Question 1

How much does a puppy from Rutu cost?

Accepted Answer

Our puppies are $3,200 USD (total) and are sold on a strict spay/neuter agreement. This price is non-negotiable and reflects the time, care, knowledge, and financial investment that goes into intentionally raising healthy, well-balanced puppies. While you'll find some breeders who charge more and others who charge less, I can't speak to how they determine their pricing, I can only speak to my program and the value I know my puppies provide.

To reserve a spot on a litter of your choice, we require a non-refundable $500 reservation fee. This fee holds your place on the selected litter. Because litter sizes can vary, we accept only 5-6 reservations per litter before the puppies are born. Once those spots are filled, additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Please note that a reservation is not confirmed until your deposit has been received.

We require half of the remaining balance ($1,350) when the puppies reach 4 weeks old, and the final payment ($1,350)is due at or before pickup.

Accepted Payment Methods:
Zelle to: (616) 433-5338
Check to: Rutu Australian Labradoodles LLC (checks are only accepted for payments made 1 week before pickup)
Cash
Card: via Square  
(Square processing fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; +$14.80 on a $500 deposit)
Venmo to: Rutu Australian Labradoodles  
(Venmo transaction fee: 3%; + $15 on a $500 deposit)

Question 2

How do I purchase a puppy?

Accepted Answer

To begin the process of purchasing one of our puppies, please start by filling out our puppy application. Once we receive and review your application, you’ll hear back from us within 48 hours. In our reply, we’ll answer any questions you may have, help you decide which litter or puppy might be the best fit for you, and provide instructions for submitting the $500 non-refundable reservation fee to secure your spot.

After your deposit is received, communication will continue through email, text, or phone call to ensure everything goes smoothly, from selecting your puppy to planning pickup or delivery.

If you’re reserving a spot on a future litter, we’ll confirm your place on the list right away. Once the puppies are born, we’ll reach out again to confirm whether you’d like to remain on that litter or move your reservation to another if timing doesn’t work out.
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All families with a confirmed reservation will receive our weekly “Pupdate” emails, which include updates on the puppies’ growth, developmental milestones, and helpful tips to prepare for bringing your new family member home.

*Please note: only people who have sent deposits are guaranteed a puppy from their litter of choice.

Accepted Payment Methods:
Zelle to: (616) 433-5338
Check to: Rutu Australian Labradoodles LLC (checks are only accepted for payments made 1 week before pickup)
Cash
Card: via Square  
(Square processing fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; +$14.80 on a $500 deposit)
Venmo to: Rutu Australian Labradoodles  
(Venmo transaction fee: 3%; + $15 on a $500 deposit)

Question 3

Can I get a puppy even if I live far away?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can!While we do not ship our puppies because we work hard to build their confidence and don’t want to traumatize them, we offer several safe options to help your puppy get to you, no matter where you live. PICKUP & DELIVERY OPTIONS (WITHIN THE U.S.)1. Pick up at our home (Belding, MI)You’re always welcome to come directly to us!COST: no additional cost2. Meet at our local airport (Grand Rapids, MI – GRR)If you'd like, you can fly here instead and we can meet you at GRR! We’re happy to walk you through what you’ll need to fly home with your puppy, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us at rutudoodles@gmail.com.COST: $503. Puppy Nanny Ground Shipping (A trusted “puppy nanny” (likely me, my sister, mom, or husband) can drive  your puppy and hand-deliver them to you at your chosen location within 3.5 hours of my home in Belding, MI.) Please let us know if you would like this option so we can get the route and a puppy nanny coordiated as soon as possible get your puppy used to being in our carseat. COST:- Puppy nanny service: $0.75 per mile (total distance there and back)→ Total varies based on location4. Puppy Nanny Flight Delivery (A trusted “puppy nanny” (likely me, my sister, mom, or husband) can fly with your puppy and hand-deliver them to you at your nearest airport.) Please let us know if you would like this option so we can get flights and a puppy nanny coordiated as soon as possible, as well as get your puppy used to being in our airline carrier. COST:- Puppy nanny service: $500- In-cabin pet fee: $150- Round trip ticket → Total varies based on airfarePICKUP & DELIVERY OPTIONS (OUTSIDE THE U.S.)If you live outside the U.S., we can still deliver puppies to you! The requirements and costs vary by country. Based on research from USDA APHIS, this is what it would take to fly a puppy to (for example) Germany.COSTS & REQUIREMENTS:- Puppy must be at least 15 weeks old to travel internationally. (Your puppy's go home date is when they're 8 weeks old, so they must stay an additional 7 weeks.)-Extended stay (boarding + training): $500 per week- Microchip: Already completed- Rabies vaccine: $115- EU Health Certificate: $200–$500TRAVEL COSTS- In-cabin pet fee: $200- International flight nanny service: $1,000- Round trip ticket→ Total varies based on airfare

Question 4

Can I pick my puppy?

