What is a F1, F1B, and all those numbers?

• F1: The "F" stands for "filial generation". "F1" means "first generation" and is a common scientific term. This, in the Labradoodle breed, is the coding for First cross, purebred poodle to purebred Labrador Retriever. The results are mixed as this is not the breeding of two "like" dogs, dogs that resemble each other. F1 are typically moderate to low shedding and have a sparse hair to fleece coat.
• F1B: The "F" stands for "filial generation". "F1" means "first generation" and the addition of the B refers to Backcross. In Science, it is common to state the long version F1 Backcross. This, in the Labradoodle breed, is the coding for a Labradoodle F1, as defined above, bred (or backcrossed) to a purebred Poodle. The results are mixed as this is not the breeding of two "like" dogs, dogs that resemble each other. F1b are typically low shedding to non shedding (as much as a dog can be non shedding) if the parents are both non shedding. and have a hair to fleece coat.
• An Australian Labradoodle is a dog that carries the DNA of the Labrador, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel (American or English). The resulting offspring are more similar but slightly mixed depending on the parent dogs. An Australian Labradoodle can be created by the crossing of a Poodle to another Australian Labradoodle, a Cock a poo to a Labradoodle, a Labradoodle to a Cocker Spaniel and the like, resulting in the three breed combination. The Australian Labradoodle is the first step, once an Australian Labradoodle is crossed to another Australian Labradoodle the result is termed a Multigen (Multigenerational) Australian Labradoodle as it involves multiple generations of breeding like to like. Australian Labradoodles and Multigen Australian Labradoodles typically have a non shedding coat (as much as a dog can be non shedding) if both parents are also non shedding.
• Multigen (Multigenerational) Australian Labradoodle is the breeding of an Australian Labradoodle to another Australian Labradoodle. Multigen Australian Labradoodles typically have a non shedding coat (as much as a dog can be non shedding) if both parents are also non shedding.
• Purebred Australian Labradoodle: The defination of purebred was determined in 1852. Merriam-Webster's definition of purebred: Date: 1852 : bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without admixture of other blood over many generations. Furthermore the AKC in their foundation service requires 4 generations of like to like matings. Therefore the ALAA uses these two references and once an Australian Labradoodle has been breed to another Australian Labradoodle in 4 CONSECUTIVE matings it will be considered a purebred.

• Grading Scheme (voted by membership3/2007)

  Use of the Titles
  
  Definitions: Titles will be the ALAA terms used on ALAA pedigrees and ALAA registration certificates. No other coding will be used.
  • Labradoodle F1: the first cross of a purebred Labrador Retriever to a purebred Poodle
  • Labradoodle F1B: the backcross of a first cross (Labradoodle F1) to a purebred Poodle
  • Multigenerational (Multigen) Labradoodle: The offspring of a Labradoodle (F1B, F1, or Multigen) bred to a Labradoodle (F1B, F1, or Multigen)
  • Purebred Multigenerational (Multigen) Labradoodle OR Purebred Labradoodle: The offspring of 5 or more consecutive breedings of a Multigen Labradoodle (or Purebred Labradoodle) to a Multigen Labradoodle (or Purebred Labradoodle)
  • Australian Labradoodle: Dogs with Poodle, Cocker Spaniel (American and/or English) and Labrador Retriever Pedigrees.* This includes all currently registered Australian Labradoodles, as the ALAA assumes these dogs with no proven lineage of three breeds are three-breed dogs. Current dogs registered with the designation "Australian Labradoodle" will not be changed.
  • Multigenerational (Multigen) Australian Labradoodle: The offspring of an Australian Labradoodle (Australian Labradoodle, Multigen or Purebred) bred to an Australian Labradoodle (Australian Labradoodle, Multigen or Purebred)
  • Purebred Multigenerational (Multigen) Australian Labradoodle OR Purebred Australian Labradoodle: The offspring of 5 or more consecutive breedings of a Multigen Australian Labradoodle (or Purebred Australian Labradoodle) to a Multigen Australian Labradoodle (or Purebred Australian Labradoodle)
  • Cock a poo: American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel and Poodle
  • Spanador: English or American Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever
  • American Cocker Spaniel: purebred American Cocker Spaniel
  • English Cocker Spaniel: purebred English Cocker Spaniel
  • Irish Water Spaniel: purebred American Irish Water Spaniel (no longer allowed)
  • Labrador Retriever: American or English, pedigree will delineate
  • Poodle: French, English and all sizes, colors or patterns, pedigree will delineate
  • *other ALAA acceptable breeds at small percentages acceptable in DNA testing
  
