Mini labradoodles ireland

Pj60

Im looking for a breeder, no cowboys, who breed mini labradoodles, dont want any designer dog answers, just info on where to find 1 and if anyone bought 1 and from where, pm me

micah537

The only "breeder" that would supply a miniature version of a mutt would be a cowboy.

Would you consider a medium or miniature Poodle since they aren't cross bred mutts, so it would be easier to find a breeder that isn't a cowboy?

twiddleypop

Just to confirm the point above, no ethical breeder creates designer dogs. If you think about it, people that really care about their poodles and bettering the poodle breed will not cross them with labs and vice versa.

Therefore you can assume that anyone that crosses two breeds probably doesn't do the health checks, doesn't care about the breed and the only reason to cross them is for money effectually making them all cowboys.

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118654473#Comment_118654473

That's a strange and less than helpful attitude. All breeds have come from some people crossing other breeds to create a dog to their design. Are you saying that pure poodle breeders are not charging money or that all doodle breeders care nothing for the quality of dog they produce?

Surely if the OP wants a dog of a specific breed they are doing the right thing asking for breeder recommendations, how else should they choose a breeder?

Nody

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118666512#Comment_118666512

Except it's not a recognized breed nor is there any work being put into making it one. It's a mutt, mixed breed or what ever else you want to call it and yes that's exactly what they are saying for a reason. We've gone through a lot of the designer versions over the years and invariably they are bred by people who care only about money and usually in very very poor conditions. The same people also tend to change breeding pairs on a regular basis based on what the latest hype is; which once again goes against your whole proposal that they are trying to create a breed or quality control the breeding pool and why there's a sticky about it.

Rootsblower

How’s about you just go to a local pound/rescue and save some poor unfortunate dog from an uncertain future.

They’ll thank you for it many times over.

notAMember

The difference in size between a miniature poodle and a Labrador is substantial. Consider that and then consider what reputable breeder would breed those two dogs together? None is your answer I'm afraid.

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118666957#Comment_118666957

The sticky is about puppy farms, the OP is specifically asking for reputable breeders. You're saying that there are no Labradoodle breeders which are not puppy farmers, which is silly. That only breeders of existing breeds recognised by specific groups are somehow legitimate. This is nonsense.

Worse it's dangerous - If you make it impossible for people to differentiate good breeders from bad by lumping any breed you consider "designer" together, then you make it easier for puppy farmers to get new customers.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118666972#Comment_118666972

The fact that every time someone asks for a recommendation for a reputable breeder they have to wade through "that's not a breed" and "You should get a rescue dog" is sickening. Every time it happens. The moral seniority only helps puppy farmers.

Rootsblower

There are reputable breeders but they are few and far between. Very few people realise there’s very little money to be made breeding dogs the right way. Most “breeders” don’t put in the time rearing dams and selecting bloodlines that’ll give excellent pups. Most “breeders” wouldn’t know what a hip score is. I gave up breeding German Shepherds because of what “breeders” have done to a former noble and healthy breed, I won’t be party to that scene anymore. Most people who buy so called pedigree dogs now haven’t a clue and most people breeding pedigree dogs haven’t a clue either. So why not adopt a mixed breed who needs a home. Less health problems, greater longevity( generally) and just as loyal as that pedigree dog.

Enough dogs out there in shelters(even pedigree breeds, both my shepherds were rescued ) for anyone that wants a dog. No need to add more until there’s a shortage. Then again most Irish people I wouldn’t trust to mind a goldfish never mind a dog.

muddypaws

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118667355#Comment_118667355

The whole point is that no reputable, responsible breeder would be breeding this cross. I am not against people buying from reputable breeders at all and in fact I was on a puppy list of someone breeding a particular crossbreed, but the cross is a working dog, bred specifically for a reason. Pedigrees were checked when looking for a sire to try and ensure healthy pups and all relevant health tests done.

I would stake my house on there being no breeder of mini labradoodles in Ireland doing health tests and carefully choosing the sire and being able to use one that they saw as a great example of the breed.

em_cat

I’d be curious to know what the OP means by mini labradoodle. Because ASFAIK they are only mini when 8 -14 weeks.

