Cost of Australian Labradoodles???

[Audrey Goldman]

As a first time dog owner I am wondering why an ALD is so expensive? I paid $2,500 for my 5th generation ALD puppy. Most breeders I contacted were all about the same price. What is it about this breed that makes it so expensive? I am curious why a non AKC breed dog is so costly? Loving my sweet Archie

[fergie11]

Your opening a big "can of worms" here - It's been covered in this link:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/so-expensive
Have fun reading - it gets ridiculous.

[Adina P]

You might find this recent discussion quite useful...it got very heated so be prepared =)

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/so-expensive

[Adina P]

By the way...don't feel bad about asking this question. There is nothing wrong with questioning how things work...I just meant the above warning to let you know it COULD get heated and the previous discussion might just tell you what you need to know all by itself =)

[Mindy]

I too, paid $2500.oo for my australian labradoodle. I have allergies, travel all over the place all the time, and I wanted a low to non-shedding dog for just those reasons. Paddy came to me chipped and snipped, so I do not consider the price outrageous....very very expessive, however that is what it was. Too, I think the australian labradoodle is a mix lab, poodle, spaniels and now doodle to doodle) as opposed to the "designer" dog poodle and lab.
The owner of the camp I take my Paddy to, calls him Paddy-Atti, as he barks at her when she comes in, and he has a mind of his own, she swears there is terrier bred into Paddy. However he is very protective of me and quite protective of the women who work at the camp, too. He is smart as a wiz, however he does what he is going to do. I am asked DAILY about him, where I got him....people write down the name of Log Cabin Labradoodles all the time. My dad calls Paddy "Hollywood" as he is a huge hit everywhere he goes. So, I LOVE my dog and I never even think of how much money it coat me to buy him. Don't feel bad about asking the question,and, if you are happy with your dog....well that is what really natters. I hope you REALLY enjoy your dog!
MINDY

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

The first person who paid it set the precedent.

[Audrey Goldman]

Many thanks for all the replies, old and new. I was orginally told it would cost about $2,500 for an authentic ALD so that is how much I saved!!!! I picked this breed for all the same reasons most of you did. And, all the breeders I contacted, whether in CA or nationally quoted the same price. The breeder I selected is well known in ALD circles, well respected and had a litter of pups ready for an August 2008 delivery to match my vacation time. So, my Archie hails from NY to CA. The breeder e-mailed me about the parents, pictures, background, etc. In addition I got the health info., testing, vet clearance and birth certificate back 5 generations to Rutlands Manor and Tegan Park, names unknown to me prior to deciding on this breed. The breeder also helped me select the pup. When I was in NY a few months after Archie arrived I did go to meet the breeder and his wife. They spent about 2 hours with me on training tips. As to profit, I have no issue. I work for a non-profit agency and, in addition, maintain an indepenent practice as a care management specialist in a specialty field. Clients in my private practice pay me well for my years of experience and expertise. So, my original question about cost was out of curiosity not complaint. I appreciate all the great responses. You are a wonderful community and I look forward one day to be able to give advice as well as get it. Hugs and licks, Audrey

[Melissa & Porter]

I paid less. My breeder got a lot of flack at the time from other breeders for advertising a litter with modified prices. With many breeders, I think there is room for bargaining in private.