Goldendoodles are part golden retriever, part poodle.
The most important thing to consider when selecting a puppy of any breed is whether or not your lifestyle and budget can truly accommodate a dog. Puppies are high-maintenance creatures requiring food, water, walks, playtime and expensive trips to the vet. Buying a dog is a big commitment, so make yourself and your family ready for it.
Where to Purchase
Avoid buying a dog at a pet store, since those dogs often come from poorly-run and inhumane puppy mills. A good place to start is your local goldendoodle rescue chapter. These dogs need good homes, and the rescue group work with you to find a puppy with the right temperament for your family. Or you can go to a goldendoodle breeder. If you go this route, do some research to find out if it's a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill. Visit the premises and to see that the environment is clean and the conditions are healthy.
Health Concerns
Find out as much as you can about the parents of your goldendoodle puppy. Some common health issues that befall the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow and patella disorders, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). The good news is that, as a hybrid, the golden doodle is likely to be hardier, and have a longer life span, than either of his purebred parents.
Deciding the Golden-to-Doodle ratio
Some breeders offer goldendoodles that are half golden retriever and half poodle - the offspring of two separate breeds. This is categorized as an "F1" cross, but there are other variations. You can get the offspring of a purebred poodle crossed with an F1 goldendoodle - this is categorized as an "F1b." An "F2" cross is the offspring of two F1 goldendoodles. Awareness of these different ratios tells you whether your dog's characteristics favor the poodle or the golden retriever. This is especially important if you're seeking a dog with the hypoallergenic coat of the poodle.
Trust Your Instincts (And Ask Questions)
Once you find a reputable breeder or rescue group, let intuition take over. Does one puppy "call" to you? Is one more endearingly sloppy than the others? You can see future personality traits in even a very young dog. If you notice one puppy is more active, it's likely to remain so into adulthood. The same is true of a more mellow puppy. Of course, you could be catching the pup on an "off" day, so ask the breeder or the rescue volunteer to give you the inside scoop. All puppies should exhibit friendliness and vitality.
Tags: golden retriever, breeder rescue, categorized cross, find reputable, find reputable breeder, reputable breeder