[KMO20057]

You should DEFINITELY be interviewed, this shows that the breeder cares where the pup is going. Make sure they do genetic testing to ensure that the parents have good hips, eyes and elbows and thus are fit to be bred. They should also have a 2 year health guarantee.

Be diligent! Many local breeders will probably not meet these criteria and you may have to do nationwide research to find a breeder that fits your needs. THey ship pups... totally normal. The pups spend a few hours in their crate on a plane but are fine and it is much less harmful than 12 hours in a car.

Where are yo located? There are many trusted breeders on this forum. It is possible that one is within driving distance from you.

Also, if you have allergies I would suggest going with an F1b or a Multigen doodle... they tend to be more allergy friendly and theres a lower chance that you would react.

 

[KMO20057]

LOL! I just saw your message againn... ok IL.

Well.... here are a few that arent too far:

Shauna at Chicago Labradoodles, they breed Multigens:
http://www.chicagolabradoodles.com/

Theresa at Cedar Hill (F1s and F1bs): http://www.cedarhilllabradoodles.com/

Michael at Sunshine Acres (in Indiana, not sure if they do F1bs or Multis... may only do F1s, which arent as allergy friendly): http://www.doodlepuppy.com/

Heather at Cheyenne Valley (in Oklahoma, F1bs and MultiGens): http://www.labradoodlebaby.com

Virgil at OutWest Labradoodles (Kansas): http://outwestdoodles.com/
--not sure if they do F1bs or Multigens--

Hope that helps!

 

[KMO20057]

You need to find the breeder that is right for YOU and with whom you feel most comfortable. Its not really serious until you give a deposit... so go ahead and talk to as many as you like until you know who you would like to pruchase from!

I was a NUT about it, ask the others! It took me 6 months before I found my breeder (cheyenne valley) but I also had an extra requirement: champion field trial hunting lines, so that made it trickier.

Call them, ask all the questions you can think of (there are some good lists on this board... do a search, you will find SEVERAL threads with lists of questions) and just see if you 'mesh' with any of them. Again I cannot stress enough the importance of genetic testing and the health wattanty.... any good breeder will have these-- they should be MUST haves. Other than that its about the type of doodle best for your family (agian F1b or Multi-gen for allergies is best... though a little more expensive) and your comfort level with the breeder's personality and techniques. For instance some people really want the puppies raised IN the home, others want them to spend some time outside. Also some people liek breeders who have only a few litters a year, others like the choice that more litters and dogs brings to the mix. Once you're past this point its more about personal choice.

Good luck! and feel free to ask any more questions! I know I found this board VERY helpful in my breeder search process!

Best,
Kelly