Frequently Asked Questions
Welcoming a Labradoodle into your home is an exciting journey, and we understand that you may have many questions along the way. Whether you are curious about our breeding standards, the health of our dogs, or how we raise our puppies, we are here to provide clear and honest answers.
Below, you will find the most common questions from our community. Our goal is to ensure that every family feels confident and well-prepared for the arrival of their new companion.
Do you have puppies available?
We currently have puppies or are expecting puppies. Check out here what the current availability is!
What is the price of a puppy and what is included?
The price for one of our Labradoodle puppies is €2.500,- or more. The price depends on your gender and color preference. More information about our prices and procedure can be found here. The price reflects our commitment to ethical breeding, the highest health standards, and the intensive care we provide in our home.
When you welcome a puppy from us, the following is included:
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Health Checks: A thorough examination by a certified veterinarian.
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Vaccinations & Deworming: Up-to-date vaccinations and a strict deworming schedule.
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Pedigree, Microchip & Passport: An EU pet passport and official microchip registration. Next to this an official Pedigree.
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Health Guarantee: A contract covering hereditary health issues.
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Socialization: Puppies are raised in our family home in Arraiolos, exposed to household sounds, children, and early neurological stimulation.
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Puppy Starter Pack: A bag of high-quality food, a scent blanket from the nest, and a guide with tips for the first weeks.
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Lifetime Support: We are always here to answer your questions as your puppy grows.
Why is an Australian Labradoodle more expensive than some other breeds?
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten!
We often get asked why the price of an Australian Labradoodle is higher than that of many other dogs. The answer lies in the extensive care, quality standards, and long-term security we provide:
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Extensive Health Testing: Before breeding, both parents undergo expensive specialist screenings (HD, ED, Patella, Eyes) and a full DNA health panel. This minimizes the risk of hereditary diseases and high future vet bills.
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Ethical Breeding Standards: We are a boutique breeder, not a 'puppy mill.' Our dogs are family members who live in our home, receive high-quality nutrition, and top-tier veterinary care.
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The Multi-generational Guarantee: Breeding true Australian Labradoodles involves tracing lineages back generations to ensure a predictable, non-shedding coat and the famous intuitive temperament.
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Early Socialization: During the first 8-9 weeks, we invest hundreds of hours in socializing the puppies, using early neurological stimulation to ensure they grow into confident, stable companions.
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Continued Support: Your relationship with us doesn't end when you take your puppy home. We provide a lifetime of support and a health guarantee that protected your investment and your new family member.
Why choose an Australian Labradoodle from Labradoodle Portugal?
Buying a puppy is a lifelong commitment, and where that puppy starts its life makes all the difference. Here is why families choose us:
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Raised in the Heart of Our Home: We are not a kennel. Our puppies are born and raised in our bedroom and living room in Arraiolos. They are part of our daily family life, making them well-adjusted to household noises, children, and cats from day one.
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Health is Non-Negotiable: We don't just 'check' our dogs; we investigate them. Every parent is screened by specialists for HD, ED, and eyes, and undergoes a full DNA health panel. You receive copies of all these certificates.
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The "Boutique" Advantage: Because we only have a few litters per year, we have the time to invest hundreds of hours into each puppy. We use Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to build resilient, confident, and smart dogs.
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Transparency & Integrity: We believe in honest breeding. We are open about our process, our dogs' temperaments, and our standards. We are here to guide you, not just to sell you a puppy.
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Lifelong Partnership: When you take a puppy home, you become part of the Labradoodle Portugal family. We offer lifetime support for any questions you have about training, grooming, or health."
What does it mean to have an Australian Labradoodle with an official pedigree?
An official pedigree is your guarantee of quality. It ensures that your puppy comes from a documented lineage of healthy, multi-generational Australian Labradoodles and that all required health screenings have been verified by international breed associations.
1. Proof of Heritage (The Family Tree)
A pedigree tracks the lineage of your puppy back several generations. It proves that your dog is a true Multi-generational Australian Labradoodle and not just a simple first-cross (F1) between a Labrador and a Poodle. This is vital because only multi-gen ALDs have the predictable non-shedding coats and intuitive temperaments the breed is famous for.
