for which was non-shedding and hypo-allergenic.  I specifically bought ours in the state we live in because I wanted to be able to pick them up in person.  Have you talked to Windsor Labradoodles on the phone in person?  I see they are in your state and if you did purchase a puppy from them, would they allow you to pick up at the kennel?  If not, I would stir clear of them.  I can tell you that when I decided on a breeder I did put a deposit down without seeing the parents.  I received a pedigree on the mother and father because I specific breeding lines I was looking for in their background.  I then got referrals on the breeder.  Charlie's is 7th generation Australian labradoodle.  Beau has the same father but a different mother than Charlie and he is actually 5th generation.  Al that means is that their parents back 7 generations were multi-generational ALDs.  Our breeder uses a bio-sensor testing on the puppy when they are 7 weeks and then picks the family they think best suits the puppy, not the other way around.  Initially I thought this was crazy, but in hindsight, I agree because the breeder is around the puppies 24/7 and knows their personality traits and that way they can place the active puppy with the active family etc. etc.  While researching, I found the ALD breeders I talked with did chose the puppy for the prospective buyer.  Of course you give them your preferences in your application (i.e. sex, color, size etc.) and a description of your family life and what you expect from a new companion.  If you reject the choice they make for you, they will put your deposit on another litter of your choice.  Charlie was everything I wanted - there were no surprises.  He was chocolate, smart, laid back and just the perfect choice for us.  When we decided to get Beau it was the same experience.  He has the same father as Charlie, but a different mother and is a parti.  He is super sweet boy and also just so lovable.  They are both medium size (Charlie 38.5 lbs and Beau is 42lbs).  Neither shed and both are very laid back and gentle.  I would think you would know very quickly if there were any issues with someone in the family being allergic and if that was the case I would think the breeder would take the puppy back. 

Take your time deciding, keep researching this site and finding out if this is the breed you want.  One thing to also think about is not only the fact they are a little on the pricey side, but  because they are non-shedding their coats require quite a bit of grooming.  I brush the boys at the least every 3rd day and then take them to the groomer about every 8 to 10 weeks for a bath and cut which also adds up.  All this is just an fyi so that you can get a feel for what is required if you decide to bring an ALD or really any non-shedding dog into your family. Good look with finding the right fit for your family.