  
  Rules
  
  PURE BREED USE
  
  
  1. Purebred Poodle is to be used for the F1 and F1B stages of development and in the future can be used for coat correction twice thereafter every 6 generations in the Multigenerational Labradoodle Development. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with a purebred.
     • Poodle bred to Labrador Retriever equals a Labradoodle F1
     • Poodle bred to a Labradoodle F1 equals a Labradoodle F1B
     • Labradoodle or Multigen Labradoodle or Purebred Labradoodle bred to Poodle equals Labradoodle. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with a poodle, restrictions apply.
     • Australian Labradoodle or Multigen Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle bred to Poodle equals Australian Labradoodle. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with a poodle, restrictions apply.
  2. Purebred parent breeds (Poodle, Labrador Retriever, IALA infusion-approved American Cocker Spaniel or IALA infusion-approved English Cocker Spaniel) may be used as an actual breeding to that mixed breed in the future if necessary for coat correction or pedigree infusion twice every 6 matings, i.e. a 6 generation pedigree may only have the same purebred single breed (and its ancestors) twice (NOT counting those poodles used for Labradoodle F1 and Labradoodle F1B development). Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with each separate purebred.
     • Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle of any generation to purebred Cocker Spaniel equals Australian Labradoodle (three breed dog). This breeding will reset the consecutive generational count.
     • Labradoodle of any generation to Poodle or Labrador Retriever equals Labradoodle. This breeding will reset the consecutive generational count.
     • Australian Labradoodle of any generation to Poodle or Labrador Retriever equals Australian Labradoodle. This breeding will reset the generational count.
     
     
     LABRADOODLE AND OTHER TWO BREED MIXED BREED USE
     
     
  3. IALA infusion-approved 2 Breed Mixed breeds may be used if necessary for coat correction or pedigree infusion twice as an actual breeding to that mixed breed in the future every 3 generations, i.e. a 3 generation pedigree may only have the same IALA infusion-approved mixed-breed (and its ancestors) bred twice every three generations. Analysis of the pedigree will indicate the number of matings with each separate 2 Breed mixed breed dog.
     • Australian Labradoodle of any generation bred to Labradoodle equals Australian Labradoodle. This breeding will reset the consecutive generational count.
     • Australian Labradoodle of any generation bred to Cocker/Poodle cross (Cockapoo or Spoodle) equals Australian Labradoodle. This breeding will reset the consecutive generational count.
     • Australian Labradoodle of any generation bred to Labrador/Spaniel cross (Spanador) equals Australian Labradoodle. This breeding will reset the consecutive generational count.
     
     
     NEW and EXISTING AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION LINES and USE
     
     
  4. Breeding any generation Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle to another is considered one generation of like-to-like mating. The database will automatically calculate these matings. Once a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle reaches 5 generations of consecutive Purebred Australian Labradoodle or Multigen Australian Labradoodle to Multigen Australian Labradoodle matings, it is considered a purebred Australian Labradoodle and will be notated in the database and registration certificate as such. Any use of a one or two breed dog is considered a non-like mating and will reset the counting process. Only 4 consecutive like-to-like matings will result in purebred status.
     • Current assumed Australian Labradoodles dogs (three breed dogs) registered with the IALA without proof of breed via AKC, ANKC registration or DNA will be designated as Australian Labradoodle. No new dogs without proof of pedigree (AKC, ANKC, DNA) will be registered.
     • A dog in the back of an older pedigree that is not identified but is believed to be an Australian Labradoodle will be considered an Australian Labradoodle. Dogs that are believed to be Poodles, Cock a poos, Labradoodle or other Australian Labradoodles will follow the rules above moving the generations forward or not as the rules indicate.
     • Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle bred to Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle equals Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or Purebred Australian Labradoodle once four consecutive matings are counted by the database. The term "purebred multigenerational Australian Labradoodle" will be used until such time as the dog is bred to a two breed or one breed dog, at which point the offspring will be designated Australian Labradoodles and the generational count will be reset.

What is the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?

