Health
The health of our dogs is based on several important pillars.
One essential factor is, of course, genetics, which already determines many fundamental aspects.
Although Australian Labradoodles are considered comparatively healthy, like all dogs they can develop genetically inherited conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia or eye diseases.
For this reason, we work exclusively with health-tested lines and present our test results transparently.
Before being used for breeding, our dogs must undergo all required health examinations. These include, among others, X-rays of the hips (HD), elbows (ED), patella (knees), as well as specialized eye examinations (ECVO) and an extensive DNA test to rule out hereditary diseases (e.g. PRA/PRCD, EIC, DM) and to gain an overview of coat color genetics.
All results are documented and serve, among other things, as a prerequisite for planned breedings.
However, as breeders and owners, we also carry a great responsibility to maintain and promote our dogs’ health in the long term. This includes, among other things, the following aspects:
Nutrition
Our dogs are fed a BARF diet (biologically appropriate raw feeding). We place great emphasis on high-quality ingredients.
We use meat from pasture-raised animals and ensure that no products from factory farming are fed.
Our BARF rations are structured according to the prey model principle, which is based on the natural composition of a prey animal and has been professionally developed, among others, by Swanie Simon and Nadine Wolf.
This means that muscle meat, organs, bones, fat, and plant components are provided in balanced proportions to meet the dog’s nutritional needs in a natural and species-appropriate way.
When traveling or in exceptional situations, we alternatively use freeze-dried BARF or a high-quality single-protein canned food.
We believe it is essential to choose food that contains no animal or plant by-products. These terms often include slaughter waste such as feathers, horns, feet, claws, or hooves—ingredients that, in our opinion, do not belong in a dog’s bowl.
We do not recommend dry food as a sole and permanent diet, as it does not meet the natural needs of the dog in our view.
Vegan nutrition is an absolute no-go for us.
Dogs are carnivores and depend on animal-based proteins and fats. A vegan diet contradicts our understanding of species-appropriate and healthy canine nutrition and is therefore not an option for our dogs.
We would be very happy if more dog owners took an interest in the topic of raw feeding.
There is excellent specialist literature and informative websites with detailed instructions available. We are always happy to offer support and assist in creating an individual feeding plan.
Vaccinations
We are not anti-vaccination, but rather critical of vaccinations. This means we vaccinate selectively and responsibly—not everything that is available, and not routinely every year.
The rabies vaccination is administered every three years and only if travel abroad is planned.
The SHP vaccination (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus) has been proven to last longer than three years, provided the puppy vaccinations were effective.
Our dogs are vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies.
Before any booster vaccination, we routinely check the antibody titer and vaccinate only when there is a genuine need.
Parasite Management
Our dogs do not receive prophylactic chemical dewormers, nor chemical tick or flea treatments.
Instead, we have fecal samples tested 3–4 times per year at a laboratory (Giessen University Clinic). To date, all results have been negative.
In addition, we administer a natural, herb-based deworming treatment once or twice a year and regularly feed foods known to be antiparasitic.
A high-quality, species-appropriate diet strengthens the immune system, supports a healthy gut flora, and contributes significantly to natural parasite defense.
Long-term chemical treatments, on the other hand, can damage the gut flora and place a burden on the immune system.
Important to know:
Chemical dewormers do not work preventively; they only kill existing worms. If a dog does not have worms, chemical deworming provides no benefit.
Our puppies also do not receive chemical dewormers. During the rearing period, their feces are regularly tested, and we act responsibly and specifically only in the case of an actual infestation.
To prevent ticks and fleas, our dogs are sprayed with plant-based products before walks.
Once a month, they are also bathed with diluted apple cider vinegar, which supports the skin environment and makes it less attractive to parasites.
Thanks to regular and thorough coat care, any unwanted “visitors” are quickly noticed and can then be treated appropriately and according to the situation.