Want a dog or puppy? Think Adoption First!

Before You Buy a New Puppy, Please Consider...

I've had two great dogs in my life. They were both adopted from Animal Shelters. Right now I've got Orbit, a half-poodle, possibly half-shih tzu. Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen?! She was found as a stray and the owners never came to claim her. She's healthy, happy, well-behaved and extremely friendly. Adopting her was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Do you have your heart set on a Labradoodle? If you can't locate one at the Humane Society or Animal Shelter, consider a rescue group that specializes in Labradoodles. I found this Poodle-Mix Rescue on the internet. I'm sure there are others.

Labrador Retrievers are currently the most popular breed of dog in the United States. Correspondingly, Labs and Lab-mixes are the most common dogs in American shelters. If it's the Lab part of the Labradoodle that attracted you to the breed, you can surely find the dog of your dreams up for adoption.

7.5 MILLION unwanted dogs and cats in America are destroyed each year!

The most important thing you can do to help control the pet population is to have your pet spayed or neutered! And please consider adpotion first. Saving a dog from a horrible fate could be one of the best decisions of your life!

Adoption Resources:

MUST READ articles from the Humane Society of the United States

Find, Adopt, Help a Pet Where you Live at Pets911

Find the Right Pet in your Area at Petfinder.org

1-800-Save-a-Pet.com

Here's some pictures of Labradoodles and Labradoodle-type dogs that were Adopted or Up For Adoption at the time of this post. Pictures are from the Poodle-Mix Rescue.

The Australian Labradoodle Difference

What is the difference between an Australian Labradoodle and what is sometimes called the American Labradoodle, or, in America, just plain Labradoodle? To better answer this question, here is some information from Tegan Park Labradoodles, breeders of pure Australian Labradoodles:
An Australian Labradoodle or an American Labradoodle?? Many people are quite confused and do not realize they are two entirely different types. An Australian Labradoodle is a new breed that was developed in Australia several years ago by combining a Labrador and a Poodle as a foundation then adding several other breed types to create a breed now known as the Australian Labradoodle. This breed has been invited to prepare for Kennel Club recognition. The American Labradoodle is a cross-breed dog and with all cross-breed dogs some are wonderful and some are a disappointment to the breeder. The American Labradoodle is a Poodle crossed with a Labrador, with the Poodle being the dominant factor. It is like the difference like the German Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd; they are both Shepherds and if you told someone "I have a Shepherd" the first response would be " What Kind"!! Though they are both called Shepherds they are two entirely different types of dogs, the same is for the Labradoodle!

Finding a Responsible Labradoodle Breeder

Everyone has heard about puppy mills and how horrible and nasty they are. Since labradoodles have recently become so popular, many people have started breeding them in hopes of a quick buck. So how do you know if the breeder you've found is a responsible labradoodle breeder? Here is a handy checklist from the Humane Society of the United States.

How to Identify a Good Dog Breeder—Tips from The Humane Society of the United States
Look for a breeder who at a minimum:
 Keeps her dogs in the home and as part of the family, not outside in kennel runs.
 Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don't shy away from
visitors.
 Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time, an area that is clean and well maintained.
 Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's parents, at a minimum, the pup's mother, when
you visit.
 Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about what are called breed standards.
(the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, color, and temperament).
 Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you records of veterinary visits for the
puppies. Explains the puppies medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
 Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent in the breed; there are specific genetic concerns for every breed, and explains to you what those concerns are. The breeder should have had
the puppy's parents tested (and should have the results from the parents. parents) to ensure they are free of those defects, and she should be able to provide you with documentation for all testing she has done
through organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
 Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home.
 Provides references of other families who have purchased puppies from her.
 Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
 Doesn't always have puppies available but rather will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter.
 Actively competes with her dogs in conformation trials (which judge how closely dogs match their breed standard.), obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility trials. Good breeders will also work with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in their specific breed.
 Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy before you take your puppy home.
 Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should not require that you use a specific veterinarian.
In addition to the above criteria, you’ll want a breeder who requires some things of you, too.
A reputable breeder doesn’t just sell her puppies to the first interested buyer!
The breeder should require you to:
 Explain why you want a dog.
 Tell her who in the family will be responsible for the pup's daily care, who will attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of her time, and what "rules" have been decided upon for the puppy, for example, will the dog be allowed on furniture?
 Provide a veterinary reference if you already have pets or, if you do not have other pets, she should ask which practices you are considering for your new puppy.
 Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board (if you rent or live in a condominium complex) that you are allowed to have companion animals.
 Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her (which applies to show-quality dogs only).
 Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog's life.

The above text is available in PDF form at:
http://files.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/good_breeder_checklist.pdf

More about finding a responsible breeder:
http://www.tropicokennels.com/About%20Breeders.htm
http://www.1stopfordogs.com/choosing-a-good-dog-breeder.htm

Labradoodle Pictures

Here are some Labradoodle pictures from St. Clair Labradoodle Kennels, a breeder located in St. Clair, Michigan.
Please feel free to post your own labradoodle pictures here!

There's Something About Labradoodles

Labradoodles are usually a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle, but now, after years of development and additional genetics, they are a breed all of their own! The Australian Labradoodle is a different variety, consisting of genes from 6 different dog breeds.
Labradoodles have been gaining popularity because of their exceptional intelligence and trainability, low to non-shedding coat which is hypo-allergenic, and their lack of dog-stinkiness. They also have great, friendly personalities, and are just darn cute!
A little history: The Labradoodle has been bred since the 1970’s, as a result of the Guide Dog Association creating research and breeding programs in search of an allergy friendly guide dog.
Labradoodles require at least a daily walk for excercise. They require little grooming compared to other breeds. Owners of labradoodles should be willing to spend time training and playing with their dog. They are smart and easy to train, but can get into trouble if they get bored.
According to Tegan Park Labradoodles, Australian Labradoodles should be these sizes- Size: Standards - 21' to 24 inches. Females - 20 to 27 kg. Males - 25 to 35 kg. Miniatures: 14 to 19 inches. 12 to 25 kg. Tegan Park Labradoodles has alot of other great information about labradoodles, puppies, & pictures!

2006 Labradoodle Calendar!

Check out the cool 2006 Labradoodle Calendar!

Welcome to my Labradoodle Blog

Keywords: labradoodle, labradoodle puppy, labradoodle breeders, labradoodle dog, labradoodle picture

Welcome to my new Labradoodle Blog. This blog with provide information and pictures on these topics:

• Labradoodles (Lab Poodle Mix), Australian Labradoodles (a breed all their own)
• Breeders & rescue organizations of Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles.