This page is provided to answer many questions you may have about Labradoodles and Dog Breeding in general.
The RockyDog Philosophy:
Rocky Dogs are bred for excellent temperament & beauty.
Rocky Dog prices reflect the quality of the puppies, which can only be derived through selective breeding, hard work and dedication for the Breed.
Rocky Dog prices are designed to deter buyers who will not recognize the quality of the Rocky Dog and those who do not understand the responsibilities of dog ownership.
Rocky Dogs are Health Guaranteed.
Rocky Dogs pups will be current on shots at time of sale.
Visitors to the RockyDogRanch are invited to see the puppy parents... grandparents or siblings.
Rocky Dogs are bred for excellent temperament & beauty.
Rocky Dog prices reflect the quality of the puppies, which can only be derived through selective breeding, hard work and dedication for the Breed.
Rocky Dog prices are designed to deter buyers who will not recognize the quality of the Rocky Dog and those who do not understand the responsibilities of dog ownership.
Rocky Dogs are Health Guaranteed.
Rocky Dogs pups will be current on shots at time of sale.
Visitors to the RockyDogRanch are invited to see the puppy parents... grandparents or siblings.
What are Puppy Mills? What is a Backyard Breeder? Designer Dogs!
F1, F2, F1B and Multigenerational Doodles
F1, F2, F1B and Multigenerational Doodles
Puppy Mills
Puppy Millers are unethical and cruel people who hold no regard for the lives they bring into the world.
They do not care about the dogs they own, the puppies they produce, or what may eventually happen to the puppies. Their interest in breeding is solely for personal profit $$$. Their females will be bred on every heat cycle. There is little or no control over which dogs are bred together.
Unethical Breeders who own or have owned any AKC registered dog can easily falsify AKC registrations for their litters. They may breed any pair on their property and choose which dogs to claim as parents when applying for AKC litter registrations.
Backyard Breeders
Backyard Breeders are not so easily defined.
It's possible a Backyard Breeder is highly knowledgeable in the breed, has acquired a high-quality male and a high quality female and like to breed the pair occasionally--thus producing high quality pups. If you meet a breeder who meets this definition, you will know it immediately. They will tell you all about their dogs and their history with their dogs. Their pups will not come with a cheap price tag! They will be selectively sold only to those who will certainly provide a quality home for their pet. Should you purchase a puppy from a Backyard Breeder who meets this definition, you will know the quality of your puppy when you put him in your car and take him home.
The scenario described above is an exception to the Backyard Breeder.
Typically, a Backyard Breeder has purchased a Pair, without regard to the qualities of the breed -- and believes it might be fun or profitable to have a litter of pups. These are not Cruel people with no regard to life as are the Puppy Millers. These are uneducated people who simply do not understand the responsibility of bringing a life into the world--even if it is only a dog.
They will not understand the genetics of their breed and will be unable to answer your questions about qualities specific to the breed you are buying. They will not be knowledgeable of the heritage of the parent dogs.
Dew claws, which can be removed by the vet for minimal cost when the pups are 3 or 4 days, will not have been done and will require a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia and costing upwards of $100.
Backyard Breeders may engage in unethical breeding practices.
Once a litter arrives, the goal of most Backyard Breeders is to sell the puppies as quickly as possible.
The pups will be sold to anyone for minimal price.
Many of these puppies will be turned to the Humane Shelter.
It is better to rescue a dog such as this from the Humane Shelter than to buy one from a Backyard Breeder and support the continuation of these breeding practices.
Dog buyers are warned of Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders.
What is a Puppy Mill?
What is a Backyard Breeder?
What is a Puppy Mill?
What is a Backyard Breeder?
Designer Dogs
Designer Dog is a term describing dogs that are a cross between two purebred dogs.
It is often used in the media with blatant or hinted implications that breeders of Designer Dogs or "Hybrids", are simply producing high-priced mutts. One such article was published in the Arizona StarNet on the same day RockyDog was advertising in their Classifieds.
The article had no substance and appeared to have been edited to the point of reading nonsense.
RockyDog has contacted (thanked) StarNet and invited their writer to visit the RockyDogs so they might better understand their subject matter.
Designer Dog is a term describing dogs that are a cross between two purebred dogs.
