Decisions, decisions...

[Native New Yorker]

I have narrowed my decision down to Goldendoodles.  I was debating between Cockapoos, Goldendoodles and Cavapoos.  Goldendoodles appear to be more intelligent and seem like they will be a great companion during long walks and when I have an empty nest in two years. I was also told that since I have mild allergies that I would be able to tolerate them better than dogs that are heavier shedders. I am a working mom and I am currently doing research and trying my hardest to find a reputatable breeder.  However, I do not have experience with dogs or selecting breeders.  The few that I've contacted using petfinder.com and a couple of others made me suspicious.  Why do they have so many breeds?  Why can't they communicate via email?  Why are there such a large range of prices? So I will ask you experienced doodle owners...how do I find a reputatable doodle breeder whom I can trust and will not cost me a years tuition?  Regarding doodles, is there a difference in temperament, trainability and appearance between females and males?  Regarding F1b's and F1's is there a difference in grooming, appearance and viger?  When looking at puppies how can I determine what the adult size will be since I do not want a doodle that will grow to be over 55 lbs.  I live in northern NJ.  Help!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Obama Moma, your profile states " I HAVE ALLERGIES"

Please do your research carefully about Doodles and Allergies. Do the research on this site--not from advertisements of doodles for sale. Many doodles are advertised "Hypo-Allergenic" and this is NOT TRUE.

Start another discussion: " Are doodles really hypo allergenic and see what responses you receive" . Good Luck

[Native New Yorker]

Thanks I followed your suggestion.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You did good :)
I will see if I can find a few articles that are on another website. One interesting article made mention that a person was allergic to the dog since it did not shed because--the coat collected dust! Go figure. I'll try to find it and post it in your other discussion. :)

[Native New Yorker]

Thanks.

[BG and Gavin]

Hi OM,
Here is a good site that gives owner recommended breeders of labradoodles and goldendoodles. I know a couple of places in our area listed on this site and they are very reputable. Good luck.
http://www.goldendoodles.com/breeders.htm

[Adina P]

Both this list and other lists of breeders are included in our What To Look for In a Puppy -- (Just FYI...it's totally okay to link to it as you did).

[Lorraine Bromley]

My suggestion is that when and if you do decide to get a puppy, that you do go to see the BREEDER and get a feel for them and how they conduct their business and DO NOT go and get a puppy while investigating these places. Puppies are adorable no matter who bred them and they pull at our heartstrings. Go in to it with the mindset that you are NOT getting a puppy. You ARE CHOOSING A BREEDER. After seeing and evaluating the breeders and narrowing your choices of where you MAY get your puppy that is when you decide When is the best time to bring a puppy into your home, not just when the next litter is. Then you can get help from the breeder on which puppy you will fall in love with. DON'T FALL IN LOVE ON YOUR FIRST DATE!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Wonderful advice, Lorraine. This really says it all. Nobody should make a 15 year decision impulsively.

[Adina P]

AMEN. And also know that the chances you might fall in love are high...so be very RESOLUTE because there isn't a single breeder out there (good, bad, or otherwise) with puppies on the ground that WON'T have a cute pup. They are all cute. But your goal is not to pick the puppy ... as Lorraine Bromley said. Your goal is to pick the breeder. IF you are lucky enough to find a good breeder...then you can always go back later that week to pick the puppy.

[F, Calla & Luca]

All too true. I have puppy fever right now but I'm gardening instead because I do not need another dog! For that matter I have baby fever too. Some things just are not to be but we can enjoy other peoples puppies and babies. A neighbor's nephew, who is two, came to visit my dogs today so I got my fix.

[shelly]

Ut Oh, "F".... Spring is definitely in the air! I have those pangs too, but way too old for a baby!.... LOL... think "pansies... daffodils... tulips - HURRY!
:O)

[Native New Yorker]

I will try to remember your suggestions. However, I am a real sucker for a cute face and if a really cute one runs over to me and gives me a kiss it won't matter how much I'm sneezing, he's mine. That's why my husband has to join me. He's not a sucker.