Dog Breeds
History and Types of Labradoodles
Labradoodles, also known as "Labrapoodles," first occurred in 1955, but they did not gain popularity until 1988, when the mix began to be used as a hypoallergenic guide dog.
Labradoodles come in three distinct variations which are based on the ratio of lab to poodle mix. The first generation is an F1, which is a 50/50 mix of Lab & Poodle. These are NOT considered a non-shedding nor a hypoallergenic dog. Roughly 15% of F1s will have a thicker, dense fleece coat, which will generally be a lower shedding dog, & MAY be SOMEWHAT allergy friendly. I DO NOT recommend F1s to those with allergies. Why? When they are pups, they are much smaller, which means less overall mass & hair. Once they grow larger, more hair- & more of a chance for allergies to flair. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk in the long term.
F1B. This is an F1 bred back to a poodle- which gives you a 75% Poodle & 25% Labrador. These are generally allergy friendly, but can produce either a wavy or curly coat.
F2/F1BB- Different names- same ratio of Lab to Poodle- I call them F2's. This is an F1B bred back to a Poodle & you now have an 85% Poodle & 15% Labrador. These are allergy friendly & non shedding, although, technically, all dogs shed, even if it's ever so slightly.
Australian Labradoodle- Fancy name that simply means the dog is mixed with a small amount of Cocker Spaniel . It is a very small amount of 10% or less of Cocker. I'm not sure why they call this an Australian, as the "original" labradoodle- bred in Australia was just a Lab & Poodle.
Australian Cobberdog- This is a dog specifically bred in Australia & is considered a purebred dog in Australia. My guess is that it is still a mix of Lab & Poodle, but a DNA test would have to be done to determine this.
Multi Gen- This is when you have more than 3 generations into the breeding- F1- 1 generation, F1B- 2 generations, F2/F1BB- 3 generations, F2/F1BB bred together- Multi Gen. These may produce a thick wavy coat. Some breeders will claim these are the superior mix due to the multi gen mix- however, this is not true. The genetic diversity is found by doing a test called C.O.I or Coefficient of inbreeding. This test reveals the diversity of the dog's gene pool. I have F1's that have 0% & 2& C.O.I. Generally- the claim is that the more diverse the gene pool the lower the C.O.I. Lower C.O.I is said to produce a better overall quality dog. This should NOT be put above DNA. A clear DNA report is what matters. A lower C.O.I is the icing on the cake, while a clear DNA report is the cake. The average C.O.I of a purebred dog is 20% while the average C.O.I of a mixed breed is 10%. You can have a very high-quality dog with a high C.O.I. This will happen if a dog is line bred- meaning it is bred within the same bloodline but a few generations apart. A breeder will line breed if he has a very strong genetic/orthopedic bloodline & wants to maintain it. The same holds true for horses.
Why a Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular selling dog in the United States for over 25 years now, and rightfully so! Labradors are classified as "working dogs" and their history can be traced back to Newfoundland, where fishermen began using them.
Originally, the Labrador was called a "Lesser Newfoundland Dog" however, the Labrador Retriever should not be compared to the Newfoundland except the shared web feet design which allows for easy work of swimming situations.
The terrain conditions of Newfoundland are rugged, requiring dog of surefootedness, stamina, and "buoyancy." The Labrador was an ideal dog for this rough environment-able to bear the icy waters of the North Atlantic, with its broad chest which allowed it to "surf" on the strong waves, and its "waterproof" coat which can shed water quickly.
The Labrador made its way to the American shores in the early 1900's but its popularity did not catch on quickly. The breed was officially recognized but the AKC in 1932.
The Labrador has since gained continued popularity in America, known for their loving nature, intelligence, working capabilities and just all-around terrific personality. It's no surprise their popularity continues to grow.
Trusted by Families Across the Country
We looked into several breeders before deciding on Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago. Mike was very responsive to questions before, during and after we purchased a silver Lab from him. We have had Baxter for a month now and still communicate with Mike. If you're interested in a Labrador puppy, I highly recommend considering this breeder!
Our family has been looking for a Labradoodle for over a year. We were highly advised by our vet to make sure the breeder we choose did genetic and orthopedic testing on the parents. Our quest left us with what seemed like little hope. Every breeder we spoke to either said they did no testing or if they claimed they did it, they couldn't produce test results which told us that the testing was never done. When all seemed lost we came across Mikes website and all of his information and videos were AMAZING! We even let our vet look at Mikes website, and they were so impressed that they reached out to Mike to commend him on his OUTSTANDING breeding practices! Mike not only does full panel DNA testing through Embark, but he does OFA hip/elbow testing AND gives copies to all those who adopt his pups! He is by far the most transparent breeder we have ever come across! Mike is absolutely meticulous in the care he gives his pups and adult dogs, as well as the information packet he gave us! He really missed nothing! If you are looking for the highest quality and best customer service you will not find anyone remotely close!! Check out Mikes website and give him a call! You won't be disappointed!!
Response from the owner:Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for the great review and very kind words! It was great getting a call from your vet, too! It made my day!! It's unfortunate that all breeders do not follow the same standards by doing full panel DNA testing and orthopedic testing. Many diseases that affect dogs could be bred out. I really try to help educate people on the utmost importance of full panel DNA and orthopedic testing! Sadly, if a dog is adopted from a breeder who does no testing, that dog has a minimum risk of 35% of developing either a genetic, an orthopedic condition, or both. When this happens, the vet will make the diagnosis but not play detective and ask if the breeder did genetic and orthopedic testing, and the families of these poor dogs just assume the dog randomly acquired this problem, not knowing it was due to lack of DNA and/or orthopedic testing, and ultimately, careless breeding practices. This is a temendous problem in the dog breeding world, and about 90% of breeders do no testing at all- or they may do a limited panel DNA which may check for only a few conditions. Labradors and Labradoodles can suffer from over 20 breed related conditions, which is why the only way to truly measure a dogs health is to do both DNA and orthopedic testing. Thank you for putting your trust in me to deliver you a genetically and orthopedically pure puppy! Please reach out anytime with any questions!
