looking for a breeder

[keita]

Hello, I am new to ths site and we would like to find a labradoodle breeder in the VA area - perferable Northern VA - but will travel a few hours if need be. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[gracielou]

Check the area on this site for breeders also go to www.ilainc.com and see if there are any in your area. Also Dog Breed Info is another ad site.

[Doodlesville]

we are on the border of VA/WV near Winchester

[Maureen]

welcome! Mark could give a "shameless" plug that he has breeders listed that advertise. As Nancy said she's a short drive from NoVA, and there's a couple other sites that come to mind: www.breedersclub.net lists breeders by state, and also www.goldendoodle-labradoodle.org has SCREENED and TESTED breeding stock.

[Maureen]

well said!

I got my "dood" from Nancy at Doodlesville and I couldn't be happier!! Nancy was very patient with me as I bombarded her with e-mails and questions prior to picking up Boyd. We picked the little guy up on July 26th and Nancy and I are in touch on a weekly basis. You can tell the love and dedication they have put into their dogs. In fact, we are going to take Boyd for a visit sometime soon.

I live in Fairfax Station, VA and it's a beautiful drive to West Virginia.

visit: http://BoydMagruder.shutterfly.com to see pics of Boyd.

[Maureen]

hey, there ya go!

[keita]

Thanks for all the help! We are still looking at all the breeders listed as well as options!

Appreciate the guidance.

Keita

[Jac]

Hi Keita,
The breeders listed are good...and I am sure you will find the right one for you...but I wouldn't rule out shipping...I personally don't ship my pups, but many good breeders do.
I have bought 2 puppies from long distances and they arrived (via airline) in great condition! (One came to us from Canada and the other from Louisianna, and we live in California!)

[Maureen]

I agree with you Jac.
I have and do ship puppies. I understand wanting to see, touch and interact wtih your future puppy, but I assure you there ARE trustworthy breeders (like me! ) who can get a sense of what you are looking for in a puppy, in color, coat and personality.

I have also purchased an adult dog who was shipped to me, and a puppy who was shipped. The puppy was completely unaffected by the plane ride and experience, but the adult dog was upset for a while.

This is not so much of a plug for myself but to agree that shipping CAN be a fine option.

[movistar]

along the same lines as maureen, I ship and have heard nothing but praise from the puppy parents on the other end, and I have recently purchased a 5 month old who I picked up at the airport and he was fine!

there are good breeders that strive to match you with THE right puppy for you and your family. breeders like maureen (and me(shameless I know )) and the others that have spoken up really care to place correctly and most have a lifetime rehome policy so you see we wouldnt want to just throw any puppy at you in hopes of making a quick dollar. these pups are our lives and we back that in writing

plus some breeders have a no visit policy so you could be living next to an incredible breeder that tests and has an awesome guarantee and you will get to see your pup by pics until its time. just another confusing thought for you

[Doodlesville]

What is your point on the NO visits policy?

I think that any breeder that allows visits and interactions with their pups before ALL vaccines are completed is not being very responsible,,
I guess my 20+yrs of experience and seeing pups suffer and DIE from parvo brought in by people outside of the home puts a tremendous RED Flag waving if breeders allow visits

and as far as that goes,,just so you know i have a 2+yr gurantee,,references dating back 5yrs and AWSOME puppies

[dixiedi]

Whether a breeder allows visits or not is entirely up to the breeder and I don't think you should judge a breeder by whether they welcome visitors or not. I am not going to slam a breeder that does not allow visitors and I don't slam breeders that do. It is a breeder's choice! Just because you don't welcome visitors doesn't mean that every breeder that allows visitors is irresponsible.

I, for one, welcome visitors and I take precautions. I feel that if someone is going to spend the money for a Labradoodle they have the right to see where the pup is coming from. This is MY opinion and I don't expect you to agree but don't say I'm irresponsible because I do it.

[NurseLeslie]

From a non-breeder standpoint, I would like to say that I would not consider a pup that I could not see in person. There are so many people out there trying to make a quick buck, and they all sound good on paper, but I was advised to visit the homes and meet the parents and see the living conditions of the pups before I bought one. I think that was good advice. ON THE OTHER HAND, I understand not wanting to allow every Tom, Dick and Harry into your home when the babies are very young. Leslie

[Doodlesville]

is just asking for germs to be brought in on their clothes and shoes,,it only takes one germ

and i certainly wont take one chance with my pups, if i ever got parvo here i would just close the doors,there is no way to get rid of it

I make my decisions based on over 20yrs of experience as a vet tech,groomer and showing dogs ,,