Accepted Answer

I don't allow families to simply pick their puppy based on looks because temperament is so much more important than appearance. My goal is to make sure each puppy ends up in the home that best fits their personality. I'd hate to see a high-energy puppy placed with a more laid-back family, or a calm, easygoing puppy go to a home looking for an adventurous companion. When the puppies are around 6 weeks old, I'll ask you to rank the puppies in the litter of your choice  in order of preference (1 being your favorite, 2 your next favorite, and so on). This helps me understand which puppies you're most drawn to while still allowing me to match you with the puppy I feel is the best fit for your family and lifestyle. This does not guarantee that you won't get the last puppy on your list if that is the one I know will suit you best. Because I raise these puppies and spend every day with them, I get to know their individual personalities very well through daily observation and temperament testing. I ask that you trust my judgment throughout the matching process. Occasionally, there may be two puppies with very similar temperaments that would both be a great fit, and in those cases I'll gladly give you a choice between them.If you're not happy with your match, or if there isn't a puppy in the litter that feels right for your family, you're welcome to transfer your reservation fee (up to two times) to a future litter. My priority is making sure both you and your puppy are set up for a lifetime of success together.

Question 5

How are your puppies raised?

Accepted Answer

We raise our puppies in our home utilizing the Puppy Culture, which starts when they are 3 days old and continues until they leave for their new homes at 8 weeks old. They will be introduced to crate training, clicker training, beginnings of potty training, and noise and touch desensitization. The puppies will begin going outside to go potty when they start eating solid food, and they will receive baths and mini-grooms every week starting when they are 5 weeks old. As a groomer myself, grooming desensitization is incredibly important to me because I see firsthand the difference between dogs who have never been introduced to the grooming process and dogs who have been gently exposed to it since they were tiny. My goal isn't to create a perfectly groomed puppy, it's to create one that views grooming as a normal, positive part of life. We do everything we can to ensure the puppies are well-rounded. That being said, they won’t be perfect when you get them. Once your puppy is in your care, it’s up to you to stay consistent and keep their training on track to help them become a well-socialized, well-behaved dog.

Question 6

Do you offer extended training before my puppy comes home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer extended boarding and training programs ranging from 2 to 4 weeks before you take your puppy home, at $500 a week. During this time, we focus on building a strong foundation using positive reinforcement-based training techniques. Depending on the length of the program, training may include: extended crate and potty training, basic obedience commands (sit, down, stay, "place", loose leash walking), and puppy manners (no jumping, no biting, proper socialization). Our training program is designed to help your puppy develop good habits and make a smooth transition into your home. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to discuss which training option is best for your puppy, please feel free to reach out to us at rutudoodles@gmail.com. ​

Question 7

What is provided with a puppy from Rutu?

Accepted Answer

All of our puppies will have been microchipped, dewormed, and received their first round of vaccinations by the time they're ready to go home. Along with a 2-year health guarantee and a lifetime of my support and guidance, you'll also receive a little bag of goodies to help your new puppy settle in.Each puppy's go-home bag includes:Their medical record30 free days of pet health insurance through TrupanionInstructions for activating their microchipThe vaccine protocol I follow and recommendA helpful potty training trackerA toy with the familiar scent of their littermates and momPuppy Pack from TLC Pet Food Firm Up to help with any loose stoolsWe've intentionally packed these items to help make your puppy's transition into your home as smooth as possible.If you'd like, I can also include a few of my favorite products in your puppy's go-home package:Slopper Stopper Bowl: Available at $10 off both the plastic and stainless steel bowls, plus $5 off the bowl stand.Fi Mini GPS Tracker: Available for $75, which includes 6 months of the Fi subscription.If you're interested in either (or both!), just let me know before pickup so I can be sure to have them in stock and include them with your puppy.One thing that's very important to me is that I don't see my puppies as a transaction. I see them as little lives that I've loved and hand-raised since the moment they were born. Because of that, when you choose a puppy from me, I hope you'll stay in touch and share updates as they grow. Seeing photos, hearing about their adventures, and watching them become a cherished part of your family truly means the world to me.And don't worry, I'll be here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about potty training, crate training, grooming, feeding schedules, questionable-looking stools, or you're just looking for recommendations on the cutest collars and leashes, I hope you always feel comfortable reaching out. I genuinely want to be a lifelong resource for you and your puppy.

Question 8

What happens if you don't have enough puppies for you reservation list?

Accepted Answer

We cannot control mother nature so unfortunately this could happen. If you are on a reservation list and we don’t have enough puppies in that litter, we would be more than happy to transfer your deposit to the next available litter, or if you would prefer, this would be the only instance we would refund your deposit.​

Question 9

What is an Australian Labradoodle?

