What's the Price Range for Purchasing an Australian Labradoodle in Anderson, IN?

You've spent months looking at cute dog photos online. You know you want an Australian Labradoodle. But then you see some puppies for $1,500 and others for $4,500. What's the right price?

I'm Elizabeth, and my husband Jason and I raise Australian Labradoodles here in Anderson with our two daughters. Last Tuesday, I sat at my kitchen table with a couple from Fishers who drove down to see our puppies. The wife kept asking, "Why are some puppies so much cheaper? Are we being ripped off?" Her husband had found puppies on Craigslist for $1,200 and couldn't understand the difference.

I get it. $3,000 feels like a lot of money. It felt like a lot to us too when we were looking for our first breeding dog. But after I explained what we do—and more importantly, what cheap breeders don't do—they understood. Three weeks later, they picked up their puppy. Last night, she sent me a video of their daughter giggling while the puppy licked her face. "Worth every penny," the text said.

This guide helps you understand what Australian Labradoodles cost in Anderson, Indiana, and what you get for your money. We'll show you why the price matters and how it protects your family from heartbreak.

What's the price range for purchasing an Australian Labradoodle?

Good Australian Labradoodle breeders charge between $2,500 and $4,000 for puppies. In the Midwest, most breeders charge around $3,000. This price includes important health tests on the parents, early training for puppies, shots, a microchip, and a promise that the puppy is healthy. Puppies that cost less than $2,000 usually come from bad breeders who skip health tests. These cheap puppies often get sick and cost thousands of dollars to fix. In Anderson, Indiana, a healthy Australian Labradoodle from a caring breeder costs $3,000.

See available Australian Labradoodle puppies in Anderson.

Typical Price Range for Australian Labradoodles in Anderson, Indiana

Most good breeders across the country charge $2,500 to $4,000 for Australian Labradoodle puppies. In the Midwest, prices run $2,800 to $3,500. On the coasts where rent costs a fortune, you might pay $3,500 to $4,500. Here in Anderson, we charge $3,000 for a pet puppy.

Some colors are harder to find. Chocolate tricolor, phantom, and parti puppies might cost a little more at some breeders. We keep our price the same regardless of color because I've learned something over the years—families always fall in love with their puppy no matter the color.

Just last month, a family specifically wanted a caramel girl. We had one available. But when they came to pick, their six-year-old son sat down with a chocolate boy and refused to leave without him. They changed their pick right there. Now they can't imagine having any other dog. Color doesn't determine personality.

If you want a puppy you can breed yourself someday, that costs more—often $5,000 or higher. Those puppies come with breeding rights and usually have even more impressive pedigrees. But for a family pet to love and snuggle with? $3,000 is right.

Living in Indiana keeps our costs reasonable compared to breeders in California or New York. You're not paying for expensive city overhead. You're paying for health testing, quality parent dogs, and the time we spend raising puppies right. Jason jokes that we'd make more money if he just worked overtime at his day job. But this isn't about making money. It's about sending healthy, happy puppies home to families who'll love them.

What's Included in the Purchase Price from Ethical Breeders

When you pay $3,000 for one of our Australian Labradoodles, you get way more than just a puppy. Let me walk you through everything that happens before your puppy comes home.

Health testing the parents.

We test every breeding dog's hips and elbows through OFA. This costs us $200-300 per dog, but it's non-negotiable. Hip surgery costs $3,500 to $7,000 per hip. We're preventing that nightmare for you.

I'll never forget the family who called us crying three years ago. They'd bought a puppy from someone who didn't do OFA testing. At 18 months, their puppy needed double hip surgery. $12,000. Insurance didn't cover it because it was genetic. They couldn't afford it and had to surrender the dog. The mom was sobbing on the phone. That's why we test. Every. Single. Dog.

Genetic testing.

We do Orivet genetic panels on all our breeding dogs. This screens for inherited diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (blindness) and Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder). Jason has a biology degree and he's obsessed with genetics. He can explain every single marker we test for and why it matters. Sometimes I tease him about nerding out over DNA reports, but honestly, it's why our puppies are so healthy.

Puppy Culture socialization.

This program starts the day puppies are born and continues until they go home at eight weeks. It's not just playing with puppies—though my daughters think that's the best part of their lives. We're doing specific exercises every single day based on the puppy's developmental stage.

At three days old, we start Early Neurological Stimulation. I set my alarm for 2 am to do ENS exercises on newborn puppies. Am I tired? Yes. Do my friends think I'm crazy? Absolutely. But families tell me their puppies sailed through their first vet visit or didn't panic during thunderstorms, and I know it was worth the exhaustion.

Shots, deworming, and microchipping.

Your puppy gets age-appropriate vaccines and parasite prevention before coming home. We microchip every puppy and register it in your name. Last year, one of our puppies got loose during a family move. A neighbor found him and took him to a vet. The microchip scan brought him straight home within two hours. That chip is priceless.