2. Verified Health Testing
To receive an official pedigree from organizations like WALA, a breeder must prove that the parent dogs have passed strict health screenings.
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It ensures that the hips, elbows, and eyes have been checked by specialists.
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It confirms that DNA testing has been done to rule out genetic diseases.
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Without a pedigree, there is no oversight ensuring the breeder actually did these tests.
3. Traceability and Ethics
A pedigree ensures that the breeder follows a strict Code of Ethics. It prevents inbreeding (mating close relatives) and ensures that the mother dogs are not over-bred. Every puppy is registered in a worldwide database, making the breeder accountable for the quality of their dogs.
4. Predictability
When you buy a "designer dog" without a pedigree, you are gambling on how big the dog will get or what the coat will be like. An official pedigree means the lineage has been stabilized over decades, giving you high certainty that your puppy will grow into the medium-sized, allergy-friendly dog you expect.
What size and colors of Australian Labradoodles do you breed?
We specialize in a beautiful variety of colors and primarily breed Red, Brown, Phantom and tri-color Phantom. Occasionally, we also have Black, Cream or Silver puppies in our litters.
Regarding size, our puppies are usually Small, Small-Medium or Medium. However, because we are working with nature, some puppies may grow a bit larger or smaller than expected. We always provide our best estimate based on the parents' lineage, but every puppy is a unique individual!
For more information about colors and sizes, please look here!
Are Australian Labradoodles truly allergy-friendly?
Yes, one of the main reasons people choose an Australian Labradoodle is their allergy-friendly, non-shedding coat. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, most people with dog allergies do not react to our puppies. We recommend a 'sniff test' if you have severe allergies
Are the parents health tested?
Absolutely. The health and well-being of our dogs are our top priorities. To ensure we breed only the healthiest puppies, both parents undergo extensive official screenings performed by veterinary specialists. These include:
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Orthopedic Evaluations: Official investigations for Hip Dysplasia (HD), Elbow Dysplasia (ED), and Patella luxation.
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Eye Exams: Certified eye examinations to ensure clear vision and health.
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Comprehensive DNA Testing: A full DNA health panel to screen for genetic diseases.
By choosing one of our puppies, you have the peace of mind that their parents have been cleared of these hereditary conditions.
What are the sizes and weights of the Australian Labradoodle?
The Australian Labradoodle comes in three official sizes. While we focus on Small and Medium, it is helpful to understand the differences:
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Miniature:
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Height: 35 to 42 cm (14 to 16 inches)
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Weight: 7 to 12 kg (15 to 26 lbs)
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Medium:
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Height: 43 to 52 cm (17 to 20 inches)
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Weight: 13 to 20 kg (30 to 45 lbs)
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Standard (Large):
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Height: 53 to 63 cm (21 to 24 inches)
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Weight: 21 to 30 kg ( 50 lbs or more)
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Note: Height is measured from the floor to the top of the shoulder (wither). Check here for more information!
How much grooming does a Labradoodle require?
Their beautiful coat requires regular maintenance. You should brush your dog at least 2-3 times a week to prevent tangles (matting) and visit a professional groomer every 8 to 12 weeks for a haircut. For more information on grooming please look here!
Temperament and Energy
Labradoodles are known for being intuitive, social, and highly intelligent. They are great family dogs and love to be around people. They do require mental stimulation and daily exercise to stay happy and balanced.
Thanks to their Poodle and Labrador ancestry, they are 'eager to please' and learn commands very quickly. This makes them suitable for first-time dog owners, provided you are consistent and use positive reinforcement.
How are the puppies socialized and raised?
Our puppies are raised in the heart of our home, and a huge part of their socialization comes from our three sons (aged 8, 10, and 12). Because of them, our puppies are naturally exposed to active play, children’s voices, and plenty of affection. This hands-on interaction ensures that by the time they go to their new homes, they are exceptionally well-adjusted, confident, and love being around children.
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