A Labradoodle is the result of breeding the Labrador Retriever to a Poodle, Labradoodle to Poodle, or Labradoodle to Labradoodle. Basically the Labradoodle has Labrador Retriever and Poodle only DNA nothing else. The description of the Labradoodle in "Designer Dogs, Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds" by Caroline Colie says it best. “This is one celebrity canine who doesn’t read his own press- and with his rave reviews, he doesn’t need to. Easygoing and self-assured, the Labradoodle is a modest mister who’s just happy to hang out with his friends.

He’s a self-made bloke, the Cary Grant of designer dogs. Born of working –class Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle parents,” (the smaller sizes have miniature poodle) “his destiny seemed laid our ahead of him as a working dog. Though he was good at his job, his handsome looks and winning personality propelled him to greater fame, and soon he was on the A-list of every chic club in town.

The Labradoodle doesn’t let celebrity go to his head, however. He’s a gregarious fellow who doesn’t judge people by their position. Actually, he’s more interested in whether their car has four-wheel drive, so he can get where he wants to go. He’s a nature lover, with a special interest in waterfowl, thanks to his outdoorsy parents.

This is a casual guy who won’t mind sloshing thorough puddles without rain gear, and in fact prefers it. He’ll think nothing of showing up with a bandanna around his neck and his hair still wet from a swim. But he cleans up so well, he can easily switch from a down-home kerchief at the beach to a diamond-studded collar at dinner. He likes his sports, and is happy hobnobbing at the polo grounds (or just lounging on the sofa watching NASCAR). But he’s rather participate than watch, and his idea of paradise is a day at the beach chasing a ball, catching a curl, or snoozing in the shade, beach-bum style.

Despite his full social calendar, he always seems able to squeeze in one more play date, especially with his favorite partners-kids. And you’ll need to make sure he gets plenty of exercise every day.” (A Labradoodle is the reflection of his parents, the first generation, Labrador to Poodle is generally higher energy and drive than second generation. Either generation of high energy or laid back parents is typically a reflection of those temperaments) “Labradoodles don’t tire easily, and unless he’s truly tuckered out, he can become creative in ways you don’t really want to find out about.” Page 89

Labradoodles can be Standard, Medium and sometimes Miniature although toy poodle use is not recommended. All colors of the poodle can be found in the Labradoodle. Coat types include various waves of straight, kinky to a spiraling curl. The coat texture ranges as well from a harsh wool, softer fleece (not as silky as the fleece of the Australian Labradoodle), or hair coats (slightly longer but more like the Labrador coat). The non-shedding or low shedding fleece and wool should be brushed weekly due to matting and groomed bi monthly, while the hair coat, which does shed, requires less grooming.

An Australian Labradoodle is the result of breeding a Labradoodle (Labrador Poodle only cross) originally but adding in Cocker Spaniel (American or English). This maintained the larger boning but brought the incredible soft fleece coat. The term "Australian" was added as a prefix to honor the place of origin as Wally Conron working with the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia as its puppy-breeding manager in the early ’80s breed the first Labradoodle (first generation F1) and second generation ( F1B what he termed a double doodle) developed an allergy friend guide dog.

Again we will quote “Designer Dogs, Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds" by Caroline Colie as it is a wonderful description of the breed. Thank you Dr. Colie.

One of the first breeds on the designer-dog scene, this fella has rocked his way to international stardom. Whether you’re up for some Aussie rules football, or just snuggling and having a cuppa, this bloke’s always game.

The land Down Under used to be best known for kangaroos and boomerangs, but that was before the Australian Labradoodle wagged his tail onto the scene. This dinky di poch isn’t your average designer dog. In fact, he’s technically not a standard hybrid. He started off as a simple cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, but then the recipe got complicated. A dash of Irish Water Spaniel, a dollop of Curly Coated Retriever” (these two are no longer used and not in all pedigrees) “, and a sprinkling of English and American Cocker Spaniels went into the mix. Now the breed has worldwide clubs, such as the International Labradoodle Association” (Now the IALA) “working to promote the Australian Labradoodle as a legitimate breed in development.

Greeting everyone with tail-wag semaphore for “G’day, mate,” Aussie Labradoodles are friends to all, more likely to invite a burglar in to fire up the Barbie than they are to scare him away. If you have a game to play or a walkabout to take, he’s an instant chum. He may even dazzle you with his “kanadoodle,” a vertical jump that launches him up among the stars—where he belongs, of course.

