In response to a growing trend and requests from across the county, Birdwalk Farm began breeding a limited number of Labradoodles in 2000. Labradoodles are a hybrid cross of Poodle and Labrador Retriever. We only breed generational dogs and breed-back, with the f3b being our favorite.  This cross produces in most cases, a larger, sturdier dog than a cockapoo. The Labradoodle results in great personality as well as a very loving and intelligent companion. Labradoodles inherit some of the fun "goofiness" of the lab, but tempered by the stable "seriousness" of the poodle (poodles can have their moments of "goofiness").   Labradoodles can range in size from about 15 pounds to over 100 pound, depending on the size of the parents.  Birdwalk Labradoodles usually fall into the size range of 15 - 40 pounds, with some occasional larger dogs.

        Labradoodles originated in Australia in the 1980's as a lead/guide (service) dog for disabled persons that had allergies to the common breeds used for service dogs. Australian products cross a Lab with a Poodle as well as a "secret" mix of up to 8 other breeds that they are not disclosing, but the predominance is lab and poodle.  We have identified our compatible, select bloodlines to produce a non- or low- shedding dog, with minimal or no doggy odor showing an intermediate coat type. This mix also adds the intelligence of the poodle to the level-headed sense and stability of the Labs which is so desired in both handicap-assist dogs as well as good family dogs. The popularity of the labradoodle has led to a large number of people jumping on the "bandwagon" and  attempting to do their own breeding – this practice is resulting in a dog of far lesser quality than most folks would want for a family companion. Inexperienced breeders do not realize that the vast majority of these first generation dogs will shed and still carry many of the other traits that are trying to be avoided in a good-quality Labradoodle. In addition, these inexperienced breeders usually do not take temperament or health testing into consideration. No matter where you get your "doodle", please be careful to assure yourself that you are indeed getting what you want in a dog.

        Birdwalk Farm, as in its cockapoos, breeds for temperament while not sacrificing health or looks. We test for the most prevalent genetic defects of both breeds. This includes OFA, CERF and VwD. Our Poodle bloodlines have no history of epilepsy - another all too common problem in standard poodles.

        All Birdwalk pups are born and raised in the home. Puppies are handled every day and socialized to other dogs (and also learn that the cat is boss). Puppies are provided with multifaceted stimulation from the time their eyes open after birth. Toys are provided as soon as the puppies have gained a sense of their surroundings, and play is encouraged.

        We like to know what environment a pup will be going to, as well as what will be expected of it. As we watch emerging personalities and to temperament testing, we can help guide you to choosing which pup will fit in best as your new family member. All puppies will have at least two rounds of vaccinations (including distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, Para-influenza, parvovirus) before leaving for their new homes and families, as well as being started on monthly heartworm protection.

        Microchip identification is available and highly recommended. Microchipping provides permanent ID for your pet, and can also be the deciding factor in proving ownership should your pet become lost or stolen and someone else attempts to claim it as theirs. Should your dog become lost, microchip provides the best chance of return since the registration information is added to a national database, and most vets and shelters in the country now, as a matter of course, scan for a chip when a stray dog is brought to them. It involves no more than an injection (similar to a vaccination) in the area between the shoulder blades of the pup, and is an invaluable link matching your pet to you.

         Puppies are acclimated to a crate and will have spent some time (a few hours per day) alone in a crate prior to leaving the farm. This helps to ease the transition from their mom to their new homes, and to also begin crate training as the first step in house training. We start puppies on newspapers here, and you can easily progress to outside potty training from there.

        Visit the Labradoodle moms and dads by clicking here. Labradoodle pricing runs $600 to $1200 with the average very low to non-shed pup being $800. Availability is limited - contact us for more information.