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Don’t Poodle My Doodle!

The ALAA Grooming Standard: Why Your Australian Labradoodle Should Never Look Like a Poodle (Or a Doodle Mess)

One of the biggest surprises for new Australian Labradoodle owners?

“My groomer shaved my puppy and now he looks like a totally different dog!”

That’s because most groomers only know two cuts: **Poodle show clip** or **Doodle teddy bear**.
Neither is correct for a true Australian Labradoodle.

The **Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA)** has a specific grooming standard — and at NorthStar Labradoodles in Bend, Oregon, we follow it to the letter.

The Official ALAA Grooming Standards (2025)

  • Coat length**: 4–6 inches all over (never shorter than 3 inches)
  • Head**: Natural fall, slightly rounded — no top-knot or shaved face
  • Ears**: Feathered, hanging naturally (never shaved)
  • Body**: Loose, wavy fleece — never tight curls or straight coat
  • Legs & Tail**: Feathered, full plume on tail
  • Feet**: Rounded, never shaved between pads (only trimmed for hygiene)

Why the ALAA Standard Matters

A correct ALAA cut:

  • Preserves the **allergy-friendly barrier** (shaving removes it)
  • Prevents matting and skin issues
  • Maintains the **signature loose, wavy look** that makes an ALD unique

3 Grooming Mistakes We See All the Time

  • Shaved face → irritated eyes, sunburned nose
  • Teddy-bear head → constant matting behind ears
  • Body shaved short → coat grows back wiry and sheds more

Let’s go. 🐾✂️

What Is a Multigen Australian Labradoodle

What They Really Are (And Why Your Breeder Matters)

At NorthStar Labradoodles in Bend, Oregon, every puppy we raise is a true multigenerational Australian Labradoodle — ALAA-registered, guardian-home raised, and bred to the full ALAA standard.

But what does “multigenerational” actually mean? And why does the breeder behind it make all the difference?

What Is a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle?

The Australian Labradoodle started in the 1980s as a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Early generations (F1, F1B) were unpredictable — shedding, inconsistent coats, and variable temperaments.

Multigenerational means F3 and beyond — at least three generations of Labradoodle-to-Labradoodle breeding. The ALAA requires a minimum of F3 for registration.

This selective breeding stabilizes three key traits:

  • Coat: Truly non-shedding, allergy-friendly fleece (wavy or curly) — no surprise shedding at 18 months
  • Temperament: Calm, intuitive, therapy-quality — the famous “Labradoodle personality” you expect
  • Health: Predictable size and lower genetic risks through careful line breeding

F1 or F1B crosses are not multigenerational — they’re just first-generation mixes with 50 % chance of shedding and unpredictable traits.

Why Your Breeder Makes All the Difference

Any breeder can call a puppy a “Labradoodle.” Only an ethical, ALAA-registered breeder can deliver a true multigenerational Australian Labradoodle.

Typical Breeder NorthStar Labradoodles
F1/F1B crosses F3+ multigenerational only
Basic vaccines Full ALAA health testing (OFA/DNA/eyes)
Kennel or backyard Guardian homes (no kennels ever)
No support Lifetime return policy + ongoing help

Winter 2026 Litters – Only 5 Spots Left


Apply Online!

3 Questions

3 Questions That Instantly Reveal If a Breeder Is Legit

You’re one click away from putting down a deposit on your dream puppy.

Before you do, ask these 3 questions.
If the breeder hesitates, changes the subject, or says “no” … walk away.

Question #1

“Do all of your breeding dogs live full-time in guardian homes with families — never kenneled, even for whelping?”

Why it matters:
Dogs kept in kennels 24/7 experience chronic stress → higher cortisol → weaker immune systems → more health and temperament issues passed to puppies.
Guardian-home moms live normal family lives, sleep on couches, go on hikes, and only come to us for the final week of pregnancy and 8 weeks of whelping. After that, they go straight back home.

Legit answer: “Yes — every single dog has their own family.”
NorthStar answer: 100 % guardian homes since day one. No kennel has ever existed on our farm.

