Dont Support Puppy Mills and Pet Stores that Sell Animals!

Breeder Considerations

1.        Is the breeder making a living selling dogs? Does the breeder seem more concerned about the cash than the type of parents you will make for the doodle? A good breeder will be concerned about where their puppies are going. The breeder should ask you questions and "interview" you to make sure you can properly care for the puppy. Here is an example of some of the questions a breeder may ask you...Adoption Application do you know the answers?

2.        Is the facility clean? The place doesn't need to be white glove clean but, some sense of order and overall care can often translate to the care of everything at the facility... including the dogs. Puppies that have not been vaccinated (puppies under 6 weeks) should not be kept outdoors. Do not expect to be able to handle puppies that are under 6 weeks of age - the breeder is protecting the health of the puppies. As an additional health precaution, some breeders will have very specific locations and procedures you will be required to follow.

3.        What type of health testing was performed on the parents?  A vet deeming the breeding dogs are healthy is not sufficient. OFA or Penn Hip testing on hips and CERF on the eyes is highly recommended.

4.        Ask about pricing and exactly what the price entails. There seems to be a great range of prices out there and in no way does a higher price mean a better kennel. In addition, a doodle breeder who is selling their puppies at a bargain basement price, should be a concern. Is there a written health warranty and contract? A responsible breeder will provide a written health warranty of no less than 2 years. Some breeders will have a spay/neuter clause or contract - this is not unusual. Review the health warranty very carefully, this warranty is what will help you the most in the event of a serious genetic problem with your puppy. If the warranty is written more to protect the kennel than the purchaser you might want to discuss this with the breeder or select another breeder.

5.        Will the breeder provide you with references? You should be allowed to talk to people who have purchased dogs from her in the past to see if they are happy. You should also be very suspect of any breeder that has a “gag” order - which means if you were to discuss the health of your puppy with other doodle owners or discussion groups, your contract would be void.

6.        Are you able to see both parents of the puppy? The temperaments of the parent will have an influence on your puppy. It is always a good idea to visit with them if at all possible. Some breeders use stud dogs or artificial insemination so meeting the male sometimes is not an option, but you should be able to see a photo. Also make note as to the interaction of the dogs with the breeder. Hint: Let the breeder’s dogs "tell" you if they are being treated well and are happy.

8.         Ask yourself if you are comfortable talking to this breeder and you feel you can develop a long-term relationship with them, because the breeder should be a resource to you throughout the life of your dog. They should be concerned about the health and welfare of your doodle. They should be available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have. If you have problems or issues your breeder should be able to help you.

About the breeders puppies

1.         The puppy should not leave the home/kennel before 8 weeks, many breeders are electing to keep the puppys up to 12 weeks. Some States prohibit the sale of a puppy prior to 8 weeks. The period between 4 and 8 weeks is a crucial developmental period where the puppy learns to interact with littermates and mother. Puppies have been known to elicit aggressive and other behavioral problems if taken away from their mother and littermates too early. Please note that is does not relate to the age that the dogs is weaned. The period between 6 and 12 weeks the puppies should be introduced to people and other animals. Your puppy should have received at least one vaccination before being sold. If not, there's no guarantee your puppy will not have or soon contract a life-threatening disease.

2.         Ask them what kind of socialization they will get or have received. Have they been exposed to children, strangers, other animals (cats, birds, cows, horses, etc), cars, and loud noises. Ask them about the puppies’ personalities. The breeder usually will try to match the puppy with its new home. If someone lives on a farm and has cattle or other livestock, then that person needs a dog with a strong personality. If the dog will live in the suburbs and take walks mostly on a leash, then the dog needs to be a little mellower. It is very important to get a good match.

3.         The puppies should be alert, playful, and clean. The insides of their ears should be clean. They should not have any fleas or ticks on them. There should be “extra” skin around the neck and you should only be able to slightly feel their ribs. If you can see and touch directly onto the ribs the dog is underweight. Their eyes should be clean and "gunk" free. Check inside their mouth to make sure they have adequate teeth to eat the food. The anus should not show signs of diarrhea (redness, irritation or feces in fur surrounding the anus). Male testicles should be descended.

4.         After purchasing your puppy, take him to your vet for a check up within 2-3 days. If there are any problems, report them to your breeder. If the puppy has worms or any other contagious problem, your breeder will need to treat any puppies they still have and should call the owners of any puppies already purchased to let them know as well.