Independent home breeders

[Suzey]

Looking for advice because we just walked away from a breeder that didn't seem right; not letting us view the pups beforehand, etc. Anyway, maybe I'm just a little nervous but found a guy who bred his golden with his brothers poodle. Has done this for years with several pets over the years. His mother bred goldens, seems to be very knowledgable on all this, etc. He's letting me go view them tomorrow, So that's good. I would like to hear your thoughts, what to look for, ask, etc. I just want to do the right thing and don't want to lose any more deposits. Thanks!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Read this link and you should be good to go.  

http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you have not read What To Look For In a Breeder, please read it and take it to heart. It may save you and some innocent dog a lot of pain and heartache down the line. These are the minimum standards you must require, if anyone cannot meet them 100%, walk away. 

The single most important factor in choosing a breeder is that they do thorough genetic testing on the parents. This is way more than going to the vet for check-ups. The breeding dogs need to have genetic testing on hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and for von Willebrand's disease in Goldendoodles. Most people who breed their pet dogs to their friends' or relatives' dogs do not go to the trouble and expense of having this important testing done. Anyone who does will have proof as well as results to show you. 

There are enough sick dogs in the world, doodles included, and no reason to breed any dog unless there is proof that it has excellent genetics and skeletal structure as well as temperament. 

In the event that you choose to purchase a puppy from untested parents, be sure to get pet insurance. You really should get it anyway, as there are no guarantees even with pups from tested parents. But your odds are sure a lot better.

[Suzey]

Wonderful link, thank for your help.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If the man does all the health testing on both parents (this is NOT what AKC registration means) etc, meets the criteria in the What to look for in a breeder article, then he is what is called a hobby breeder and there is nothing wrong with that. However, it 'sounds' to me like he is simply capitalizing on the popularity of doodles rather than breeding responsibly as a hobbyist.