Rutland Manor Scandal?

[Kathryn J Kotrla]

In researching English labradoodle breeders for our son's girlfriend's mom, I found information about "Rutland Manor Exposed" for its breeding practices. Does anyone have reliable information about this? Thanks in advance.

[Dixie Moore]

Kathryn, I have no firsthand knowledge regarding the puppy mill accusations. There was a post on one of those sites written by Kate Pappas, who has two dogs from there. I do believe what she wrote. She was one of Beverley's most ardent supporters, and when she wrote that, I think it was the final straw for many who may have been thinking that the expose' sites were not truthful.

Fortunately many of the dogs have been moved to Texas, near Dallas I think.

Several years ago some people stayed at my house who used to be part owners of Rutland Manor. They had come to America to find out the fate of Ellie, one of the RM dogs that had been stolen from them after they had a falling out with Beverley of RM. What they told me brought me to tears. Ellie and all of her puppies were shot, out of spite I guess. That's something I believe, and I saw a recent post supposedly by Angela, Beverley's daughter, admitting that her husband had shot them. I always try to take these things with a grain of salt, because anyone could post and say they were someone else. But I heard the story of the shooting from the people who had come to America to find out the fate of their dog.

I think that when they first started, it was different. I hope so anyway. What it has come to, if we should believe everything that has been written, is a disgrace.

Fortunately, there are many breeders in the US and in Australia who are responsible breeders and who will carry the breed forward with love and ethical breeding practices.

[Kathryn J Kotrla]

Thanks so much for this information, Dixie. Although any puppy mill is reprehensible, to think of intuitive and loving Doodles being treated like this is mind-blowing. Thank goodness there are wonderful breeders like you around! It's all so sad about RM.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

Kathryn,

I have no first-hand knowledge of the situation, but I think you have put your finger on the answer to the controversy: that there are careful, responsible, loving breeders of multigen labradoodles all over the world, and they can be trusted to safeguard the breed and to provide a family with a truly wonderful dog.

About 18 months into my 2-year search for the breed that would accommodate both my allergies and my husband’s desire for a large, happy, mellow dog, I discovered all the expose web sites and discussions. We had already decided the multigen ALD was what we wanted, but those allegations and vituperative comments stopped us dead in our tracks.

For me, the horror of how the individual dogs were treated is unforgiveable, if it’s true, but a somewhat separate issue is the fact that, seemingly, so many untested dogs and dogs with known health or temperament problems were bred and the puppies sold to unsuspecting breeders and families around the world. What did that mean for the integrity and credibility of the breed?

When I studied web sites for other breeders, especially Dixie’s, I came to realize that, if the breeder you’re buying from has thoroughly tested and really knows the parents and even grandparents of the puppy you want, then you can have confidence your puppy will grow into the dog of your dreams.

In the three short weeks since Cosmo came home with us, many friends, coworkers, and even the people at his vet’s office, have fallen in love with him and expressed interest in the ALD. I recommend that they search the web for a breeder who is open with information about health testing, temperament, and parentage and willing for you to visit. If, on that visit, you find that everything meets or exceeds your expectations, you know you’ve found a breeder you can trust.

I am so grateful to Dixie for being that breeder for us—and for all the care and love that went into creating Cosmo, who is the son of Truffle and Shadow, and the grandson of Mudgee. Now, that’s a pedigree anyone would be proud of!

I think this controversy is just a speedbump in the road to full recognition for the ALD as a unique and truly wonderful breed of dog.

I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but I spent a lot of time analyzing all the info on both sides before I realized what was really important. You’re already there!

Sorry for the long post—
Elizabeth

[Kathryn J Kotrla]

Your Cosmo is precious! I'm sure he's absolutely delightful. We've had Casey for a year now, and people are still drooling over him.....we have had cars stop in the road to inquire about him....everyone loves him....Dixie's Doodles are amazing. Wishing you much joy with your Cosmo.

[Carol McCasland]

amen to all these posts! I can't imagine life without my Cody-dog. And I have the utmost confidence in Dixie and her doodles! After visiting her home and seeing her wonderful brood, I knew I'd come to the right place. And I am always informing people about ALD's. Everyone thinks they are just a poodle-lab mix, and many people remark on how small Cody is compared to other ld's they know, which are of course 1st gen. When I explain about ALD's and their beginnings in Australia, people are amazed! And everyone LOVES Cody. My kudos to Dixie and her involvement in this wonderful breed.