Size prediction for unborn pups

[Doodle Dreamer]

Hi,  we are researching various breeders, and dreaming of our own labradoodle.  How does a breeder determine possible size of a future litter?  The Dam weighs 20 lbs and is 15" high.  The Sire weighs 15 lbs and is 15" high.  The breeder says the puppies will be about 10-20 lbs and 13-15" high.  How do they determine this?  Thank you. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

From experience.  These are pretty small doodles - maybe a mini labradoodle?  Looks like they are breeding down to get smaller dogs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If the breeder has bred this pair before, she's going by the size of the previous litter. If not, she's guessing. 

Just from the information you've given, I'd say her low end is correct but there could be dogs more than 15" and more than 20 lbs from this breeding. It is not at all uncommon for doodles to end up considerably bigger than either parent. This is especially true if either the parents are doodles themselves. 

[Jennifer Tramell]

I agree with Lynda & Karen.  Remember, however, that there may be size variation due to other dogs in the family line.  My Webster came from a 70 lb dad and a 55 lb mom.  Most of the pups in his litter were the predicted size, Webster however, just weighed in at 92 POUNDS!!!  (He's been 88 lbs, I'm cutting back on his food a bit).  Apparently there was a big dog somewhere in his bloodline. 

My cousin has a mini goldendoodle who's parents are 22lbs and 27lbs.  She was told that most of the pups from these parents are 20-25 lbs, however, the poodle stud is a large mini or small standard.  Both of the poodle grandparents are smaller and the breeder knows that a couple pups from each litter takes after the grandparents.  My cousins mini is only 15 lbs.

When dealing with a mixed breed with large breeds in the parentage, some minis can be end up more medium sized.

[Doodle Dreamer]

Thanks for the insight.  I did not think to consider the size of the doodle grandparents, but that makes sense.  Jennifer, glad you have more of a doodle to hug!