We couldn’t have been more fortunate to have found Mike Martinez of Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago! Mike is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and absolutely loves what he does. All of his experience and kindness made the process both easy and enjoyable. And while we were originally looking at a specific trained puppy, the little guy who chose us is the perfect addition to our family! Mike provided us all the information and supplies we needed to ensure our puppy’s transition from his home to ours was seamless, and he even keeps in touch to this day offering us advice during this harsh Chicago winter. This speaks so much to his big heart, and we couldn’t be more appreciative. We would absolutely recommend Mike to anyone who’s looking to add to their families. It’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made, and we’d give 6 stars if we could!
- Michael
- Michael
Response from the owner:Hi guys! Thank you for the great review and very kind words! I'm so glad we were able to find the perfect trained pup for you! Cody looks so happy!! He is living his best life! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity and for the tremendous experience! Please reach out anytime with questions or concerns
We couldn't be happier after having worked with Mike. He's an excellent breeder who genuinely cares about his placements. He follows up regularly weeks after the puppy enters your family to help ensure a smooth transition.
As for his puppies? Incredible temperament, quick to train and absolutely beautiful. Our sweet girl is a pure bred silver American Field Lab. Her parents Zeus and Jade, I'm convinced, make the most gorgeous labs. If you're looking for an athlete, look no further. The father, Zeus, is an absolute beast in the best possible way and Jade is incredibly sweet. The perfect combo. Thank you, Mike! You've given our family a gift.
As for his puppies? Incredible temperament, quick to train and absolutely beautiful. Our sweet girl is a pure bred silver American Field Lab. Her parents Zeus and Jade, I'm convinced, make the most gorgeous labs. If you're looking for an athlete, look no further. The father, Zeus, is an absolute beast in the best possible way and Jade is incredibly sweet. The perfect combo. Thank you, Mike! You've given our family a gift.
Response from the owner:Hi Paul, thank you so much for the great review and very kind words. It has been great working with you, and our long conversations! Thank you for giving Izzy a loving furever home. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns!
Our family is so very happy that we adopted a dog from Mike at Labrador & Labradoodle Puppies Chicago! We walked into this journey expecting to adopt a very young puppy but couldn’t be happier that we welcomed home a trained 7 month-old Australian Labradoodle. It is truly the best decision a young family like ours could make. She is an absolutely delightful companion — attentive, well-mannered, calm, friendly and eager to please. She has been excellent with all people and dogs inside and outside of our home. It is a testament to the environment Mike raised her in. We get so many compliments on how well-trained and personable she is, and we couldn’t be happier about how smoothly she has joined our family. She has also been very respectful and gentle toward our elderly Yorkie-Poo.
We spoke with several breeders prior to finding Mike’s website and were immediately impressed by the information and videos provided. Mike is very personable and truly cares about the health and well being of his dogs, and we greatly appreciate that he highly values full panel genetic and orthopedic testing. It also meant a lot that he cared about the home she was going to and that we are conscious pet owners. Mike was welcoming at his home and made it easy for our three kids (12, 8, 5) to interact with many of his dogs, all who were pleasant and personable toward us. He patiently spent time answering our long list of questions after our meeting and took extra time to provide information that ultimately made us feel confident in our decision.
Since adopting our girl almost a month ago, Mike has kept in touch, checking in to make sure everything is going smoothly. He has readily answered our questions and is genuinely interested in her development. We highly recommend reaching out to Mike!
We spoke with several breeders prior to finding Mike’s website and were immediately impressed by the information and videos provided. Mike is very personable and truly cares about the health and well being of his dogs, and we greatly appreciate that he highly values full panel genetic and orthopedic testing. It also meant a lot that he cared about the home she was going to and that we are conscious pet owners. Mike was welcoming at his home and made it easy for our three kids (12, 8, 5) to interact with many of his dogs, all who were pleasant and personable toward us. He patiently spent time answering our long list of questions after our meeting and took extra time to provide information that ultimately made us feel confident in our decision.
Since adopting our girl almost a month ago, Mike has kept in touch, checking in to make sure everything is going smoothly. He has readily answered our questions and is genuinely interested in her development. We highly recommend reaching out to Mike!
Response from the owner:Hi Jackie! Thank you for the great review and kind words! It was a complete pleasure working with you. You were very thorough with your research and I'm very grateful you chose to adopt your pup from us! Jovie has a great furever home and is loved so much!!
I found Winston online. I called Mike early. He didn't hesitate to answer any and all of my questions. We visited and left with Winston the same day. Winston is a bundle of joy. We can not be any happier with him. He is a wonderful addition to my family. Mike explains everything very well. He is not your typical breeder. He is very knowledgeable and caring when it comes to the dogs and puppies he has within his care. In the event I want another dog or puppy. I will return here in the future and even recommend him to family and friends.
Response from the owner:Hi Janice! Thank you for the great review and kind words! Winston loves his new home and you guys are doing a terrific job with him! Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Huge thank you to Mike for helping us add a fur baby to our family! Mike is extremely knowledgeable about labs and their health. We learned so much from him in a short amount of time. If you’re looking for a lab or doodle, Mike is your guy!
Response from the owner:Hi Veronica! Thank you for the great review and kind words! It was a pleasure working with you and finding the perfect pup for you and your family! Little Oso is living his best life!! Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns!
We had a wonderful experience with Mike and all his dogs, very transparent and very caring and thorough in the dog breed and the dog health. He also has insured that we’re very comfortable with our new family member. I would highly recommend him.
Response from the owner:Hi guys, thank you for giving Domino a loving furever home, and for the great review! I really appreciate everything! Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns.
