CLOUDCATCHER
LABRADOODLE FEMALES

Our Labradoodles are BVA scored with Australasian Veterinary Radiology Service. Cloudcatcher Labradoodles have thus far ranged in score, from 0-18. Yes, you see only above the average scores in our breeding program, because we have chosen to desex those Labradoodles who have not met our standard. The Labradoodle breed average is 12.86.

Do they health test their breeding dogs?
Labradoodles are no more disposed to health problems than the breeds that they are comprised of.
Hybrid Vigor can be a positive outcome when crossbreeding, but is only as disease free as the actual dogs that were bred from.
I recommend testing for Elbow and Hip Dysphasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) eye tests. Other considerations are von Willebrand's Disease (VWD), Sebaceous Adenitis and Patellar Luxation if Toy Poodles have been used.

What if any Health Guarantee do they offer?
Do they stand behind their dogs? How long is the guarantee for?
Most genetic problems will not present themselves within the first year, so a one year warranty is not very comprehensive. The warranty should not be contingent upon you returning the dog, no one should be expected return a puppy/dog that is a part of their family.

Have you asked the breeder, why they are breeding labradoodles?
What are the breeders priorities? Is it their dogs, their puppies, selling pet puppies, selling breeding dogs or their bank statement?.

What is the health schedule for your puppy?
You should be informed of recommended future treatments and timing.
Worming should have been done from 2 weeks, on a regular schedule. Your should receive a veterinary certificate for the puppies initial vaccinations. Your puppies ears should have been cleaned on a regular basis and it should not arrive with an ear infection. Your puppy should not arrive with fleas or flea bites.
Your puppy should arrive in a tidy order, clean bottom, hair between eyes trimmed (so it can see) and with a pleasant puppy odour. Please do allow for accidents to happen during travel to your home.

Is De-sexing included in the price?
Young puppies recover much more quickly from this minor surgery. You should receive a veterinarian certificate of de-sexing.

Does the breeder keep proper records of their breeding program?
Do you receive a pedigree? Does the breeder belong to a breed association and uphold a code of ethics and if so, your puppy is eligible for registration. Does the breeder DNA their breeding dogs, so that any inconsistencies can be proven?

Does the breeder provide written care information prior to, or upon arrival of your new puppy?
Have you been given information regarding what the puppy has been eating?

Are the puppies well socialized?
Does the breeder allow puppies to go at too
early an age? Do the puppies receive adequate human contact? Have the puppies
spent time in the house?

Does the breeder allow visits to their establishment?
Many breeders may schedule open days so they are not overwhelmed with constant visitors and may have rules for being in contact with young puppies.
Do not be offended if you are asked to walk through a foot bath, cover your shoes or remove your shoes, as puppies must be protected from disease, which could be transported on the soles of your shoes.
What is the nature of the dogs like? What are the conditions like?
How much space do the dogs have and do they get regular exercise? What are the Dogs fed and do they look in good condition?

Does the breeder offer life-time support?

Does the breeder offer referrals that you can actually check?
Do you find the breeder is honest and straightforward?

Are you comfortable communicating with the breeder and getting reasonable responses to your questions?
Does the breeder inform you not only of the positives of owning a labradoodle, but the negatives as well.
When I sell an adult dog, I am more concerned that the new owner will be comfortable with the nuisances and any bad habits of the dog than its positives.
The prospective new owner needs to be aware of what to expect, and they need to be well-matched, so they are both happy in their new living arrangement. Does the breeder seem knowledgeable, willing to share this information with you and willing to find the answer if they don't know it? Does the breeder have some knowledge of genetics and breed for the improvement of the breed, not the number of puppies they can produce.

Are you screened as to your viability of being a responsible pet owner?
My application form is not meant to be intrusive, but hopefully a useful tool in bringing up some issues you might not have considered.