Really, what do all those website logos mean?

I am delving into a political arena with this post as I try to put a perspective to what I view as 'misleading information'. Please do your own research to see if you come out with the same questions that I do.

As you peruse websites, you are obviously impressed by those breeders who seem to display numerous 'logos' that show membership in various organizations. Just what do those logos really mean? Is it just a form of glorified advertising or do they have any substance? Who do they really benefit? Are all of them necessary to belong to? Why?

From where I sit, there are two organizations worthy of serious consideration if you are looking for a doodle. Keep in mind, no two breeders offer the same program, have identical mindsets, or agree on infusions or outcrossing to other breeds. However, both require some serious health testing.

• First and foremost is the PREMIUM BREEDERS site. This listing was started after other organizations were in full swing with members, board of directors and even required client feedback. All these original organizations were informative and some provided excellent links for research and reading which was of great benefit to many. But what was seriously lacking was the inclusion of 'written proof of testing for health' from the breeders themselves. Most claimed they did testing on their websites, but very few could prove it. The PREMIUM BREEDERS listing was the first of its kind for numerous (not just basic) mandatory testing of all foundation and multi-generational stock. This was not the case for any of the other organizations at the time. The PREMIUM BREEDERS site set the stage for defining quality breeding programs.
• The second group is the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA). The ALAA members are advised to 'upgrade' in a timely fashion or face removal.  These are the kind of     consequences that will continually improve the health of our hybrid.

These two organizations imply ethical breeding  by action and proof - not promises and clever marketing, BUT it is up to the individual looking for a Labradoodle to REQUEST seeing PROOF OF ALL TESTS claimed on any breeder's site or through any organization. So when you are searching for a breeder to purchase from, ask for copies of test results.   No proof?  Move on. 


I have often wondered if some of the yearly fees associated with belonging to those organizations are justified. Some are pretty steep and others are very reasonable. This brings us back to my original question about logos. I have come to the following conclusion:

'Logos are like stickers you see on cars - some are worth reading and others just take up space'