PA Breeder - Maple Hill Goldendoodles

[Dolores O]

Hello everyone,

I think I've finally narrowed it down to ONE local breeder in PA after lots of research.

I'm just looking to see if anyone has used Maple Hill Goldendoodles to get their Goldendoodle? 

Please PM if you have.  Thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I see no mention of genetic health testing of the parents on their website. Please be sure to ask for proof of that, it is the single most important factor in choosing a breeder. 

I also have to mention that their prices are about half of what most reputable goldendoodle breeders charge for a puppy, which makes me wonder if they are not doing health testing or cutting corners somewhere else. 

[Dolores O]

OhhhhOhh

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

It did say this in the contract, although I would never return a puppy and would prefer money back instead. Check with them to clarify. I will also say I only paid $950 for Fudge (she was on clearance because she had an umbilical hernia) and $1000 for Vern. There were red flags with Fudge's breeder, but I would recommend Vern's breeder to anyone. 

If the dog develops hip dysplasia or genetic defects within 24 months from the date of birth, BUYER may return the dog to the SELLER for a replacement puppy of equal quality, selected by the SELLER, if and when the SELLER has the next litter of puppies. 

This is also good information, if you haven't read it already.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yeah, the best breeders give you money back, up to the full price of the puppy, and let you keep them. They know nobody is going to give the puppy back, especially after a year or two. This kind of health warranty is a red flag to me. 

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

What then is a good Warranty Policy to you, Karen ? 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This is what DK has put together from What to Look for in a Breeder....

5) A responsible breeder offers a decent health warranty.
Most warranties are called "Health Guarantees" but for the sake of clarity I want to make sure everyone understands a breeder can't truly 'guarantee' everything. But they can give you a warranty. Every breeder should offer the short term health warranty (3 to 5 days) on basic puppy health. But a truly responsible breeder who stands behind what he/she produces will also offer a minimum two year health warranty on the puppy you purchase. Anything less than that isn't very helpful because many hereditary conditions take time to develop. Read the health warranty as if your puppy has now developed hip dysplasia at one year of age. What compensation would you want? Ideally, you would get monetary reimbursement for at least half the money you spent on the dog to help with vet bills. Would you really want to return the dog you now love? Probably not! Would reimbursement with a new puppy really help you when you have major vet bills? Not one bit! So look carefully at what the health warranty offers you and think about how well that will sit with you if you should need it.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Dolores - I would suggest that you call Michelle at Maple Hill to answer any of your questions.  I do know her personally, and although I am certainly not the authority, I do know that she is a wonderful person and adheres to very high standards as a breeder.  Her website is being updated so hopefully there will be more helpful information once that is done.  She charges a lot less than other breeders so that people can purchase a wonderful dog without financial hardship.  Anyway, I'm sure she can provide you with enough information so that you can decide if Maple Hill is the right breeder for you. Best of luck!!!!!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Shouldn't this be deleted? These conversations are supposed to be private, no?

[Dolores O]

I wondered the same, Ginny.

[Adina P]

I don't see anything wrong with this discussion. Nobody has said bad things about the breeder. Only compared the website to our guidelines. The only opinion was about the breeder being a nice person. Maybe we need to revise our rules eventually, but if all breeder reviews simply said: the website doesn't address XYZ, we feel XYZ is important and have no personal reviews (good or bad) ... Is that going for too much?

[Robin and Libby Louise]

I thought it was ok.  But I sent Dolores a private message should she want additional info that I could provide.  Although speaking with the breeder would be the best way to go to answer questions or concerns, especially armed with what to look for.  Thanks!

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

I agree with Adina and Robin....I think PLUGGING a specific breeder is a TOS Violation but simply saying you had a good experience with someone shouldn't be altered (the names I gave on a previous post about the couple who I worked with got changed to asterisks ! :-D LOL).