[reddoodle_7]

.....looking to buy puppy also

Sorry to hitch on this post, but I too am looking at purchasing a labradoodle. I am thoroughly doing my research since I feel that owing a dog is a privilege and I want to be a responsible owner.

"One of the reasons that Labradoodles cost so much is that breeders find excellent breeding stock (and pay thousands of dollars for them) and that they do not breed their animals until at least the 2nd heat cycle, and they test both parents for hips and eyes (at a minimum)...they will offer a long term (usually 2 years) health warranty and they will be very specific as to what is covered. "

If the female is being bred on her second heat cycle than that would mean that she is approximately 1 yr of age. At this age, could the breeder truly and thoroughly test for genetic diseases? (ie. I thought that the parents needed to be a least 18 months old before they can receive OFA clearance on their hips.) Since labradoodles are a cross between two breeds, unknown recessive genes could surface. I guess I am really cautious about health, because they are a relatively new breed and there is not much of a pedigree (esp in F1 progeny) to be able to predict possible genetic fallouts.... Any comments to settle my worries? Ideally, how long should the breeder be in the business before I consider to buy from them?

 

[reddoodle_7]

thank-you

Thank-you Jac for the warm welcome & all the information! I loved reading your reply....it sets a lot of worries aside knowing that there are reputable breeders in the business! I am extremely impressed with how knowledgeable you are for only having one litter (how niave I was - I was only looking at breeders with long term experience thinking that they knew best! )

Thank-you also Maureen for your reply!
"Years ago, when I loved breeding our pet Lab, I didn't mess with testing and I pray that all the puppies we sold were as physically sound as the one we kept! Since then we've loved owning poodle females."

I agree with you Maureen....I too love owning females because they are the start of a kennel & where the profit is at.

"but I have since read research that it was based on what the AKC showdogs required, like the fact that a dog could be "finished" and then profitable as a breeding dog, by 2yrs old."

I have heard of many dogs finishing as early as 7-8 months old, which means that they could be profitable by their first heat. I think the AKC is basing their 2yr breeding rule based on the scientific research I have read....large breed puppies are still growing well into 2years of age and some even beyond this time (ie mastiffs, danes). The extra weight of a pregnancy on growing joints is hazardous to their proper development, not to mention the stress that the mother's body goes through - she herself needs a large amount of nutrients because she is still growing, plus the puppies need a large amount of nutrients to develop....conclusion: mom or puppies suffer nutritional deficiencies