Looking for recommendations around KC area.

[Valery]

I am searching for a Goldendoodle breeder. If anyone has any suggestions on breeders near KC, please message me. I know you can't post it on the main forum, but I don't see any breeders listed under the recommend breeders by state on here. Leaning more towards a medium sized Goldendoodle. Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Valery,

If you have not already read our wonderful guideline What to Look for in a Breeder, please do and take it to heart. You can use it as a checklist for any breeder you consider, and run from anyone who doesn't measure up. 

A good place to start your search would be the GANA website, where at least you are assured that all of the breeders have done all of the recommended genetic health testing on their breeding dogs, and follow other good practices: http://goldendoodleassociation.com/dogtrack/guest/memberbreeders.aspx

[Valery]

Thank you. I have looked at this site too. Still no breeders listed in Kansas or Missouri. I have found 2 in MO and 1 in KS that seem good. Hoping to connect with some people who can give me their recommendations. It definitely has been difficult and time consuming to search online and weed out the "undesirable" breeders. I was hoping to not have to get a new puppy far from home, but looking like I might have to start researching out more. Funny thing is, out of 3 people over the past month that I have met with a new GD puppy, only one would tell me where they got theirs. Sad that the others were reluctant to share.....I guess I could assume they didn't come from a responsible breeder. I wouldn't hesitate sharing if I knew I was getting a puppy from a good breeder.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Since it looks like you have young children, it will be especially important for you to find a breeder who "does it right" and focuses on health and temperament when choosing breeding dogs. It may be worth traveling a bit to find the right fit for your family. 

[Valery]

Yes very important. One thing I like is that breeders are doing temperament testing. That is not something our previous breeder did when we got our Cavapoo. I know it can vary and a lot is based on parents too, but I like that at least they try to determine a good fit. I love the temperament of the Goldendoodles in general! And they look like big versions of my Cavapoo. Excited to get one!

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

What about ordering one from OOS and either having it fly in or drive out to pick it up ?  I had mine from in from the Midwest to the NYC area. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What is OOS?

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

Out Of State.....sorry.  LOL

[Valery]

Yes we can do that. And I might have to since there are not very many breeders near by us. I would just prefer not to have one flown in. I feel like that would be stressful for a puppy. Though I know people do it all the time. :) 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are quite a few good breeders who will not ship puppies, for several reasons, stress being one of them. I personally would want to meet any dog who was going to be sharing my home and my life for the next 15 years beforehand; I would want to meet the parents, too. 

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

I don't think a 1-time plane ride is going to be too stressful for a puppy.  It's not something you're asking him/her to do every few days.

I get meeting the puppy and the parents.  Because of logistics, I couldn't do that with my breeder.  I saw pictures she sent me plus posted on their website and when Choosing Time came, we did a quick video hook-up.

Teddy's crate was a bit soiled but he was SO happy to see him when I picked him up at the airport.  I have videos from that 1st day; can't believe how small he was !  Barely bigger than my Size 7 sneaker !!  LOL

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Each of us has his own feelings about shipping pups. Lots of people do it.  I personally don't feel that conveyor belts, luggage carts, deafening noise, and everything else that goes with being shipped via air cargo is the kindest, most comfortable way for a puppy to start his new life. Leaving his mother, his litter and the only home he's ever known is traumatic enough. The trip home together has been a great bonding experience for me with all of the dogs I've owned, and I wouldn't do it any other way.  

Many people fly to pick up their pups if they are coming from a distance, and that way, they can be with you in the passenger compartment instead of the cargo hold, with you there to comfort them. 

We've had many discussions here about the hazards that can occur when pups are shipped via cargo. Some have gotten lost, flights have been delayed, etc. I just wouldn't risk that. I'm glad it worked out for you. 

[Stacy]

I am in Kansas City! And I wish I had done things differently for so many reasons. I would love to meet up and talk with you if it's possible. It's really hard, because there aren't a lot of good breeders around here. And a dog is a 15 year + committment. I wish I had done things differently for so many reasons. You see this sweet little puppy and it's all over. You want the puppy. You  need the puppy. You have to have the puppy right this very moment. And don't get me wrong, you *love* this puppy. But this puppy is going to need more care than you've ever imagined. What happens when this puppy is impossible to potty train?? What happens when the dog has seasonal allergies or luxating patellas or hip dysplasia or Progessional retinal atrophy. Or any number of genetic disorders. Are you ready to live with that dog?I messed up, in a thousand different ways. But at the  very least I can tell you how and why I messed up. I have two of the most wonderful dogs in the entire univverse, but if I had it to do again, I would do it differently. And I think that my dogs wouold benefit from that.