Question #2

“Do you perform full ALAA-standard health testing on every breeding dog — hips, elbows, DNA panel for 260+ diseases, and annual eye exams?”

Why it matters:
Skipping even one test can pass on hip dysplasia ($5k–$8k surgeries), PRA blindness, EIC collapse, or von Willebrand’s bleeding disorder.
ALAA requires OFA or PennHIP, full Embark or Wisdom Panel DNA, and CERF/CAER eyes every year — no exceptions.

Legit answer: “Here are the current certificates for every dog.”
NorthStar answer: Certificates posted publicly on our website and OFA website.

Question #3

“How many litters do you produce each year — total and per female?”

Why it matters:
More than 1 litter per female per year (with no full year off) = exhausted moms, smaller litters, higher C-section rates, and increased genetic risk from over-use.
More than 4–5 total litters per year = impossible to give proper socialization and vet care.

Legit answer: “Maximum 1 litter per female per year, 2–4 litters total across the program.”
NorthStar answer: 1 litter per female per year + mandatory full year off. We average 2–4 litters annually across 5 girls.🐾

Don’t learn the hard way. Ask the questions.🐾🔥

10 Tips for Oregon & PNW Winters

Winter Prep for Your Labradoodle: 10 Tips for Oregon & PNW Winters

Winter in Oregon and the PNW can be cold, wet, and muddy — but with a little prep, your doodle will love it.🐾❄️

After 13 years raising Australian Labradoodles in Bend, here are some tips for braving the winter🐾❄️

10 Winter Must-Dos for Your Labradoodle

  • Paw balm daily — prevents cracking from ice/salt (we use Mushers Secret)
  • Rinse paws after walks — salt and de-icer are toxic
  • Waterproof jacket — fleece coats mat fast in rain (Hurtta or Ruffwear)
  • Dry immediately — towel + blow-dryer on cool (prevents hot spots)
  • Shorter walks, more play indoors — doodles get bored when it’s pouring
  • Boost raw fat slightly — extra calories for warmth (add salmon oil or beef suet)
  • Check antifreeze — sweet smell = deadly (even a lick)
  • LED collar/light — early darkness in PNW winters
  • Extra grooming — mats form fast under winter coats
  • Joint support — glucosamine + NuVet if they stiffen up in cold

Winter 2026 Litters – Only 5 Spots Left

Perfect time to reserve your winter-loving doodle.🐾❄️

What This Actually Looks Like

Here’s What Ethical Breeding Actually Looks Like

“Puppy mill” is the insult everyone throws at breeders — but most people don’t even know what it means.

After 13 years raising ALAA-registered Australian Labradoodles in Bend, Oregon, here’s the **real definition** — and how to spot the difference in 30 seconds.

The Actual Puppy Mill Definition

USDA + ASPCA: A high-volume operation prioritizing profit over welfare.

Puppy Mill Ethical Breeding
multiple litters/year/female 1 litter max/year/female
Wire cages / stacked kennels Guardian homes
Basic vaccines only OFA hips/DNA panels
pre-8 weeks old 9 weeks minimum
No contract Lifetime contract
Sells to anyone Verifies buyers
No support Lifetime support

NorthStar Labradoodles

  • 3-4 litters max/year ✓
  • Every dog in guardian home ✓
  • Full ALAA testing ✓
  • 12 weeks home-ready ✓
  • Lifetime return policy ✓
  • Buyer application ✓
  • Still supporting families from 2013 ✓

The 30-Second Test

Ask: “Can I call the parent dogs guardians?”

No = Walk away.**
Yes = Ethical breeder.

Why Puppy Mills Cause Real Suffering

Puppy mills aren’t just “bad breeders” — they’re **suffering factories**.

