Originally Posted by
baymom
We have an ALD, so I may be a bit biased, but they are the BEST dogs ever. Ours is just over 2 years old and her breeder sells them $2,800 as well. That really is pretty much exactly the going rate here. We were a bit sticker shocked by the price (like you), but honestly, after just taking her to the vet a few times, we quickly realized that it would be the LEAST of our expenses with dog ownership. Our breeder is also with the ALAA.
We specifically wanted an ALD, and not a labradoodle, because her parents, grandparents, ect. for many generations are all ALD, so we had a better idea of her temperament, adult size, ect. In that way, while she isn't purebred, we feel like we got the 'history' of her in the way that one would get with a purebred dog.
One thing I'd really encourage you to do is go to "doodlekisses"--it's an active community of really helpful doodle owners and I've learned so much from them. They can't post directly about good breeders, but many will PM you about their experiences with breeders (good and bad) so it's a great starting point. They also have specific boards on there about puppies, training, ect. and tons by geography, too, for doodle meet-ups/romps. I'm still a lurker on that board--but as a first time dog mom, I've learned so much.
Our ALD doesn't shed at all--I loose more hair then her! But, because of that, requires a lot of brushing (3-4 times a week). She LOVES people and other dogs and seemed to have been born with good manners. I'm realizing that maybe we exercise her more than the 'average' dog owner, but she is always really chill inside the house. It's probably because she's tired! All she does is follow us around from room to room and then just lie there and watch us cook/work/watch tv/do homework/ect. But, outside, she loves fetching and tug of war and playing with her neighborhood dog friends and just walking/running along side us. She never barks or begs for food and is so gentle with even the youngest kids that come to our house. She has these beautiful, soulful eyes and is just absolutely gorgeous. We take her with us everywhere, and everyone always wants to pet her. You will LOVE this breed--they are amazing dogs and make wonderful pets.