Just getting started

[Jewels]

Ok, I know everybody loves there doodles and their breeders but where do I get started? Should I just go down the list of recommended breeders on this site? I'm open to a rescue dog but I need to be sure he/she has a great temperment and is great with kids. A lot, or maybe it's just some, rescue dogs have issues and I can't have that in my life right now. I'm not ready to get a puppy NOW but I do want to start doing my homework.

Pass on any advice you might have.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I think the best place to begin is to decide if you want a Goldendoodle (F1, F1B or F2), an American (F1 or F2 or F1B) Labradoodle or an Australian Labradoodle (mutigen - bred in America from multigen parents). If allergies are a serious issue you really need to go with a multigen Australian labradoodle. Otherwise it's personal preference. Check out these websites. The Australian Labradoodle Assosciation, the American Australian Labradoodle Association, the American Labradoodle Association,Rutland Manor. The try this site Owner recommended goldendoodles (has all kinds of doodles). When you finally decide what you want. Try to buy from a breeder near you. Many very reputable breeders will not let you visit their home because they are protecting their dogs and puppies from diseases you may bring in on your shoes and clothes. Some have certain days and areas you can visit. Buy ONLY from a breeder who AT LEAST certifies hips and eyes of their breeding dogs as free from genetic defects. Many breeders do much more extensive testing. If you have young children or don't know very much about dog training a rescue dog may not be for you. Often reputable breeders have an older dog (3 -5) that they are no longer going to breed and that dog can be a wonderful way to avoid puppyhood and get a dog that has been well cared for and loved and will not have the issues that some rescue dogs have. My personal criteria, which many will disagree with, is to look for a breeder that has a very small number of litters planned. No more than one or two at a time and 4 or so months apart. The first 8-10 weeks of a dogs life are so critical and more than one litter at a time will be very demanding to socialize well. Ask the breeders you are considering for references from people who have purchased their dogs. Happy Hunting!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Maryann's advice is right on. We lucked out with a good dog but we did not do enough research first and I am not sure we bought from a good breeder. Doodles can look very different. If you want a specific doodle look you may need to go with a multigenerational. A good breeder can steer you toward the dog with the best temperment and fur type for you.

[Adina P]

I will tell you about the process I went through and hopefully that helps guide you.

1) I wanted a dog. My boyfriend (now hubby) told me about labradoodles (had never heard of them) so I started googling. I learned there were different kinds...AND goldendoodles.... So first I had to decide what KIND of doodle I really wanted. I don't have dog allergies so that wasn't an issue. I also liked the "look" of the F1 (first generation) doodle and wanted a large dog. I also wanted a cream (as white as possible) doodle that looked just like the famous Bocker but I wanted a female.

2) In my googling/research I looked at many breeder sites, got to know the typical prices, saw differences in what different breeders offered as far as health testing, guarantees etc. I continually raised the bar in what I expected. So first I had never heard of 'hip testing' or other health testing...I didn't know about guarantees, but once I learned of their importance...my next criteria was finding a breeder who had the TYPE of doodle I wanted AND did health testing and offered a 2 year health guarantee. That was NON-negotiable.

3) Some sites I looked at:
--Premium Breeder List
--Goldendoodles.com Owner Recommended Breeder List
(and now of course there is the breeder list on here too)
--and many different doodle forums

4) My search began in the month of Nov '05...but I knew I didn't want a puppy in the winter ... so I emailed a ton of breeders asking my critical questions: would they have large, cream F1 labradoodles? What health testing do they do? Will they be available in the spring?

5) Around this time, being new to the whole dog world, I wasn't sure about having a puppy flown to me so I narrowed my search to breeders within driving distance. By this time, I had pages and pages printed from each potential breeder and each in a file folder. I visited my file folders many times a day...obsessed with my impending decision.

In the MEANTIME I perused petfinder.com and poomixrescue.com almost daily. I ran across a listing for an 11 month old F1 labradoodle 2 hours away -- emailed it to my boyfriend -- 2 days later we picked up HIS first labradoodle as I waited for mine to be conceived/born (which was it???)