It is often used in the media with blatant or hinted implications that breeders of Designer Dogs or "Hybrids", are simply producing high-priced mutts. One such article was published in the Arizona StarNet on the same day RockyDog was advertising in their Classifieds.
The article had no substance and appeared to have been edited to the point of reading nonsense.
RockyDog has contacted (thanked) StarNet and invited their writer to visit the RockyDogs so they might better understand their subject matter.
This Key Point is substantiated by the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3413581.stm
Segments of this article follow:
The biggest survey into the health of purebred dogs in the UK has started.
More than 70,000 dog owners attached to 180 breed clubs are being asked to return information on disease, cause of death, birth defects, and other data.
The Kennel Club-backed survey will give the best picture yet of the frequency of breed-specific illnesses, such as the deafness seen in some Dalmatians.
Dogs are plagued by the greatest number of documented, naturally occurring genetic disorders of any non-human species. And many of these conditions seem to crop up time and time again in specific breeds.
Lymphomas are reported in pointers; heart disease is seen in boxers; Dobermans can experience bleeding disorders; Labradors can have skeletal malformation in the hips; eyesight problems can afflict Irish setters.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3413581.stm
Segments of this article follow:
The biggest survey into the health of purebred dogs in the UK has started.
More than 70,000 dog owners attached to 180 breed clubs are being asked to return information on disease, cause of death, birth defects, and other data.
The Kennel Club-backed survey will give the best picture yet of the frequency of breed-specific illnesses, such as the deafness seen in some Dalmatians.
Dogs are plagued by the greatest number of documented, naturally occurring genetic disorders of any non-human species. And many of these conditions seem to crop up time and time again in specific breeds.
Lymphomas are reported in pointers; heart disease is seen in boxers; Dobermans can experience bleeding disorders; Labradors can have skeletal malformation in the hips; eyesight problems can afflict Irish setters.
Purebred dogs are prone to the genetic disorders that occur within small gene pools--most particularly, professional breeders, producing the most costly of purebreds. Many professional breeders condone inbreeding on the basis of replicating superior qualities.
I recommend the following article:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/designerdogs.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/designerdogs.htm
Are Designer Dogs merely overpriced Mutts?
Most of us have had a fantastic experience with a Mutt at some time in our lives. Many people prefer a mutt over a purebred because they believe the mixed breeding produces a dog with superior temperament and reduces the potential for genetic disorders. This is true! The difference however, between a Designer Dog and the so-called Mutt, is that one does not know the heritage of the Mutt. There is no oversight of which qualities or disorders are bred. When bred properly, the Designer Puppy is born of carefully chosen parentage selected specifically to produce the most desirable traits of each breed.
Most of us have had a fantastic experience with a Mutt at some time in our lives. Many people prefer a mutt over a purebred because they believe the mixed breeding produces a dog with superior temperament and reduces the potential for genetic disorders. This is true! The difference however, between a Designer Dog and the so-called Mutt, is that one does not know the heritage of the Mutt. There is no oversight of which qualities or disorders are bred. When bred properly, the Designer Puppy is born of carefully chosen parentage selected specifically to produce the most desirable traits of each breed.
Genetic disorders can still occur in Designer Dogs, but their incidence is vastly reduced when the gene pool is broadened--and furthermore through careful selection of the Breeder.
Rocky Dog pups are selectively bred to produce healthy pups with spectacular temperament and intelligence.
Rocky Dog pups are selectively bred to produce healthy pups with spectacular temperament and intelligence.
RockyDog material may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without prior written consent from the author ©2008 RockyDog Ranch
RockyDog material may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without prior written consent from the author ©2008 RockyDog Ranch
A RockyDog Pup
A RockyDog pup: 10 months
F1 (first generation) F2 (second generation) & F1B
If you're shopping for a Labradoodle, you've certainly seen these terms.
what do they mean?
If you're shopping for a Labradoodle, you've certainly seen these terms.
what do they mean?
F2 (Second Generation)
F2 Labradoodles are derived through a pairing of two F1 Labradoodles.
F2 Labradoodles retain the balance of 50% Lab and 50% Poodle.
Coat types are enhanced through selective breeding. That is, breeding an F1 Fleece with an F1 Fleece produces a full range of very curly, fleece and some flat. Pairing two Flat coat F1 Doodles would produce pups that are primarily Flat-Coat (Lab like).
