Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Finding A Reputable Australian Labradoodle Breeder

By Deborah Thompson


There are many breeders offering Labradoodle puppies as they have become extremely popular and sought after. However, finding an Australian Labradoodle breeder may not be as simple as a quick look on your favorite search engine. This true breed is not just Labrador cross poodle, but in fact a complex mix of breeds which is very different from a straight two breed cross.

When Beverly Manners and Angela, her daughter, first started the breed back in the 1980's, they were looking for a particular set of traits. To this end they bred Cocker and American Spaniels with their first crosses to enhance their coat and size. The Wheaton terrier was also added for temperament. Once they had added a dash of Portuguese Water Dog they finally had a dog they thought perfect. They have sine renamed it the Cobberdog so as distinguish it from other lines.

There are breeders in the US who do have the true Aussie Line imported directly from Australia. There are also some disreputable people who may forge pedigrees and pass off any old cross as an Aussie labradoodle. This is a sad side effect of the popularity of the dogs and the prices they command; like watches, the good ones are often copied and passed off as original. The ALAA (Australian Labradoodle Association of America) will have a list of reputable breeders who have the real deal not a poor copy.

Anyone who breeds pedigree dogs will be able to give you a full history of the bloodlines. The pedigree document will list Dam, Sire, Granddam, Grandsire and so forth back many generations. Breeding dogs which are too closely related can lead to genetic defects, so do not be surprised if one parent is pure bred and not AL.

Once you have found a good reputable breeder, you can proceed to choose your puppy. Depending on the original parents the size, color and coat may all vary. If shedding is a priority check that the puppies have been bred for this trait. With back breeding there may be some traits which are not as strong as a first generation cross.

Cross breeds do not tend to have as many inherited diseases as some pure bred dogs, but it is worth checking that the dam and sire have both been confirmed as free from hereditary conditions. PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy) and hip dysplasia and are defects common to the breed. Also Von Willebrand's, a bleeding disorder may be an issue. These conditions will be costly both in terms of the pups quality of life and in vet fees.

Do not forget that your puppy will be intelligent and will want to work and please you. These dogs need to be trained and given stimulus. A bored puppy will soon become a naughty puppy finding its own entertainment by chewing or perhaps becoming an escape artist. Training classes are widely available from basic obedience to retrieving and agility.

With a little research you should be able to find a reputable breeder who has healthy puppies. Use the information that can be found on the ALAA website and check the dam and sire are problem free. Your AL will then be a loving friend for life.




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