Looking for a new addition!

[Kristine]

Hi guys,
I'm brand new here. I'm here trying to gain some insight as I look for a new addition for my parents.
Mom still works, but dad just retired- they are both so active and with my brother and I grown and out of the house- they've decided it's time to get a little guy. After ton's of research, it's been decided that a doodle is the right dog for them.
I'm living in Boston, they are in NY- so I'm hoping to find a reputable breeder somewhere in the Northeast.
Any suggestions?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read. Any info. you can provide would be a huge help. It's difficult to fish through the many websites and figure out which breeders are breeding healthy happy dogs, and which ones are trying to just make money.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Kristine:
I suggest you check out the group "Owner Recommended Breeders", as well as "Labradoodle Puppies For Sale" and "Goldendoodle puppies For Sale"...all three of these groups are listed prominently along the left-hand side of the Doodle Kisses Home Page. These would be the best place to do your research.

[Kristine]

Many thanks! Sorry I missed it, I'm sure you get these posts all the time clogging up the forum.
I appreciate the note. Gotta get myself better aquainted with the site : )

[1qrgkdwnfqccb]

welcome!!
ans don't be afraid to ask questions!! everyone is sooo helpful here, and there is no dumb doodle question!!!! there are sooo many knowledgeable members here!! someone will point you in the direction! good luck!!

[Adina P]

OK here is what I wrote to somebody else and I'm essentially copying and pasting it to you:

First, most first generation goldendoodles (F1) shed less than golden retrievers. But many will still shed some--it's not always possible to tell for sure. If shedding is a really big deal, then I would suggest on F1 B goldendoodle (which is 75% poodle). The other thing to keep in mind is that the more poodle the more intense grooming requirements the dogs will have. So it's often a bit of a tossup. If you want to really low shed be prepared for frequent brushing and detangling, etc--possibly going to the groomer several times a year. On the other hand, those that shed a bit more are little bit more "wash and wear."

Now as far as finding a good breeder goes... I think the most important things to start with are concrete facts:

--what kind of health testing does the breeder do on the parent dogs? At a bare minimum you should look for hip clearances (OFA or PennHIP), eye clearances (yearly CERF or PRA which is a genetic test and only needs to be done once), and VWD clearance (VWD is a bleeding disorder found in poodles that is similar to hemophilia in people). Ask for proof of all of this testing. Everybody nowadays can either scan or fax documents easily so there's not much excuse for a breeder not to share this information with you. The only good excuse I've ever heard was fear that a snobby pure breed breeder would give them trouble--this kind of stuff does happen now and then.

--what kind of health guarantee does the breeder provide to you? It should be a guarantee for at least two years (because a lot of hereditary conditions can take that long to show up--anything less than two years is a cop out from a breeder who is not confident in her puppies). The contract for the guarantee should also specify that if your puppy develops certain conditions in that timeframe you will get monetary reimbursement. Avoid any breeder that will simply give you a "replacement puppy"--if your puppy ends up with hip dysplasia or some other condition that requires treatment the last thing you need is another puppy to worry about. Also avoid any breeder that requires you to return your puppy in order to get reimbursement. Even a puppy with a medical condition is your puppy and you'll probably love it unconditionally.

Once you find some breeders that have the above in place, then I would suggest you talk with the breeders extensively and get referrals so you can speak with people who have gotten puppies from those breeders--preferably those who have actually been to the breeder's home. Now and then, there are puppy mills with beautiful websites that can fool even those who do their best to research. If you can visit the home of those breeders that would be ideal. Then you can meet the mom and maybe even the dad of the litter in question. Your puppy's temperament will be heavily influenced by its parents' temperament. However, due to time, distance and money it isn't always possible to visit all potentially good breeders. That is where references come into play--particularly references from people who have been to the breeder's home.

On doodlekisses.com we have a goldendoodle puppies for sale group and a labradoodle puppies for sale group where breeders are allowed to advertise their puppies--I do not do background checks on the breeders to advertise so "Buyer Beware" still applies. However, in order for breeders to advertise there they do have to answer Yes or NO to a list of health testing questions and a few other items.

Another two sites to look up breeders who health test:
http://www.goldendoodle-labradoodle.org/Goldendoodle_Labradoodle_Pr...
and Goldendoodles.com

Of course none of these sites can guarantee a breeder to be wholly reputable...again "Buyer Beware" but these lists do give you a GREAT place to start researching.

Hope that Helped!!!!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Actually if you select a breeder who is a member of the ALAA (Australian Labradoodle Association of America), you can be assured that they perform health testing. This association does not allow memberships to breeders who do not test, they do yearly audits to collect testing data. I would however select a breeder who has a PAW level, this indicates that they are going above and beyond to ensure the health of their dogs by doing all of the required testing not just the suggested testing. The members who have PAWS do have stricter health standards and are monitored by not only the Audit Committee but also the PAWS Committee to ensure testing.

[Adina P]

Does the ALAA recognize goldendoodle and non Australian labradoodle breeders?

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

We do not recognize the Goldendoodle but we do recognize early generation Labradoodles also known as the American Labradoodle (Lab Poodle crosses and back crosses). There is a new association forming for the Goldendoodle. I assume high health standards will be set for the members.

[April Cliber]

Yes! GANA (Goldendoodle Association of North America) has set the bar high. We aren't able to accept membership quite yet, but shortly after the new year. Anyone interested can see the code of ethics and testing requirements on the website. www.goldendoodleassociation.com The website is still a work in progress and the software will be ready to add very soon. The Woods are creating it, so it will be similar to the ALAA's.

[Kristine]

Wow, thank you thank you thank you!

I really appreciate you all taking the time to respond. That info. is HUGE- especially the explanation of all the acronyms I've come across. I went through this process a couple years ago when I was getting my own dog (French Bulldog) and although I was aware of the drastic and obvious differences of the 2 breeds, thought I at least had a leg up since I've dealt with the 'industry'. Wrong. I feel just as new to the game as I did when I began my long search for my frenchie. With that said, I truly appreciate all the info. you have provided.

Many thanks!
Kristine