We would 100% recommend Mike and Chicago Area Labrador's without reserve for those looking to add a new furry member to their family. Now that we have our little labradoodle, Piper, at home we can’t imagine having worked with anyone else. Our search started in phone interviews with other breeders in the area and after visiting Mike’s home and business in Mundelein we knew we didn’t need to visit any others and he was the guy for us. The cleanliness of his facilities, knowledge about dog breeding and genetic testing, and the care/ attention he provides to his dogs and their puppies is top notch. Mike was exceptionally patient with us in the questions we asked as first time dog owners and made us feel confident in providing the essentials necessary for a smooth transition for our puppy back to the city including shots, microchip, kennel, food, leash, etc.
Not only did we get the chance to meet the puppy and Mike, but we also were able to interact with our dogs mom and dad who are incredibly sweet and well behaved making us feel confident that we would be getting a good, well mannered, and healthy dog. Our little puppy is now 3 months old and we are so in love. We get constant compliments on how well behaved, loving, and calm she is for a little puppy and we greatly credit her coming from a great home with Mike!
The relationship with Mike as a breeder is anything but transactional, he goes out of his way to stay in touch and follow-up with you after bringing your dog home to ensure they are doing well and answering any questions you have and remains genuinely interested in their development. In addition to Mike’s breeding services, we have used him for overnight boarding which we also highly recommend. We feel so much more comfortable leaving our dog with Mike as opposed to a standard service knowing she will be under good care/ supervision, playing with other well-mannered dogs, and having lots of room/ grass to run…. Plus, he gives her a bath before we pick her up making her super soft and smelling good. : -)
We feel so fortunate for our little puppy and are so grateful for the positive experience that Chicago Area Labs has provided!
Response from the owner:Hi guys, thank you for the great review and very kind words, I really appreciate everything! Piper is living her best life and is a bonafide/water dog! Enjoy her!
We brought home our sweet Milo 6months ago and could not be happier. Milo has been such a great addition to our family. More importantly was Mike and the valuable information he not only gave us when we picked up Milo but also when he would check-in via text, Mike does extensive genetic testing which our vet was very impressed with. I cannot recommend Mike enough. I know when we are ready to add to our family we will absolutely be coming back to Mike.
Response from the owner:Hi Amanda, thank you for the great review and very kind words! I really appreciate you trusting me with your four legged family member! Milo looks great and I can see he's living his best life! Thank you again.
Mike was incredibly helpful and attentive, sharing all the important details with us. His puppies are absolutely wonderful, and it was very important for us to know that he performs all the necessary health tests. This gives us confidence in the high quality of his puppies and reassurance that our new family member will truly meet all our expectations! We are very happy, thank you so much!
Response from the owner:Hi Eva, thank you for the kind words and great review! I really appreciate you giving one of my pups a loving furever home!
We can't speak highly enough about Mike overall professionalism! We had been searching for a reputable breeder for months, and then we came across Mike website. Mike has been featured on WGN a couple times, and is all about the quality! He accomplishes this by educating people on the importance of DNA and OFA testing. Most of the breeders we spoke to did no DNA or orthopedic testing. We even had one breeder tell us that because a Labradoodle is a mixed breed dog- genetic testing is not needed! WOW! We discovered, from speaking with Mike, that DNA and orthopedic testing is the ONLY WAY to know the quality of a dog. We adopted both a trained Stage 3 Labrador and Labradoodle from Mike, and they are both perfect in every respect! Mike goes above and beyond in his adult dogs and puppies, and from our research, there is nobody close to him! If you are serious about adding a quality family member to your home, call Mike! You won't be disappointed!
Response from the owner:Hi guys! Thank you for the kind words and great review! I'm glad you found the WGN segments helpful and informative. I can't thank you enough for giving two of my pups loving homes! I'm so glad the have each other, too! It's always nice when they have another fur baby to pal around with!
We got Teddy our labradoodle from here, great dog!
Response from the owner:Hi guys! Thank you for the great review and kind words! I'm so glad you're happy with little Teddy! You're doing a terrific job with him. Keep it up and please reach out with any questions!
Mike is an outstanding breeder. I brought home Luna (Labrador) from him and the entire experience was smooth and caring from the first call to pickup. Luna is healthy, confident, and clearly comes from a high-quality, well-socialized litter. Mike helped us get started with training, walked us through the vaccination plan and paperwork, and made everything easy to understand. What impressed me most is that he keeps in touch after the sale, checking in and sharing tips because he genuinely cares about the puppies he places. If you are looking for a responsible, trustworthy professional who delivers excellent puppies and real support, go with Mike. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Hi Boris, thank you for the great review and for giving Luna a loving furever home! You're doing a great job with her. Being a first time dog owner can be challenging at times, but you're doing a great job! Keep it up!
Mike is very knowledgeable and kind. After a lot of research we found him online. He was informative and is always one text away which I appreciate. We are so happy with our new puppy! Thank you
Response from the owner:Hi Ana- thank you for the great review and kind words, and for driving all that way for one of my pups! Enjoy Chase and please reach out anytime with any questions!
Response from the owner:Hi Ronaldo, thank you for the great review! Feel free to reach out anytime with questions!
If you found yourself on Mike’s website look no further! Our family chatted to Mike on the phone and made an appointment with him to meet him and his pups. He took his time introducing us to various puppies and educating us on dog ownership as we were looking for our first family dog. Our sons had the chance to walk a few and fell in love with a lovely labradoodle… Butterball. We are so happy with the addition to our family. Butterball was 7 months old when we brought him home and he was well trained. Mike kept in touch and has been readily available for any questions. We cannot recommend Mike enough, he cares so much about his puppies and is very knowledgeable!
Response from the owner:Hi Rosie! Thank you for the great review and very kind words! I really miss Butterball but I'm so glad he is in a great home with your family! He's such a funny little guy! Playful, loving and HUGE personality!
We adopted Thomas from Mike a few weeks ago. Thomas is a F1 labradoodle that is 2 1/2 years old. I found Thomas on Mike's website. Kept his name. (My Dad and brother were both Thomas.) We went to meet Mike and Thomas and found Mike to be a very knowledgeable dog breeder. You can tell from the get go he loves his dogs. Very pleased with the end result. We will be back!!
