Is there such a thing as a breeder being "too professional?"

[catherine grose]

I'm on waiting list for a miniature goldendoodle puppy due in July and i am suddenly worried about my choice of breeder. At first i though a professional breeder would be best (and certainly the easiest to find when i began my search online) but now i wonder "Is there such a thing as being too professional?" Does this make them a "puppy farm"? Should i be looking for puppies that are treated like family? He/she will be my very first pet so this question may be a mix of ignorance and last minute nerves.

Any straight talking advice would be appreciated.

[Star and Goldie]

I know that I'm probably in the minority here but I am not opposed to pups being taken care of in a kennel type setting. My breeder was incredibly amazing but unfortunately I can't even put her on the recommended breeders list because the guidelines require that they be raised in a home (I completely disagree with that stopping her from being recommendable btw).

Goldie is the smartest, most well socialized dog I have ever had. Although the breeder did not keep the puppies in her home they were very well taken care of and very well socialized.  She actually follows an early stimulation program that was created by the military and she swears by it. You really can see the results too. She does the complete OFA genetic health testing, has a very well written warranty/contract, is very knowledgeable, had a wonderful facility and still keeps in touch with me to this day.

I do not think that pups being raised in a kennel should be the ultimate deciding factor. It's the big picture, the whole package. If they are just in a kennel and not taken care of then absolutely that's a deciding factor. If they are loved on and socialized even in a kennel setting then that is very important.

My breeders office was inside the kennel too so she was there with them all day. When I picked Goldie up she had 2 pups in her lap at her desk and 4 more on the floor playing. They may have been in a kennel but they were very much attended to.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Your breeder sounds great and not the 'usual' version of what we think of when we say kennel.

[catherine grose]

Wow! i've only been a member of Doodle Kisses for 24 hrs and already i have found it invaluable! Thank you all for your discussion. I look forward to updating with a happy healthy puppy once i have got through the adoption process.

[Agape Essentials]

Hi,

My family has always bought pets from shelters. It's more humane, costs less, and avoids the issues of puppy mills and inbreeding... :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

There are valid reasons that a person would want a dog from a reputable breeder. There are valid reasons that a person wants a dog with a specific pedigree. There are valid reasons a person wants to go to a shelter and rescue whatever dog tugs at their heart. All of the above is valid. Rescue is NOT the only way to go. BTW, I am involved in rescue, and have both rescued dogs and 'bought' dogs.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

For example - families with young kids can't usually adopt if they're adopting for a reputable agency... but they can get a puppy from a breeder!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

We could not adopt a rescue because we use an electric fence-a standard fence is just not feasible for our property.  

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

I agree. We have several dogs that are rescues. We attempted to adopt a doodle from a rescue group - but never had any success, so we purchased our boys from a breeder. I don't think the rescue group liked the fact that we had other dogs and possibly thought that we were too old!  Wish they could see our doodles and dachshunds playing together. It is a hoot!