Looking to get a Goldendoodle in Boston

[Lan]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are looking to become first time dog owners.  My wife is all about golden retrievers but I'm super concerned about the shedding (we visited a breeder and left with my jeans caked in dog hair).  I'm trying to make a push for getting a goldendoodle instead but am having some trouble locating good breeders in the New England area.  Wanted to see if I could get help with the following:

1. Any recommendations for good breeders within driving distance of Boston?  I think I saw that the forum rules don't allow for breeder referrals publicly, but let me know if you know a breeder and I'll direct message you.

2. My wife is very particular about the look of the dog.  If we're trying to go for the classic "teddy bear" look, is getting an F1 our best bet or would F1B be better?

3. In general, how was the behavior of your doodle as a puppy and how easy/hard was it train him/her?  Letting you guys in on a little secret, I'm actually afraid of dogs (was bitten by one as a boy) and am nervous about puppy mouthiness.  Any of you have experience with a spouse who was nervous about getting a dog but then came around (or not)?

Thanks for all your help and look forward to hopefully joining the doodle owner community!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The OP mentioned it himself, in item #1 in the post, lol.
"1. Any recommendations for good breeders within driving distance of Boston? I think I saw that the forum rules don't allow for breeder referrals publicly, but let me know if you know a breeder and I'll direct message you."

[Lan]

Thanks, Ginny.  Accepted and sent you a message.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Read this:  http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/considering-a-doodle-crowd...   

Doodles are active dogs and perhaps not for a first time owner who has some dog fears.  Perhaps you might research calmer dog breeds before choosing a breed. 

If you really want the curly dog look, I'd go for a standard poodle from a reputable breeder, easier to find, for sure non-shedding. and while active, they are not puppy retreiver crazy.   If you are looking for a smaller dog, perhaps, a Bichon or Havanese? Just my opinion.    Whatever you do, use the guide to choose a breeder.  The better bred your dog, the better chance of getting one that has been bred for temperament. http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

[Lan]

Thanks for the suggestions, Nancy.  My wife is pretty set on a larger dog though, and she's going to be the main caretaker.  Definitely will be very careful in choosing our breeder and hopefully we can get a dog with a relatively calmer temperament.

[Nancy]

Lan ~ I  have sent you a friend request as well.   I live about 45 miles west of Boston and have 2 ALD's and could recommend a wonderful breeder in Rhode Island 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Have you considered a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle (ALD)?  I think they are more predictable in looks and temperament to their parents.  They are the  most expensive of the poodle mixes.  This is only my opinion.  Whatever you choose, really pay attention to the quality of the breeder.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I wanted to add that my son-in-law did not want a dog. I know my headstrong daughter and I told him to start picking out names because they would be getting a dog. They now have two French Bulldogs. Turns out my son-in-law loves those dogs and is great with my two Doodles...despite the fact that my dogs weigh 110 pounds and 50 pounds and are MUCH bigger than their two dogs. Puppies are a lot of work and my two dogs still need two walks a day and they are seven and eight, but my life would be so lonely without them. Lastly, my youngest daughter was petrified of dogs until we got our first dog...which was a Chocolate Lab named Hershey. Hershey was so good for my daughter and will forever be her heart dog. Good luck in your search.