Response from the owner:Hi guys, thank you for giving Thomas a great home! I'm so glad he's being a good boy for you both! Enjoy him and give him hugs from me!
Mike is great! He had the process of buying our puppy so easy. He really cares about his dogs and I’ll definitely go to him for my next puppy!
Response from the owner:Hi Tracy! Thank you for the great review and kind words! Enjoy little Bea!
We brought home Goose, our black lab puppy, from Mike a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier! If your looking for a lab, Mike should your first and only phone call! He is passionate, caring, and has a PHD in Labradors. DNA and orthopedics testing is key to a perfect pooch
Response from the owner:Hi Steve, thank you for the great review and kind words! You guys have been doing an amazing job with Goose! Keep up the good work! He's a great pup! Please reach out anytime with any questions!
Mike and his dogs are top tier! Everyone (even those not looking for a lab or labradoodle) should spend some time reading Mike’s website as it has a ton of information on why genetic and OFA testing is imperative when buying a dog. Prior to connecting with Mike, I almost got scammed twice by backyard breeders who I connected with via Facebook Group Pages. I then decided to find a reputable lab breeder and came across Mike. I spent a lot time studying his website and videos before reaching out. I think the first time Mike & I spoke we spent close to 3hrs on the phone getting to know each other. Not only did Mike talk about the importance of genetic testing and OFA testing on ensuring a healthy and quality puppy, he also spent time asking me questions to ensure he was placing a puppy in a good home. When I picked up my chocolate lab “Whiskey”, Mike walked me through all of the genetic tests and provided me with copies as well as copies of my puppies parents. Mike walked me through obtaining the limited registration with the AKC and has continued the call/text and check in on how Whiskey & I are doing!
My one piece of advice if you’re interested in a Labrador or Labradoodle is to read Mike’s website then give him a call to talk it through. It was a very no-pressure conversation and I could tell Mike was truly passionate about breeding quality puppies and sharing his wealth of information.
My one piece of advice if you’re interested in a Labrador or Labradoodle is to read Mike’s website then give him a call to talk it through. It was a very no-pressure conversation and I could tell Mike was truly passionate about breeding quality puppies and sharing his wealth of information.
Response from the owner:Hi Chris, thank you for the kind words and great review! I have really enjoyed our conversations, and yes.. I do remember our first was three hours! Thank you for giving Whiskey a loving home!
We brought home our chocolate lab puppy a few weeks ago and we are in LOVE. As first time puppy owners we had a lot of concerns but Mike has been so helpful. While we waited for her to be ready to come home he communicated with us about the process and provided lots of resources . We love that all the dogs are DNA tested for major and minor problems. When it was time to bring her home, he made sure we truly understood what having a puppy would mean for our family and gave us lots of helpful tips. Even after our pup came home, Mike continuously checked in to make sure everything was going smoothly. We are so glad that we went with Mike for our pup.
Response from the owner:Hi guys, thank you for the great review and kind words! Bailey is a definite cutie pie! Please reach out anytime with any questions!
About a month ago, I decided to visit Mike’s Labradoodle company in Mundelein, Illinois, and I came home that very day with the perfect puppy! If you’ve ever raised a dog, you know how much effort it takes, and that effort multiplies when you’re managing multiple litters. I truly appreciate Mike’s dedication, from the extensive research and resources he puts into the business to ensure each puppy is healthy and well-cared for. What sets him apart is his genuine interest in the future of each puppy, carefully matching them with the right family to ensure a joyful life full of wonderful memories. I can’t recommend Mike and his company enough!
Response from the owner:Hi Nash! Thank you for the kind words and great review! it's been a pleasure speaking with you and finding the right puppy fit for you! I hope Mickey gets to travel with you abroad! Please reach out with any questions!
This is the second black lab I got from Mike. We were so happy with our first girl. .She lived healthily until age 13, and was the sweetest most fun dog. It was a no brainer to go back to Mike again when we were ready for our next puppy. Weve had her for a couple weeks so far and couldn't be happier. She is sweet with my 7 YO and her friends. She is so fun and very smart. Mike is also just a text/phone call away. He truly cares about all his puppies and want them to go on to their forever homes and complete families. Could not recommend more.
Response from the owner:Hi Corrine, it's hard to believe that 13 years has gone by so fast. It seems like just yesterday you were coming out to pickup Reagan when I was in the city.. Now- it's Liberty.. I can't thank you enough for not only trusting me once, but twice to deliver a quality puppy to you! I really appreciate your support!
What a great place to get your new puppy! Mike is very knowledgeable and passionate about breeding the healthiest puppies possible. We couldn’t be happier with our black lab and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a breeder that goes above and beyond.
Response from the owner:Hi guys, thank you for the kind words and great review! I really appreciate the support and trusting me to deliver you the healthiest puppy possible!
I recently purchased a trained medium labradoodle puppy from Mike. He was so knowledgeable and fantastic to work with. I love to see how will the dogs love him and are treated. I also like all the information and help he gives you before, and even after you bring your puppy home. Not, only did I have peace of mind meeting the parents and having the DNA testing, it was nice to know that any other questions I had later on he didn't hesitate to help. He cares about his customers. My kids and other dogs and I love the newest member of our family (we named him Leo). We happen to be extra lucky because we live close enough that Leo can visit his brother, mother and father on occasion. I would HIGHLY recommend (and already have) Mike to anyone looking to purchase a lab or labradoodle.
Response from the owner:Hi Sara, well.. I guess we have Leos mom, Karman to thank.. not only for us meeting but for you wanting to adopt one of her pups! Karmans charm and intelligence are difficult to beat! Thank you for giving Leo a great home and for being such a patient neighbor whenever Karman would stroll right into your home and make herself comfortable!
