Not all labradoodle breeders are the same. Some have different standards and intentions. Thus, it is important that you educate yourself about doodles and what to look for in an ethical breeder if you want to ensure you will be receiving a pooch that has a strong pedigree, and has been bred, born, and raised under the best circumstances.

However, if this will be your first time owning a dog, or the first time you will be obtaining a puppy from a breeder, you may be unsure about what you should look for, as you will have nothing to compare your experience to. Don't worry, below you will be provided with the basics of what you need to know when looking for labradoodle breeders. Here is what you should inspect:

Healthy and happy living conditions - The place where the labradoodles are bred, born and kept with their littermates before joining their new human families should be clean, roomy, and comfortable. All of the dogs, including the newborn pups and their parents, should be regularly checked out by a vet, and all inoculations should be up-to-date. It is in your right to ask to see these documents.

Genetic testing - Ethical labradoodle breeders will care about the future of their breeding program, and will want to ensure that all of the dogs they use in it are of sound health and are not predisposed to genetic diseases. Both poodles and retrievers are prone to different health issues, such as hip dysplasia. You should make sure that the breeder you are interested in tests for this disease, and find out if they test for any others.

Integrity - A decent labradoodle breeder should have nothing to hide, and will have no reservations in telling you exactly what they think. For instance, not only will they be ready and willing to answer any of your questions, they will also make their own inquiries about you, such as:

• your experience with dogs and doodles

• your lifestyle

• if you have children

• why you are interested in this particular breed

• what your intentions are for the dog (I.E. family pet, show dog)

Moreover, a reputable breeder will encourage you to learn as much you can about labradoodles from other sources, and not just through the information they provide you.

Health warranty - This is a guarantee that the puppy you receive is of sound health, but if something were to happen within the first one or two years, the breeder will cover the costs once you provide proof (vet receipts and records), or take the pup back and offer you a refund or a new dog. Many will also ask that you return the dog to them at any time during the pet's should it ever occur that you must give him up. That being said, health warranties will vary, so make sure you carefully read them and ask questions to verify anything you do not understand.

It really isn't difficult to find good labradoodle breeders if you know what to look for. Therefore, take your time to learn, search and investigate the breeders you come across until you find the one you like best.