Looking for F1 mini labradoodle breeder HELP

Maureen · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 3:42 pm Post subject:

first of all, Maddie, WELCOME!
You have some excellent breeders consulting you! I am glad you are valuing their input because this kind of time and attention is not cheap!

Secondly...I feel your pain on what you can afford...we all do. And you are EXACTLY right about predicting sizes on f1's...altho even f1b's can surprise us.

Here comes a question from left field:
Have you ever considered a miniature or Standard Poodle? My girls weigh 45 & 50lbs, even tho they are 24" and 22" respectively, because Poodles just don't have the muscular build that a Retriever brings to the genepool. ALSO: this is big, to me.... a Std. poodle is a lay-around dog! There's a reason they are classified as "non-working" and I love that they do not have the internal energy to burn that a Retriever (Lab or Golden) has.

Also, a poodle that lives with Lab-lovers doesn't have to know it's a Poodle! Even the haircuts it lives with is up to you! Wink

I know that $1000 is a lot of money but is there any way you can bump it up a tad? Take an extra 3-6mos. to save it up? An f1 with a slighter, more poodley build would possibly weigh more than 60lbs, and an f1b might too, But a nice, black f1b could be yours for just a bit more, INCLUDING proof of testing from a reputable breeder from this forum, and shipping, and including the higher chance of a lower-energy, slighter build Doodle. A Standard Poodle could be yours, either locally or long disance for right around that amount of cash too. I don't know what they are selling for these days tho, but I will be finding out when our litter of Standards are born.

Linda you are exactly right about runts! The genetics are set on how big they'll be at conception! Size at birth is NOT NOT NOT the determining factor. 2yrs ago we had a "runt" who was actually just born prematurely (late conception) who's now 25" tall and 75lbs!

Maddie, I commend you for taking your time on this big decision!

If you have any questions for me, please pm or email me anytime. Very Happy

_________________
~Maureen
LabradoodleRanch@aol.com
www.LabradoodleRanch.com

Maddie · Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 297

Thanks to everyone for all your thoughtful consideration.

The problem in my house is that there are too many captains steering this ship.

My husband wants a flat lab coat.

My son does not want black.

I do not want large.

We are a difficult group!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With no money besides!!!!!!!!!!!

Eventually somebody is probably going to have to give in
(I hope its not me!)

The only thing I'm sure of is that I don't want to regret the choice.

In addition to the coat, another reason I feel I'd rather not have a poodle is that this dog is my youngest son's dream come true. I have 2 active teenage boys. My 13 year old (the youngest) has been dreaming of playing frisbee in the park with the dog he has been wishing for, and if we do get one, I want his dream to come true for him.

Maddie

Maureen · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:50 pm Post subject:

oh man, Maddie, I sure respect you for seeing the conflict of choices!

I'm reminded that I would like to drive a RED MUSTANG! but I have 3 kids, 4 dogs, and a hubby, and CANT PAY for one! (and I sure don't want a broken-down one!) lol. We all have priorities and I commend you for being realistic about this combination. And again, I ESPECIALLY commend you for being patient to keep watching for who might fit your list.

Anyway, hang in there.... and I would suggest you contact Di and Linda privately about their f1's....I know I'll keep your "list" in mind, when our puppies come on the scene. Even tho our puppies are f1b's, if I have one that looks like a flatter-coated puppy I do not charge the full f1b price. I figure if he/she looks like an f1, then I'm going to charge like an f1!

_________________
~Maureen
LabradoodleRanch@aol.com
www.LabradoodleRanch.com

Jac · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:02 pm Post subject:

Hey Maureen! YOu have added some great considerations and ideas here! (As usual. Cool

)

Maddie, one other thing to mention to your husband...a flatter coat will probably get you a shedding coat too. Not always, but often!

You really do have your work cut out for you! Let us know how we can help.
_________________
jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com

Maddie · Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 297

LOL

You guys are a hoot!

I know I have my work cut out for me.

