Help! Overwhelmed trying to find my doodle!

[Monica And Cooper]

Hello everyone, I am new to this site. I have been researching goldendoodles for a while and am looking to get a medium/miniature this summer. I am having a difficult time finding a breeder. I am in Florida. I found one that I liked but the she told me the sire ( F1) had not had hip testing because of his small stature (which made no sense to me) and that the Dam had MIT had testing but her parents had. Then I found another one who claims all her parent dogs have been tested but the sire of the litter I was looking at is only 14 months old and I know OFA cannot be done until after 2years. Her references were very impressive so now I am feeling extremely discouraged. The only other breeder I found in state charges $3000 and that's about 1k over budget.
Does anyone have any suggestions/insight ???? Could really use some help.

I just lost my 11 year old maltese after years of cardiac and health issues...... I really just want a healthy pooch.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Great point about breeding a 14 month old pup, Adina. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would stay away from any breeder whose health warranty is contingent on supplements; they are most likely NuVet vitamins which are overpriced, unnecessary, and sold through a pyramid scheme; the breeder gets a commission every time you buy them. 

I personally would not buy a puppy from parents that are under two years old. In addition to the testing being only preliminary, there are all kinds of genetic diseases and health issues that cannot be tested for that don't show up until a dog is past two year olds. 

[Stella]

I wouldn't want a dog from a breeder that insists on a particular supplement for he health warranty. This usually means they are part of a scheme to make money by selling it to you.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I have a healthy Labradoodle from a reputable breeder that I travelled to another country for and that I paid an arm and a leg for. I have a not so healthy Goldendoodle from a not so good breeder that didn't cost as much in terms of money but a whole lot in terms of worry and angst. My advice. Don't compromise and if necessary pay what is the going rate to the best breeder that ticks all the boxes on our list of advice here on DK even if that means a long journey. After all this dog will hopefully be part of your family for 15 years.

[Adina P]

Agreed.  And luckily, the going rate for a 1st or 2nd generation goldendoodle is not $3,000. 

I have yet to see a goldendoodle at that high of a price unless it is not only a multigenerational goldendoodle but also a mini.  The more specifics...the higher the cost I guess.

Definitely talk to Sheri about her breeder.  I think I know who it is and she has a good reputation.

[Monica And Cooper]

The breeder gives a 3 year health guarantee without supplements.....
She gives a 4 year with supplements. She also told me that many breeders will not do testing on all their dogs if they have 4-5 lines of tested pedigrees. This entire process seems to be much harder than what I had anticipated!

[Adina P]

For certain things that can be 100% ruled out by genetic testing that's fine.  Like if you know both parents are clear of PRA or Von Willebrands or whatever...you can rule it out for ALL the dogs that come from those two parents.  But hip dysplasia isn't a genetic test where you can know for sure the genes in that dog.  You just test the actual hips, not the genes.  So what she said makes sense to a degree. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

HD can skip generations so all breeding dogs should be tested/screened.  It's no guarantee (my boy is living proof of that), but it gives your pup a much better chance.

[Melissa and Willa Couch]

I am from South MS and my husband and I drove all the way to Austin, TX to get our baby despite the fact that we had visited with a breeder 20 miles from us with "championship" doodles. They were not a good fit for us. I researched and contacted breeders within a 24 hour drive and didn't put down a deposit until I found someone I completely trusted who was willing to talk with me on my level an meet my needs. Even though it meant I had to wait a little longer than I wanted....I mean heck.... We are paying as much for this baby as some people pay for a car! In the end I went with a "boutique" breeder who only had two dogs and only had one litter at a time. The people in Magee (despite all their hoopla and bragging, had 3 litters at once.....no way they could get the attention they needed). Willa came to us crate trained, potty trained, socialized, new some commands. She never even cried for her mother. Hopefully you will know when you find the right breeder......but you should difinately know when you find the wrong one. Just be patient. Good luck.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is such good advice. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Keep looking.  They are out there.