Get the answers to all our frequently asked questions

In the early days, the Australian Labradoodle was simply a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle.  Dogs from this cross typically were bred to each other over future generations, whereby the Australian dogs are also known as "Multi-generational" Labradoodles.  Then, in the late 1980's, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor, the two founders of the Australian Labradoodle as we know it today, began carefully infusing several other breeds into early generations of their Lab/Poodle crosses, to improve temperament, coat, conformation, and size.  

The Australian Labradoodle carries the DNA of the Labrador, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel (American or English). The Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle comes about from the breeding of one Australian Labradoodle to another. Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles typically have a non-shedding coat (as much as a dog can be non-shedding) if both parents are non-shedding. (Excerpt from Australian Labradoodle Association of America)

The Australian Labradoodles are wonderful, intelligent dogs with lush coats that are more reliably low to non-shedding and allergy friendly than other types of labradoodles such as first generation Lab/Poodle crosses, or first generation crosses bred back to Poodles.  The dogs were originally bred for service.  Personally, at Sugarwood, our bloodlines have been carefully developed over many years to ensure you are getting an amazing Australian Labradoodle.  In fact, a number of dogs in the lineage of our foundation dogs have been service and/or therapy dogs.  Furthermore, all of our dogs can be traced back to the original Rutland Manor/Teagan Park lines.  

Exceptional breeding stock is a start, but there is so much more to raising an exceptional puppy.  Our puppies will always be raised in our home with lots of love and attention.   To help raise a happy, well-balanced puppy, we will implement Puppy Culture which involves Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), early socialization, desensitization to loud noises and experiences, positive reinforcement with clicker training, just to name a few.  Your puppy will begin potty training outside, leash walking, and crate training prior to going home with you.  Our goal is provide the proper foundation for your puppy to be the best family pet and/or service or therapy dog. 

Yes, we provide a two-year health warranty for genetic disease that significantly impairs the life of the dog (as determined by at least two veterinarians). We guarantee that your new puppy will be healthy at the time you receive him or her. Additionally, your puppy will have received their first vaccinations and de-worming, as well as a physical examination by a certified Veterinarian.  We will provide you with all of your puppy's medical records.  Please note also that all puppy parents have passed Genetic testing and health evaluations for hips, elbows, patellas, eyes, and heart. *You will receive the Purchase & Health Warranty Contract after you have been approved or upon request. 

We will match puppies based upon your preferences and temperament of the puppy.  Our priority is to match each puppy with their ideal family.  We will do our best to also meet your preferences for color, size and gender, but know that it is not always possible.  We will strive to give each buyer a few options that best meets your lifestyle and preferences, and that no one "ends up" with the last puppy.  If you are not satisfied with the selection, you may transfer your deposit to the next available litter. *Sugarwood Australian Labradoodles reserves the right to retain a puppy or two for our breeding program. 

• The preferred method for pick-up is driving in to our home to pick up your puppy.
• You may choose to fly in (and take your puppy back in cabin).  If you fly in, we can meet you at either one of our local airports, West Virginia International Yeager Airport or Huntington Tri-State Airport for no additional fee.  We also offer the option of meeting you at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (which may afford you more direct flights) for a fee of $300.00. Prior arrangements need to be made for this service.  
• If it is not possible for you to drive in or fly in to pick up your puppy, we can have a puppy nanny (one of us) fly with your puppy and bring them to an airport near you OR drive and hand deliver your puppy to a predetermined location. This will require additional arrangements so please let us know in a timely manner if you prefer this option.  The fee for this delivery service is $500 plus airline ticket.
• Should you be unable to pick up your puppy on the designated pick up date, we may be able to board your puppy for $35.00 per day (up to 7 days beyond designated puppy pick up date). Please inquire about our availability for this service. 
• We want to make it possible for you to get your Sugarwood puppy so please inquire about any special arrangements.