We had a great experience working with Mike and would highly recommend him. He was very transparent about what to expect as a dog owner. As first time dog owners we adopted a trained labradoodle since we were not confident about how well could we train a puppy ourselves. This worked out very well because Mike had the puppy completely crate trained, partially potty trained and she was responding to many basic commands like sit, stay and come the day we got her home. Mike also socialized the puppy in places that allow pets where we might go like Home Depot and Lazy Dog. Mike also provided a lot of helpful hints to us and kept us very well informed during her training by sharing videos of the puppy's progress. We also met Tucker and Ginger, Piku's parents and saw her interact with them which was great. The puppy has settled in very well in our home and we love having her. It has been 5 weeks since we got Piku home and Mike keeps in touch and gets back to us in case we have questions and that is also a great help for novices like us.
Response from the owner:Hi Manov, thank you for the great review, and for giving Piku such a wonderful home! You guys are doing an above and beyond job with her.. it takes a bit of time when you are a first time dog owner but you're all doing perfect! Reach out anytime with any questions!
My daughter and her children wanted me to see this puppy. I said ok but had no intension to buy a puppy. But when I got out of the car and this little cutie ran up to me and sat at my feet. I was hooked. Mike spent a lot of time with us explaining things. We met her Mom, Dad and brother. She is crate trained. She had all her shots except one. He even let me buy her crate, an 18lb bag of food, chew toys, collar and leash. Made things very easy for me. When I took her to the Mundelein vet she said she knew who Mike was and that “he raises very good puppies”. I am very happy with my new puppy😊
Response from the owner:Hi Roz! Thank you for the great review, and very kind words. I knew it was love at first site when Penny ran right p to you! She picked you.. I'm glad all is going well. I'm always here to answer any questions!
After deciding on an Australian Labradoodle for our family, we found Mike on google and are so glad we did! I highly recommend Mike as a breeder. He is highly knowledgeable and truly cares about his dogs. He has checked in with us on our puppy journey and given tons of helpful recommendations. Our dog is healthy, well adjusted, great with kids and absolutely adorable!
Response from the owner:Hi Amanda, thank you for the great review and kind words! I really appreciate you guys giving Shelby a loving furever home. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!
We adopted our beautiful black lab, Bella from Mike two years ago, and couldn't be happier. Mike does all the appropriate health testing which our vet strongly suggested. If you are looking for a loving four legged addition to your family, look not further than Mike at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago! We recently adopted a Stage 3 trained F2 labradoodle from Mike and couldnt be happier with the training! Thank you Mike!
Response from the owner:Hi Mike! Thank you for the great review and kind words. I really appreciate your loyalty throughout the years!
First of all, it was such a pleasure meeting Mike Martinez. He was very knowledgeable and kind to us when we approached him for his dogs. He showed us patience and respect when we told him we are first time dog owner. Our dog Clyde who Mike has trained so well has been in his best behavior. Clyde is very intelligent and such a gentleman. Even though this is our first week having him, he made it so easy for us to manage. We are very happy!
Response from the owner:Hi Suk! Thank you for the great review and for giving Clyde such a great home! You guys are doing terrific with him! Reach out anytime with any questions or concerns.
Mike has been terrific from start to finish! We feel so confident with our new pup because of how he was bred and trained with Mike. He kept us updated during the process and provided info and tips since we have been home. 5 stars!!
Response from the owner:Hi Allison, thank you for the great review, and for giving Theo a loving home.
We found Mike after doing thorough research on getting the next puppy for our family. Unfortunately one we had before passed away after only a few years. We knew Labradoodles were the perfect way to go and so glad we found Mike! He spoke with us over the phone and in depth while we visited the puppies. He stressed the importance of DNA testing and showed us detailed information on the mom and dad, and we got to meet the parents. We decided on a gorgeous Labradoodle who we named Harry and he’s been a great addition to our family. He gave us food, a crate, toys, leash, collar, microchip etc… We are also still in touch weeks after our purchase as he checks on how Harry is doing and on how potty training is going (which Mike’s given excellent training info). We are already thinking about our next puppy purchase and that it will be with Mike. You can’t go wrong!!
Response from the owner:Hi KD and Dave! Thank you for the great review and for giving Harry a great home! I will see you guys in a week when you come to pick up your Lab pup!
What can I say? If you're looking for a Labradoodle look no further. Mike is very knowledgeable and transparent. What sets Mike apart from the other breeders is that he does OFA, DNA, & Coefficient of inbreeding (COI) testing. That gives us peace of mind for our puppy's health. Mike does a very good job with socialization. She is good with our children and other pets. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and brought her home that day. Since then she's added so much value to our family.
Response from the owner:Hi James, thank you for the great review and kind words! I'm so glad that Mochi has been a terrific addition to your family, and that I was able to deliver you the healthiest puppy possible through proper DNA and orthopedic testing! Please reach out anytime with any questions or concerns!
We recently brought home a mini labradoodle and couldn’t be more pleased! Molly is one of the sweetest puppies we’ve met. We’ve had compliments from our vet and puppy trainer on her temperament.
Mike goes out of his way to ensure you have all of the information you need to be a successful pet parent. We also went over the thorough genetic testing and insights Mike has.
We’re so happy to have Molly as our new family member and appreciate the care that went into ensuring we had plenty of information to feel confident in the type of dog we have.
Mike goes out of his way to ensure you have all of the information you need to be a successful pet parent. We also went over the thorough genetic testing and insights Mike has.
We’re so happy to have Molly as our new family member and appreciate the care that went into ensuring we had plenty of information to feel confident in the type of dog we have.
Response from the owner:Hi Sarah, thank you for the great review, and for giving Molly such a great furever home! I'm so glad that things are going well and that your vet and trainer gave her a thumbs up! It's extremely important that people understand the utmost importance of DNA and OFA testing, as this is the ONLY way to know if you are getting a healthy dog. Thank you for mentioning that in your review! Please reach out with any questions.
