Given that, it can be assumed hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, and a variety of eye issues, none of which are fatal genetic flaws, are not covered in the guarantee. This is not acceptable. As the owner of the puppy, ensure your interests are covered, not just the interests of the breeder.
There are also unscrupulous breeders who charge extra for a health guarantee or for regular veterinary checks. Again, this is not something reputable breeders do, and you, the consumer, need to exercise caution.
Questions to Ask the Breeder
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.
Breeder Research
There are many ways to check out breeders to ensure he/she is honest and producing quality litters.
You can:
• post an inquiry on one of the Goldendoodle forums listed in the Information section;
• search for Goldendoodle groups on social media, and ask for feedback on your list of potential breeders; check with the Better Business Bureau in the breeder’s location; and/or
• ask one of the Goldendoodle rescue organizations—they know who to avoid and who is a good breeder.
What to Expect from a Breeder
Just as you expect to buy a high-quality puppy from a top-notch breeder, the breeder should expect to sell only to a reliable caretaker who will bring the puppy into a loving home. You should feel like you are being interviewed by the breeder for the privilege of taking this puppy home. The breeder should ask very specific questions to learn how you plan to care for the puppy. These questions are your indication the breeder is sincerely concerned about the puppy’s well-being. If the breeder seems more concerned about how you are going to pay for the puppy, then it is likely he/she is in the business for the wrong reasons.
When visiting, the breeder should require you to remove your shoes and thoroughly wash your hands before seeing and handling the puppies. The breeder should insist the puppy not leave her mother before eight weeks. It is important for the puppy to be close to her mother and littermates from ages four to eight weeks. She is learning how to interact, and if she’s deprived of this essential developmental period, she could develop behavioral problems. Socialization with other people and animals should take place between six and twelve weeks of age.
When touring the breeder’s home, pay attention. The environment should be clean and safe. Ask to see where the puppies sleep and play. Puppies should not be allowed outdoors until they are fully vaccinated.
The puppies should be clean and well fed but not fat, healthy, energetic, and social. If the puppies are dirty and foul smelling or have glassy eyes or runny noses, you should be apprehensive. And don’t forget to check the cleanliness of the ears and the rectal area.
What to Expect on a Puppy Application
Expect to fill out a puppy application before purchasing your Goldendoodle. This form collects information about you and your family’s desire for the puppy. Some potential questions are: Why do you want a Goldendoodle? Have you ever owned or trained a dog before? Where will your puppy sleep? How many hours will she be left alone each day? What will you feed her?
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