Help me figure out if this cutie is a goldendoodle please!

[browneyes]

I'm considering this pup and wondering if you have any insight.  We recently tried to rescue a goldendoodle only to figure out that the individual "rescuing" the pups was really running a scam selling maltipoos as goldendoodle puppies.  So, as you can imagine I'm nervous and the seller of this pup isn't really helping. 

 

Here are some pictures.  The seller says she's 8 weeks old and that her sister is the breeder.  She included pics that she says are the parents - a 45 lbs golden mother and a 14 lb poodle father.

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you adopt a puppy mill dog from a shelter, you are not rewarding a puppy miller, or encouraging him to breed more dogs. That's the difference. You are saving a life, not supporting irresponsible breeding. 

[browneyes]

This is very true.  I think most sellers try to suggest that they are doing things the right and ethical way.  I'm not willing to go forward with a seller who cannot introduce me to the parents or provide proof of health clearances.  I think a hobby breeder might be preferable to the large operations but I'd need to have some health testing proof.

 

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

If a breeder does health testing you'll know because they are proud of it and will be very forthcoming with the information. Additionally, you can go on the American Labradoodle Association of America's list of member breeders to find a breeder, they require certain health testing for all members (breeders that do additional testing are marked by silver and gold paws) so it's kind of an easy way to find a breeder that health tests.

http://ilainc.net/guest/MemberBreederList.aspx

Regardless, all dogs have issues. Finding a breeder that health tests is more about supporting responsible breeding than a guarantee of getting a great dog.

[browneyes]

That would help if we wanted a Labradoodle.  Is there a goldendoodle equivalent that someone could point me toward?

[Donna K & Quincy]

http://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/home.aspx

http://goldendoodleassociation.com/dogtrack/guest/memberbreeders.aspx

[browneyes]

Thank you very much!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

you only want a goldendoodle or are you open other poodle mixes?  Most of the time it is almost impossible to tell the difference between a labradoodle and a goldendoodle.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You absolutely should see proof of health testing, and a good breeder will be happy to provide proof. 

You should also meet the parents, and again a good breeder should not have an issue with that. 

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

Karen,

A little unrelated, but just out of curiosity, do you think that it's an issue if you're not able to meet the father because the studs are in a guardian home? Is it appropriate to ask to see the dog anyways?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's pretty common for the father not to be on the premises. In a lot of cases, even the mother hasn't met the father, lol. They do AI with frozen semen, especially when there is a big size disparity between the parents. I would ask, though.

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

Thanks! I was just wondering since I didn't ask but have since wondered if I should have.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I had a friend who showed and bred English Mastiffs (huge dogs) and they used AI for the safety of the female.  I just can't imagine having the job of the person who "collects" the male.  Imagine trying to explain what you do for a living  :)