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Make sure to be well prepared with a list of questions when visiting or talking to Goldendoodle breeders. Here is a list of questions the breeder should be happy to answer for you. If he/she is not cooperative or acts annoyed, this is not the breeder for you.

A good breeder wants you to ask questions and delights in sharing his/her knowledge and enthusiasm for Goldendoodles.

Why are you selling the puppies?

The breeder’s response will give you a, good idea if he/she is breeding for the love of Goldendoodles or just trying to get rich off a high-demand dog.

Are Tested Puppies Always Perfect?

Will a puppy coming from fully tested, registered parents cost more than a puppy coming from untested parents? Probably, and reasonably so. Testing is expensive. Comprehensive genetic health testing can cost thousands of dollars per breeding dog. Add to that the cost for genetic testing for coat, color, and furnishings, and the breeder has a significant investment in his/her breeding dogs. It comes down to the critical difference between price and cost, The monetary price of a puppy from untested parents may be cheaper; however, the long-term cost, both financial and emotional, of living with a chronically ill, disabled, or ill-tempered Goldendoodle is far higher than the price difference between the puppies of tested and untested parents. Think long and hard before you decide on your breeder and puppy.

How many breeding dogs do you own? How many litters per year do the females have and at what ages do they begin and end breeding?

Note: Breeding dogs should not be bred before two years of age because their hips cannot be accurately scored until that, time. Females should not be bred past the age of seven.

What health testing is done on your breeding dogs? Are the results of the tests registered and posted online so I can access them?

How are the puppies socialized? Specifically, are they expoad to people, both adults and children, and other animals? How often are the puppies in social situations?

Are you working on early mental stimulatlon using problem solving toys, activities, or a puppy-sized playground?

What are prominent characteristics of the Goldendoodle temperament? What are the exercise requirements? Is it difficult to care for the Goldendoodle coat?

Ask many specific questions about the Goldendoodle breed, even if you already know the answers. This exercise will indicate how well he/she knows the breed.

Do you have any references?

If the breeder does not encourage or allow you to talk to previous customers, be concerned. Be sure to get several references and call or e-mail all of them.

What do you do if the puppy doesn’t work in the new home? How involved are you in helping owners solve problems? Do you take dogs back with no questions asked? Do you refer to a rescue and rehome organization? Are you involved in GD rescue?

A breeder should be willing to work with a family to rehome a puppy that does not work out for them, particularly if the issue is related to allergies. If the issue is behavioral, the breeder should work with the family to find solutions. A breeder who is being asked to take a puppy back has every right to ask questions. He/she needs to understand the circumstances and how they may impact the next owner. If you are surrendering a puppy back to a breeder for something other than what is covered by your contract, do not have any expectation of a refund.