F2 Labradoodles are derived through a pairing of two F1 Labradoodles.
F2 Labradoodles retain the balance of 50% Lab and 50% Poodle.
Coat types are enhanced through selective breeding. That is, breeding an F1 Fleece with an F1 Fleece produces a full range of very curly, fleece and some flat. Pairing two Flat coat F1 Doodles would produce pups that are primarily Flat-Coat (Lab like).
X
=
Auggie
F1 (first generation) Labradoodles:
F1 Labradoodles are produced through pairing of a Poodle (typically a Standard Poodle) and a Labrador Retriever. It is a blend of 50% Lab & 50% Poodle. It is a blend of intelligence, hiking, water retriever, service dog, and fantastic gentle companion.
Because of the dominance of the Labrador coat type, F1 doodles vary between Flat coats (Labrador fur) and Fleece. Charlie is the son of Auggie & Joie. He is fleece and sheds minimally.
Rocky Dog F1 doodle pups are a cross between Auggie X Joey.
Because of the dominance of the Labrador coat type, F1 doodles vary between Flat coats (Labrador fur) and Fleece. Charlie is the son of Auggie & Joie. He is fleece and sheds minimally.
Rocky Dog F1 doodle pups are a cross between Auggie X Joey.
F1B (First Generation bred Back to poodle)
F1B Doodles are derived through pairing a First Generation Labradoodle back to a Poodle. Breeders do this because they are anxious to produce Wooly coat, non-shed dogs.
Because the Labrador Flat coat is dominant to the Poodle Wooly coat, producing a First Generation Labradoodle with a Wooly coat would be an anomaly. First Generation Labradoodles (50% Lab/50% Poodle) will most assuredly have either a Flat or Fleece coat.
F1B Doodles are derived through pairing a First Generation Labradoodle back to a Poodle. Breeders do this because they are anxious to produce Wooly coat, non-shed dogs.
Because the Labrador Flat coat is dominant to the Poodle Wooly coat, producing a First Generation Labradoodle with a Wooly coat would be an anomaly. First Generation Labradoodles (50% Lab/50% Poodle) will most assuredly have either a Flat or Fleece coat.
X
=
F1: Queenie
Back-Breeding (F1B) an F1 of any coat type to a Poodle pretty much guarantees all pups will be Wooly Non-Shed coats. That is because in reality, these dogs are75% poodle. The coats are non-shed because they are Poodle coats and will require the same demanding grooming needs of a Poodle.
For many people, particularly those with severe allergies, seeking an F1B may provide the perfect solution in finding their ideal companion.
There are no pictures of Rocky Dog F1B.
Rocky Dog does NOT breed F1B dogs.
For many people, particularly those with severe allergies, seeking an F1B may provide the perfect solution in finding their ideal companion.
There are no pictures of Rocky Dog F1B.
Rocky Dog does NOT breed F1B dogs.
F1 Doodles at one week. Will they be Fleece or Flat? It is difficult to see any variations in coat type at this stage.
F2 Doodles at birth. Already the presence of Curly coats is evident.
If the idea of the Labradoodle was to produce 75% Poodles, RockyDog would simply breed Poodles. RockyDogs of any generation are bred with the balance of 50% Lab and 50% Poodle.
Year after year, the Labrador Retriever is voted AKC most popular dog. Many benefits of breeding Labradoodles are lost when the balance of Lab is diluted to 25%.
The vigor benefits gained through broadening the gene pool in producing Designer Dogs is also lost to the F1B.
Most buyers of Doodles who visit the Rocky Dogs became interested in a Labradoodle, first through their love of Labs. This is followed by their understanding the intelligence of the Poodle, perhaps a desire for a somewhat 'less' energetic and potentially smaller dog.
Those with severe allergies often need a dog with a Poodle coat. Though non-sheds are produced with 50/50 balance of Lab/Poodle, the F1B may be the easiest solution for those with severe allergies.
Year after year, the Labrador Retriever is voted AKC most popular dog. Many benefits of breeding Labradoodles are lost when the balance of Lab is diluted to 25%.
The vigor benefits gained through broadening the gene pool in producing Designer Dogs is also lost to the F1B.
Most buyers of Doodles who visit the Rocky Dogs became interested in a Labradoodle, first through their love of Labs. This is followed by their understanding the intelligence of the Poodle, perhaps a desire for a somewhat 'less' energetic and potentially smaller dog.
