Reputable breeder?

[Mindy and Tim and Cody]

We have reserved a goldendoodle puppy and will be visiting the breeder for the first time next week, to pick out our puppy.  I just found this website and was wondering if anyone else had obtained a goldendoodle from "Gail's Labradoodles" in Templeton, California, and if so, what your experience was like.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Mindy and Tim,
Our Doodle Kisses Guidelines prohibit anyone giving breeder recommendations here in the open forum, so if someone did have a positive experience with this breeder, they really aren't permitted to say so here in this discussion. And it's very awkward for anyone to post a negative comment about a specific breeder, here, because many breeders are also members here on DK.
Testimonials from individuals are not all that helpful anyway, as most people are defensive about their choices; and since genetic illnesses may not show up in dogs until they are two or three years old, the fact that so-and-so's dog is cute and the breeder is nice really doesn't mean much.
Here is a link to an article written by our website administrator and creator, Adina Pearson, which is the best guideline you could have for determining if a breeder is reputable/responsible. Use it as a checklist for any breeder you are considering, and if they don't match up in every way, look elsewhere:
What to Look For in a Breeder

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

There is a group here called "Owner recommended breeders". You can find them under the Groups tab; however, I didn't see any listed in CA that have been added. I suspect that it's not a widely utilized group.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

The group creator is still updating the list so it sorts by state - if you view under "discussions" you can see many more than just the ones listed by state.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The group is under reconstruction right now; only owners who have visited the breeder's premises in person are allowed to recommend them, so many people who are satisfied with their breeders but had their dogs shipped can't make recommendations there. All breeders listed also have to meet the guidelines, i.e. health testing, acceptable warranties, etc.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

I am working on updating the list by state, you can scroll down and see each breeder but they are only listed by name at the moment. I hope to have the time consuming task done tonight.

[Adina P]

Hi Mindy & Tim: Although recommendations can't be given except in the group stated above, it IS okay to ask because otherwise nobody could even talk to you privately. DO give the article Karen linked you to a thorough reading. Do ask about the health testing mentioned and more.