ISO Reputable Labradoodle Breeder in Mid Atlantic Area

[Anne]

Hi everyone. After extensive research we have our heart set on a Labradoodle puppy, preferable with a take home date in early June so my kids can have all summer to dote on the puppy, take care of the puppy and bond with the puppy. The problem is that I have done too much research and I can't seem to find an appropriate breeder. I thought that going with breeders who have high certifications from the two labradoodle groups (ALAA and LCA) would ensure quality breeding, but I have found some of those breeders (even gold paw from ALAA) seem a bit puppy mill-ish. One near me produces so many litters it's hard to not think puppy mill and another uses some puppy moms who are under the age of two (and I read all the don't on your website so I want to find a mom who is between 2-6 years old). Also, none of the places I've looked into in my area allow you to come visit the parents or the pups before you pickup the pup. They say this is to keep the unvaccinated puppies safe from virus. That may be true, but it's also a nice cover for a puppy mill like operation! Or at least a subpar operation. I live in Maryland outside of DC and I was trying to buy a puppy from a breeder in the MD-PA-VA area so that I could "inspect" for myself, but that seems impossible. I would love to hear recommendations from those of you who have visited and worked with these breeders. I was leery of ordering a puppy that needed shipping because it sounds traumatic for a puppy, but if the consensus is that shipping is safe then please lmk about breeders who are not in the mid-Atlantic area. Thanks in advance for your help!!! You can private message me with your advice!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can't help with a recommendation, but I want to say: Bravo to you for doing your homework! I agree 100% with all of your concerns. I hope you find the right breeder. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Kudos to you for doing your homework.  I can't help you.  I know many people do use a transportation service or plane to receive their puppies.  I would not care for that myself.  Perhaps an extended road trip is in your future?????

[Nancy]

I also agree that you certainly are doing your homework and I commend you for that.  I purchased my 2 ALD's after doing alot of homework as well.  I was able to make a visit, but it was after I sent in my deposit.  I do understand the reasons for not allowing visitors but would think that after a deposit is given, that should be considered.  Alot of reputable breeders have guardian homes for their dogs so I would not necessarily suspect a puppy mill when seeing more than a couple of expected litters.  I wish I had a recommendation for you in your area, but I don't, hopefully someone here will.  I did see on the ALAA Breeder Member that there is a breeder in Maryland who allows visits once a deposit is received.  I personally would not purchase a pup "site unseen" and I would never just pick up my pup at an airport either.  I encourage you to keep looking and make phone calls to breeders that you may consider.  It is definitely worth it to find the right breeder with the right pup for you :)  Good luck!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

However, I wouldn't make a deposit before knowing that the breeder was acceptable to me.  Those suckers are non-refundable.