standard or miniature doodle

[Tammy Flores]

Hi everyone,

I want to breed labradoodles when my chocolate lab is old enough. I will not be over breeding her. I am thinking 1 time every 2 years. I don't plan on having a big breeding kennel or anything like that but I am curious about doodle size preferences. I don't know if I want to breed to a standard poodle or a mini. What size is more preferred? I will be keeping one of the puppies to possibly breed in the future so I don't know what size to go for. Any input would be appreciated.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Tammy, I'm not going to get into a debate about breeding with you here. It's a huge and complicated subject, and for many of us, very emotional as well. We have had many discussions about responsible breeding here on DK over the years, you can find them by doing a search. Reading the discussions I linked might help, too. It's clear from your post that you are not experienced with breeding. Please try to find an experienced doodle breeder who can mentor you if this is what you have your heart set on. If you do a web search for doodle breeders organizations, that might be a good way to find one. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Good advice, Karen! 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Totally agree Karen!

[Michelle Ashby]

Amen, Laura and Luigi

[Donna K & Quincy]

Why is it that when someone questions or disagrees it's an 'attack'? Everyone is entitled to their opinion and has the right to express it. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Absolutely. I saw no attack here.

[Tammy Flores]

I did not use the word attacked. I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I still think it's ridiculous that it is just assumed that I know nothing. I have used many resources learning about doodles and breeding in general. The fact that I want to breed my one dog shouldn't be grounds to call me a BYB. My one dog will probably only be bred 2 or 3 times in her entire life.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Please show us the post where anyone called you a BYB. 

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

The first thing that occurs to me is, why would you want to create more early generation labradoodles?  It's like hearing someone tell you they want to go to law school because they believe it will improve their financial situation.  There may have been a time when that would have been a good idea, but that ship has long since sailed.  Why reinvent the wheel - especially when it means creating all those dogs that shed or have hair coats and will be hard to find homes for? 

[Sally S Miles]

Since nobody mentioned BYB until stating that you don't want to be one - - well being a 'back yard breeder' is not necessarily a bad thing! Some are really good - but others have given it a stigma that sounds less than kind.   Just as the term breeder doesn't not automatically mean a puppy mill.   Having a female, breeding her for 2 or three times to produce Labradoodles is indeed being a BYB and whether it's a good thing or a negative is up to you.    Having a female and intentionally breeding  a few times is definitely being a Back Yard Breeder and so far the worst reasons have been given.

 

Owners are a great place to find out what is wrong with the breeding world.  Look at the 'red flags' or how to choose a breeder and see where your philosophy fits in. 

 

Consider talking to your mentor about mixing sizes - what about the bone trouble caused by mixing standards with mini's?

Why not breed Labs?      Why not talk to the person who bred and produced your Lab? Breeding is breeding - My idea of a casual breeder is one who just decides to breed her dog because of popularity, choosing what to produce due to popularity is the sour note - - breed what you love and love the most, odds are you will be stuck with one or two of them.  There still needs to do a lot of homework before proceeding.    

Getting defensive won't help, but it doesn't help if tempers flare either.   Nobody attacked, but gave honest answers.       While there are a lot of people with puppies to sell,  surveying for what is popular does come across as irresponsible.  The term 'Back Yard Breeder' is indeed meant for someone who is not a kennel, but produces litters of puppies essentially in their back yard - (some are far better than the 'pros') - but the negativity comes from lack of information and education.    

 

"These things must be done delicately"

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I take my hat off to responsible breeders, not only are they a pretty rare breed but they are also saints. I often thought about what makes 'a good breeder' and why would anyone put themselves through this? If I was contemplating becoming a Doodle breeder I would first check my bank balance and  find the best breeder of the type of doodles I personally like and ask if I could purchase a possible dog with breeding rights.  I believe they cost about $10,000  then I would get all the essential health tests done at the correct time and research possible studs. In the meantime I would prepare well...I don't understand taking a Labrador and doing an F1 cross as this was done a long time ago and throws unpredictable puppies. The question posed is a general one asking which is a popular size. Size it the last thing to be concerned about.  I would be saving your money for all that health testing which I believe runs to thousands of dollars and also put a big chunk aside for vets fees. All the advice here is the best possible, sometimes it's hard to take but it is always given with the intention of sharing knowledge born of years of experience. 

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Great pun Nicky!

For what it's worth, I think I remember looking into it with respect to ALDs.  Certainly I'm not going to start breeding dogs in my downtown Chicago apartment, but I was curious about how the market works.  I think I remember that a puppy like Lola, without a spay/neuter contract, would be around $14,000.

In my opinion that is not nearly enough - but I suppose I am biased.  :)