Recommended Breeders in BC, Canada or Washington State

[Stephanie Neufeld]

Hi,

 

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any good doodle breeders in British Columbia or Washington State?  I've found a few online, but they either have long wait lists or are very pricey (we're looking to spend under $2,000 if possible).

 

Thanks,

 

Stephanie

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Stephanie, breeder recommendations are not permitted here in the forum. People can leave a comment on your page or they can send you a private message.

Long wait lists are a good sign. That means a breeder is not breeding too many litters, that all of her puppies have homes before they are born, and that her puppies are in demand. When you are going to bring a living creature into your home and your life for the next 12-15 years, a few months wait is sometimes worth it.

Prices below the going rate are also not a good sign; in general, you do get what you pay for, and when a breeder is charging significantly less for her puppies than other breeders, there is usually a reason. That reason is often a lack of genetic health testing on the parent dogs, as well as a high volume of dogs and inferior care for them. When it comes to puppies, what you don't pay up front will usually be spent at the vet's later.

Please read What to Look for in a Breeder. This is really the minimum that you should require from any breeder you consider. Pay particular attention to the information about the health warranty and contract. If anyone doesn;t measure up to these guidelines, look elsewhere. The article also has links to the Owner Recommended Breeders Group and other resources for finding a healthy puppy from a reputable source. 

Good luck in your search.

[Stephanie Neufeld]

Sorry, I didn't know that breeder recommendations were not permitted here.  Thanks for the information though and I will check out that link! :)

[Adina P]

What kind of doodle are you seeking?  I ask because that also determines the price.  A standard (larger) size F1 labradoodle or goldendoodle generally costs about $1200 from a reputable breeder.  But higher generation doodles, Australian labradoodles, and mini doodles generally cost more because of a higher chance (though never guaranteed) of a non shedding coat and smaller sizes are more in demand.

[Stephanie Neufeld]

We are looking for a medium sized labradoodle/goldendoodle around the 30-40lbs range.

[Adina P]

So a smaller size requires a higher generation.  Both of those factors raise prices due to demand/popularity.  I'd be surprised if you found an F1b or multigenerational one in 'medium' for under $2000 from a reputable breeder.  One thing to keep in mind is that size is not terribly predictable in the early generations because this is a mixed breed.  Large genes can 'sneak by' and 'pop up' later.  You have to be prepared that even an F1b may be larger than expected.  You probably won't get an 80lb dog from 30 lb parents, but that dog might be 50lbs or have very long poodle legs, making it taller and thus seem to be big.  One of my friends had a poodle mix (unknown heritage) who weighed 40-45 lbs but was taller than my 80 lb tall doodle.  She seemed like a huge dog even when her coat was trimmed.

If you read the link Karen gave you above, you'll learn the important things you need to know and then get some resources for starting your search based on your location.  Then when you have narrowed it down to a handful of breeders, feel free to post again asking for specific feedback on said breeders.  While we can't tell you what we think in the main forum, those who have any experience with your top 5 breeders can send you a private message.  Good luck! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

One of my breeders is in Washington state, her name is on my page, but she breeds Australian labradoodles for the standard price.

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

My breeder is located in Bellingham, Washington but like F's charges the standard ALD price. One way you can save a little but not compromise on quality would be to go to a breeder in Washington that doesn't charge sales tax for out of state/out of country buyers. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I know my sister who lives in Vancouver travelled a long way to get her Labradoodle. I spent a full six months researching when I got Riley and then waited a further eight months and then travelled a twenty three hour journey to get him.  If you want a specific dog and know that he or she is going to be part of your family for hopefully 15 years then all the research and waiting is worth it.  You have certainly come to the right place to start your search.  Good Luck with finding your special Doodle puppy.