Bringing a Labradoodle into your home is an exciting step, but before you fall in love with a fluffy face, it’s important to do your homework. Choosing the right breeder can have a huge impact on your puppy’s health, behavior, and overall well-being. Responsible breeders don’t just produce puppies—they invest in raising healthy, well-socialized dogs who are ready to thrive in their new homes.
That’s why asking the right questions to your Labradoodle breeder is crucial. From health tests to socialization methods, every answer can help you understand whether you’re dealing with a reputable breeder—or someone who’s cutting corners. In this guide, we’ll go over the most important questions to ask Labradoodle breeders so you can feel confident when choosing your future puppy.
Why It’s Important to Ask Questions
You’re not being annoying or overcautious—asking questions is part of being a responsible future owner. Good breeders expect potential puppy buyers to be curious and informed. In fact, many of them welcome in-depth conversations because they care about where their puppies go.
Asking detailed questions about Labradoodle puppies also shows that you’re serious about offering a good home, and it gives the breeder a chance to get to know you, too.
The Most Important Questions to Ask a Labradoodle Breeder
Here’s a breakdown of the top questions to ask your Labradoodle breeder before committing to a puppy:
1. What health tests have been performed on the parents?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. Responsible breeders perform a range of health tests on Labradoodle breeding dogs to screen for genetic issues. These typically include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia screening
- Eye exams for conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Genetic panel testing for common inherited diseases
- Sometimes heart and thyroid evaluations
Ask to see the official documentation. A good Labradoodle dog breeder will have nothing to hide and will be happy to walk you through the results.
2. Can I meet the puppy’s parents?
Seeing the parents can give you an idea of your puppy’s likely temperament and size. If an in-person meeting isn’t possible, a video call or recent videos and photos are helpful. Reputable Labradoodle breeders are proud of their dogs and want you to see where the puppies come from.
3. How do you socialize the puppies?
Early socialization plays a huge role in a puppy’s confidence and adaptability. Ask how the breeder exposes puppies to everyday sights, sounds, and experiences. Some breeders use structured programs like Puppy Culture or ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation). These methods are excellent for preparing puppies for life in a family setting.
4. What kind of environment are the puppies raised in?
Are they growing up in a clean, safe home environment or in a kennel with limited human interaction? Puppies raised indoors with people tend to be better socialized. Ask to see where the puppies spend most of their time.
5. What are you feeding the puppies?
Nutrition during the early weeks is essential for growth and development. Ask what brand and type of food they’re using, and whether they’ll provide a feeding schedule when you take your puppy home.
6. Have the puppies seen a vet? Are they vaccinated and dewormed?
A trustworthy Labradoodle puppy breeder will ensure that puppies get at least their first round of vaccinations and are regularly dewormed. Ask for a copy of the vet records.
7. Do you provide a health guarantee and a contract?
A written health guarantee is a sign of confidence in their breeding practices. Make sure you understand what is covered and for how long. Some breeders also include a spay/neuter agreement or conditions for return in case things don’t work out.
8. What support do you offer after the puppy goes home?
The best breeders don’t disappear after the sale. Many offer lifetime support, answering questions and even helping with rehoming if necessary. Knowing your Labradoodle breeder is available for guidance after the puppy goes home can be a big reassurance.
9. Can I talk to people who’ve bought puppies from you before?
Ask for references or reviews from past buyers. Reputable breeders will often have a list of happy families or even an Instagram page where you can see updates from previous litters.
10. How long have you been breeding Labradoodles?
Experience matters. A breeder who has spent years raising Labradoodles likely understands the breed’s needs, potential challenges, and how to raise well-adjusted puppies.
Bonus: Questions to Ask About the Puppies Themselves
Once you’ve confirmed the breeder is responsible, you’ll want to ask about the individual puppies:
- What’s the personality of this particular puppy like?
- Have they started any training (crate, potty, name recall)?
- How big are they expected to grow?
- Do they take after the mom or dad more?
These questions about Labradoodle puppies help you choose a pup that fits your lifestyle.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every breeder meets high standards. Be cautious if:
- They refuse to answer questions or provide health records
- They always have puppies available or multiple litters at once
- Puppies are being sold without any contract or guarantees
- The environment is unclean, or they won’t let you see where puppies are raised
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, there are many other breeders who are transparent and ethical.
Final Thoughts
Asking the right questions to your Labradoodle breeder isn’t just about being careful—it’s about ensuring you’re bringing home a healthy, happy companion. A good breeder will appreciate your thoughtful questions and be just as invested in finding the right match for their puppies.
Whether it’s your first dog or you’re a seasoned dog owner, taking the time to connect with a responsible Labradoodle puppy breeder can make all the difference in the years of joy you’ll share with your new furry friend.