We couldn’t be happier with our experience with Mike! From the very beginning, it was clear how passionate and knowledgeable Mike is about breeding for the long-term health and well-being of his dogs. One of the things that truly set him apart was his commitment to proper DNA and orthopedic (OFA) testing. He took the time to explain the importance of these screenings and how they help prevent hereditary issues that can affect a dog’s quality of life down the road.
Mike’s dedication to responsible breeding gave us complete confidence in our decision. He truly cares about his puppies and the families they go to— this isn’t just a business for him, it’s a mission. If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Labrador or Labradoodle and want to work with someone who genuinely puts the dogs’ health first, Mike is the breeder you want. Highly recommended!
Mike’s dedication to responsible breeding gave us complete confidence in our decision. He truly cares about his puppies and the families they go to— this isn’t just a business for him, it’s a mission. If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Labrador or Labradoodle and want to work with someone who genuinely puts the dogs’ health first, Mike is the breeder you want. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Hi Eric, thank you for the great review and very kind words, and thank you for mentioning the DNA and OFA testing! Those looking to adopt dogs need to understand the importance of these tests and breeders need to step up their game and begin not only doing these tests, but giving copies as proof to all of those who adopt their pups! Reach out anytime with any questions.
I am the proud owner of my first Labradoodle "Tootsie". It's been 7 weeks since I adopted her from Mike. She is 1 week shy of 7 months old. She is an F1B pup, Stage 2 trained and everything I hoped for. What sweet dog.
Before adopting Tootsie, I did a lot of research on the internet. Then I sope with Mike at great lengths, and decided Mike knew what he was doing, and cared deeply about his dogs. The in-person conversation only reinforced my research, and slowed me Mike is a first class breeder. Then he provided documentation regarding Tootsie's parents, specifically DNA and OFA testing. That was the proof I needed, he had testing to prove her health is as advertised, and what could be expected. I am a retired Project Manager in the Nuclear Power Industry that appreciates hard evidence.
Tootsie was Stage 2 trained. Eliminating hours and hours of crate training, she had all the basis commands I needed to help me build upon. Which I have, what a smart dog.
Thank you, Mike, for my dream puppy.
And thanks for your continued follow-up calls.
Before adopting Tootsie, I did a lot of research on the internet. Then I sope with Mike at great lengths, and decided Mike knew what he was doing, and cared deeply about his dogs. The in-person conversation only reinforced my research, and slowed me Mike is a first class breeder. Then he provided documentation regarding Tootsie's parents, specifically DNA and OFA testing. That was the proof I needed, he had testing to prove her health is as advertised, and what could be expected. I am a retired Project Manager in the Nuclear Power Industry that appreciates hard evidence.
Tootsie was Stage 2 trained. Eliminating hours and hours of crate training, she had all the basis commands I needed to help me build upon. Which I have, what a smart dog.
Thank you, Mike, for my dream puppy.
And thanks for your continued follow-up calls.
Response from the owner:Hi Phil, thank you for the great review, and for giving Tootsie a loving home! Your review really hits home when it comes to the importance of DNA and OFA testing. Sadly- the majority of breeders do no testing at all- but call their puppies "high quality." The ONLY things that determine the quality of a dog are the DNA and orthopedics. If this was not the case every breeder could rightfully call their pups "high quality." many breeders will claim they do these tests but when you go a step further and ask them for copies of the tests- they will not provide them, and will give as many stories as there are stars in the sky to try and justify why they cannot provide these crucial documents. The bottom line is if they cannot provide results- the testing was not done. I have dealt with so many of these breeders when I am looking for a QUALITY puppy to bring into my breeding program. I have heard every excuse in the book during my 25 years of breeding pups. The best I've heard is froma breeder that tells those that contact him is "My vet says that Labradoodles do not get genetic disease, so testing is not needed." He also cliams his vet says that "OFA testing is not accurate." This breeder clearly should NOT be breeding dogs! I highly doubt his vet told him these things. Do your homework when looking for a breeder people! Make sure they do complete DNA through Embark and OFA or Penn hip for the orthopedics. These are the only things that determine the long term health and quality of a dog.
Thank you again Phil! I'm always available to answer any questions!
Thank you again Phil! I'm always available to answer any questions!
Mike was great in helping us find the right dog. Snoopy is as advertised good with children and fun to be around. If you like labradoodles it’s the right place to go.
Response from the owner:Hi John, thank you for the great review, and for giving Snoopy a loving furever home. You are doing a great job with him, especially for a first time dog owner!! Keep up the great work and reach out anytime with any questions!
I cannot recommend Mike enough! From the very beginning, it was clear that he is deeply committed to the health and well-being of his dogs. One of the things that truly sets him apart is his dedication to conducting thorough DNA and OFA testing, which is the only way to ensure that the dogs are free from genetic issues and are of the highest quality. This kind of transparency is so important when choosing a new family member, and it gave me complete confidence in the health of the pup I brought home.
Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also goes above and beyond in staying in touch throughout the process. Whether it's answering questions, providing updates, or sharing essential information, he’s always available and eager to help. It’s clear that he cares deeply about the families he places his puppies with and is invested in their well-being every step of the way.
If you're looking for a healthy, well-bred Labradoodle and a breeder who truly cares about both the dogs and their future families, look no further. You won't find a better place to start your journey!
Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also goes above and beyond in staying in touch throughout the process. Whether it's answering questions, providing updates, or sharing essential information, he’s always available and eager to help. It’s clear that he cares deeply about the families he places his puppies with and is invested in their well-being every step of the way.
If you're looking for a healthy, well-bred Labradoodle and a breeder who truly cares about both the dogs and their future families, look no further. You won't find a better place to start your journey!