I don’t get why people look for these dogs, given the very public admission by the Vet that unknowingly started the trend of how he truly regretted it given the unscrupulous breeding.

Mynydd2

I got a miniature labradoodle 2 weeks ago and avoided the worst puppy farms. I really did my research. I was slightly suspicious about this one, but she is well socialised with children etc and she is very healthy, was able to see both parents. I'm able to return her within 2 weeks. Before anyone starts, I wanted to rescue a dog but got rejected for having 2 rabbits and 2 children. She looks very much like a poodle as it's an F1B Labradoodle, so 75% poodle and 25% labrador. I could not find a poodle that wasn't an absolute fortune.

Nigzcurran

Is it not a cockapoo your after?

Somepeople

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118675198#Comment_118675198

I'm curious and not judging but why not just get a 100% Poodle. Why would someone want to mix an intelligent dog with a less intelligent dog? I'm not saying a lab is stupid but they aren't as smart as a poodle, they are also food obsessed, have health issues, aren't as great with kids as their owners like to make out etc.

Are Labradoodles considerably cheaper or is it to do with their coat/maintenance etc?

I don't mean my post to be insulting, I'm genuinely interested to know what's so great about these?

boardlady

Honestly, a lot of times the crossbred dog is the healthier dog. Pure bred dogs have become SO pure bred over time that they now carry inherent breed health issues and a lot of them benefit from a bit of cross breeding (once it is sensible of course). I do not condone the cross breeding of the brachycephalic dogs as they are at obvious health risk, but, does anyone seriously believe that a bulldog is a 'healthy' breed either. Your classic mongrel was always considered healthy, but then again, he/she was usually the product of a random hump by two dogs who met, rather than as the result of a designer match. Condemning all 'mongrels' to the title of 'designer dogs' is unfair too - some of the best health can be obtained by cross breeding out the pure breed. People have become so militant about this subject now too. Nobody is allowed ask for advice or opinion on obtaining a dog without the usual attack from the 'experts'. My apologies for all the inverted commas!

GAAcailin

My neighbor has a 1 year old goldendoodle (mix between miniature poodle and golden retriever - only achieved via IVF), I do think this is a bit 'unnatural'; the dog's coat is wirey but straight and not curly. Reason she went for this x-breed was she wanted a smallish dog that doesn't shed.

Poodles got a bad rap from the era of crufts, all that shaving and show dogs etc; they are actually lovely dogs, very intelligent and great temperament.

We have a traditional Labrador and she is a great pet, just needs a bit of brushing; she is very friendly, sociable and great with kids.

Just me, but I think the grooming that is involved with these 'non shed' dogs is more hassle and expense than a bit of brushing...

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118684154#Comment_118684154

It's interesting you say this, I personally would love a standard poodle. I think they're a great, clever friendly dog. I would have no interest in breeding or showing, I just want a good family dog. I do find it difficult to find one though - in this country you just don't seem to be able to ask for a recommendation for a reliable breeder, all you get are existing owners talking down to you for choosing a breed, or not rescuing, or somehow being irresponsible for even looking for a puppy.

It's maddening and means I've to look elsewhere and take my chances that they're not farmed.

twiddleypop

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118685826#Comment_118685826

What do you mean by a reliable or reputable breeder? I'm curious what your criteria are.

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118688700#Comment_118688700

This question feels like a trap, but when I'm talking about a reliable/reputable breeder I mean one who has the health and welfare of their dogs, both parents and pups, as a high priority. Who are responsible in selecting breeding pairs and caring for the puppies. Breeders who love their dogs as living, sentient creatures rather than walking paydays.

Breeders who can be relied upon not to lie or hide any poor treatment of their dogs and have a positive reputation amongst other dog owners.

twiddleypop

Question isn't a trap. I'd like to understand your point of view so I can explain the answers you see from other posters and show you why people are so militant about the subject. Apologies in advance for the length of the post!

There are 5 ways (I can think of) to acquire a dog in Ireland. Breeders are a spectrum, there is excellent, reliable and reputable at the top end, there is the middle and there are puppy farms and there are blurred lines between all.

