Maybenexttime - I'm sure there are decent and honest labradoodle breeders out there, but it is much harder to find one as there isn't the same network around this cross as there is around the KC registered breeds.
Established breeds have breed clubs, where mostly people know each other and have an idea about who is breeding what. There is an amount of peer pressure (as well as club rules) around health testing, careful selection of mates etc. This system is not perfect by any means, and there will be breeders not doing absolutely the right thing, but it is a good starting point.
Breed clubs usually have lists of breeders, but the best thing you can do is get out and about and meet owners and breeders - and that is difficult at the moment. The first big dog show of the year is scheduled for end of September (Blackpool Championship Show). Also the number of puppy enquiries at the moment is just ridiculous. We breed maybe once every 2 years, in a tiny breed that no one knows about, and I am getting daily emails.
I would suggest:
- Research lots of different breeds. Be very clear about what kind of a life you want with your dog, and what you are willing to do. The KC has a good 'Find a Breed' tool. Be honest with yourselves - there's no point getting a working breed because you like the way they look if you're not willing to fulfil their need to work.
- Get to a dog show (unfortunately Discover Dogs is cancelled this year). Wander around. Watch and listen. Look at how different breeds behave both in and around the ring. Ask owners on the benches if you can ask them questions about their breed - they will usually be more than happy to chat (especially if their breed is not in the ring at the time!)
- Decide on a breed. Do more research. And more research. And more - go to another show or club event. Keep being honest with yourselves about whether you can meet the needs of the dog.
- Contact the club (hopefully they will have a puppy advisor). Contact breeders, explaining why you have chosen the breed (briefly) and what you can offer/what you have considered (e.g. grooming and exercise requirements, working temperament etc). Go and visit if this is offered.
- Keep researching and meeting people. Be patient. Wait for the right litter from a breeder you have developed a relationship with.
You will have to wait to get a well bred puppy. The more meeting of owners and breeders you do, the more your name will be bandied around as a potential owner, and the better chance you will have of finding a decent breeder. It takes work! I have had people drive over 6 hours for a visit, in the hopes of maybe being put onto a list for puppies not yet born.
Compare this to trying to find a breeder of a cross on the internet, where all you have to go on is what they say about themselves, and their ability to produce a puppy at a time that is convenient for you.
Lastly - more expensive does NOT mean better. Our club has an informal agreement to keep the price of puppies 'low' (in relative terms) so that the breed does not become attractive to puppy farmers.
There's lots to think about!