Frequently Asked Questions

An Australian Labradoodle is a multi-generational Labradoodle that originated from Australia bred specifically for therapy work and companionship. Despite the name this breed does not contain an Australian Shepherd. Several generations ago they infused a few other breeds (spaniels) to improve size, coat, health, and temperament; and have since been bred those dogs together to create this purebred multi-generational Australian Labradoodle... all of our dogs' lineage traces back to the two original breeders in Australia. When someone asks, my quick answer is, "They are a multi-generational labradoodle that originated in Australia".

At Sacto Labradoodles we follow a program which is a comprehensive approach to handling and socializing puppies. We believe in giving our puppies a strong foundation for a happy and healthy life by exposing them to a variety of experiences and stimuli during their critical developmental periods.  Our puppies are raised in our home or in a Guardian home with plenty of love and attention.  They are held from Day 1 including ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation), introduced to different surfaces, sounds, and people to help them build confidence and resilience.   We believe in providing our puppies with the best possible start in life, which includes proper nutrition, veterinary care, and lots of socialization with adults, kids and other animals. Our goal is to produce well-rounded and confident puppies who will make great companions for their forever families.

Our puppies are $3,500 plus CA Sales tax and are sold on a spay/neuter/non-breeding  agreement. Our reservation fee is a non-refundable $500 and that will hold a spot on the litter of your choice. We accept 5-6 families on each litter prior to them being born until we know how many pups will be born.    Your balance is due when puppies are six weeks old.  We accept check, cash, credit card & Venmo (with added fees), and Zelle for payments. Reservation lists fill fast and available spaces cannot be reserved until the fee has been received by us, since we receive so many inquiries, we cannot hold spaces without a reservation.

Yes, we offer extended training for families wanting less work in the puppy stage and an easier transition into home life.   We offer 1-4 weeks training at $600 per week.  We work with a few trainers and their availability fills up quickly so reservations are required. 

We only reserve pups by a specific litter unless there is a specific pup listed for sale.  Puppies are selected n the order that we receive your deposit.  When you are assigned to a litter - you will be assigned a picking spot.  This picking spot is the order that you will choose your puppy from the litter. 

You will choose your puppy in our home and take it home around 8 weeks of age.  If you are out of state - we will schedule a video selection call during your pick up day/time.  If a puppy cannot be picked up at 8 weeks of age, special arrangements can be made to hold your puppy for a specified period of time.  This needs to be arranged prior to the pickup day.  The charge is $75 per day.

We breed Micro Minis to Mediums.  

Micro Minis: under 20 lbs.  13-14 inches height 

Minis:  20-29 lbs.  14-16 inches height

Mediums:  30-45 lbs.  17-21 inches height

Your training should begin as soon as you get your pup home!    Our puppies are just that... puppies that need to be taught how to interact with your family. They will  get into mischief, nibble on hands, potty on the floor, and test boundaries. We do everything we can to give them the best start and a solid foundation but your training, time, and commitment is needed to grow your pup into what  good dog for life.   All of our training and direction are tools to help you raise the best dog you can. We highly recommend group puppy classes, on-line classes, beginner classes, and advanced classes. Finding a positive reinforcement trainer will help continue the foundation that we have already started. 

Our puppies are very well socialized with young children. That being said, puppies are puppies. They need to have boundaries, proper handling, and training. I always tell my puppy families, it is more about training your kids how to behave around the puppy than training your puppy to be gentle with your kids. As long as the puppy is respected, is given a kid free zone, proper boundaries, and the child is behaved - our puppies do amazing in families with children.

Because we require that your pup is spayed/neutered by six months of age - we say you are getting a genderless puppy.  There are no known differences in temperament in male or female.  Your choice should be based on temperament of the individual puppy (not gender) and also take into consideration the gender of a current dog that you may have.

Yes!  All of our parent dogs are fully tested prior to entering our program.  Tests include DNA tests thru PawPrints Genetics and include: Degenerative Myelopathy, Exercise-Induced Collapse, Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4 & Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration,  Rod-Cone Dysplasia 4, Retinal Dysplasia, Von Willebrand Disease I.  We also have OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) clearances for Hips/Elbows/Patellas/Heart and an OFA Eye Cerf.   Tests for parents provided upon request.

Yes!  All of our dogs & pups are registered with the ALAA (Australian Labradoodle Association of America) and WALA (Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association).  You will receive your registration paperwork once your pup is neutered/spayed. 

All of our pups have a soft wavy fleece coat and DO REQUIRE MAINTENANCE!!!  Australian Labradoodles have hair that just keeps growing!  Because they do not shed, the maintenance is similar to our hair.   The correct process includes keeping the coat clean and blown out (professional blow dryers help alot), daily line brushing & combing.  You should learn how to trim around the eyes on a regular basis.  You will also need to have your pup fully groomed around every 6-7 weeks.  

We are in Elk Grove, CA just south of Sacramento and near to the Sacramento International Airport (SMF).   You can come to our home or we can meet you at the local airport in Sacramento (SMF).   We also have an option of the puppy being flown to you via a flight nanny.   A flight nanny will travel with your pup on-board and meet you at your local airport (USA).  Prices vary depending on timing and if the flight is standby or a reserved ticket.  Quotes are provided upon request.  

No, we very rarely have opportunities for an older puppy or adult available. We have amazing guardian homes for most of our breeding dogs and do not rehome.  We do have an option of additional training with our Puppy Head Start program. This would give you an option of bringing your puppy home at a bit of an older age while being trained.

Unfortunately, this does happen on occasion and it's something we cannot avoid. We are more than happy to transfer your deposit to the next available litter.

YES!  Feel free to call/text Joyce at 916-337-7701 or email sactolabradoodles@gmail.com with any additional questions.