What health tests & stud dog do I need for Labradoodle breeding?

You have plenty of time to worry about when to breed Bailey, as she shouldn't be bred until at least her second or third heat. As for tests, an over health check with the vet is best, checking her musculoskeletal systems, blood work and urinalysis, and chest x-rays to check her heart. I would have these tests done around when you are thinking of breeding her. I hope this helps!

I'm not sure I completely understand your question but I will do my best to answer it. In any breeding situation, the best thing one can do healthwise is verify as much as reasonably possible. Ways to do this are to obtain x-rays to verify the health of the hips and elbows. In the case of a Doberman in particular, an echocardiogram to check for any signs of heart disease or defects is paramount. Another Doberman specific test would be to check for von Willebrand's disease, which is a disorder that reduces clotting abilities. Having Gowri's eyes examined by an ophthalmologist for CERF certification is also valuable in breeds that are known for genetic predisposition for ophthalmic disease. If you were asking about what blood tests to get to verify status in the heat cycle, obtaining progesterone levels can be valuable. Obtaining vaginal cytology (vet looks under a microscope at the type of cells) is often the best method to determine readiness for a successful breeding. The discharge you noted may or may not be normal, but in the absence of any other clinical signs of illness I would not be terribly concerned. Hope this answers your question.

It depends on what you're looking for in your Labrador. If you want a purebred dog, then looking to see what certifications a local kennel club or breeding club in your area offers is a good start. For health, there are often certificates that certify a dog is free of certain hip or joint problems. As for the puppy, researching about common health and behavioral issues before getting one can help you identify problems before they get bad. Meeting the parents of the puppy is also a good idea to help determine personality, breeding conditions, and how mom and dad were both raised to give you an idea of how the puppies may turn out.

I presume you mean they do NOT screen for the conditions? I would be very cautious about buying such a pup when there is an opportunity is there to purchase from screened parents - why are these breeders not screening their breeding lines? It may be as simple as never having experienced any of them in these lines but without proof there is little else to go on. Remember that no screening test is 100% proof that the condition could not arise in an individual but it does reduce the likelihood. I would also urge you to consider adopting a pup or young adult unless you intend showing or breeding pedigree lines - there are many many dogs in need of good, responsible homes!

I think that is too many litters and would be hard on the dog to recover. A female shouldn't be bred until two years old and I recommend hip X-rays before breeding as many labradoodles develop hip dysplasia. Then she should only have a maximum of one litter a year. To get four litters before she's four years old she would need to be bred at the first or second heat and every heat as soon as the pups are gone. This would increase the risk of mammary cancer, uterine infections and you wouldn't have much time to enjoy a dog with her being pregnant or nursing the puppies all the time. Personally you'd be better off purchasing a dog of your own that you can raise and train yourself and enjoy the entire time. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

You should check both pedigrees to ensure there are no common ancestors or in-breeding in the previous 4 generations and also have both dogs hip and elbow scored to ensure they have no evidence of dysplasia, consider eye testing also. Retrievers females should be 15mths+ before breeding to ensure there bones are mature enough and will not be stunted or create any problems with future development or labor and delivery

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oakley. You will want OFA certification of his joints done to start. This needs to happen after two years of age. X-rays are taken under anesthesia and then the films are evaluated by a board certified radiologist. Typically you will need an evaluation by a cardiologist and ophthalmologist as well. You can reference the AKC website though as they will list all the requirements per breed. Great job being a responsible breeder!