There are so many reasons to fall in love with Goldendoodles. These gentle, shaggy sweethearts incorporate the best qualities of both Golden Retrievers and Poodles into one lovable crossbreed.
Their friendly, playful nature and love of people have caused their popularity to soar, especially with families desiring an all-around great, allergy-friendly dog.
Goldendoodles not only are excellent family dogs, but they have also been used extensively as service dogs, excelling in jobs such as seizure detection, therapy, search and rescue, guides for the vision impaired, and autism companions.
Why do Goldendoodles cost so much? A lot goes into producing a well-bred Goldendoodle. From a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay between $2,000 – $3000. Prices are influenced by factors such as the quality of the parent dogs, genetic testing, vet care, number of generations involved, breeding practices and more.
If you are wondering why a crossbreed like the Goldendoodle is so expensive compared to other breeds, you’re not alone.
What factors into the high cost of these popular dogs and are they really worth the expense? Should you opt for a cheaper Goldendoodle or is that too much of a risk?
We’ll answer all that and more for you below.
Adding a Goldendoodle to your life is a big investment, so you’ll want to do all you can to raise your new puppy the right way.
Our latest book, The Owner’s Guide to the Perfect Goldendoodle walks you through every step of your journey and answers all the questions that new Goldendoodle parents find themselves fretting over.
Don’t waste time using the trial-and-error approach to raising your dog!
Get it right from the very beginning and enjoy watching your little ball of fur mature into the dog he was born to be – your ideal companion. Pick up your copy today.
What Drives the Price of a Goldendoodle?
Breeding purebred dogs is rather straightforward. Breeders choose the best representatives of the breed to consistently produce great quality puppies who adhere to breed standards. Simple, right?
On the other hand, the breeding of crossbred dogs, like the Goldendoodle, is much more complex and can take years to perfect.
Let’s review a few of the factors involved when producing quality Goldendoodles.
Time
It can often take a breeder years to develop multiple generations of Goldendoodles who consistently produce predictable traits in litters.
Breeders know what their customers are looking for and streamline their breeding to produce traits like curly coats and low shedding tendencies. Alas, this takes time, and time is valuable.
(Coat types and other inherited factors influence the amount of shedding an adult Goldendoodle will experience. This article explains what to look for if your goal is to find a very low-shedding dog.)
Did you know that regardless of coat type, your Goldendoodle will need routine grooming? Visit our Goldendoodle Brush Guide to see which tools are must-haves.
Breeding Stock
Respectable breeders start with the best breeding stock possible. Purebred Golden Retrievers and Poodles with breeding rights can be very expensive.
As breeders develop their lines and begin to back cross, they will buy additional stock or opt to pay stud fees for the use of another breeder’s male to prevent any inbreeding from occurring.
As you can see, the costs quickly multiply.
Breeders must spend money to maintain their breeding stock as well. Feed bills, vet bills, grooming bills, DNA testing, etc.
The list of routine care can be quite long and costly and is reflected in the price of the puppies.
Genetic Testing and Health Guarantees
To produce the healthiest puppies possible with specific desired traits, breeders must routinely test their breeding stock at their own expense.
Genetic testing can screen for many inheritable conditions. Over time, it can eliminate the potential for passing on hereditary issues in their stock.
While Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, some health issues have been seen within the breed. Check with this article to know what to be on the lookout for.
DNA testing can also guide the breeder’s decision on which dogs to breed to ensure specific traits appear in the litter.
You see, there are now tests to identify genes that will produce certain coats and even shedding potentials.
Breeders use this information to plan and predict the outcome of future litters.
Many breeders also offer health guarantees for their puppies which usually involve the breeder being willing to either replace the puppy or provide a refund should any health issues arise that were covered in the guarantee.
Breeders should be willing to show documentation of all health tests performed on their stock and discuss any hereditary conditions that may appear.
Puppy Care
While the mothers do the majority of the work of raising their litter, breeders spend a good deal of time with the puppies as well.
They must check often to make sure each one is being fed properly, is growing normally, and is not being accidentally crushed.
Reputable breeders will ensure that the puppies receive at least their first round of vaccinations before heading off to their new homes.
The number of recommended vaccines can differ depending on which diseases are prevalent in your part of the country, but standard core vaccines typically include distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
Most puppies will also receive deworming medications and complete checkups at the veterinarian’s office.
A clean certificate of health will be issued if the vet finds the puppies to be clear of any indication of illness or deformities.
Believe it or not, the socialization of your puppy begins with the breeder. Breeders who are committed to their dogs invest a great deal of time ensuring that each puppy is handled frequently.