  • Parents in wire cages — constant pregnancies, no exercise, filthy conditions
  • Puppies born in filth — infections, parasites, malnourished
  • No socialization — fearful, aggressive, or shutdown personalities from isolation
  • Untested genetics — hip dysplasia, PRA blindness, Addison’s disease, cancer

Ethical breeders prevent this suffering:

  • Guardian-home parents live in their forever homes
  • Puppies whelped in clean homes with daily handling
  • Full ALAA health testing eliminates genetic diseases
  • Birth to forever home socialization

🐾

Holiday Dangers I Watch Like a Hawk

Every December the emergency vets get the same flood of panicked calls.
I’ve been on the other end of too many of them. Here’s exactly what I lock down, bolt up, and triple-check the second Thanksgiving plates hit the sink.
1. Chocolate, grapes, and onions are never “just one bite”
Last year a 10-week-old ate half a chocolate orange that fell off a coffee table. $4,800 and three days on IV fluids. Keep the advent calendars on the fridge with a magnet, not on the counter.
2. The Christmas tree is a salad bar to a puppy
Pine needles = intestinal perforation. Tinsel = linear foreign body surgery. Glass ornaments at nose level = shattered in seconds.
 My rule: bottom three feet of the tree is bare or filled with wooden, felt, or plastic ornaments only. Water in the stand gets a splash of white vinegar so they hate the taste.
3. Turkey bones and string from the roast
, the real bird’s carcass goes straight into a tied garbage bag and out to the can before anyone starts dessert.
4. Candles and fire starters
 A wagging tail + a lit candle on a coffee table = fire. We switched to battery candles years ago and the house still smells like a Christmas tree exploded in the best way.
5. Potpourri, essential oils, and those plug-in things
 Liquid potpourri burns mouths and esophagi. Diffusers with tea tree, cinnamon, or pine oil can cause seizures in dogs under 30 lbs. I want my house to smell like the holidays, not the ICU.
6. Gift ribbons, tape, and those plastic bows
Puppies eat ribbon like spaghetti. One emergency surgery is all it takes to never leave a gift unwrapped in the living room again.
7. The quiet killers nobody talks about
Button batteries from cards or toys
Sugar-free gum with xylitol in purses
Guests who think “he’s fine” and sneak him people food under the table
My holiday checklist (takes me 10 minutes and has saved countless puppies):
• All trash cans have lids or go in the garage
• Purses and backpacks on hooks, not the floor
• One room that’s always gated and boring (crate + playpen) for when company gets loud
The holidays are supposed to smell like pine needles and puppy breath, not panic and vet bills. Keep the dangerous stuff high, the routine tight, and the cuddles endless.
Your puppy will still think it’s the best Christmas ever. Raising puppies who survive the holidays (and your mother-in-law’s fruitcake).

Happy Thanksgiving and Gratitude

A NorthStar Labradoodles Thanksgiving: Gratitude + Puppy Holiday Safety Tips

From our guardian homes to yours — Happy Thanksgiving from the entire NorthStar Labradoodles family in Bend, Oregon.

This year we’re especially thankful for the 300+ families who’ve welcomed a NorthStar doodle, every guardian home that spoils our breeding dogs, and the hundreds of puppy photos that fill our inbox.

While we’re all enjoying turkey and togetherness, here are our top **Thanksgiving puppy safety tips** so your doodle stays happy and healthy:

  • Skip the onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate – all toxic to dogs
  • Watch the trash – secure it or your pup will go “turkey diving”
  • Keep them calm – new guests can be overwhelming; give them a quiet space with their favorite toy
  • Stick to their regular feeding schedule – a plain piece of cooked turkey (no seasoning) is plenty as a treat

Quick rule of thumb: if it’s not on their normal raw or kibble menu, skip it today!

Here’s to full hearts, full bellies, and safe, wagging tails this Thanksgiving.

Winter 2026 waiting list – only 5 spots remain

— Shawn, Teagan, Payton, and the whole NorthStar Labradoodles pack @thefarmery! 🦃🐾

Why It Matters II

Why Choosing a WALA-Registered Australian Labradoodle Breeder Gives You the Ultimate Peace of Mind

The Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association (WALA) was created to protect and elevate the Australian Labradoodle breed on a global level. When you see that WALA seal, here’s exactly what it guarantees for your future puppy:

1. Non-Negotiable, Documented Health Testing

Every single breeding dog must have:
• OFA or PennHIP hips & elbows (scored and published)
• Full-panel DNA testing through Embark or similar (200+ genetic diseases)
• Annual CERF/CAER eye clearances
• Cardiac, thyroid, and patella evaluations

You don’t just hear “parents are tested” — you receive the actual certificates.