I chose a breeder 6 hours away and am very happy with my choice. As it turned out "my" litter had only 4 pups (luckily I had first pick!) and the cream female didn't have the personality I wanted (she was shy and I wanted a confident but laid back dog) so I ended up with the BIGGEST, reddish, male...and I love him immensely! I'm very happy I trusted my breeder on the temperament!

So based on my experience and what I've learned since...

1) DECIDE what KIND of doodle you want. Decide what is critical/deal breaker, and what are just preferences. Be firm on the really IMPORTANT factors, but flexible otherwise. There are important differences between the kinds of doodles, so research that well so you are SURE.

2) Start looking here and at the two sites I listed above and make a list of breeders who breed the kind of doodle you want. THEN, contact each of them and ask the important questions to you. Read this article on choosing a responsible breeder: http://doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/what-to-look-for-in-a

3) IN the meantime, place an application with IDOG Rescue/Rehome/Resource -- they will NOT adopt a doodle out to a family if they don't think it will make a good fit...so you can't lose!

Let us know what you decide and keep us posted on where you are in the process as you get farther. Good luck!!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

You are about to enter an exciting zone (not the twilight zone, but exciting anyway). Research, research, research. Adina pretty well sums up all the information anybody could give you about selecting your dog partner. Even though you will be delighted with whatever you select (doodles are soooooo satisfying), take your time and enjoy the journey. You will be glad you did.

[Lori]

May I suggest www.goldendoodleassociation.com I know we are very new and have few breeders on our members list right now - so we probably can't help you in that regard, but there is some good information to be found on the site. I wholeheartedly agree on the health testing on the parents. It's one of the strict requirements that GANA is requiring of their breeders. I believe the premium breeder list also requires that the breeders show proof of health testing which is a wonderful source. Of course, you can also request this information yourself of any breeder you choose. Good luck in your quest for the doodle of your dreams.

[Chris & Boys]

Hi Jewels,

I was gung-ho on a breeder, did a ton of research, got referrals from other patients from my vets office and on and on. Then I started watching some of the animal rescue shows on animal planet, started to read about how many pets are being surrendered because of the high foreclosure rate, and came to the conclusion that I had to give a homeless pet a new life. So, I am on my soapbox to help persuade you into adopting. I got my dog from a golden retriever rescue. They do not have a facility, unlike a shelter. The dogs go into foster homes. They find out what kind of baggage the dog has, and what it's needs are. They can help you find the dog you want, even if it does take a while. It took me four or five months to find mine. I found a GR that had been rescued from a puppy mill and had a litter of 11 pups. I had the 2nd choice and got exactly what I wanted. He is only 11 weeks old, but he is a very smart pup. And he is in great health. I know his mom had no health problems because the rescue had her checked out. So, I got a great pup and he got a loving home - win-win!

So, don't rule out adopting. I would look at the sites Adina mentioned as well as petfinder. But if you want a rescue, check out your local Golden Retriever rescue and fill out an application. Often when they rescue a pregnant mom they don't know they have a doodle until they are a few weeks old and their coats start to curl. So check the pups even if they don't say they are doodles.

Good luck!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

hi

Boy you are sure getting a lot of advice! Just another brief word about rescue dogs. I wish all dogs could be rescued. But in your short question I think I hear a lot of hesitancy. Be careful about rescues if you go that way. Just like breeders, there are good and bad rescues. Bad rescues are not in it for the money like bad breeders, but there can be lots of other factors that make for a bad rescue. REALLY do your homework if you get a rescue. Many reputable rescues offer a two week trial or even a year id chipped to them. Visit the rescue. If you are not allowed to visit the rescue something is probably not quite right. I have several friends who rescue various breeds, my son has three rescued siberians so I know that rescues can be great! But just because it has "rescue" or "haven" or similar in the name does not make it a good rescue.