Response from the owner:Hi Stewar, thank you for the great review and for trusting me to deliver you highest quality puppy possible! Sadly- the majority of breeders do no DNA or OFA testing. Beeders will flat out lie to those who question them about DNA and OFA testing. It's very sad for the puppies being born knowing that many- 35% minimum- are going to develop a genetic-orthopedic or both disease at some point in their lives. I always advise those looking for a reputable breeder to ask in detail about the genetic and orthopedic testing they have done. These are the only things that can truly measure the quality and health of a dog. I know you did a lot of research before contacting me- and I remember our first phone conversation very well. Thank you again for trusting me with your new family member! I'm always here to answer any questions!
Fourteen years ago, we adopted a beautiful golden doodle puppy from what we thought was a reputable breeder based on the reviews we read. Unfortunately, after a couple short years we discovered she had knee issues and required surgery on her back right knee and most likely her back left knee in a couple more years. The surgery was not only very expensive, but it was also a difficult, painful recovery for our poor dog. Had that breeder done DNA and Orthopedic testing on their dogs, they hopefully would not have breed one or both dogs and passed down their genetic defects to our puppy.
When decided to get another dog, we did more research for “good breeders”. We read reviews, looking to see how long they have been breeding dogs, etc. It wasn't until we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago that we began to understand the importance of DNA and Orthopedic testing. Most breeders don't even mention it, we just assumed we were getting a high quality, healthy dog because it’s from a breeder. I am so thankful that we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago and that Mike was able to teach us the importance of genetic testing. Mike prides himself on breeding healthy, high-quality puppies, which was so important to us given the experience we had with our last dog. Please, don’t get a puppy just based off reviews, take it from us, I wish we knew then what we know now. Thank you so much Mike, we love our beautiful little puppy Loki and look forward to a long healthy life with her.
When decided to get another dog, we did more research for “good breeders”. We read reviews, looking to see how long they have been breeding dogs, etc. It wasn't until we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago that we began to understand the importance of DNA and Orthopedic testing. Most breeders don't even mention it, we just assumed we were getting a high quality, healthy dog because it’s from a breeder. I am so thankful that we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago and that Mike was able to teach us the importance of genetic testing. Mike prides himself on breeding healthy, high-quality puppies, which was so important to us given the experience we had with our last dog. Please, don’t get a puppy just based off reviews, take it from us, I wish we knew then what we know now. Thank you so much Mike, we love our beautiful little puppy Loki and look forward to a long healthy life with her.
Response from the owner:Hi Holly, thank you for sharing your story. This is something that sadly, many people go through because of all of the bad breeding going on. 90% of breeders out there do NO DNA or Orthopedic testing, and of those who claim they do, they cannot provide test results when asked, which means they have not done it. This is an ENORMOUS PROBLEM in the breeding world, and something that those looking for puppies are NOT aware of. I know of one breeder who tells those who call him that his veterinarian said "Labradoodles cannot get genetic disease because they are a mixed breed dog." This couldn't be farther from the truth- and this breeder also claims that his vet said that "OFA testing is not accurate." Again- couldn't be farther from the truth! Sadly- breeders like this lie to people to simply make money- I have seen gimmicks like free financing, letting people come out and hold puppies that were just born- which is just terrible!! PLEASE!! DO YOUR RESEARCH!! There is plenty of information out there that will verify the utmost importance of DNA and OFA testing! This problem has SKYROCKETED since COVID in 2020- and many backyard breeders surfaced simply to make money- while completely disregarding the health and quality of the puppies they bring into the world, as well as a lack of concern as to how a sick puppy will affect the families adopting these pups- wanting a new family member. PLEASE- ASK A POTENTIAL BREEDER IF THEY DO FULL PANEL DNA TESTING AND OFA OR PENN HIP-ORTHOPEDIC TESTING AND ASK FOR TEST RESULTS! If the breeder has not done it or says they cannot find the test results, move on to a reputable breeder!! The last thing anyone wants is to support these breeders and even bigger- adopt a puppy that will develop serious health issues down the road.
Concluding- thank you for your heartfelt review, and thank you for putting your trust in me to deliver you a puppy with the highest quality genetics and orthopedics.
Concluding- thank you for your heartfelt review, and thank you for putting your trust in me to deliver you a puppy with the highest quality genetics and orthopedics.
I did extensive research before selecting a breeder for my new lab puppy. I knew how well recommended Mike was. Even so, he exceeded my expectations. We adopted Kaia, a beautiful Chatcoal lab 3 weeks ago after having Mike do the stage 1 training process with her. He is extremely knowledgeable about dogs and genuinely cares about the puppets. He spent significant time going over her care, and checks in regularly on her. It was a really great experience and we wound up with the most amazing puppy ever! And the stage 1 training was very helpful. I highly recommend him.h
Response from the owner:Hi Stephanie, thank you for the great review, and for giving Kaia a loving furever home! You're doing a great job keeping up with her training!!
We found Mike after doing a search for labradoodle breeders near Chicago not long after we lost our amazing 15-year-old doodle. We ended up adopting a Stage 2 trained mini labradoodle from Mike and couldn't be happier. Mike is the best. It's obvious he really cares about his dogs and they absolutely love him too. The training has been super helpful (esp. potty training and car rides), and Mike has checked in regularly and has promptly answered questions whenever we've had them. Our little pup is happy and living his best life (though he's still very much a puppy!). Thanks, Mike!
Response from the owner:Hi Craig, thank you for the great review and very kind words! I'm so glad things are going well with Nolan! Feel free to reach out anytime with any questions or concerns
My husband and I have gotten two dogs from Mike now. Both dogs are great and we have had a very positive experience dealing with Mike. He follows up and makes sure that you and your new family member are settled. We are very happy with Mike’s genetic masterpieces.
Response from the owner:Hi guys! Thank you for the great review and very kind words! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you guys not only adopting one pup, but two from me in the past year! It means so much that you have put your trust in me to give you puppies that are both genetically and orthopedically sound. It is unfortunate that the majority of breeders out there do not do genetic or orthopedic testing. Thank you guys again!