I am prepared to deal with the shedding. Luckily we have no allergies.

After I find my dream dog on a budget, I'm going to start looking to buy a Villa in France for 10 cents!

Maddie

NurseLeslie · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:59 pm Post subject:

Check this sweet pup out!

www.sweetlibertykennels.com

Maureen · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:04 am Post subject:

oh my gosh he's adorable! Is this your kennel Leslie?

Maddie, I would still ask about proof of testing on the parents for the sake of your family avoiding as much future heartbreak as possible.

Very Happy

_________________
~Maureen
LabradoodleRanch@aol.com
www.LabradoodleRanch.com

Jac · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:26 am Post subject:

Cute puppies! But...no indication of tested parents...*sigh*
_________________
jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com

NurseLeslie · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:37 am Post subject:

No, I do not breed dogs-this is where I got Calvin. And, if you scrool down a bit, it does tell you about their testing. I know he is not a mini, but his price is reasonable. I wish I could get him. I think Calvin would like a play mate. Good luck on your search..When you finally bring home that pup, it will be worth the wait! Leslie

dixiedi · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:38 am Post subject:

I scrolled down and saw where Tanner is OFA certified but it doesn't say what the rating is and Sasha's parents are both certified but Sasha is not and it doesn't give the ratings for Sasha's parents. These would be good questions to ask.
_________________
Di & Archie

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy...

Maureen · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 11:47 am Post subject:

Good point, Diane....also, why wouldn't someone get a PRELIMINARY x-ray/OFA grade, if they are already breeding their dog?
I couldn't take the stress! And, sadly, I've known breeders - there are posts on this forum - of POOR hips from dogs whose parents were Good and Excellent, according to OFA. Crying or Very sad

No one wants it, but it happens!
_________________
~Maureen
LabradoodleRanch@aol.com
www.LabradoodleRanch.com

Maureen · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 11:50 am Post subject:

By the way, this breeder looks like a LOVELY family...
and this Brighty Boy is adorable!

On a personal note, we are going to neuter our future-stud Bandit because his preliminary hip x-ray came back FAIR. I know that we could use him, since Fair is a passing "grade" but I want to use the best dogs I can, for breeding, and can't imagine the heartache a puppy family and I would be sharing, if Bandit sired a single puppy who was dysplastic.
_________________
~Maureen
LabradoodleRanch@aol.com
www.LabradoodleRanch.com

Jac · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 12:36 pm Post subject:

Good comments, Maureen and Di...I am sorry, I didn't read down far enough to see the OFA comments...but I agree with Maureen and Di...I'd ask more questions...and I would be concerned that they are breeding before their dog is old enough to test. (You CAN do PennHip testing at 4 months of age and preliminary OFA testing is routinely done before breeding too.)
I am not in any way saying that this breeder is wrong or that the pups are not good quality! Please dont' get me wrong...I just feel that often people breed their dogs before they understand the importance of testing and results...and I am simply trying to educate buyers and breeders...it is important to me.
I commend Maureen, it is so difficult to make the decision to neuter a dog that you have been grooming as a breeding animal...you have so much invested in such a dog (time, money, hope...) that it is truly a sacrifice...and breeders like Maureen are to be highly credited when they make such a sacrifice. Kudos, Maureen!
I agree that this breeder (in the link) appears to be loving and caring...and they do have beautiful dogs and children! I wish them the best and welcome their questions or comments...
_________________
jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com

NurseLeslie · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:02 pm Post subject:

I, too am sorry to hear about Bandit. Will you keep him as a family dog or will you try to adopt him out? Leslie

Maureen · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 3:21 pm Post subject:

thanks, all... we are so grateful to have come to know Keith and his family.... Bandit has always lived with them, and they have been a great-to-work with guardian family. I love this concept! So Bandit already lives with his permanent family, but he just gets neutered and lives out his days down the street from us.
_________________
~Maureen
LabradoodleRanch@aol.com
www.LabradoodleRanch.com