Breeding Philosophy and Guidelines

Breeding Labradoodles at Big River Labradoodles is not  done without the utmost importance placed on bettering the breed and bringing you the perfect family companion.  Because of this dedication, I take  personal responsibility to research and
understand genetics, common breed issues and the particular line I am working  to develop, along with veterinary medicine issues that directly affect the raising of my dogs and your future family member.  This dedication and commitment to the Labradoodle directly affects the quality, health and future of my program, as well as the breed.  Big River Labradoodles raises only one litter at a time, making it the best possible scenario for individual attention to the litter, the mother and the father and the entire Big River Family.

The following is the basis of the Health Standards that Big River Labradoodles chooses as the basis of the breeding program:  

1. I will only breed Emily and O’Malley provided they are in good health and are physically and temperamentally sound as evidenced by routine wellness checks with our primary veterinarian.  If Emily or O’Malley becomes ill, it is without hesitation that they are assessed and treated appropriately under Dr. Born’s advice. 
2. I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically and mentally mature, and I will not continue to breed any male or female beyond an appropriate age for the breed.
3. I keep detailed breeding and health records on all dogs in the Big River Family.  At any time I will share with you various ailments, treatments and experiences from treating my dogs health as a top priority.
4. I will be knowledgeable about inherited health problems in my breed and will do appropriate health clearances on all breeding animals. Copies of these health clearances will be available to buyers of adult dogs for sale and puppies for sale.
5. I will make reasonable judgments regarding the adult coat of the dog.   However, as these are living beings, this judgment does not guarantee the eventual adult coat nor is there a guarantee of the eventual allergy-friendliness, degree of shedding or color of the coat at maturity.
6. Always providing top quality food, water and shelter, routine medical care, and kind, responsible ownership for my dogs.
7. I raise the puppies in a healthy environment with socialization appropriate at each age level of development.
8. I will be available to answer your questions before and after you have purchased a Big River Labradoodle.  My commitment to you and the puppy that you adopt will  last as long as you own one of my dogs.
9. I will provide information on the characteristics and properties of the breed to interested individuals.  
10. I will comply with all federal, state or provincial and local government laws and regulations concerning the keeping of dogs.
11. I will show discrimination in the sale of my puppies and be concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed. I will make buyers aware of their responsibilities as dog owners.
12. I will not sell or donate dogs to commercial dog wholesalers, dealers, brokers, retailers, pet shops or any other person or organization, for resale or "give-away" to the public.
13. I will not supply dogs or puppies for charity raffles or auctions.
14. Feedback from you after you have received your puppy is critical to the future of my program.  The information you provide us about your puppy as he/she matures will help us to know what my dogs are producing, and help me to make educated decisions for future litters.

Health Testing

Both parents have:

1. Hip
2. Elbows
3. Patellas
4. Eyes (CERF)
5. Thyroid testing
6. Cardiac
7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
8. Von Willebrand’s Disease

Health Warranty

I guarantee that your puppy will be in good health when you receive him/her.  All puppies will have been evaluated within 5 days prior to departure or pick-up.   I provide a three year health warranty for genetic diseases.  Should health problems unfortunately develop and are determined to be genetic the process is detailed  in the  health warranty.    This does not mean I can guarantee a puppy that will never develop health issues of any kind.  There are many random health issues that strike dogs, just like people, and are not genetic in nature.  I do my best to ensure you will be adopting a puppy that will be healthy for a very long time, but health is also determined by the food you feed, the vaccines and chemicals you subject your dog to, and other environmental things that directly affect or cause disease.  For information on our health warranty  please read BRL's Health Warranty.

When you first receive your puppy from Big River, you will have 72 hours in which to have your own veterinarian examine your puppy if you think there is a health issue to be concerned about and would like to request a refund or replacement puppy.  This exam is not mandatory as each puppy is thoroughly examined at 7 weeks of age before undergoing the early spay/neuter procedure.  Puppies shipping to their new homes will also undergo an extensive exam before being allowed to fly.   Our full 3 year warranty covers any life altering genetic issue.  Should a serious genetic issue be discovered within the first two years, I will pay the vet expenses for treating that issue up to 1/2 the purchase price of your puppy.  The contract and health warranty for breeding purchases are not the same as our contract/warranty for pet purchases.  If you are interested in purchasing a puppy for a breeding program, please contact us directly to discuss the contract/warranty.

Adoption Information

The following items are included when adopting a Big River Labradoodle

1. Worming treatments at 2, 4, 6, & 8 weeks of age
2. First vaccination at 6 weeks
3. Second vaccination at 9 weeks
4. 4 - 5 generation Pedigree
5. Care, training, and grooming manual
6. Health Warranty/Contract
7. Puppy Health Record
8. Parent Health Records
9. Appropriate toys and treats
10. Fleece puppy blanket or bed
11. 5 day supply of the puppy's current food and treats
12. Lifetime support

I will do my best to provide all families with the puppy of their dreams.  It is extremely important for families to understand that temperament and personality of the dog is most critical when determining proper placement of the puppies.  The puppies will have been temperament tested by two professional trainers along with various observations made by myself during the crucial socialization periods.  Years of experience and education gives me the knowledge and commitment to the basis that it is the best way to choose puppies.  I do not place puppies simply based on the looks of a particular puppy and requests from families.  With the application and correspondence I hope to get a clear understanding of the adoptive families needs and lifestyles to base my choice on the puppy best suited for them

Please be aware:  In order for us to successfully continue our program and breeding lines, Big River reserves the right to retain any pups from litters or retain pups for exchange with other breeders for payment of stud service, etc.

Prices and Shipping Policies

The puppies are $2000 USD; BRL accepts check, and money orders, and credit cards.  All transactions done by check will not take place until the funds have cleared.  Payment options are available, however the full purchase price must be completed prior to shipping or on the day of pick-up or delivery.  All puppies are sold on a strict spay / neuter contract that will be abided by and enforced. 

BRL can ship the puppies.  There is, however an additional fee for that.  Depending on the airline best suited to your destination the prices will vary and you will be given an estimate.  I live about 2 hours from the airport and prefer to make as few trips to the airport as possible.  If there are several pups flying I will try to coordinate to the best of my abilities.

Visitor Policy

All inquiries about visitation are done on an individual basis.  This is for the health and safety of the puppies.  Many diseases can be carried in and be exposed to the puppies.  Determinations will be made primarily based on age of puppies, health of puppies, health of any adult Labradoodles in my home.  The main concern is to keep the dogs and puppies safe from communicable viruses such as parvovirus and coronavirus.  It is important that the puppy’s first vaccinations take effect before being handled by visitors.