What to look for in a healthy pedigree.

Since we are waiting for news regarding Clara Belle's pregnancy status, I thought this would be a good time to share some breeding subjects. I already talked about why I choose to not become a member of the various registry organizations; and I touched upon why I am not really keen on only producing pure Australian Labradoodles. If my thoughts ever scroll off before you get to read them, you can find the posts on the Index under 'Points to Ponder'.

I have seen breeding co-efficients (close breeding with common dogs) of almost 50% on some Poodle lines - unbelievable! The utilization of this practice is prevalent in most AKC dogs; and sadly, I am seeing this happening in Labradoodles as well. In the AKC world, this policy has been condoned for years and years to produce 'replica' puppies in litters. However, it also cements the recessive and dominant genes and that can and has lead to health and mental issues. Reading vet reports on the increasing rise of numerous health problems based not only on improper food quality, environmental pollution - as well as inbreeding, gives credence to the necessity of new blood to boost the genetic material that has been shared for too long. This is one of the reasons I always blend my Labradoodle matings with unrelated lines. There are very good reasons people do not marry within the same families...... why would that differ with dogs? DNA is DNA whether human or canine - you mate too close and you will have health and mental issues eventually.

Be informed and before buying a puppy, I suggest that you ask to view the pedigree of the pup you are considering and search for common names. A five generation gap before seeing a common name is a very good guide to adopt. Many puppy pedigrees do not show a five generation lineage, so ask to view the pedigrees of the parents and compare them side by side to verify no duplications for five generations.

Please note that a three generation pedigree is fine if you are purchasing an early generation Labradoodle because the 'founding' parents are a Labrador and a Poodle and they will be very evident on your pup's pedigree. However, if you are purchasing a pure Australian Labradoodle, this is simply not enough. The pure Australian Labradoodles have many generations behind them and a five generation pedigree should be required as proof of 'clean breedings'.

Be smart, be informed and require proof!