Those with severe allergies often need a dog with a Poodle coat. Though non-sheds are produced with 50/50 balance of Lab/Poodle, the F1B may be the easiest solution for those with severe allergies.
The Rocky Dog Philosophy in Breeding Non-Shed Fleece & Wooly Coats
Rather than accelerating the process of producing Wooly coats and guaranteeing that every pup will have a Wooly coat through F1B Back-breeding Doodle with Poodle, Rocky Dog First Generation Labradoodles have been carefully selected.
Charlie is an F1 Curly Fleece.
Queenie is an F1 Curly Fleece
Charlie and Queenie have outstanding Temperament, Intelligence and are minimal to Non-Shed.
Charlie is an F1 Curly Fleece.
Queenie is an F1 Curly Fleece
Charlie and Queenie have outstanding Temperament, Intelligence and are minimal to Non-Shed.
Charlie: F1 Curly Fleece
X
Queenie: F1 Curly Fleece
=
F2 Curly Coats
Occasionally Flat Coats: F2
F2 Fleece Coats
F2 (second generation)
Breeding F1 Fleece with F1 Fleece produces Second Generation (F2) primarily Fleece & Curly, but occasionally a nearly Flat who will shed like Labs.
Still maintaining the balance of 50% Poodle and 50% Labrador Retriever.
Still maintaining the balance of 50% Poodle and 50% Labrador Retriever.
These pups are ALL Queenie X Charlie
Why RockyDog Does Not Breed F1B's
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
Rocky Dog buyers are often surprised at the variations in pups within one Queenie/Charlie litter.
While the unpredictable quality of the coats might be seen as a negative to breeders of F1B's, those who visit the Rocky Dog pups appreciate the variations.
While the unpredictable quality of the coats might be seen as a negative to breeders of F1B's, those who visit the Rocky Dog pups appreciate the variations.
Leonardo
This flat coat male (Leonardo) began developing curl at 9 weeks, prior to that time, his coat was completely flat.
In conclusion....
Not everyone wants a Wooly coat Labradoodle.
But everyone does appreciate the temperament, intelligence and beauty of these pups.
Rocky Dog will continue producing Labradoodles with a strict balance of 50% Lab and 50% Poodle.
Not everyone wants a Wooly coat Labradoodle.
But everyone does appreciate the temperament, intelligence and beauty of these pups.
Rocky Dog will continue producing Labradoodles with a strict balance of 50% Lab and 50% Poodle.
Many breeders, including those producing Doodles selling in the $2,000 range, engage in breeding the F1B. If a person is seeking a dog guaranteed to be non-shed because it has a Poodle coat, an F1B may be a great solution and the perfect dog. You just won't find them here.
MultiGenerational Doodles
This can mean any number of things.
It might be an F2 50% Lab 50% Poodle bred with an F1 50/50.
It could be a pairing of two F1B's--still 75% poodle.
If a pup is advertised as MultiGenerational, buyers are well-advised to know exactly the Parentage of the pup.
This can mean any number of things.
It might be an F2 50% Lab 50% Poodle bred with an F1 50/50.
It could be a pairing of two F1B's--still 75% poodle.
If a pup is advertised as MultiGenerational, buyers are well-advised to know exactly the Parentage of the pup.
Welcome to....
the Rocky Dog Information Page!
the Rocky Dog Information Page!
Key points to understanding the Designer Dog vs Purebred
| Home |
| Brownie's Page |
| Labradoodle Facts |
| Queenie X Charlie |
| Joey X Auggie |
|
The Rocky Dog Archive |
Charlie
Joey
F1: Charlie
Though it is usually very evident which dog on a property is the likely mother of the litter, determining which is the real daddy may be impossible.
Dogs may be inbred (siblings bred together or parents bred with their own offspring).
Dogs without AKC registrations may be bred together and the Unethical Breeder can provide you with seemingly valid Pedigrees and AKC papers that don't reflect the true heritage of your pup!
Puppy Mill puppies are inexpensive because these breeders do not spend the time or money required to produce a quality pet. It is far better to rescue a dog from the Humane Shelter than to buy a puppy from a Puppy Mill and support the continuation of these proliferated breeding programs.