Once back on the ground, he’s equally athletic and energetic, and loves to run, swim and fetch. Great in the outdoors, this ‘Doodle is less suited to the city (unless you can devote your entire life to running and throwing balls).” (Please note Australian Labradoodles are a reflection of their parents and some are total couch potatoes while others marathon runners) “But he’s more than a star jock. He’s smart and actually likes having a job to do. He’s a gifted retriever, an enthusiastic obedience dog, and a successful service dog. In fact, he was first developed as a guide dog for the blind.

Australian Labradoodles can be Standard, Medium or Miniature. All colors of the poodle can be found in the Australian Labradoodle. Coat types include various waves of straight to a spiraling curl. The coat texture ranges from wool, soft wool to a silky fleece and many are a combination of the three. The non-shedding or very low shedding fleece and wool should be brushed weekly due to matting and groomed bi monthly. Finding an experienced groomer is difficult; the best option is to print out photos to take to the groomer to get the results you want.

What is an American Labradoodle?

The term American Labradoodle is not recognized by the ALAA, in fact the Labradoodle or Lab/Poodle cross was originated in Australia not America. Some novice breeders use this term to define the lab/poodle only cross incorrectly.

What is hybrid Vigor and does it apply to labradoodles or Australian Labradoodles?

Hybrid vigor is incorrectly applied to all Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles. Hybrid Vigor is a term used when a breeder is trying to establish that breeding two different purebred dogs results in healthier offspring. Genetically this applies ONLY to health issues NOT inherent in both breeds and in the initial cross. Due to the fact that most common health issues of the Labrador Retriever, Poodle or even Cocker Spaniel are common to ALL these breeds, hybrid vigor does not apply. See the Health Testing link on this page for health issues common to these dogs. However, the possible effects of out crossing (breeding unrelated pedigrees together) may result in healthier dogs, this would apply as purebred Labrador Retrievers, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels do not have common ancestors.

What are common health issues in Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles?

The Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle is generally considered a healthy breed, however possible issues breeders should be screening breeding parents for include PRA prcd, Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation, General Eye problems. Non health related, but common, include bite issues such as the juvenile underbite. Please see the Health Testing link for a detailed description on all possible health issues and what the ALAA is doing about these issues.

What is the Membership process? It seems so difficult

1. On the IALA Home page, click How to Join in the left navigation menu. 
2. The Membership page appears.
3. Follow the instructions on the Membership page to submit your membership application.

Who should I contact with questions?

• For questions regarding the Pet Membership process contact our Pet Membership Registrar at pets@ilainc.com.
• For questions regarding the Breeder Membership process, contact our Breeder Membership Registrar at registrar @ilainc.com.
• For questions regarding the registration of dogs or litters, contact our Dog Registrar at dogs@ilainc.com.
• For questions about the newsletter, contact the Public Relations Officer at pr @ilainc.com.
• For financial issues, contact the Treasurer at treasurer @ilainc.com.
• For questions about breeding parent breeds other than Lab or Poodle, contact the Infusion Mentor at infusion@ilainc.com.
• For questions regarding health testing of breeding dogs, contact the Dog Register at dogs@ilainc.com.
• For press relations or interviews, contact the Public Relations Officer at pr@ilainc.com.
• For questions on any of the Code of Ethics or Rules and Regulations, OR to file for an exemption to a rule or regulations including the grading scheme, ask the Quality Assurance Officer at qa @ilainc.com.

Who should I contact with a complaint?

Contact the Quality Assurance Officer at QA@ilainc.com.

How do breeders submit health testing documentation?

If I use a non ALAA breeder members stud what do I have to submit, paperwork and health testing?

The ALAA is, by registering puppies of breeder members and listing breeder members on the website, stating those breeder members are following the Code of Ethics. Due to the ALAA Code of Ethics, which lists Health testing criteria, health testing must be verified on all dogs bred. This includes those in the ALAA and outside of the ALAA used by breeder members. Therefore you MUST have the minimum code of ethics requirements of health on all dogs used (outside studs you use or those y0u provide stud service to) prior to breeding. This documentation MUST be submitted to the ALAA dog registrar. It can be submitted in various forms. One, the actual testing paperwork via fax or mail. Two, the OFA number if registered with the OFA and the ALAA will just verify via the OFA open database. The ALAA's policy is to register the stud dog and input the testing into the ALAA database to register the litter. If the stud owner does not wish the testing to be entered into the ALAA database we need a written letter as to this request, please wait for a reply that we have received the request. The stud dog will still be registered, however the testing will be omitted. Testing MUST be submitted to the ALAA for the file.

