Health testing

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I have recently heard that dogs should not be bred until they are at least 5 years old and that CERF, OFA and PennHIP exams mean nothing until the dog is 3 years old. Is this true? Why do I see so many doodle breeders breeding dogs at 2 years of age?

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

That had to be an AKC article~ AKC breeders focus on titles, the more titles the more valuable their litters are to other AKC breeders.

A female gets loose skin around her belly, coat changes and other physical changes take place that could ruin a girls chance at winning a beauty contest!

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Ya I have all that too after 4 sons. LOL!!

[Adina P]

5 years seems like a bit of a stretch when it's not long after that that many are retired from breeding.

DNA testing can rule out lots of things in puppies--if a pup is cleared of PRA, I'm not sure CERF is even necessary. Besides that CERF has to be done annually as it only checks what the dog has at that moment.
PennHIP is accurate at 16 weeks.
OFA used to only 'give official ratings' to dogs 2 years old or older, but I've heard recently that due to increasing evidence that earlier scores are just as predictive of hip quality ... they either HAVE changed to certifying hips sooner or are going to.

Of course I also think it's a good idea to wait a few cycles because by then one REALLY knows an adult dog's temperament and by then a dog can obtain certificates, obedience titles, etc...things that are helpful in showing a dog's true potential. But this isn't typically done with doodles. I don't think it's necessary, but it sure is a nice value added 'proof' of quality parent dogs in my opinion.