Finding an Ethical Doodle Breeder

Introduction:

Introducing a furry companion into your life can be an exhilarating experience, but finding the right puppy requires more than just excitement. Doodle breeds have become popular among families due to their endearing personalities and hypoallergenic coats. However, with their popularity comes the responsibility of finding a breeder who is ethical and respects the lives they are bringing into this world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects of finding an ethical doodle breeder, with a special emphasis on Stokeshire Designer Doodles, which is a model for ethical breeding.

Bringing a new pup home is a journey that begins long before you enjoy those joyous puppy licks. It starts with the search for a breeder who is not only trustworthy but also upholds the ethics of breeding. In the world of doodles, where unethical breeders and puppy mills try to cash in on the breeds' high demand, identifying an ethical breeder is critical for the well-being of both the puppies and their future families.

Stokeshire at a glance

• Licensed & Inspected by the state in which they reside.

• Breed for Buyers on quality vs. quantity mentality using refundable deposits only breeding litters with a waitlist.

• Ethical Breeders pay sales tax and operate under an LLC in accordance with their State Laws.

• Professionals offer secure online payment for all payment processing.

• Have been vetted by an organization like Good Dog.

• Follow a Code of Ethics

• Provide complete, accurate health records for the puppies.

• Provide results from genetic medical testing of the parents.

• Offer a written guarantee against genetic health problems.

• Provide buyers with a four-generation pedigree for registered dogs.

• Retain puppies until they are a minimum of eights weeks of age.

• Allows buyers to visit their homes prior to the pickup day at 6 - Weeks of Age.

• Ensures their puppies are exposed to other animals, new people, children, and noises.

• Provides puppies with a specific elimination area away from the sleeping area.

• Encourage parents to participate in puppy socialization and/or basic obedience classes.

• Will take the puppy back at any time for any reason and look to find it a new home.

Ethical breeders are individuals or organizations that breed animals with the intention of improving the overall health, welfare, and quality of life of the animals in their care. They prioritize the well-being of their animals and follow best practices for breeding, including ensuring that the animals receive proper veterinary care, nutrition, and housing. Ethical breeders also carefully plan their breeding programs to avoid overbreeding and inbreeding, and they are transparent about the health and genetic history of the animals they breed. They may also work to preserve or promote rare or endangered breeds. Ethical breeders typically sell their animals to responsible owners who will provide the animals with proper care and attention.

At Stokeshire:

• We are State of Wisconsin Licensed & Inspected: 514401-DS

• Our puppies begin house training at six weeks of age with their crate introduction. We separate puppies from the rest of the litter for short periods of time and place them in crates.

• We initiate training with manding exercises before 8 Weeks of Age.

• We have a Grooming introduction.

• We offer Sound Training.

• We use one bowl for each puppy during feeding.

• We strive to ensure that every litter is the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of parents' temperament and physical well-being, clearances for hereditary diseases, pedigree, and parentage. We work directly with EmbarkVet for each pairing to help ensure that there are no hereditable diseases.

• We allow our Pick of Litter clients to meet Dam & Sire upon request. Many of our dogs live with Guardian homes, but we’re happy to arrange this for you.

• We work with a trainer to offer puppy testing for every one of our puppies.

An Ethical Breeder will do much of the work for you in terms of providing you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy that has all of the necessary components for being a great companion or therapy dog. Adopting a new puppy from an Ethical Doodle Breeder that strives to produce dogs with great temperament and raises their puppies in a manner that promotes confident, social behavior is a must!

Breeding and Care

We agree to:

1. Strive to ensure that every litter is the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of parents' temperament and physical well-being, clearances for hereditary diseases, pedigree, and parentage.

2. Provide the proper care and a clean, safe environment for all dogs on the premises, which includes at a minimum:

   • Preventative veterinary care for dogs and veterinary care when sick or injured

   • Indoor spaces with protection from extreme temperatures

   • Outdoor access when temperatures are safe for a specific breed of dog

   • Appropriate daily food and water (in accordance with breed, age, reproductive status, and size)

   • Regular interaction, exercise, socialization, environmental enrichment (e.g. toys), and outlets to engage in normal behavior such as chewing and digging

   • If housed in kennels:

     • Appropriate living space with no wire flooring

     • Cleaned at least daily with comfortable, padded spaces for sleeping

     • Daily exercise and time to socialize with other dogs and people

3. Provide the proper care and a clean, safe environment for a female and her litter, which includes the following (in addition to all the above):

   • A quiet, non-stressful environment for nursing/whelping separate from other dogs

   • Enough space to move around alongside, and not on top of, puppies

   • The opportunity to rest away from puppies if she chooses

   • The whelping area should be cleaned frequently due to the extra waste from the puppies

4. Not breed a female before she is physically and mentally mature (which depends on breed), and then only if she has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and is in excellent health.