2. Verified Multigenerational Australian Infusion Lines

WALA requires documented proof that every puppy traces back multiple generations to the original Australian Labradoodle foundation stock developed in Australia. This is why WALA-registered dogs consistently deliver the fleece/wool coats, allergy-friendly properties, and that famously calm, intuitive temperament families expect.

3. A Worldwide Network of Ethical, Collaborative Breeders

WALA breeders mentor each other, share new research, and hold one another to the highest standards. Many top WALA breeders raise puppies in-home using Puppy Culture, ENS, raw feeding, and early scent introduction — protocols proven to create confident, well-adjusted companions.

4. Lifetime Transparency & Registration

Your puppy’s WALA registration number lets you verify the entire lineage online forever. You’ll also receive a detailed health portfolio, microchip registration, and continued support from a global community that truly cares long after go-home day.

5. The Confidence That Comes From the Highest Global Standard

Families who choose WALA-registered Australian Labradoodles know they’re bringing home a puppy bred with integrity, science, and decades of refinement — not a roll of the genetic dice.

Ready to welcome a WALA-registered Australian Labradoodle into your family?
Winter 2026 waiting list now open — reserve your spot today.

NorthStar Labradoodles – Bend, Oregon

Why It Matters

The ALAA Labradoodle Standard: Why It Matters for Your Next Puppy

At NorthStar Labradoodles in Bend, Oregon, every single puppy we raise is registered with the **Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA)** and bred to the **ALAA Breed Standard** — the gold standard for health, temperament, and authenticity.

Here’s exactly what the ALAA standard means for you and your future doodle:🐾📈

Key Points of the ALAA Labradoodle Standard

  • Multigenerational Breeding** – Only dogs from proven, stable lines (no F1 or F1B crosses)
  • Comprehensive Health Testing** – OFA hips/elbows, DNA panels, annual eye exams on every breeding dog
  • Non-Shedding, Allergy-Friendly Coats** – Fleece textures that are truly low-to-no shed
  • Temperament First** – Calm, intuitive, therapy-quality personalities as the #1 priority
  • Size Categories** – Mini, medium, and standard with strict height/weight guidelines
  • Lifetime Registration & Support** – Every NorthStar puppy comes with ALAA registration and our lifetime commitment

Why the ALAA Standard Is Non-Negotiable for Us

After 13 years and over 350 puppies, we’ve seen the difference the ALAA standard makes: healthier joints, predictable shedding levels, and that legendary Labradoodle temperament families rave about.

That’s why every NorthStar puppy is:

  • Guardian-home raised (never a kennel)
  • Raw-fed from day one
  • ALAA-registered with full pedigree

Winter 2026 Litters – Only 5 Spots Left

How to Choose the Right Breeder

Labradoodle Puppies in Oregon: How to Choose the Right Breeder

If you’re searching for Labradoodle puppies in Oregon, you’re not just looking for a puppy — you’re looking for the right family member. After 13 years delivering puppies to Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and beyond (plus nationwide), we’ve seen every type of breeder out there. Here’s exactly what separates the best from the rest — and why more Oregon families choose NorthStar Labradoodles.

Why Oregon Families Trust NorthStar Labradoodles for Puppies

  • 13 years breeding Australian Labradoodles in Oregon (since 2014)
  • Zero kennels — every puppy born and raised in loving guardian homes across Central Oregon
  • Full health testing (OFA hips/elbows, DNA panels, annual vet checks)
  • No U.S. sales tax — save $200–$400 vs. in-state breeders
  • Lifetime support — we still get Christmas cards from our first 2014 families

Oregon Labradoodle Breeder Comparison (2025)

NorthStar Typical Oregon Breeder
Kennel? Never Often
Guardian Homes? Yes – every dog Rare
Delivery? Flight nanny to your airport Pickup only
Sales Tax? No Yes
Years in Business 13+ 5–10

Winter 2026 Litters – Only 5 Spots Left