Goldendoodles are lively, affectionate, and excellent companions to any household. Check out our guide on how to find a good Goldendoodle breeder if you’re ready to welcome a fluffy ball of joy into your life.
Below, we’ll go over where you can find your future best friend as well as some key strategies for finding a reputable source. Not all these breeders are created the same. So make sure to have all the facts before acquiring your puppy.
How To Get Your Goldendoodle
Before seeking out a breeder, make sure you consider all you can bring your furry companion home.
Rescue Organization
Rescue groups are similar to shelters in that they take in neglected or unwanted animals, usually privately funded rescue organizations. Unlike shelters, rescue organizations are breed-specific. For example, you could find a rescue group that specializes in Goldendoodles or Poodle/Retriever mixes.
Shelter
Shelters are usually state-funded organizations that take in all types of breeds, including Goldendoodles. Though this search might be a bit more challenging, you can certainly adopt a Goldendoodle from a shelter in time.
Breeder
Good breeders are experienced pup professionals who understand the breed history, temperament, and, most importantly, how important it is to breed puppies responsibly. A good breeder looks into the genetics and family history of each parent to reduce the likelihood of common diseases and disorders down the line.
Avoiding Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities that do not adequately respect the responsibilities of breeders. Puppies are often kept in very close quarters, often in cages until they’re shipped out to pet stores or sold directly to owners.
These organizations do not take breed health into account, and frequently puppies coming from mills are stunted either physically or emotionally due to lack of vital socialization.
Make sure you avoid puppy mills at all costs. Below we’ll go over some of the critical warning signs of puppy mills so that you can stay ready and alert.
What To Look For In A Goldendoodle Breeder
So, what exactly makes a good breeder? Here are a couple of things a great breeder will do.
Open To Visitation:
Reputable breeders will be willing to let you meet the parents and potentially the litter before your puppy is ready to go home. If you have the opportunity to do so, this is an excellent idea as you’ll be able to see where your puppy will be initially raised truly.
Prioritizes Socialization:
A dog’s first months of life are critical socialization periods. Make sure your breeder is taking the steps necessary to make sure that the litter is exposed to a variety of stimuli before they come home.
One Litter At A Time:
Since reputable breeders prioritize the health of puppies and pup parents, they’re likely to have only one litter available at one time. This is why it’s pretty common to be put on a puppy waiting list for logistical reasons.
Extensive Breed Knowledge:
Breeders should have extensive knowledge about their breeds. They should be able to tell you about specific Goldendoodle needs, as well as common health problems that the breed may be naturally predisposed to.
Works with Veterinarians:
Good breeders make a point to work with their local veterinarians to make sure that their puppies are in satisfactory health and are adequately vaccinated.
Practices Responsible Mating:
Often, breeders will make sure that their puppy parents undergo a health check before breeding. This lessens the likelihood of genetic diseases or disorders. Moreover, good breeders will make sure that dams have adequate space in between puppies.
Provides References:
Some breeders will even provide past clients’ references so that you can reach out about past puppies. This can be a great way to get an idea of what you can expect from your future puppy.
Provides Documentation and a Guarantee:
Breeders should provide necessary documentation and certification of their dogs if applicable. Most breeders have a contract to keep your puppy protected.
Answers Any And All Questions:Y
our breeder should be happy to answer any questions regarding your Goldendoodle. After all, getting a puppy from a complete stranger can be extremely stressful. Make sure your breeder also provides you with a regular photo or video updates. This to keep you in the loop about your future pooch.
Prepare To Wait
Another critical aspect of good breeders is that it’s unlikely that there will always be litter readily available. This is because responsible breeders follow the natural flow of the mating season. So pups are usually available around spring and fall.
In addition, puppy parents need a break in between having litters. Therefore, it’s common to place on a waiting list when seeking out an in-demand breed like a Goldendoodle.
Moreover, keep in mind that even once a litter is born, you’ll still have to wait at least 8 weeks before you get your puppy. Puppies need to be with their parents during this time for critical socialization.
Typical Cost of A Goldendoodle Puppy
The price of a Goldendoodle varies greatly depending on where you get your puppy. Generally, rescue and shelter organizations are going to be a lot cheaper initially— Usually less than $1000.
However, it’s important to note that dogs from these organizations might be more prone to facing health issues down the line. This doesn’t make shelter or rescue puppies any less desirable, but just take into account that just because you’re paying less initially, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re saving money in the long run.
Puppies can be incredibly expensive, though it’s not without good reason. Keep in mind that responsible breeders need compensation for their preemptive health checks, care, and initial 8+ weeks of caring for a litter as needed.
In general, the average cost of a Goldendoodle puppy is somewhere around the 2000-3000 dollar range. Most of the time, a miniature or toy Goldendoodle puppy will cost more initially. However, keep in mind that bigger breeds are generally more expensive in the long run.
Questions To Ask Your Breeder
Here are some general questions you should ask your breeder before putting down a deposit. This will make sure that they’re a good fit for your family.
- Can I meet my puppy’s parents?
- How long have you been breeding?
- Why do you breed Goldendoodles over other breeds?
- Have the parents had health tests?
- What food do you give the puppies?
- How do you socialize your litters?
- How do you manage vaccinations?
- At what age can I pick up my puppy?
- How can I best prepare for a Goldendoodle puppy?
Understanding Puppy Warranties
Reputable breeders will usually have some sort of contract for you to sign upon receiving your puppy. This agreement includes that if your puppy needs to go back to the breeder, he or she can go back to the breeder within the first two years.
Breeders should also provide health papers as needed. They also will request occasional updates during the puppy’s first couple of years. This is so that he gets proper care.
Puppy Mill Warning Signs
There are some red flag warning signs to look out for when finding your Goldendoodle breeder. So you don’t accidentally get one from a mill.
- You’re not able to meet the puppy’s parents
- The breeder asks you to meet somewhere other than the puppy’s original home
- A Breeder offers multiple breeds of puppy at once
- Breeder continually has access to a litter
- Puppies or parent dogs not vaccinated
- Doesn’t require a contract to get a puppy
- Requests to send a puppy home earlier than 8 weeks old
Some of these qualities don’t necessarily guarantee that your potential breeder runs a puppy mill. It’s best to steer clear of these red flags as much as possible.
Preparing With Your Family
Bringing home, your Goldendoodle, is a huge adjustment for your puppy and your family, before bringing home you furry BFF. Make sure everyone is clear about properly handling the responsibilities that come with having a Goldendoodle.
Puppies require constant supervision, so you may need to plan to take some time off of work preemptively if necessary. Moreover, here are some basic supplies you should have awaiting your puppy’s arrival:
- Crate
- Potty Pads
- Training Treats
- Food: Make sure you have some of your breeder’s brand of food to transition your puppy properly to a new diet.
- Grooming Supplies
- Harness
- Leash
- Teething Toys
- Dog Bed
Waiting For A Quality Breeder Is Worth It
Waiting for your furry best friend to come home requires a considerable amount of patience. After all, who wouldn’t want to start building a relationship with a loving Goldendoodle as soon as possible?
However, know that waiting for a quality Goldendoodle breeder is well worth your time. Trained breeders ensure that your pooch has a long, happy life full of meaningful memories. Enjoy the process of finding your fluffy forever friend.
Below is aPinterestfriendly photo…. so you can pin it to yourDoodle Board!!