Proof of breed must be submitted. This can be a pedigree traceable to other ALAA registered dogs, any DNA for breed tested dogs, or any dogs traced to registered purebred dogs in any recognized kennel club (ANKC, CKC, AKC, Canadian Kennel Club, The Kennel Club (United Kingdom), Kennel Union of Southern Africa, Kennel Club of India, United Kennel Club, Société Centrale Canine, ENCI, International Cynological Federation...) in any country.

How do I determine if I am in compliance regarding health testing of my breeding dogs?

Email the dog registrar at dogs@ilainc.com. She will review your submissions and let you know if any issues need to be addressed.

Do I need to register litters that were born before I became a member?

Only litters born after you are an ALAA member may be registered. All litters must be registered within 60 days of birth. The penalty for late registration is a warning the first time. There is a $12 fine for subsequent late registrations. 

What is the Litter Registration Process?

Online litter registrations is required.
To register a litter online, perform the following steps:

1. Browse to the ALAA Dog Registry Log-in page: Click
2. Type your membership number and password in the appropriate fields and click Sign-In. The Member and Breeder Resources page appears.
3. Under Breeder Resources, click Register a new litter. The Litter Registration page appears.
4. Follow the instructions to register your litter online.
5. You will receive an email requesting payment. Follow the instructions in the email to pay your litter registration fees.

Do I register dogs that are co-owned with another breeder who is not an ALAA member?

• Are the puppies whelped and raised by the ALAA breeder or the non-ALAA breeder?
• Are the puppies sold under the ALAA breeder’s contract or the non-ALAA breeder’s contract?
• Does the consumer perceive they are purchasing the puppy from the ALAA breeder or the non-ALAA breeder?

If the answers to the above questions are the non-ALAA breeder, the dog does not need to be registered and the puppies do not need to be registered.  Make sure that any advertising on your site points to the non-ALAA breeder’s site and does not give the impression that the puppies or the dog is covered by the ALAA Code of Ethics or is ALAA registered.

If the answer to any of the questions above is the ALAA breeder, the dog must be registered and all the litters must be registered.

If the breeding dog is moved back and forth between the ALAA breeder and the non-ALAA breeder, the dog must be registered and the litters born in your program must be registered.

When the dog is registered, notify the Dog Registrar of the co-ownership arrangement.

Do all breeding dogs need to be DNA’d?

All breeding dogs must have permanent identification.  This can be a unique microchip, tattoo or DNA number.  The preferred method is DNA.  The preferred testing location is MMI http://www.metamorphixinc.com/contacts1.html.  The Code of Ethics requires DNA testing if parentage is ever questioned.

What if I retain my own puppies for my breeding program?

When you register a litter you must notify the dog registrar which dogs you intend to retain for breeding.  Once the dog reaches 12 months of age you must have submitted hip-test results, or sold the dog, or desexed the dog.  All of these situations must have been reported to the dog registrar at dogs@ilainc.com.

What do I do about registering puppies that I have purchased for my breeding program?

If you have purchased a puppy for breeding you must register that puppy within 90 days of its completed breeding quality health testing.  If it does not fulfill its health testing to breeding quality, and you spay or neuter the dog to sell as a pet, you must register the dog with the ALAA if you are covering the dog under your warranty and the new owner perceives the dog is coming from your program.  If the dog is sold under the original owner/breeder’s health warranty and the original owner/breeder is not in the ALAA and the new owner is notified the original owner/breeder is the seller of the dog, then it is the responsibility of the original owner to register the dog if the original owner is an ALAA member.  This ONLY applies to dogs purchased not dogs that are whelped in your own program.  All dogs whelped in your program must be registered within 60 days regardless of their testing outcome.  If they do not pass health testing to breeder quality then you can spay/neuter them and have the registration changed with a simple note to the ALAA dog registrar including the contact information of the vet performing the spay/neuter.

What if I have purchased an adult dog for my breeding program?

If you are purchasing a dog over 12 months of age for breeding, submit the registration paperwork and hip test results to the ALAA within 90 days of purchase or before the dog is bred, whichever comes first.

Do I register all my Puppies or only Breeding dogs I am retaining?

