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.
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.