I purchased my F1b Labradoodle from a breeder for $450.She has a wonderful personality but does shed. I want to get her a companion so have begun to look at rescues and breeder nearby me in Redlands, Ca. A nearby breeder of multi-generation Australian Labradoodle is asking $2500 for those she feels meet their standards and reduced the price for one she called, "Oddball" down to $1000. (The dog was darling- just looked more like an F1 or F1b than a shorter nose blocky head Australian labradoodle). Is this a good price? What are your recommendations on having two dogs?
I agree with April definately check with the DRC and IDOG. Our Lilly's adoption fee was $150. Plus what it cost me to drive to Florida to pick her up. As for getting a second doodle. It was the best thing we ever did. One thing though, if you can have them meet first. That's what we did. We took Gus with us to pick up Lilly. I didn't want to get her up to Maryland and end up having to rehome her again if they didn't get along. Good luck.
Joe, What rescue group did you get Lilly from? I have been checking on IDog each day. We are considering the pros and cons of getting another doodle. What are the ages of your dogs? Thank you, Laurie
They are part of 2nd Chance rescue in the Daytona Beach area. We dealt with the lady who was fostering her. Gus and Lilly will be 4 in May. Definately check with the DRC folks.
Of course, I know that you will agree with me Joe, that trying to save money on the cost of a doodle is never a good reason to adopt. They're not like used cars, lol.
I agree. Cost had no factor in getting Lilly. We just got lucky I guess you can say that they only charged $150. I think a lot of it was because they didn't have to spend a lot on her when she was surrendered by her owner. She was completly up to date on everything.
$2500 is the going price for an Australian Labradoodle so one for $1000 is 'inexpensive' -- however value is in the eye of the beholder so whether or not that's a good deal depends on the value you place on an Australian labradoodle and what the breeder offers for that price. For example, for me, $300 would be TOO MUCH to spend on a dog from a breeder that did no health testing and offered a substandard health warranty.
Have you read our article on choosing a breeder?
I think 2 dogs is great, as long as you can handle the extra time and cost (2x as much poo, 2x vet bills, 2x baths, 2x grooming, 2x training, 2 dogs when traveling, etc...etc). They often entertain themselves and are fun to watch.
Because of the DRC I have my Fenway.....who cost me 20.00 to pick up from the Lewisville Animal Shelter......20 bucks.....I couldn't believe it! He is an awesome dog, no shedding....pure joy! (except when he chewed my cell phone beyond recognition) but hey, I got a new awesome phone, lol!
I love having my 2 doodles and many weekends including this one I have 3 doodles here. 1 is from a pet store, and 2 are from Puppy Mills. All 3 are incredible dogs.
Having 2 does have its work after making sure they will get along.
-making sure that they eat from their own bowls until they are done. Mine leave a little in their bowls and then switch to finish.
-walking 2 takes work at first. one always has to be ahead of the other if I don't pay attention
-training - a must when you have only 1 but with 2 I just can't imagine what life would be like without training
-make sure your arms are long enough to hug and rub 2 at the same time LOL
-make sure you can afford it - from food to vet bills (I did get vet insurance for both in case of emergencies)
I never in my life could picture us with 2 dogs and now could never imagine it with less. If our Florida apartment would allow us more than 2 I am sure that I would have adopted more from the DRC. We are going to try and sell that apartment when we go down next week - I think that says a lot!
Personally - I would only adopt. My suggestion is to send in applications to rescues while still looking for the doodle that melts your heart. Don't wait until you see that dog - rescues usually know which applicant matches a dog when they get the dog.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
Thanks! I have just completed and sent the application in to the DRC. The 9 month old Labradoodle dog named "Toby" sounds like he would be perfect for my 9 month old female Labradoodle.