friend looking for a mini goldendoodle or labradoodle in $500 range...is this possible?

[Michelle]

My B/F is looking for a mini or small medium doodle around $500 does anyone know of
a reputable breeder in this price range?? Thanks!
Michelle

[Adina P]

It's possible but it won't be from a reputable breeder unless by some chance circumstance that breeder has discounted pups TREMENDOUSLY due to some major family illness or other emergency. Regular standard sized doodles are typically $1200-1500...minis cost more. Reasonable or unreasonable that is the going rate for doodles from reputable breeders. And by reputable I mean not just 'good reputation' but ones that actually breed responsibly and can claim the following:

1) ALL breeding dogs have had full health testing (hips, eyes, DNA testing) and can show proof of these tests up front prior to purchase or down payment.
2) Give a minimum of a 2 year health warranty that refunds purchase price should the sold doodle develop a hereditary condition.
3) Will ALWAYS be willing to help to rehome any doodle they have sold if the family is unable to keep it...will even take it back to live with him/her should that be necessary.

So the most realistic answer is NO, your friend will NOT find a mini in that price range...not from breeding done in a way to promote health and good breeding practices. A $500 doodle may come from 'nice' people, but certainly not from "responsible breeder."

Have your friend read this info on finding a responsible breeder: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/what-to-look-for-in-a

[Michelle]

thanks Adina,
I figured as much, I know the ausi multi gen are $2500 which is totally
going rate for our breed. I just wasn't as knowledgable w/ goldendoodles
or f1 doodles. I figured, just thought I'd ask. To me it is totally worth the
money for a pet that will be a member of your family! She has never had
a dog before so she just doesn't understand....ohwell, I tried...thanks :)

Michelle

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I doubt you'd find any puppy of any breed from health tested parents for $500.
It always surprises me that people think nothing of spending thousands of dollars for a TV set or some other electronic device/appliance that is going to last them maybe 5 years, but want to skimp on the cost of a companion animal who will be living in their home with their family for 12-16 years. You're right, the cost of a well-bred dog of any breed is well worth it!

[Adina P]

I agree and yet I don't think they realize that the 'manufacturing' (so to speak) of a healthy dog takes a lot of skill and effort...just like the manufacturing of a quality electronic product, even though they are very different. People, I think, assume that dogs are by default healthy no matter their source, but assume electronics could go bad unless they are a certain brand or have so many star ratings on reviews, etc. That's the thing...you can't read reviews the same way about a breeder that you can about a product. You have to actually understand and know the breeder's PROCESS, rather than just if people were happy with their dogs. It's different than most things. When deciding whether to purchase X brand TV... people review the TV's ratings...NOT the brand's manufacturing details and history, etc.

You really need BOTH when it comes to choosing a breeder: You need to know A) The breeder is following the highest standards of good breeding practice for the 'breed' in question and B) customers are happy. If you go for (B) alone, you can easily get duped into supporting a backyard breeder or puppy mill! After all WHEN do people write their glowing testimonials about their new dog? Within a few months of bringing puppy home! People are most satisfied with what they buy early in the owning experience. They've got a CUTE puppy...wahoo!

Well most hereditary or behavior issues aren't really noticed by owners at that time. They develop later.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think the real difference is that you can't put a puppy on a credit card or get a payment plan. :-)

[Adina P]

Another important difference! Although a lot of breeders take PayPal and paypal I think can be attached to a credit card???

[Paul & Michele]

Maybe try one of the rescue programs or we got Molly from mywhatadoodle.com and Sharon was very good to work with and we couldn't be happier with Molly. Good Luck!!

[Michelle]

I had a talk w/ my friend this morning and told her point blank save some
money and buy a good dog! She can't afford to have a bad experience for
her first dog!! I told her she would end up w/ a puppy mill dog and that freaked
her out. I'll point her in the right direction :) Thanks everyone!