Platinum Paw Status with the ALAA

Rozlynn Rogers
4 days ago
3 min read

The "Gold Standard" in Australian Labradoodle Breeding

In the world of Australian Labradoodle breeding, there’s a level of excellence that goes far beyond producing adorable puppies—it’s about integrity, responsibility, and a relentless commitment to the health and future of the breed. That standard is recognized by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) through its highest distinction: Platinum Paw Status.

At Sweet Tea Doodles, earning Platinum Paw status is so much more than a shiny emblem on our name—it’s the heart of who we are as breeders. It’s proof that we’ve gone the extra mile (and then some) in health testing, ethics, and record-keeping. This milestone represents years of thoughtful planning, unwavering dedication, and significant investment—all with one purpose in mind: to give every Sweet Tea puppy and their parents the healthiest, happiest start in life.

What Platinum Paw Means

The ALAA awards Platinum Paw status to breeders who meet—and maintain—the most rigorous health testing requirements in the association. This is not a one-time achievement; it’s a continual commitment that demands precision, transparency, and discipline in every breeding decision.

When you see a breeder with Platinum Paw status, you know you’re working with someone who has:

Completed all advanced genetic testing to screen for heritable diseases.
Performed comprehensive orthopedic evaluations, ensuring breeding dogs are free from hip or elbow dysplasia. Utilizing Pen Hip/OFA preliminary reports and/or OFA final hip and elbow evaluaitons after 24 months of age.
Met strict eye and cardiac health standards with official veterinary certifications every 18 months on all actively breeding dogs.
Submitted all results to the ALAA database, creating a transparent record for generations to come.
Followed ethical breeding practices that prioritize the welfare of the dogs over profit or convenience.

This level of testing and transparency far exceeds what’s required in most breeding programs—setting Platinum Paw breeders in a league of their own.

The Health Testing Behind the Title

To maintain Platinum Paw status, a breeder must complete an extensive panel of health evaluations for every breeding dog, including but not limited to:

Hips: OFA or PennHIP evaluations to rule out dysplasia.
Elbows: OFA certification to ensure strong joint health.
Eyes: Eye exams every 18 months by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER).
Heart: Cardiac evaluation by a veterinary cardiologist.
Genetic DNA Testing: Screening for multiple inherited diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC), von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), and more.
Coat & Color DNA: Ensuring coat quality and avoiding color-linked genetic health issues.

Each test must be conducted by approved veterinary professionals and officially recorded with the ALAA. There is no “skipping” or “assuming” results—every number, every clearance, is verified.

Why It Matters to Puppy Families

For families searching for their future companion, Platinum Paw status means peace of mind. It means your puppy is coming from lines where health has been prioritized for generations. It means the breeder is committed to producing puppies with not only wonderful temperaments but also the genetic foundation for long, healthy lives.

This dedication also helps protect the future of the Australian Labradoodle breed as a whole. By holding ourselves to this standard, we ensure the breed continues to thrive—not just in appearance, but in heart, health, and happiness.

Our Commitment

At Sweet Tea Doodles, we are proud to hold Platinum Paw Status with the ALAA. Every breeding decision we make is backed by science, ethics, and a deep love for these incredible dogs. Achieving and maintaining this recognition takes more than meeting minimum requirements—it takes passion, discipline, and a breeder’s heart committed to doing things the right way.

When you choose a Platinum Paw puppy, you’re not just getting a dog—you’re getting generations of dedication wrapped in a fluffy, joyful companion who’s ready to be your family’s best friend for years to come.