Breeder feedback from the DK community

[Ben]

Has anyone adopted a goldendoodle from Baylake Doodles in Florida?

I've read through their website and compared it against the DK good breeders guide. All seems to be in order but I'm curious if anyone else might recognize any concerns or red flags.

Thanks!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We are not supposed to make recommendations and name our breeders in the forum area - so someone may see this and contact you privately if they got their doodle from Baylake Doodles.

You should check out our group "Owner Recommended Breeders" and see if any are around you:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/ownerrecommendedbreeders/forum

For what it is worth, I did check their website and something that concerns me is that I didn't see that they offer proof of health testing on their parents - did you check into that?
Also, they offer a 2-year health guarantee, but would require you to return your pup in exchange for a new one. They should be offering you monetary compensation - as if you would return your dog at that point!

[Ben]

Thanks so much for your response, which really makes me appreciate joining this community!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I was also concerned that they would require you to return the dog. To me that is just a cop out to not compensate you.

[Ben]

I just got a curt response from the breeder. I think I'll take my business elsewhere.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good idea! Check our Owner Recommended Breeders Group, everyone listed there does health testing and you have other owners here on DK who can share their experiences with you.

[Adina P]

The group is under reconstruction so use the link given you above to see ALL the recommendations.  If you go to the front page of the group you won't see the full list.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I saw that Adina - it will be very, very nice when they are separated by state. That will be so helpful.

[Ben]

Members,

I'm close to selecting a breeder but have seen variations in the contracts. Some breeders' 24-month guarantees against debilitating genetic defects don't always indicate a purchaser's option to return the puppy and get a refund. Instead, the "breeder" is willing to pay for the vet bills incurred in connection with the treatment of the defect up to the price of the puppy.

Is this reason for concern?

[Amanda and Quinn]

I'm no expert, but I would pick a breeder who offers a refund. We got our dog from a great breeder, but for whatever reason, he's had some serious health problems. We were offered a refund OR the option to take him back to her as soon as she found out, no questions asked. We didn't take her up on either, but it was nice to hear regardless. I think the whole vet bill thing adds an unnecessary step.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I agree with Amanda. I would go with refund - most breeders should offer at least 1/2 of the purchase price and allow you to keep your dog.

[Adina P]

A good breeder would be willing to take the dog back for any reason but would never require it's return in order to make good on a refund.  Most people do NOT want to have to return a dog they love regardless of it's illness.  

[Ben]

thanks, amanda and allyson. i've asked the breeders if they'd consider amending the contract to include the optional refund clause. my short list of qualified breeders is getting slimmer but i think it's a good guarantee to have!