Buying a Labradoodle Puppy

What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.

These crossbreed puppies could be susceptible to the diseases relevant to both parent dogs.

Labradoodle Puppy

Essential Documents

  1. Heath Certificates (both parents)
  2. Signed AWF Puppy Contract
  3. KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
  4. Microchip Registration Certificate
  5. Temporary Pet Health Insurance
  6. Vaccination Certificate

A Good Breeder Will:

  1. have socialised and habituated the puppy
  2. provide a supply of food
  3. provide a blanket smelling of Mum
  4. follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Official Health Schemes

  • BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
  • abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain & lameness
  • BVA/KC scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED)
  • abnormal formation of the elbow joint – pain & lameness
  • BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited and appearance-related diseases)

Other Diseases

No current health scheme or DNA test available.

  • Addison’s disease
  • hormonal disease, causes lethargy, collapse and other symptoms
  • Allergies
  • |
  • Bloat/GDV (gastric dilation and volvulus)
  • where the stomach inflates with air and twists, sometimes fatally)
  • Cancer
  • various types, including soft tissue tumours
  • Dental problems
  • misplaced teeth
  • Ear infections
  • more likely in dogs with long, hairy ears
  • Epilepsy
  • |
  • Osteoarthritis (sometimes related to HD and ED)
  • |
  • Sebaceous adenitis (SA)
  • skin disease causing inflammation and hair loss

DNA Tests Relevant to Breed

  • CNM – centronuclear myopathy
  • muscular weakness and gradual paralysis
  • PRA – progressive retinal atrophy
  • gradual blindness
  • HNPK – hypertrophic nasal parakeratosis
  • cracked, dry nose
  • EIC – exercise-induced collapse
  • collapse after short exertion
  • MCD – macular corneal dystrophy
  • progressive visual defect
  • SD2 – skeletal dysplasia
  • shortened legs
  • STGD – Stargardt’s disease
  • gradual blindness
  • vWD – von Willebrand’s disease
  • blood clotting disorder

Other Tests

  • None

Further Information

Although Labradoodles are not a KC registered breed, responsible breeders will still health test their dogs.

UK Doodle Club Accreditation

Return to Breed Health Information List