Getting a healthy, well-bred Goldendoodle that LOOKS LIKE a Goldendoodle is what every pet parent wants when they purchase one for their family.  However, there are people out there looking to make a quick buck, and they’ll breed just about anything and call it a “Goldendoodle”. 

It’s sad to see Pet Parents get ripped off. 

Check out my post on → 6 Ways to not get ripped off by a breeder

However, it’s up to you to shop responsibly.  And to make sure you do tons of research before you purchase your Goldendoodle.  That way you can get the best dog for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. And help lower the amount of poorly bred, over-bred, pupply mill, back yard bred, flipped dogs in the world. 

It’s best to breed responsibly and buy responsibly. Period. 

Here are the best ways to shop for a Goldendoodle responsibly: 

Know exactly what a Goldendoodle should look like

If you are unsure of what a Goldendoodle should look like, please take time to look at pictures on Pinterest, Instagram → Check out my Instagram account, Goldendoodle Breeder Pages → Safari Doodles is a great breeder in Texas

Far too often I witness Goldendoodle pet parents who feel awful because they spent $2,000 for a dog that looks nothing like a Goldendoodle.  I have seen a miniature golden retriever, small bichon, long-bodied Goldendoodles that look as if they have Basset Hound in them.  I have seen it all! 

Buy from a breeder with a good reputation

Since Goldendoodles are in such high demand, there are so many people who are “flipping” shelter dogs.  These flippers basically go to shelters and find “poodle-like” dogs.  They turn around and sell them for a high profit, and if you aren’t aware that they’re doing this, you could basically be under the impression that you have a Goldendoodle, but in reality, you have a hienz-57.  

Flippers are bad because if a pet parent finds out, after their dog grows older, that it’s not the dog they want, they will return the dog to the pound.  Because usually, the flippers go missing when the pet parents have questions about their dog.  They move on to a different Alias and make money ripping off another pet parent, and you’re left with a dog that doesn’t resemble anything close to a Goldendoodle.   

Don’t buy without seeing the parents first, pictures don’t count 

PICTURES DO NOT COUNT WHEN PURCHASING A DOG! A dog is a major purchase and a family member.  I know I for one would NEVER purchase a car without taking a test drive first. I would like to see the car, check out the interior, know what’s under the hood. The same goes for purchasing a dog. Make sure the parents check out. Are they friendly or aggressive? Aggression can pass through a bloodline. Do the parents look like littermates? Are they littermates? Many people breed brother and sister and even mother and son. This can lead to many behavioral and health complications later on in life—problems that can cause high vet bills and can’t be fixed with training.

If you have a bad feeling, don’t make the purchase

Period.  Pretty Simple.  No explanation needed. 

Don’t buy cheap 

PLEASE DO NOT BUY A DOG FROM A PARKING LOT.  

PLEASE DO NOT BUY FROM A FAMILY MEMBER TRYING TO “GET RID” OF THE PUPPIES

PLEASE DO NOT BUY FROM A SITE THIS IS NOT A FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER

DO NOT BUY CHEAP BECAUSE, WELL, IT’S “CHEAPER”– remember, you get what you pay for and if you buy cheap you are encouraging back yard breeders. 

Get Proper Recommendations-Texas Doodle Education Facebook Group

Getting a recommendation from a person who has happily purchased a well-bred is the best when it comes to buying a dog.  I am always asked for who I’d recommend from clients daily. And every time, those who have purchased Doodle’s from who I recommend are happy and impressed with the breeder I recommended.  

You can check Facebook groups, friends, family, or even your local groomer. 

One of my favorite dog facebook groups for doodle parents is the Texas Doodle Education Facebook Group

Once again, PLEASE SHOP RESPONSIBLY

I ask that you please shop responsibly and do what’s best for your future goldendoodle puppy and for the future of all puppies. Purchasing responsibly reduces the amount of bad breeders, puppy mills, and questionable breeding tactics brought on by breeders who don’t genetic test or actually love and connect with the dogs they breed.

With Love

-Tina

P.S. Find me on Instagram, Pinterest, or even Youtube for more tips and tricks!