Mike's puppies are the best! They are all beautiful good natured creatures. Over the years, as an established professional pet groomer on the north shore, I have had the privilege of working with many of pups from his litters. They are amazing and adorable. I know for a fact that Mike prides himself in maintaining high standards, such as DNA testing and OFA certifications. Mike goes that extra mile to ensure happy and healthy pups for any individual or family. He'll even trains them. Those pups turn out to be great companions for anyone lucky enough to get one.
Response from the owner:Hi Eileen, thank you for the great review and kind words! It means a lot coming from a professional like yourself, who sees dogs on a daily basis, and who understands the utmost importance of DNA and orthopedic testing! I know you have been in the business longer than me, and I appreciate how well you take care of my adult dogs and my pups!
We had an incredible experience working with Mike when adopting our F2 15 Month Old Labradoodle, Minnie.
From the very beginning, Mike was extremely easy to work with—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in his dogs' well-being. What truly set him apart was his continued support even after adoption, consistently checking in to see how Minnie was doing and if we had any questions.
It’s clear that he cares deeply about his puppies and the families they go to. We couldn’t be happier with our decision, and we highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a reputable, responsible breeder!
From the very beginning, Mike was extremely easy to work with—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in his dogs' well-being. What truly set him apart was his continued support even after adoption, consistently checking in to see how Minnie was doing and if we had any questions.
It’s clear that he cares deeply about his puppies and the families they go to. We couldn’t be happier with our decision, and we highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a reputable, responsible breeder!
Response from the owner:Hi guys! Thank you for the positive feedback and great review! I really appreciate you giving little Minnie a loving, caring home! I know she is your first dog, and there is a bit of a learning curve, but you and your family have done an amazing job figuring things out! I'm always here to answer any questions!
Our family decided to get in touch with Mike after some friends had previously gotten a puppy from him and had a great experience. Our family was not interested in a puppy and Mike introduced us to Chipper, a one year old dog, who from initial discussions, appeared to be a great fit for our family with his temperament. Our family decided on Chipper and took him home a few days later, with a ton of support from Mike throughout the process. Mike is a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of breeding and understanding through DNA analysis what you get when you get a dog through him. This provided us with an added level of confidence in Chipper's general health and background. Chipper has been a great fit for our family, and as first time dog owners, Mike has been tremendous in talking us through any challenges faced and offering up his advice on a variety of situations. Overall we couldn't be more pleased with Chipper as well as Mike's support throughout the process including after bringing Chipper home. We plan to continue to be in touch as Chipper grows and look to Mike in the future as well should our family consider another dog. Thanks again Mike.
Response from the owner:Hi Joe, thank you guys for the great review, and for giving Chipper a loving furever home! You have done an above and beyond job with his training, especially for first time dog owners! Keep up the great work and please reach out anytime with any questions or concerns!
We brought home our F2 Labradoodle, Tilly, after Christmas and cannot say enough wonderful things about her. I did a ton of research on breeders and was very impressed with Mike’s level of diligence with genetic testing. We met Tilly’s mother and father and he welcomed us into his home. Not only does he breed incredible dogs, his follow-through and guidance through these puppy months have been nothing short of incredible. I can text him any time of day and he is ready to help. He legitimately cares about each dog and is committed to seeing owners succeed. Tilly is so spectacular that my husband (who has had dogs his whole life) frequently says “this dog is so perfect it’s almost annoying.” She is great with our toddlers, loves all humans and dogs, and has the best disposition. Calm and playful. Smart and sweet. Truly a joy to have around. Thank you, Mike, for all that you do. We are grateful for you and our Tilly.
Response from the owner:Hello Jenny! Thank you for the great review, and for the very kind words. Tilly is so loved and cared for! She is so fortunate to have everyone in your family to love and care for her! Please reach out anytime with any questions or concerns!
It was a pleasure to work with Mike in getting our new puppy. Mike has been a breeder for 25 years and he really makes you feel comfortable.
Response from the owner:Hi Jim and Sandra! Thank you for the great review, for giving Keely a loving furever home and for putting your trust in me to deliver you the highest quality puppy possible! Trying to educate people on the utmost importance of adopting a puupy from a REPUTABLE breeder who does full panel DNA and orthopedic testing on their breeding dogs, and can actually give PROOF to those adopting their pups! Feel free to reach out anytime with any questions or concerns.
We got a silver Lab from Mike, and our first month with Jojo has been great. Mike provided us the entire package. He begins with plenty of background material to instruct us with what we could expect with our new puppy. He allowed us to come visit Jojo at 4 weeks which really warmed our hearts. At 7 weeks we arrived to take our puppy home, and everything Mike promised us was provided. I have been in constant contact with Mike over the past month - he really cares about his puppies and their families, and he enjoys updates. Mike is available to answer any questions we have had regarding the upbringing of Jojo.
Given the large number of puppy mills in the Chicagoland area, it is great to know firsthand that Mike at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago is a first rate, legitimate breeder.
Given the large number of puppy mills in the Chicagoland area, it is great to know firsthand that Mike at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago is a first rate, legitimate breeder.
Response from the owner:Hi Tony and Becky! Thank you for the great review, and for giving Jojo a loving home AND for putting your trust in me to deliver you a genetically and orthopedically pure puppy! Breeders who do no testing on their breeding dogs need to be shut down! This is the only way to decrease the amount of genetic disease in dogs. Currently, there are over 600 possible genetic diseases that can affect dogs, and this number will grow because of unethical breeders who do not DNA or orthopedic testing! Please reach out anytime with any questions or concerns!
My family and I were looking for a labradoodle, our first pet. After looking through several breeders and adoption places, we finally decided to go with Mike. We couldn't be anymore happier. He was kind, informative, and he really filled all the holes we weren't sure about. I'm so glad I ran into his website and made the call to him. I would recommend Mike to anyone looking for a furry friend.
Response from the owner:Hi Jose, thank you for the great review and for giving Benny a loving forever home! You guys are doing a great job training him! Keep it up!
