THE UK AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE CLUB
Promoting the Genuine Australian Service Dog
BORN TO SERVE
Buying an ASD
We are told again and again what a minefield it is looking for an Australian Service Dog puppy, so we have put together some help and advice to get you started as well as some Frequently Asked Questions.
Licenced Breeder
Anyone breeding puppies to sell must have a Breeder's License from their Local Authority. Licences are awarded by a star rated system. One Star meeting basic requirements and Five Star meeting the Highest Standards.
Visiting
Most Breeders have a visiting policy. In order to fulfil the Higher Standard Licence the breeder enforces strict Bio Security measures, giving customers confidence that puppies are not being exposed to outside contamination/disease.
Enquiry
Read the Breeder's website thoroughly before getting in touch to see how they wish to be contacted. Some breeders have forms to fill in to let them know what kind of home you have to offer. Reputable breeders will always ask about your circumstances so do not be offended.
Code of Ethics
The GENUINE ASD has a specific Code of Ethics which includes Early Neutering the puppies before they leave for their new homes at approx 9 weeks of age. Breeders of the Genuine ASD adhere to this Code of Ethics.
Waiting Lists
ASDs are in demand. There are many 'so called Australian Labradoodles' for sale. Be prepared to join a waiting list and this is usually by leaving a deposit. Ensure you only leave a deposit with one breeder that you feel you can work with and after fully researching.
Websites
Breeders of the Genuine ASD have their own websites. They do not operate through Intermediary Websites. Make sure you contact the Breeder direct rather than using Classified Ads which could direct you to an unlicensed breeder or Puppy Scam.
FAQs
WHY DO I HAVE TO JOIN A WAITING LIST WITH A DEPOSIT?
A deposit is a commitment to a breeder that you have every intention of purchasing a puppy. The Waiting lists held by most breeders consist of customers who are committed to that breeder and have done their research and are satisfied that the breeder can provide a puppy within the time frame offered. Most breeders of the AL have many enquiries every day and it would be impossible to keep track of interested parties without such a commitment. If you don't leave a deposit, it is more likely the breeder could double book your reservation or you could find a puppy somewhere else, as there is no commitment on either part. Each party knows where they stand if a commitment is made. The Golden Rule is to DO YOUR RESEARCH and ONLY leave a deposit when you are satisfied that the breeder is genuine and you are committed to having a puppy from them only.
I CAN'T MAKE A DECISION UNLESS I HAVE VISITED THE BREEDER AND SEEN THE PUPPIES/DOGS MYSELF
Many breeders will not allow visits to their home/establishment without a reservation. Going from breeder to breeder looking for the 'right' puppy is a very outdated and irresponsible practise. You could find yourself visiting premises where disease is present and then this could be carried to another breeder via clothing/car tyres/handling for example. Parvo Virus is a deadly and highly infectious disease in the animal kingdom and spreads like wildfire. Most reputable breeders have strict bio security arrangements in place in order to fulfil their Licence Rating which should actually give the buyer confidence that strict hygiene and safety standards are already in place and have been checked by the breeder's Local Authority. Some Breeders hold Viewing Days for customers who have already reserved a puppy and other breeders who operate within the Higher Standards do not hold viewing days. These are held at the Breeder's discretion and according to the measures they have in place to fulfil their Licence Award.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY DEPOSIT?
A reputable breeder will refund a deposit if they let have to let a customer down and cannot offer a puppy in a given time frame. If the customer lets the breeder down, the deposits are usually non refundable. This is the case with most items people buy in advance. Do your research before committing and take your time. If you decide to get your puppy from another breeder, you may not be refunded from the original breeder.
HOW DOES THE DEPOSIT/WAITING LIST WORK?
Breeders have their own systems that work for them and you will need to check with individual breeders how their system works. Generally speaking once on a waiting list, a breeder will get in touch with you when a puppy becomes available. The days of going to see a litter that isn't already reserved in advance are no longer. The ASD is in demand and you will rarely find a breeder who doesn't have a waiting list of several months or even years in advance.
DOES THE AUSTRALIAN SERVICE DOG NEED MUCH GROOMING?
The coat of a Genuine Australian Service Dog should not shed and will continue to grow, so you will need to take your ASD for regular professional grooming approx every 8-10 weeks from around 5-6 months of age. A puppy coat at 5-6 months of age should be scissor cut and a good groomer will be able to work to a photo if you have one available of the correct 'look'. Daily combing with a steel comb helps to keep the coat matt free and as the coat is self cleaning with natural oils, it's best to only bath if exceptionally dirty. Paw washes are recommended after muddy walks! The coat can be protected by a Doggy Coat or Equafleece when out for cold and wet walkies.
CAN I SEE THE HEALTH TEST INFORMATION OF THE BREEDING PARENTS?
Health Testing documents are the Breeder's property and so results are usually displayed appropriately on the Breeder's Website to give customers confidence. Unfortunately there are too many scams and insincere individuals who can forge documents to fit their own needs, so breeders are able to show health testing documentation on View Day if required. If the Breeder is fully Licenced, then the health test documents are scrutinised by the Local Authority and you do not need to be suspicious of a Breeder who has gone to the trouble of having all their records and documentation scrutinised by their Local Authority. Veterinary documentation, including microchip information and any other health documents concerning individual puppies should be included in the Puppy Pack given by the breeder on collection of the puppy.