Updated on: 11/10/09
For info on our past, present & future litters click here for
'ANNABLOG'
CLARA BELLE'S litter at two weeks old!!

Clara Belle did a great job delivering her lovely litter of apricot delights on October 27th. Each and every one of the seven pups are stunning. A number of them have adorable white feet with some white on their chests and heads as well.
I expect the litter to range from 17 to 19 inches in height with a projected weight of about 28 to 32 lbs. at maturity. This has always been my favorite size range.
Pups will go to their homes in early February. If you live locally, you may want to consider being a guardian. Please check our Guardian Home post below.
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Our handsome 'CHICO' is the sire of Clara Belle's litter. Chico has a silky soft red-apricot fleece coat. He has a rugged build and a dreamy temperament.
He is considered a large mini at 17 inches tall.

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DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY I DON'T BELONG TO ANY REGISTRIES?
- ASSOCIATION LOGOS - know what they offer you.
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HOW DO I DEFINE A PURE AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE?
The brief answers are:
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With registries, organizations, clubs, etc. there is always politics. I love participating in the various discussions, but choose not to be an active member at this time. More reasons below.
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What do association logos really mean? Take the time to find out about testing qualifications and which tests are required or merely suggested - it makes a difference. Compare those answers with what I offer for a testing protocol. What exactly are the benefits for you, the buyer?
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There is so much confusion as to what defines an Australian Labradoodle. Read more below.
To expand on the registries, they do have a function - especially to inform breeders about the Labradoodle breed standards and to provide guidelines for conducting your business professionally.
I absolutely strive to improve the Labradoodle breed. How? With careful complimentary matings that are balanced; using pedigrees that are clean and not inbred; and by having uncompromising ethics that govern my program. The guidelines used by the ALAA are excellent but my program has always been to keep the original reason for producing Labradoodles namely - hybrid vigor, health and temperament! Yes, a low to non-shedding coat is a definite plus, but that was never the sole reason for breeding Labradoodles!
With regard to our professionalism, we welcome any potential client who desires to talk with our past puppy owners to discuss our integrity or customer service.
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Logos? No, I don't have association club icons all over my website - instead I have 'Badges of Merit'. They are shown under each breeding dog's page (click the pics on the right) in the form of test results. Each certified (not prelim) test has a qualification number or genetic DNA indicator of the result. To me, having the actual identification numbers of a test done is far more transparent than a club decal of which you have no idea what it represents in actual test scores.
I welcome questions or concerns about any test and my vet is happy to talk to you as well. As always, our owners receive a copy of each individual test done on their pup's parents in the puppy's packet.
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'I only want a 'pure' Australian Labradoodle'. Do you really know what one is? Or is your decision based on the marketing rather than the qualifications of the puppy?
Here are the facts as we know them: Originally, it was the mating of a Labrador and a Poodle done by an Aussie for a blind woman with disabilities. The original dogs were then sold to other breeders. These dogs were then infused (or bred) with other breeds and hybrids to become a 'three or more' breed combination. Clever marketing called this version an 'Australian Labradoodle' and it became a secret recipe. DNA research done in the U.S. has revealed that the Australian Labradoodle differs from the 'Original' version by the addition of the Spaniels/Spoodles (Cockapoos) and other breeds at appropriate times.
The Australian Labradoodle is not 'just a mix'. In the beginning, this wonderful hybrid was 'purpose bred' for health, temperament and vitality. Let's not lose this vision. I believe it is critical to keep the multiple breed recipe in the Australian Labradoodle intact by selectively blending unrelated, healthy, tested stock for genetic integrity.
Producing Australian Labradoodle puppies of stout health, confirmation and emotional stability requires appropriately balanced parent stock dogs, caring vets and a dedication to the purpose of the breed. The standard should not be determined solely by a place of origin, but rather a representation of the wholesomeness of the purpose bred hybrid. To strive toward these standards good breeders ask themselves questions such as 'Does this dog have a stable and sweet temperament? Is it a good representation of the breed's confirmation? Is the coat low to non-shedding? Do the pups show trainability and intuition? Does it have the proper breed make up for the Australian recipe of Labrador, Poodle, American or English Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel or Spoodle blend?'
A 'true' Australian Labradoodle has all of these qualities irregardless of where it was bred or who bred it.
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ATTENTION!
As with all planned breedings, we reserve the right to choose a breeding pup from any litter.
It should also be noted that it is sometimes necessary to change studs or dams of planned future breedings due to the interference of Mother Nature.
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If you live locally, please read about guardianship below.
Guardian Home requirements include:
- a fenced
yard is preferred but Invisible Fence is okay
- a 'stay at home parent' or one who works only part time or working parents that can provide doggie daycare 2 to 3 times per week or a doggie walker.
- experienced dog owners
- willing to take to obedience classes with positive training philosophies
- live less than an hour of our location in No. Berwick, Maine or near Rochester, N.H. where my vet is located. (Broadview Animal Hospital)
- can provide routine professional grooming
- a willingness to transport to me as needed for vet testing appointments
- a good communicator
- provide an approved excellent commercial diet. Raw is preferred but not mandatory
- contracts are generally for three litters at my discretion
A down payment of $1,250 is required. If the pup passes my testing protocol and is bred, this 'deposit' is returned to you once the first litter is placed.
Please contact Joyce at Annabelle Doodles if you are interested in this program.
Please click on the AnnaBlog link for updates.
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