How to pick a Doodle?

[Karin and Cooper]

We are looking to get a Mini F1 English Goldendoodle from a breeder. We would be the 9th pick out of 10-11 puppies (she is due this week :)). Is this a good thing or bad thing? How do you choose, any suggestions?

Thanks!

[susan kaput]

Hi Karin. It could go either way. I had 3rd pick for my mini goldendoodle at the Paw Pad in IL. The breeder knew what I wanted in a dog, personality-wise, and she worked with me; at about 6 wks old I picked a certain puppy, then a week later she informed that that particular puppy was a yapper and a little terror - not for me! She suggested another she thought would be better for me and she was right on the mark; she couldn't have picked a better dog for me (we did it long distance; I'm in Mass.). If it works out that the characteristics you want in a dog happen to be in one of the dogs that are left for you to choose from, it'll be fine. If not, perhaps you should wait or try another breeder. In any case, consistency of training and spending lots of time with your puppy are the key things in raising a good dog, no matter what its basic personality. Good luck to you.

[Maria & Sammy]

Hi Karin:

I too was way down the list when the litter arrived. I knew I wanted a male but how to pick from there was very difficult. My breeder was great on describing the personality traits of each puppy so sight-unseen I went with her recommendation.

Sammy is 18 months old and absolutely the personality she described. He's lovable, really bright and very loyal. She was right on the money. He was the 4th male born from his litter.

A good breeder should be able to give you good direction as to their behavior and how they scored on their puppy test. The puppy test is a pretty reliable indicator.

Either way, I'm sure your baby will be wonderful.

[Adina P]

I agree with the rest that you should be okay. It looks like Almond Blossom does temperament testing and that's wonderful.

I had first pick out of a litter of 4...so I was lucky. However, Rosco's breeder did temperament testing and helped me choose (without meeting the pups first...too far a drive to visit before pick up) based on what MY needs/wants were and what the puppies were like.

I would trust a good breeder to even choose FOR me as the breeder, if a good one, knows the puppies FAR better than you could by spending an hour with them. Temperament testing doesn't tell you exactly what your pup will be like--but it gives you a pretty good indicator. I originally wanted a cream female. But the only cream female happened to be the shyest--something I did NOT want. So I chose the HUGE red male because he was tested as quite mellow yet confident. Rosco is exactly what I wanted in personality--and he happens to be gorgeous too =)

So I wouldn't worry -- there will be lots to choose from. Go with personality above looks though and you won't regret it!

[Karin and Cooper]

Thanks to all of you for your very helpful responses! I really appreciate the time you took to relay your experiences. You have convinced me that all will be OK :)

Thank you again!

[Jackie]

Karin, I have an english mini goldendoodle.I love him. He's a sweetie. I got Beckett from the Paw Pad too. The breeder worked with me when it came time to pick a pup. I had first pick of a male. I really think you'll be fine. I agree with Amanda. I don't think you can really tell what the puppy will be like as an adult too much by how they are now. I bet you're excited. Congratulations.

[Joannie]

Our breeder selected two pups that matched our profile and then we selected with her the right pup. Birth order should have nothing to do with selection.

[Karin and Cooper]

Thanks Jackie and Joannie! All this feedback has been really helpful. We are very excited..it's going to be hard to wait until November to get the puppy :)

[Dori]

Our Teddy was the last one left from his litter - and I'm positive he was the best! I'm sure they all were/are wonderful - you really can't go wrong.

[Karin and Cooper]

That's what I am hoping for too! It's good to hear from someone who got the last one from the litter. We are still waiting to see how many the Mom has. Oh and Teddy is a name we are thinking of as well, so cute!

Thanks!

[1v200f3rbrnxk]

Max was the last one left........he was awesome!

peanut, I had pick of the litter but was trying to pick a different goldendoodle
but from 3 weeks old till 9 weeks old Peanut PICKED me out! haahaa we didn't have a choice but to scoop her up, take her home and love her.

both have wonderful temperaments, sweet as pie and easy going

[vehc26iqe89q]

I am a breeder, and the most important thing for the babies are to be loved from the moment they are born... just love love love, and everyone of those puppies will a wonderful addition to any family! I know most breeders do that as well. If I bring these babies into the world, I have to make them the best loved puppies they can be! Loads of time and fun, not to mention the work! Working part time, I own my grooming shop, and raising a litter is tough, but I love to do it! And I look forward to lots more puppies in the next year! I do not think the birth order makes any difference... you really do not know their personality until they are about 3 to 4 weeks anyway.... Jackie

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

IMO a good breeder will pick for you, he / she knows her puppies better than any one time visitor. Don't pick by pictures~ although a picture can tell you a lot... ears back or down show that the pup is unsure of his surrounding and nervous or shy.

Tell your breeder what your looking for in a dog and what your not, be real clear of what you dont like and let her pick for you. If you have selected an experienced breeder she will do well by you in her selection of your puppy.