WALA registration.

This proves your puppy is a real Australian Labradoodle with documented multi-generational breeding. Not just some random Labrador-Poodle mix someone's calling an "Australian Labradoodle" to charge more money.

Two-year health guarantee.

If something genetic goes wrong that we should have prevented through testing, we stand behind our puppies. Period. In five years of breeding, we've never had to use it. That's the point—we test so extensively that genetic problems don't happen.

Lifetime support.

Last Wednesday at 10:47 pm, I got a text: "HELP! Puppy ate a corn cob! Is he going to die?!" I talked them through what to watch for and when to call the emergency vet. Friday morning they texted: "He's fine! Pooped it out. Thanks for not judging us."

That's what lifetime support means. I don't care if you got your puppy three years ago. You're family. Text me. Call me. I'm here.

Puppy starter kit.

You get a collar, leash, five pounds of the food we feed, training treats, toys, and—the magical item—a blanket that smells like mom and the litter. That blanket helps your puppy sleep through the first few nights because it smells like home. One family told me their puppy carried that blanket around for two years.

30 days of free Trupanion insurance.

This gives you time to set up your own insurance without any gap in coverage.

Our WFD family. You join our private Facebook group where all our puppy families share photos, ask questions, and support each other. Some families have become real friends. They meet up at dog parks. Their kids have playdates. Last summer, three WFD families went camping together. You're not just buying a puppy—you're joining a community.

Ready to reserve your puppy? Apply now.

Why Australian Labradoodles Cost More Than Regular Labradoodles

Here's the question I answer most often: "What's the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?"

Regular Labradoodles are a Labrador plus a Poodle. First generation. That's it. Their coats are totally unpredictable. Some shed like crazy. Some barely shed. You're rolling the dice.

I talked to a family from Pendleton last month whose daughter has severe asthma. They bought a "Labradoodle" from someone who promised it wouldn't shed. The puppy was eight weeks old and already leaving tumbleweeds of fur everywhere. The daughter couldn't breathe. They had to rehome the dog. She cried for weeks. They called me asking if Australian Labradoodles were different. They were terrified to try again.

Australian Labradoodles are multi-generational. That means we've been breeding Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle for many generations. We also have Cocker Spaniel in the background, not just Lab and Poodle. This creates predictable, truly hypoallergenic coats. The personality is more consistent too—calm, intuitive, gentle.

We can't just breed any two dogs we feel like. We follow WALA standards. We test for health problems. We study pedigrees. Jason spent two years researching bloodlines before we got our first breeding dog. He made spreadsheets. Color-coded charts. He takes this seriously.¹

Regular Labradoodles from someone breeding their family dog cost less because they skip all this work. But you're gambling with your heart and your wallet. Will the puppy shed? Will it be anxious? Will it have hip problems? Nobody knows.

With Australian Labradoodles from good breeders, we've removed the guesswork. You know what you're getting.

My advice after five years of breeding? If anyone in your house has allergies, don't mess around with first-generation anything. Go straight for multi-generational Australian Labradoodles from breeders who understand what "hypoallergenic" actually means. Your nose will thank you.

Red Flags: When a Price is Too Good to Be True

Okay, real talk. If you see a puppy under $2,000, run. Here's what they're cutting corners on:

No health testing.

Three months ago, someone contacted me about buying a puppy. They'd already put a deposit on a $1,500 puppy from another breeder but were getting nervous. I asked if the breeder did OFA testing. "What's that?" they said. The breeder had never mentioned it.

I looked up the breeder. No OFA records. No genetic testing. Nothing. I told them to get their deposit back. They didn't want to seem rude. I said, "Being polite isn't worth a $7,000 hip surgery bill." They got the deposit back and applied with us instead. Their puppy is now six months old with perfect hips.

No socialization.

Puppies need specific handling from birth to eight weeks. If someone says "you can take the puppy home at six weeks," they don't know what they're doing. Those two extra weeks are critical for brain development.

Last week someone asked if they could pick up their puppy at seven weeks because they were going on vacation at eight weeks. I said no. They got annoyed. I don't care. Your vacation plans don't override what's best for the puppy's development.

Too many litters.

If a breeder has five litters available right now, that's a factory. Dogs are stressed. Puppies aren't getting individual attention. We limit ourselves to a few litters per year because we physically cannot give more puppies the time they need.

I'm nursing a litter right now. I spend probably six hours a day just on puppy care. Feeding, cleaning, handling exercises, exposure to new sounds and textures. You can't do that with five litters at once.

No WALA registration.

Someone's selling you a random mix and calling it Australian. I've seen people pay $3,000 for dogs that weren't even Labradoodles. Check the papers.

Won't let you visit.

We love when families visit! You'll see puppies playing in our living room, our daughters doing homework while puppies sleep in their laps, and probably our chickens wandering through the yard. If someone won't let you see where puppies live, they're hiding something awful.

Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Last month I saw someone on Facebook Marketplace selling puppies for $800. The photos showed puppies with runny eyes and dirty conditions. I reported it. Real breeders don't sell like this. Ever.

I've held crying women in my driveway who bought cheap puppies that died within weeks. One family spent $9,000 treating Parvo because the puppy was never vaccinated properly. Another paid $4,500 for emergency surgery after their puppy ate something at eight weeks old—the puppy had Pica from anxiety caused by being taken from mom too early.

If the price seems too good to be true, it is. You're either getting a sick puppy or supporting someone who's abusing dogs. Neither is worth saving a thousand bucks.

See our transparent pricing.

Comparing Costs: Australian Labradoodle vs. Other Hypoallergenic Breeds

Let me give you my honest opinion on other breeds:

Goldendoodles

Cost $2,000 to $3,500. Similar price. I actually love Goldendoodles—they're wonderful dogs. But first-generation Goldendoodles shed more. If you have serious allergies, they're risky. For families just wanting a friendly, trainable dog without allergies? Goldendoodles are great. But for allergies, I always recommend Australian Labradoodles.

Standard Poodles

Cost $1,500 to $3,000. They're smart and hypoallergenic. Less grooming over time. But they're more independent. They're not the "velcro dog" that follows you everywhere. Our neighbor has a Standard Poodle. Beautiful dog. But she does her own thing. Australian Labradoodles want to be wherever you are. Some families want independence. Most want companionship.

Portuguese Water Dogs

Cost $2,500 to $3,500. Similar to Australian Labradoodles. But they're harder to find and higher energy. If you're running marathons, great. If you want a dog who'll hike with you but also chill during movie night, Australian Labradoodles are better.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers

Ccost $1,500 to $2,500. Lower upfront cost but high grooming needs and terrier energy. My sister-in-law has one. Sweet dog, but she bounces off walls compared to our laid-back Australian Labradoodles.

Australian Labradoodles hit the sweet spot for most families. Hypoallergenic, friendly, moderate energy, and breeders who take health testing seriously.

Every family's different. But for families with kids, regular jobs, and maybe some allergies? Australian Labradoodles are perfect.

The Long-Term Value of Investing in a Well-Bred Australian Labradoodle

Let's talk money. A cheap puppy saves you maybe $1,500 upfront. But here's what happens:

Hip dysplasia surgery: $3,500 to $7,000 per hip. Genetic eye problems: $2,000 to $5,000. Anxiety medication and behavioral training for under-socialized puppies: $1,000 to $3,000. That $1,500 savings just turned into $10,000 in expenses.

Australian Labradoodles live 12 to 15 years. Food costs the same whether you paid $1,500 or $3,000 for the puppy. Grooming costs the same. The only difference is vet bills. And our puppies stay healthier because we tested their parents.

Do the math: $3,000 divided by 12 years is $250 per year. That's 67 cents per day. For 67 cents a day, you get a healthy companion who cuddles with your kids, greets you with wiggles, and lives a long, happy life.

Last week, a family from our second-ever litter stopped by. Their dog just turned nine. Still running around. Still healthy. Still the same goofy personality. The dad said, "We've spent maybe $500 at the vet in nine years. Regular checkups. That's it."

Another family sent me wedding photos last month. Their daughter got married. The dog was in the photos wearing a bow tie and looking very serious. I cried. That dog was from one of our first litters five years ago. That's what $3,000 buys—a family member who's there for all the big moments.

I'm not going to lie to you. We're not getting rich breeding dogs. Between health testing, quality food, vet care, and all the time we spend, we make maybe minimum wage per hour. Jason has a full-time job in construction safety. I have my nursing degree but stay home with our daughters and the dogs. We do this because we feel called to it.

We're Christians, and we believe God gave us this calling. Every puppy that leaves our home carries a piece of our hearts. We pray for each family. We celebrate when you send updates. We mourn with you when your dog eventually passes.

That's what makes us different. This isn't a business—it's our family's passion. When you buy a puppy from us, you're not a customer. You're family.

Questions about pricing? Text us at 317-608-9260 or see our available puppies.

Should I choose a Goldendoodle or an Australian Labradoodle?

Australian Labradoodles have predictable non-shedding coats. Goldendoodles are first-generation mixes with more variation. If anyone in your house has allergies, don't risk it—go with Australian Labradoodles. I've seen too many families heartbroken by Goldendoodles that shed more than expected. For families without allergies who just want a great dog, Goldendoodles are wonderful. Find out more about the differences between Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles here.

References

Croney Research Group. "Pre-Breeding Health Screening & Testing for Dogs." Canine Welfare Science, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 21 Apr. 2025, caninewelfare.centers.purdue.edu/resource/pre-breeding-health-screening-testing-for-dogs/.