Once you are an active member of the ALAA you must register all puppies born in your program.  All entire and spay or neutered dogs must be registered within 60 days of whelp.

Should I recommend the ALAA to my pet families or is it primarily for breeders?

The ALAA is about half pet members and half breeders.  It is important to retain pet member families to track the future health of Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles and the needs of their families.  Pet membership is a lifetime membership and includes the Doodles newsletter with information and invitations to Doodle romps.  The Pet Member Service Committee plans new services for pet families yearly.  Your support of pet family membership supports the Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle Breed.

Can I volunteer for a committee?

Yes, there are always volunteer opportunities!  The ALAA Officers page lists openings and current committees. We are always looking for additional volunteer members.  The ALAA is a non-profit organization.  If you are interested in volunteering for a committee, notify the leader of that committee. The committee leader will inform you of the committee’s needs.  In addition, in March during the annual officer voting ballot there is an open request for members interested in joining a committee.

Can I volunteer for the Board?

Yes. If you are interested in joining the governing board you should read the website officers page and understand each of the 7 board positions. You also should read the articles of incorporation and regulations on the ALAA Charter page. This will give you a general idea of the positions and how yearly elections and mid year nominations take place. You should submit a letter of interest to the ALAA board including your qualifications.   The The ALAA Officers page lists the current officers and positions. Officers are required to not only hold a postion but also take on other duties, run teams and inititives to achieve the ALAA yearly goals. The current duties each ALAA board member has taken on is listed on the Officers page next to their personal information.

The existing ALAA Board is required to nominate all new board members. New board members are nominated in two ways. First, every year in March the existing ALAA board is required to nominate a slate, this is presented to general membership during the yearly open conference call then voted on by general membership. The ALAA board will presented the slate at the yearly conference call after issuing that slate in an agenda, allow those wishing to self nominate be heard, follow this with a determination of the slate for general member vote, then provide a general member vote online within 3 weeks. Due to the Board being required to nominate each individual via a slate the board must know of your interest and will offer you time at the call to present your interest to the board and general membership.

2005 Regulations 3.1 Election: At each annual organizational meeting of directors, the remaining officers shall nominate the open officer positions and the general membership shall vote upon and elect a president, a secretary, and a treasurer, and if desired a chairperson of the board, on or more vice presidents, and such other officers and assistant officers as may be deemed necessary. Any two or more of such offices may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law, the articles, or these regulations to be executed, acknowledged, or verified by two or more officers. A majority of the members that actually vote, shall determine the new officers.

Secondly, if vacant postions on the board become available during the year they are filled following the ALAA regulations:

2.5 Vacancies: In case of a vacancy in the board of directors the remaining members (of the board) by unanimous vote may elect a successor who shall hold office for the unexpired term. If the number of directors should at any time be less than the number necessary to constitute a quorum, or the remaining directors fail to agree promptly on a successor, then a special meeting of the members shall be called and held for the purpose of electing directors.

In these cases of having to fill positions mid year, or even prior to the March conference call having your resume on file or having you on a committee is the only way we are aware of your interest in becoming a board member, capable and interested in the ALAA board.

What if I make a mistake or believe that I or someone else has broken a rule?

There is a detailed quality assurance process filed by the QA Officer.  The first step is to notify the QA Officer of the infraction, complaint, or your own concern(s) at qa@ilainc.com. 

How does the ALAA change items like the Code of Ethics or the Breed Standard?

Once an item is in need of a correction or change it is put through the Quality Assurance process. Depending on the nature of the change, either the entire membership will vote or the breeder members will vote to ratify the change.  General rules and regulations not specifically in the Code of Ethics are altered by all officer votes.

How are ALAA funds spent?

The ALAA is a non-profit association.  Finances are spent for the Dog Registrar (a non-breeder employee of the ALAA), upgrades and maintenance to the ALAA database (DogTrack^TM  and StudFinder^TM), the yearly ALAA breeder Roundtable, as well as minor overhead.  All of the ALAA officers are volunteers.

What are the requirements for the Silver and Gold Paws?

First, a Breeder must meet requirements for Breeder Membership. Second, a breeder must exceed those requirements for basic health testing as noted in the ALAA Health Testing and ALAA Hip and Elbow Testing Testing. Third, the breeder member must meet the specific testing requirements for the silver and/or gold paw and follow all the listed rules for the optional paw rewards program listed at the bottom of the Paw Rewards page.