Accepted Answer

Even though they're called Australian Labradoodles, they do not have any Australian Shepherd in them. In the simplest terms, Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational Labradoodles that originated in Australia. They were bred for therapy work and companionship. Way back in the early Lab/Poodle crosses, a few other breeds (Irish Water Spaniels, American and English Cocker Spaniels, Cockapoos, and Curly Coated Retrievers) were infused to improve size, coat, health, and temperament; and were bred together to create purebred Australian Labradoodles. So the easy answer is that they are multigenerational Labradoodles (labs & poodles over and over again) that originated in Australia.

Question 10

What colors and sizes do Australian Labradoodles come in?

Accepted Answer

What We Produce at RutuWhile Australian Labradoodles come in a wide variety of sizes, coats, colors, and patterns, every breeder has their own program and breeding goals.Here at Rutu Australian Labradoodles, we currently specialize in mini and medium Australian Labradoodles, with most of our puppies maturing between 25-40 pounds.We intentionally produce straight to slightly wavy fleece coats. While fleece coats can naturally range from straight to curly, our breeding program carefully selected our parent dogs that produce puppies with coats on the straighter end of the fleece spectrum. We do not produce wool (curly) coats, as we love the soft, natural look and easy-care texture of straight and wavy fleece. Our current color palette includes shades of Caramel and Chocolate in the patterns Solid, White markings, Tuxedo, and Parti.As our breeding program continues to grow, we look forward to thoughtfully expanding the colors, patterns, and possibly even the size ranges we offer, while always prioritizing health, temperament, and quality above all else.SizesAustralian Labradoodles come in 3 different sizes:Miniature: 14–16 inches at the withers; typically 10-25 lbsMedium: 17–20 inches at the withers; typically 26-45 lbsStandard: 21–24 inches at the withers; typically 45-70 lbsMany breeders also use these unofficial size descriptions to provide a more specific estimate of a puppy's expected adult size:Micro Mini: approximately 10-15 lbsSmall Medium: approximately 25-30 lbsCoat TypesAustralian Labradoodles have 3 different coat types:Fleece: The most common coat type. Fleece coats are soft, non-low shedding, and can range from straight to wavy to curly.Wool: A tighter, curlier coat with a texture similar to lamb's wool. Wool coats are also non-low shedding.Hair: A shedding coat that more closely resembles the Labrador Retriever. Hair coats are primarily found in early-generation Labradoodles and are uncommon in most multigenerational Australian Labradoodles that are being bred now.Coat Colors and PatternsAustralian Labradoodles come in a large variety of colors and patterns:BlackChocolateCaramelRedWithin these color families are many beautiful shades, including cream, apricot, lavender, silver, and ice.They can also have a variety of patterns, including:SolidWhite markingsTuxedoPartiPhantomRoanSableMerle is a recognized color pattern in dogs, but breeding them is not accepted by WALA or ALAA because it falls outside the Australian Labradoodle breed standard. Poodles, Labradors, and the spaniel breeds used in the development of the Australian Labradoodle do not naturally carry the merle pattern. Therefore, if you see a dog advertised as a “merle Australian Labradoodle,” the merle pattern was introduced somewhere in its ancestry from a breed that naturally carries merle, such as an Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, or another merle breed. While they are gorgeous, a merle Australian Labradoodle is therefore not a standard Australian Labradoodle color and indicates ancestry outside of the established breed foundation.

Question 11

How often do Australian Labradoodles need to be groomed?

Accepted Answer

Our Australian Labradoodles have non- to very low-shedding fleece coats. While they are often called “hypoallergenic,” no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. However, because Australian Labradoodles typically have non-shedding coats, they are considered extremely allergy-friendly, and many people with dog allergies do very well with them.Because they do not shed out their coat like many breeds, regular grooming is very important to keep them comfortable and mat-free. Australian Labradoodles should be professionally groomed (or groomed at home if you choose to learn) every 4-6 weeks maximum. They also need to be thoroughly line brushed and combed about once a week to prevent painful matting.Grooming is a lifelong part of having a doodle, so it’s important for puppies to be desensitized to the process early so it never becomes stressful for them. We start this here beginning at 5 weeks old with baths, blow drying, nail trims, face/feet/sanitary trims, and mini grooming sessions every week until they go home.Once your puppy is home, we highly recommend continuing regular baths, blow drying, handling their feet often, and scheduling a puppy groom as soon as possible with a local groomer so they continue building positive experiences with grooming as they grow!

How much does a puppy from Rutu cost?

How do I purchase a puppy?

Can I get a puppy even if I live far away?

Can I pick my puppy?

How are your puppies raised?

Do you offer extended training before my puppy comes home?

What is provided with a puppy from Rutu?

What happens if you don't have enough puppies for you reservation list?

What is an Australian Labradoodle?

What colors and sizes do Australian Labradoodles come in?

How often do Australian Labradoodles need to be groomed?

Frequently Asked Questions

As a program that highly values ethical breeding practices and prioritizes the health and temperament of our puppies, we are proud members of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association (WALA) and Good Dog.

What is it really like to bring home a Rutu puppy? Hear directly from some of our puppy families and read about their experiences by clicking here!

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