How to Evaluate a Quality Breeder: Beyond the Cute Puppy Photos

When searching for a potential therapy dog, particularly an Australian Labradoodle, the breeder you choose matters tremendously. At Adams Farm Labradoodles, we’ve seen how breeding practices directly impact a dog’s suitability for therapy work in schools. This guide will help you look beyond adorable puppy photos and evaluate breeders with the critical eye needed to find a dog with the right foundation for school therapy work.

Essential Questions to Ask Potential Breeders

Your conversation with a breeder provides valuable insights into their program and values. Here are key questions that reveal far more than their website might:

“What health testing do you conduct on your breeding dogs?”
Quality breeders should readily share specific health tests performed, not just vague assurances of “vet-checked” dogs. For Australian Labradoodles, this should include:

• Hip evaluations (OFA or PennHIP)
• Elbow evaluations
• Eye certifications (CERF or equivalent)
• Genetic testing for breed-specific conditions

“How do you socialize your puppies?”
The first 8-12 weeks are critical for development. Look for breeders who implement:

• Structured early neurological stimulation
• Exposure to various surfaces, sounds, and experiences
• Age-appropriate challenges and enrichment
• Introduction to different people, including children

“What temperament traits do you prioritize in your breeding program?”
For potential therapy dogs, prioritize breeders who emphasize:

• Calm, steady temperaments over high energy
• People-focused attention
• Low reactivity to environmental stimuli
• Problem-solving abilities

“How do you match puppies to families?”
Quality breeders don’t simply allow families to choose based on color or gender. They should have:

• Formal temperament evaluations
• Structured matching processes
• Consideration of family lifestyle and goals
• Willingness to guide you toward the puppy with therapy potential

“What ongoing support do you provide?”
The breeder-family relationship shouldn’t end at pickup. Look for:

• Written health guarantees
• Training resources and guidance
• Availability for questions
• Community connections with other owners

Understanding Health Testing and Genetic Screening

A breeder’s commitment to health testing directly impacts your future therapy dog’s ability to work consistently and comfortably in a school setting.

Health Testing Records
Quality breeders will provide documentation for all health tests, not just claim they’ve been done. For Australian Labradoodles, verify:

• OFA or PennHIP scores for hips
• OFA elbow ratings
• Current eye clearances (these must be updated regularly)
• DNA test results for conditions like Exercise-Induced Collapse, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and von Willebrand’s Disease

Multigenerational Health Focus
It’s not enough for just the parents to be tested. Ask about:

• Health testing several generations back
• How health results influence breeding decisions
• Tracking of health outcomes in previous litters
• Transparency about any health issues in bloodlines

The Value of OFA CHIC Registration
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Canine Health Information Center (OFA CHIC) provides an objective measure of a breeder’s commitment to health testing. Australian Labradoodles have been included in this database since 2019, allowing responsible breeders to document comprehensive health testing in a verifiable database.

The Critical Importance of Verified Pedigrees

For Australian Labradoodles, pedigree verification is particularly important due to the breed’s popularity and resulting misrepresentations in the market.

ALAA Registration and Verification
The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) maintains the largest, most comprehensive database of verified Australian Labradoodle pedigrees. This registration offers:

• Verification of authentic Australian Labradoodle lineage
• Confirmation of breed composition (Labrador, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel)
• Protection against falsified or misrepresented breeding
• Historical health and temperament information

Understanding the Australian Labradoodle Distinction
Many “doodle” dogs are marketed with confusing terminology. True Australian Labradoodles:

• Are multigenerational (bred from Australian Labradoodle parents)
• Contain specific foundational breeds (Labrador, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel)
• Have been developed since the 1980s with consistent breeding goals
• Follow established breed standards

Why Verification Matters for Therapy Work
Dogs destined for therapy work in schools benefit from the predictability that comes with verified pedigrees because:

• Temperament traits are more consistent
• Health outcomes are better documented
• Allergenic properties (non-shedding coats) are more reliable
• Working aptitude has been selectively bred for generations

Red Flags When Evaluating Breeders

Be alert to these warning signs that a breeder may not provide the foundation needed for a successful therapy dog:

Limited Health Testing
Avoid breeders who:

• Only provide “vet checked” assurances without specific test results
• Test only for one or two conditions rather than comprehensive screening
• Can’t provide documentation of test results
• Don’t understand the health issues relevant to the breed

Poor Socialization Practices
Be wary of puppies raised:

• Primarily in kennels rather than home environments
• With limited exposure to various people and experiences
• Without structured early development programs
• Without exposure to children or school-like stimuli

Questionable Breeding Practices
Exercise caution with breeders who:

• Breed dogs before 2 years of age (prior to full health testing)
• Have females produce more than 1-2 litters per year
• Breed primarily for color or size rather than temperament and health
• Make unsubstantiated claims about hypoallergenic properties

Limited Puppy Matching
Reconsider breeders who:

• Allow selection based solely on deposit order
• Don’t conduct formal temperament evaluations
• Show little interest in your specific needs for a therapy dog
• Rush placement decisions

Accessibility and Transparency Issues
Be cautious of breeders who:

• Won’t allow visits to their facility
• Can’t provide references from previous puppy buyers
• Are unwilling to discuss challenges or issues honestly
• Seem primarily profit-focused rather than improvement-focused

Finding a Breeder Committed to Therapy and Service Work

Ideally, for a school therapy dog, seek breeders with:

History of Successful Working Dogs
Quality breeders should be able to point to:

• Previous puppies working successfully as therapy dogs
• Graduates with therapy dog certifications
• Ongoing relationships with working dog owners
• Testimonials specific to temperament and workability

Understanding of Therapy Work Requirements
Look for breeders who:

• Specifically evaluate puppies for therapy potential
• Understand the unique demands of school environments
• Can discuss specific traits needed for educational settings
• Provide appropriate early experiences for working prospects

Ongoing Support for Working Dogs
The best breeders offer:

• Continued guidance during training and certification
• Resources specific to therapy dog development
• Connections to trainers specializing in therapy work
• Community support with other working dog handlers

Conclusion

Selecting a quality breeder is perhaps the most important decision you’ll make when seeking a potential therapy dog for your school. The breeding practices, health testing, and early development directly impact a puppy’s potential for success in this important role.

At Adams Farm Labradoodles and School Dogs LLC, we understand the unique requirements of school therapy dogs because we’ve been breeding and placing them successfully for years. We’re committed to helping educational institutions find dogs with the right genetic foundation, early experiences, and ongoing support to make a meaningful difference in school communities.

Whether you choose one of our puppies or work with another breeder, we encourage you to maintain high standards in your search. The students and staff who will benefit from your therapy dog deserve nothing less than a canine companion bred with intention, raised with purpose, and supported throughout their important work in education.