How I chose a breed and breeder

Deciding on a breed.

What I wanted:

• Low-shedding
• 30lbs ish
• A running buddy
• Intelligent
• Goofy
• Previous positive experience with similar breed

1. The low shedding and positive experience with the breed was really important. I have had allergic reactions to certain breeds, such as spaniels and vizslas. On the other hand, I have never had a reaction to dogs marketed as “hypoallergenic”, nor to ‘doods or their parent breeds. For example, I’m fine with bernese mountain dogs, poodles, and bernedoodles.
2. Portability! I’m not a big person so I definitely wanted a dog I would be able to pick up, should the need arise.* I don’t want my dog to die because I couldn’t get her into the car. As much as I would have loved a rottie… some dogs are just too much dog for me right now.
3. Two birds with one stone, ya know? I don’t have to go out for a run and then come back for a walk.
4. I want to be able to teach my dog many things.
5. A dog with a sense of humor to match my own.

Choosing a breeder.

Things that I was looking for:

• 3+ year health guarantee
• Specializes in goldendoodles
• Good reviews
• Within budget

1. My best friend’s bernedoodle was diagnosed with hip dysplasia before she turned one year old that stemmed from bad genes. The guarantee with that breeder worked so that you can either return the dog, or get half your purchase price back. Well, after going through all the growing pains of all the puppy-stages, you do get quite attached to your dog. Who would want to give away their puppy? For me it was important that the contract that came with the dog would be at least a 3 year guarantee. Many genetic problems aren’t apparent until the dog is 2 years old, so I didn’t want a problem at the cut-off point. The agreement with the breeder I chose is that if there are any genetic health problems with the puppy, you can get a refund of the purchase price, or a new puppy when you are ready for one.
2. Wanted a responsible breeder. I did a lot of research and learned that a responsible breeder will be there for the dog throughout its whole life. If for any reason you can’t keep your dog, they should be willing to take back the dog.
3. There is no one place to look for breeder reviews so I scoured the internet for any reviews and comments I could find. I also got in-touch with someone who had brought home a puppy from the breeder recently and asked for their thoughts.
4. So called, “designer dogs” are expensive. I was willing to pay the premium price but my upper budget was set at $2800.

* Poor Molly followed me onto the playground and couldn’t get down. I thought she would also follow me down the slide… Anyways, I mustered up the super-human strength and half-carried/half-dropped this dog from the stairs.