1. Rescue or Pound
2. Reputable Breeder. Few and far between. You will be on a waitlist longer than a rescue. Both parents can be viewed and have been health tested and genetically screened. The breeder has had proven litters before and interviews you about why you want one of their dogs and why you would make the best possible home. They will assess the personality of each puppy and try to match it to the interested purchasers. The breeder will understand animal husbandry, genetics and how to care for and socialise puppies in the vital first weeks. Even if they are on the Irish Kennel Club or breed club website, it still does not guarantee the breeder is doing these checks or providing this level of care. Have your questions ready and ask to see vet/health reports. This is what everyone wants in theory but do not have the money to pay or the patience to wait.
3. Amateur/Backyard Breeder. Probably what the OP is looking for. They are Mary and Joe Soap that love their Golder Retriever and decide that their bitch "should have a litter" for sentimental reasons, they want to make a few extra bob or there was an accidental litter. Basically, throw any two dogs together (purebred or crossed, doesn't matter) and hope for the best. It is thought that crossbreeds have fewer health conditions but that is entirely dependent on the parents. In this scenario, by allowing their bitch to mate with a random Golden Retriever down the road or a random Poodle- honestly, the puppies might be fine. They would probably be adorable either way. However, Mammy Golden Retriever turns 5, she has had two litters and they notice she is limping. She gets diagnosed with hip dysplasia, super common in dogs, especially retrievers. She has now passed that condition on to a certain percentage of her puppies. Health testing dogs before breeding is vital to ensure the continued health of the dog population. Just because a dog is healthy at 2 when they are having the puppies, doesn't mean they will be healthy at 5. . Mary and Joe might be lovely people that care about their dogs but are just willfully ignorant about puppies and animal husbandry. The dogs could be IKC registered, doesn't really mean the dogs are healthy and fit to breed. Some of the best dogs may come from an accidental litter but these dogs should be free to a good home or maybe pay a nominal amount towards vet fees. Again it is a spectrum, some might take it more seriously than others and take time to find a good stud and they probably love their dog and will gush over their puppies. Honestly, you might find the perfect dog from this type of breeder. There might be no health issues and your dog will live with you happily ever after. This is why I asked what reputable means to you, it means different things to different people. You might think this category is reputable or reliable. I know I don't. Also, there is nothing to say that you could find the best breeder in the country, get a pup and they might have a health issue that wasn't found in the health screening. However, you are massively increasing your odds of a healthy puppy if parents have been health checked and screened first. No guarantees though like everything. I would still advise you to avoid this type of breeder though as they are the reason that a lot of amazing breeds such as the GSD, labs and retrievers are in serious health decline- they are breeding sub-standard dogs and way too many of them.
4. A stray- Please make sure it is a stray before claiming obviously.
5. Puppy Farm- Already explained. Often disguised as Mary and Joe though so it is very hard to tell. I think the line between puppy farm and amateur breeding is also blurred. Many people may love their dogs but got greedy with unnecessary breeding during the lockdown and were only in it for the money. As someone mentioned above the difference in size between a mini poodle and a retriever is significant. It is likely these dogs are created through artificial insemination and not by a vet. The legality and ethics of this was debated in the Oireachtas Canine Agricultural Committee on Monday. https://www.newstalk.com/news/surgical-insemination-happening-increasingly-on-puppy-farms-around-ireland-1314754

I volunteer with an animal charity, you have no idea how bad the situation is if you are insulting the rescues. The reason everyone screams rescue is that the really high-quality breeders are a tiny percentage and their waiting lists are a mile long. The main issue I have with amateur breeders is that they are contributing massively to the populations in the rescues and generally don't care about breed standards or programs. There have been way too many dogs produced over the last two years that have nowhere to go. I understand the frustration with the rescues but they are dealing with enormous numbers of dogs, many with serious issues.

The advice for looking for a reputable breeder is always the same. Go to the Irish Kennel Club (www.IKC.ie) website, find the club for the breed and start contacting recommended breeders from there. Do serious research even if they are listed. You won't find a mini labradoodle there because they are not a recognised breed. As above, due to the size difference, it is likely that they have been inhumanely artificially inseminated by someone unqualified-no one reputable would do this. I could write pages more about breed standards and breeding programs and the criminality involved but fair play if you got this far 😂

tk123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118689761#Comment_118689761

I don’t usually comment on these threads as they always end up the same way..