5. Not breed a female beyond the appropriate age for her breed or as is advised by a licensed veterinarian.

6. Not allow a female to rear more than the appropriate number of litters in her lifetime for her breed (which is generally no more than 4 to 6 litters) or as is advised by a licensed veterinarian.

7. Ensure all puppies are seen by a licensed veterinarian as a part of a full veterinary exam with a clean bill of health (unless an exemption is applicable), are given appropriate shots, and are dewormed or have a negative fecal exam before going to a new home or have the medicine to continue the deworming process.

8. Provide age-appropriate interaction and socialization to all puppies until they leave for their forever homes.

9. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Placing Dogs with New Owners

We agree to:

1. Keep puppies for as long as it takes to make sure they are placed in suitable homes.

2. Not allow any puppy to leave for its new home before an age-appropriate for its breed (generally 8 weeks or older and not younger than 7 weeks).

3. Screen all prospective owners to determine their suitability and motives for acquiring a dog by interviewing owners with specific questions.

4. Disclose any known health issues of a dog before it goes to a new home.

5. Never misrepresent the characteristics of a breed or a dog.

6. Make sure that each dog, upon release to its new owners, is accompanied by the following:

   • Health certificate including vaccination and deworming dates and all prior health records (unless an exemption is applicable)

   • A sales contract (preferable)

   • A health guarantee (preferable)

   • National registry registration documentation (if applicable)

   • Resources regarding breed-specific health problems and expectations (preferable)

7. Maintain detailed records of each litter they breed.

8. Refrain from selling to buyers that haven't been screened appropriately and approved. Any prospective buyer will be thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure each puppy ends up in a safe home.

9. Be available to answer questions and offer guidance to the new owner for the entire lifetime of the dog.

10. For the lifetime of the dog, regardless of the reason or circumstances, take back or help to rehome the dog if the new owner is no longer able to care for them.

11. Encourage new owners to abide by our Responsible Dog Ownership Code of Ethics.

Researching Doodle Breeders

Your mission to find the ideal doodle should begin with research—recognizing the hallmarks of a reputable breeder is paramount. Ethical breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, are transparent about breeding practices, and are equipped with proper licensing. When researching potential breeders, consider asking:

• What are their motives for breeding?

• How do they ensure the health and temperament of their puppies?

• Are they willing to show you where puppies are raised?

• Is there any screening process for new owners?

Moreover, utlize online databases vetted by canine health organizations to find breeders who meet high ethical standards.

Stokeshire Designer Doodles: A Profile in Ethical Breeding

Nestled in the dedication to uphold the integrity of doodle breeding, Stokeshire Designer Doodles emerges as a beacon of responsible breeding. Licensed by the State of Wisconsin (#514401-DS), they encompass the essence of ethical practices. From comprehensive vetting of breeding dogs to upholding rigorous standards in training and well-being, Stokeshire stands as an exemplar within the breeding community.

The Stokeshire Approach

Stokeshire’s puppies experience the onset of house training at the tender age of six weeks, acquaint themselves to grooming, and are exposed to various sounds to aid their adaptability. The feeding regime is structured, with individualized attention to ensure each pup is nourished without competition. We use BAB and Puppy Culture protocols and methodologies partnered with new wholistic puppy raising initiatives.

Their meticulous planning for each litter involves evaluating the temperament, physical health, genetics, and pedigree to responsibly shape the future generation. By collaborating with EmbarkVet, they assess pairings to rule out inheritable diseases, thereby reinforcing the health of each litter.

Building a Relationship with Your Puppy's Lineage

Understanding the lineage of your prospective pet is intrinsic to recognizing their potential traits and temperaments. Stokeshire offers "Pick of Litter" clients a unique opportunity to meet the dam and sire, giving an insightful glimpse into the parentage that contributes to their doodle’s characteristics.

Beyond the Birth: Stokeshire's Commitment

Purchasing a puppy from Stokeshire is not a transaction—it’s the beginning of a comprehensive caretaking journey. Their commitment extends to providing health and temperament guarantees, ongoing support, and expert guidance for new dog owners. In collaboration with professional trainers, every puppy is assessed to support optimal owner-puppy matching.

Why Choose Stokeshire Designer Doodles

When you choose Stokeshire, you’re not just selecting a puppy; you’re endorsing a philosophy that cherishes the life and integrity of each dog. You’re investing in a companion reared with love, care, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Conclusion: Embracing Ethical Breeding

Ethical breeding is necessary to safeguard dog welfare. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, puppies have a compassionate start. Your ethical choice will impact your doodle's life. Stokeshire ensures love, care, and high ethical standards. Visit to witness dedication and expert care.

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