They also make sure they don’t have any fear of people and have become acclimated to routine noises of a busy household such as loud TVs and vacuums.
Remember that the rest of the puppy’s socialization is up to you when you bring your new dog home. Not sure what to do? Check out our complete socialization guide, here.
Most breeders also helpfully lay the groundwork for future house breaking by training the puppies to eliminate on newspapers or puppy pads, like these ultra-absorbent pads, in a specified location.
(Are Goldendoodles difficult to train? Find the answer here.)
Facility Maintenance
Quality breeders work diligently to ensure that their breeding stock and puppies are raised in a clean, well-maintained environment, and the associated costs quickly add up.
Sanitation supplies and whelping boxes are just the beginning.
Many states have stringent guidelines that breeders must comply with in order to pass inspections and keep their breeding licenses.
Minimum requirements for shelter, ventilation, space, lighting, flooring, pest control, and sanitation must be adhered to.
This 75+ page book is jam-packed with expert knowledge and real experiences from Goldendoodle owners and breeders alike. Consider this the ultimate owner’s guide for the breed with tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions – saving you time, money, and loads of frustration along the way.
Cheap Goldendoodles Vs. Expensive Goldendoodles
Bright Goldendoodle has miniature and medium puppies for sale listed at $750 each, regardless of coat type, size, or color.
While the website is up-to-date, has many pictures of adorable puppies, and offers two-year health guarantees, there is no mention of any genetic tests or health screenings performed on breeding dogs.
Teddy Bear Goldendoodles, on the other hand, have puppies priced between $2,895 – $5,095, dependent on size.
They offer a two-year health guarantee as well, but also conduct hip, heart, eye, and DNA testing on every parent dog.
The puppies come with State Certified Health Certificates and the breeders even offer T-shirt tests to help match buyers with allergies to just the right dog.
General Consensus
When it comes to Goldendoodles, it’s pretty safe to say that you’ll get what you pay for. You may have good luck purchasing a lower-priced Goldendoodle.
But the odds are more in your favor if you opt for one who comes from a highly reputable breeder, even if the cost is higher.
To help you out, we created a list of respected Goldendoodle breeders organized by state, complete with the necessary contact information to take the hassle out of searching for a nearby breeder.
Are Goldendoodles Worth the Price?
Absolutely! The joy and love that Goldendoodles bring into your life is well worth the buying price.
If you choose one with a slightly higher price tag whose parents were thoroughly tested for genetic disorders, you can be fairly confident that you are acquiring a healthy dog, which can save you money and heartache in the long-run.
Breeders who charge more will often breed specifically to meet your request for certain characteristics that you are looking for.
The affectionate Goldendoodle is truly a delight to own and most owners would never consider another breed. Goldendoodles typically live for 12 – 15 years.
Although you are paying for a long-term commitment, it’s one that will reward you daily with happy moments, sweet snuggles, and precious memories.
To learn more about these delightful companions, be sure to check out our 30+ Goldendoodle articles. You can access them all here.
Related Questions:
Where Can You Find Goldendoodles Who Need Adoption?
Your local animal shelter and your veterinarian are good places to start your search.
Sites like Doodle Rescue Collective Inc., IDOG Rescue, Poo-Mix Rescue, Petfinder, and Adopt-a-Pet.com are definitely worth checking as are various social media groups like Facebook.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Goldendoodle Professionally Groomed?
Prices can vary, of course, but usually run between $50 – $80 for a professional grooming session and include a bath, blowdry, haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal gland check.
Popular clipping styles include the Puppy cut, the Kennel cut, the Lamb cut, and the Lion cut.
Remember that grooming at home should not be neglected, even if you take your pup in for professional care routinely.
At the very least, go over your dog’s entire coat a few times each week with a quality slicker brush and a stainless steel comb to remove and prevent tangles.
What Is the Average Price for a Goldendoodle?
Buyers should expect to pay approximately $2,500 for a well-bred dog.
When looking for a Goldendoodle, people often research the ever-popular, equally adorable Labradoodles as well.
How much should you pay for a Labradoodle? They typically run between $1,200 – $3,000.
We go into much more detail on their cost and finding a quality Goldendoodle breeder in this article.
Don’t forget to grab your copy of The Owner’s Guide to the Perfect Goldendoodle before you go!
You won’t find a more comprehensive guidebook specifically for Goldendoodles anywhere else.
It’s the only Goldendoodle book you’ll need to guide you in every aspect of your puppy’s care – the one you’ll turn to again and again.
Last update on 2024-04-18 at 20:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