Have you tried contacting the breed club? They’ll give you a breeders name who either has a litter planned/is expecting a litter. (The advise to go to the IKC website and call up random breeders is a bit outdated imo). When I was getting Lucy there was a few breeders and I chose to meet her breeder first based on when the puppies would be ready to come home and everything else fell into place - I was happy with where they were being kept, health checks and documentation etc etc. There are plenty of reputable breeders out there and going via the club basically does the work of finding one for you. I was questioned on the phone by the secretary and then the breeder, when we went down and the breeder kept me there for a good while talking through care etc etc - I’m an experienced owner or else he would have kept me longer. He chose which pups went to who also based on temperament and the homes they were going to.

OP the only advice I can give is that if you’re getting a doodle for its not shed abilities my friend’s doodle shed more than my two retrievers put together(!) and that there are more than one medium-large sized ‘miniature’ doodles on our area that turned out to be not miniature… so be very careful.

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118691017#Comment_118691017

This is an excellent and detailed answer and I really appreciate the time you took putting it together. I would say that there is probably a spectrum contained in type 3, and our current system in Ireland gives no way to discern the difference. That said, I can't really disagree with anything you say here. The point I was making earlier was that when everyone who asks about a breeder recommendation get slapped down unhelpfully then they are left on their own to find one, making it much more likely they'll end up with type 3 or 5.

I recognise it's not your job to educate people and I appreciate your doing so here.

As for the advice to go to the IKC and find the breed club that's not nearly as helpful as one would hope. For instance for Standard poodles you end up with a mobile number and an anonymous email address, with a bit of digging you might get to the Facebook page, with completely different contact details and links to websites that seem to be advertising clothing (https://www.poodleclubireland.com/welcome.htm). none of this would make me think I'm on track to find a reputable breeder.

Once again thanks for taking the time here.

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118691964#Comment_118691964

Thanks for your response that's an excellent one and really what I was looking for when I ask about reputable breeders. I also think you point to the OP is a good one and hope it might encourage them to make a more responsible choice (Maybe a minature poodle? A friend growing up had one and it was lovely)

Nigzcurran

We got a Cockapoo after seeing the size of the cocker spaniel mother as we wanted it as small as possible, the father was a miniature poodle but we didn’t see him so had to take their word for it, luckily enough our dog stayed small and is only 5kgs but some labradoodles are absolutely huge and I’ve never seen a small one

volchitsa

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118667355#Comment_118667355

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118675157#Comment_118675157

Yes, I was about to post the same thing. Here's a link to it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-49826945

"Labradoodle creator says it's his life's regret".

Mynydd2

Why not a poodle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118684154#Comment_118684154

Poodles are more expensive to buy and ours is a F1B so only 1/3 lab. There are health benefits with a cross breed too

muddypaws

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118725251#Comment_118725251

Oh, what are the health benefits?

tk123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118725694#Comment_118725694

Yes I’d love to know this too as my vet nearly choked to death when I mentioned I had been lectured a few days after my dog died on how ‘crossbreeds are healthier’ 😅😅😅

Also for any prospective buyers of any pups please check with the breed club on pricing as their prices are fixed .. unliked puppy farmers who like to tell people that they’re cheaper when it’s often not the case. Breed clubs are run by volunteers too btw - they have lives so may not always be able to answer the phone when you call.

Phil.x

Miniature poodles are a beautiful dog. A few years back I was walking our cavalier King Charles in the park and came across two with their owner, I couldn't believe how beautiful and soft they were, totally black and I couldn't believe that a dog could be non-shed unlike our then Charles.

We now have a cavapoo which is a very smart and tempered dog which, we are very happy with him.

Grawns

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118685826#Comment_118685826

I got a standard poodle recently. He's a wonderful boy. The poodle club of Ireland has a list of reputable breeders all ikc. Despite his size he's the most graceful, light on his feet and gentle puppy/dog. Wonderful with his cat pal and just a lovely easy going furball. The no shedding is amazing

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118748316#Comment_118748316

I've been in touch with the Poodle Club and I'm speaking to a breeder now. I'm happy to wait for a litter once i know it'll be healthy and come from parents which have been well cared for. Glad to hear you're happy with your dog - and that my opinion of the breed seems accurate.