Question 1

What health testing do the dogs at Darling Doodles undergo?

Accepted Answer

We carefully health test our breeding dogs before they are included in our programme. Health testing helps reduce the risk of inherited conditions and gives our puppies the best possible start in life.
Tests include:
✔ Hip Scoring either with OFA or BVA
Assesses the health of the hip joints to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect mobility later in life.

✔ Elbow Scoring either with OFA or BVA
 Screens for elbow joint abnormalities that could cause discomfort or lameness.

✔ Eye Testing from the BVA Specialist (not your typical Vet)
 Checks for inherited eye conditions to support long-term vision health.

✔ DNA Testing with either Orivet or Embark
 Our dogs may be DNA tested for breed-related hereditary conditions. DNA testing helps us make responsible breeding decisions and avoid pairing dogs that could pass on certain genetic conditions.
We are happy to discuss the health testing relevant to your puppy’s parents and answer any questions about what this means in practical terms.

Question 2

How much do puppies from Darling Doodles cost, and what does the price include?

Accepted Answer

At Darling Doodles, our puppy price reflects:

- The care, planning, and dedication that goes into responsibly breeding and raising Australian Labradoodles.

- Each litter is planned and raised in a home environment.

- Current pricing is discussed directly with families after learning about the home being offered to provide personalized information.

- Ensuring our puppies are matched with suitable homes.

- Our commitment to breeding healthy, well-socialised puppies from thoroughly health-tested parents.

- Each puppy comes with:   
- Up-to-date vaccinations.   
- A comprehensive health guarantee.   
- Initial microchipping.   
- A starter kit with essential supplies to help your new puppy settle in comfortably.

- Our pricing ensures:   - You receive a high-quality companion bred with care.   - Transparency and ongoing support from our experienced team.

Question 3

Why do Australian Labradoodle puppies cost more?

Accepted Answer

Ethical breeding involves far more than simply raising puppies. Our pricing helps cover:
Comprehensive health testing of our breeding dogs
Veterinary care for mum and puppies
High-quality nutrition
Early socialisation in a home environment
Time spent raising puppies with careful handling and exposure
Microchipping, worming and veterinary checks
Ongoing breeder support after you take your puppy home and for the life of the puppy.

Responsible breeding is a long-term commitment focused on producing healthy, well-tempered dogs, not volume.

Question 4

Can we chose our Darling Doodle puppy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! I will help guide you through the process of which puppies I believe are most suitable for you and your family and I will explain as to why I don't think a certain puppy will be suitable

Question 5

How do I reserve a puppy with Darling Doodles?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us to express your interest in our available litters. Should a litter be available, you will be required to complete an application form or email claire@darlingdoodles.co.uk.

Once your application is approved, a non-refundable reservation fee of £500 must be paid to secure your spot. We accept up to six reservations per litter. Additionally, a completed application is necessary to help us match you with the ideal puppy. The initial deposit confirms your commitment and secures your place on the reservation list. We will keep you informed of your puppy’s progress.

An additional payment of £500 is required once the puppies arrive and you wish to continue with that particular litter. The remaining balance is due by the time the puppies are six weeks old. Please note that reservations are managed on a first-come, first-served basis in the order of initial reservation fees received.

Question 6

What does my Darling Doodle puppy go home with?

Accepted Answer

We want our puppies and families to feel fully prepared, so each puppy leaves with a carefully put-together pack which can include:
Darling Doodle favourite grooming products
Snuggle Puppy with heartbeat
Lick mat
Crate
Bedding
Personalised Darling Doodle bag
Puppy pack
7 days’ supply of food
5 weeks’ insurance
First vaccination
Worming treatment (covering the following two weeks)
A small personal gift
Alongside this, your puppy will have already started early crate and toilet training, giving them a great foundation for life in their new home.
Most importantly, you also receive lifetime breeder support, backed by over 10 years of experience and knowledge.

Question 7

How will my Darling Doodle puppy be raised?

Accepted Answer

Your puppy will be born into a loving, warm home environment. We do not use any outside kennels. 
All puppies are raised inside the home, they are exposed to every day sounds, sometimes our home is busy, sometimes it quiet but it is always calm. All my dogs have free rein of the ground floor so they can access the puppies at any time once mum is comfortable with having the dogs around her puppies. Once the puppies can start going outside, they will have the run of the garden and play with which ever dog wishes to interact with them. The puppies will be handled daily, bathed and blow-dried weekly and have lots of interaction with dogs and family members living in our home. Your puppy will leave us confident and happy and will settle into their new home fairly quickly.

Question 8

Will my Darling Doodle puppy be wormed, vaccinated, health checked etc?

Accepted Answer

All puppies will be wormed with Panacur liquid from weeks 2, 5 and 8.

Once you have chosen your puppy, I will then microchip your puppy.

All puppies will be vet checked after 7 weeks of age but before 8 weeks, this will also include vaccinations of DHPPi and Lepto 2 (we advise against Lepto 4 and using Lepto 4 will void the Healthy Guarantee) our vets use the following brands - Vanguard 7 and Canixin. If your vet doesn't use this brand, then your puppy will not be vaccinated and will start the course of vaccinations with you so the puppy isn't over vaccinated with different brands.

You have within 3 days of collecting your puppy to have a puppy health check with your vet (this is when you can also start your vaccinations if the puppy leaves me unvaccinated) This is done so you know you the puppy has left me happy and healthy. This is also an obligation for the Health Warranty, failure to have a puppy check with void the Warranty.

I don't not give flea treatment, I only treat my dogs as and when necessary. All puppies are sprayed with Wondercide on the day they leave which is a natural flea killer and repellant imported from the US and smells of Lemongrass.

The following products if used will void the Health Warranty - Letpo 4, Bravecto, Nexguard and Simparica - These products are known for causing serious side effects and vet records will show if these have been used

Question 9

What food will my puppy be weaned on to?

Accepted Answer

All puppies are weaned onto Raw food at around 3.5 weeks old. They we be put on Durhams Animal Feeds and we will be using their Free Flow minces.

You will receive 2 bags of feed your puppy has been having and this will last around a week, please note that the food comes frozen. If you wish to move onto kibble as its move convenient for you (but not what's best for your puppy)  then you make that switch once the puppy is with you and settled, as raw feeding is naturally hydrating for your puppy, when you switch to kibble, the water intake will be huge and you will likely have to get up in the night for toileting as well as earlier in the morning due to excessive drinking.

Question 10

Will my puppy come with insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on collection day, your insurance will kick in for 5 weeks with Agria, you will get notified by email and text message

Question 11

Pick up day

Accepted Answer

On pick up day, all collections are done by 10am, I am happy for puppies to start leaving from 6.00am. I feel this is in the best interest of the puppy and that they will have all day to settle into their new home which is what they need.

The handover is short and sweet as we have covered all aspects of the puppy on the WhatsApp group so its just a quick 5-10 minute chat, I will have kept all puppies awake in the morning so it is vital to get back onto the road quickly so they fall asleep and make the journey home peaceful and relaxed.

Darling Doodles FAQ