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Many people wonder why we are not just staying with the Labradoodle crosses.
Breeding dogs is a mix of science and art... a knowledge of genetics is hugely helful and yes Mendelian genetics is true!!
My main target size of dog is small to medium... the size of a Cocker Spaniel to a Border Collie. This size I find optimal for most families as the dog can still be handled on a lead by a young, passionate, child who wants to be in control!!
In order to bring the sizes down, we mainly use miniature poodle crosses but it is hard to keep the "lab in the doodle" if lab and mini poodle is all that is used. The Australian Labradoodle is a fusion of five different breeds....some different to what I use.
I have chosen to make my own "fusion" using family friendly, soft-mouthed, floppy eared, intelligent, high personality, retrieving, NON-TERRIER, NON-GUARD-DOG breeds. These include Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Springer Spaniel. In time I will blend these into a "KIWI-DOODLE" using the best examples, with best coats, best temperaments and a range of colour options.... |
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De-sexing at 6-12 weeks has become standard practice with most Labradoodle kennels overseas and now in New Zealand... Early de-sexing was first performed in animal shelters to ensure dog population control. In Labradoodle kennels, this policy ensures that breeding lines are preserved for the use of the breeder who can then have greater control over breed directions which is very useful.
My medical background makes me unwilling to "toe the party line" as I feel very uncomfortable about removing most sex hormone influence so early in development. There are concerns about poorer muscle development, increased height (delayed growth plate fusion) and the affect of these things on mature joint strength, and development of hip dysplasia. Other concerns are to do with failure of uro-genital maturation and the effects on urinary continence, especially later in life.
There are arguments for and against but my feeling is that it is more likely in the puppy's best interest to have it's hormones til as close to puberty as possible, and then to be de-sexed prior to leg-lifting and first heat. (I believe seven months is the optimal time).
I prefer to engage with my buyer families and to ask them to agree to neutering their dog at the prescribed time. This is based on trust and to date I have not, to my knowledge, been let down.
Please do your own research and make an informed decision. |
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Leading you into NZ's Dog Web--Information about working dogs, training issues, dog tricks, dog problems, a listing of dog clubs, trainers, breeders and kennels, canine health and care, and a place for teachers & students. The Dog News Blog is updated daily to share opinions. |
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