If you've just begun your goldendoodle search - you are probably thinking "why with the price?" Well, I'm here to tell you that you get what you pay for! I've done a lot of research and I see a pattern - if the price is under $1200, it's either a brand new breeder that hasn't done health testing at a minimum or PennHip or OFA certifications, or they are a puppy mill or a backyard breeder (BYB). If you see $500-900 which just blows my mind, they are definitely a puppy mill that has a lot of breeding stock living in kennels and not living the life they should. It really makes me sad. Sure, animals have been having babies in the wild for centuries and anyone can put 2 dogs together to mate, and not be present when they deliver, but will they all live? Probably not. Unfortunately, that is exactly what puppy mills do. They don't care if they lose 1 or a couple. You might see USDA certified - well that's great, except it means they have more than 5 breeding females. Where do you think they live?
If you think my price reflects greed, I can 100% tell you that you are wrong. If you see the set up that I have, you will know that a lot of work and $ has gone into making sure these puppies and my personal dogs have everything they need - and more! You will probably pass out when I throw these numbers at you - we paid $3400 for 1 Momma, $2400 for another and $3200 for the stud. Add in PennHip testing - $500 each (x3) Embark testing - $150 each - Not to mention my retired stud and Momma with all the same tests. Add in the puppies vaccines, wellness exam, micro-chipping and all the food! These puppies have a heck of an appetite right now.
My personal life and schedule (not to mention my husbands) - For a solid 8 weeks plus, this is my life. From whelping (delivery) to the 1st few weeks of life, I do not get much sleep. The 1st 3.5 weeks, they are in our home. I sleep in the same room for the 1st week. (with 2 litters, my husband slept in the other room on a futon!) These 2 litters were born the same day - it was an all nighter! 20+ hours of delivering puppies. We cancel or turn down social events because we want to make sure puppies and Mommas are well taken care of.
So, if you go elsewhere to look, that is fine. But ask the breeder - what tests have been done? Where do the Moms and Dads normally live? Where are the puppies kept? Is it clean? Do they have comfortable pads to sleep on in a contained area? Are they working on potty training? Ask to see the puppies in their environment! And do not put down a deposit without seeing the puppies via virtual chat or in person once it is safe to do so (usually after 5 weeks).
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