How do I find affordable Doodles?

[jzissler]

I have been researching what I want our next dog to be, and over a year ago I decided that a doodle is the best choice for my family. We have some allergy concerns with my in-laws, and I have two boys. Everything I have read tells me that a doodle would be an excellent choice. I have looked at several breeders in Michigan and Ohio, and their puppys start at $850 and go up from there. I have found doodle pups for much less, but that scares me. I refuse to look at any suspected puppy mills or backyard breeders, and I am willing to travel for the puppy. Even through petfinder, if I find a doodle there, how can I know if it is a good quality or if it will have health concerns? We have a comfortable life, can certainly afford good vet care, quality food and lots of toys, but I simply can't pull $850 out of our savings with the economy where it is. I started a "puppy fund" two years ago, literally pop can money, and my birthday money. I have about $400 saved so far, but not enough for a breeder puppy. Don't get me wrong, I know doodles are worth every penny. Does anyone know of any resources for someone like me, who doesn't want to settle for anything other than a doodle? I'm looking at either labradoodles, goldendoodles, or aussiedoodles. Thank you!

[tuffystar]

I would look to IDOG rescue! I am a foster for them and there are several others here that are too. They are great and the fostering helps to know their special traits and they socialize too. So you would know what you are getting up front. I am sure that others will give you more information than I can since I have only been on this group since November. Good luck!

[mtd885]

Have you decided on a puppy or an older dog? If you are near Ohio Gene has two beautiful adult rescues he's fostering for IDOG, Holly and Comet.

[jzissler]

Thank you for the responses! I would prefer a puppy, but just because I would like my boys to have the experience of having one. I grew up with lots of dogs, and I know having puppies while I was young prepared me for having my own as an adult. My parents also had two standard poodles while I was young, so I can appreciate their unique personalities and traits that would be present in a doodle. But I think getting the breed that I want is more important than the age. As long as they were well taken care of, that is! I will look at IDog. It is so hard, because I can appreciate the doodle breed, and want to preserve the integrity of the breeding, yet they can be so expensive! My boys also have their hearts set on this breed, so maybe a rescue is the best way to go!

[dustt]

I second MTD - Gene has 2 fosters in Ohio - he can tell you alot more about their habits and personalities than you would get picking a dog straight from rescue - if I were you I'd seriously consider either of Gene's fosters - or any foster for that matter - that's how we got our Lab before Hamish - he was fostered thru a local lab rescue organization. It is highly unlikely you'll be able to obtain a puppy from a reputable breeder in this area with you current limit - Good Luck in your search!! - I know you'll find your perfect dood!!

[jzissler]

I just looked at the IDog site - what a great website! I can't believe I haven't found it before. Holly and Comet both look sweet. I found a couple others that were puppy mill dogs. I will be sure to look into this further. Thank you!

[DebBrown]

I just want to add my vote to IDOG! We fostered 4 dogs this year for IDOG. IDOG often has young doodles - under a year old - that are given up by familes that haven't had the time or energy to train them or time to spend with them. Doodles are very energetic dogs! If you work with the IDOG people, they will be very candid about any special needs for the dogs and will help you find one that is a fit for your family.

Good luck!

Deb

I too fostered for IDOG and had a beautiful girl. Put in an application with IDOG and when you are approved you can talk with the foster parents to find out the dogs personality etc. I know that all of us that foster here on the site are very honest with potential families because we want to see the dog going to his forever home and not end up in a shelter again. So at least you will know the dog's personality (as much as the foster parent knows) and you will know what you are getting yourself into.

PM Gene....he can help you.

[gene]

I agree about trying IDOG....what a surprise.....

Even if you do find your doodle else where, you should go ahead and put in an application through IDOG stating what you are looking for. They are so good about matching up people with their right match. A lot of dogs rescued and rehomed through IDOG never make it to the website. So fill out an ap at the web site that you are looking for a puppy, and they will contact you if one comes available.

Good luck in your search....PM me if you need anything!!

Oh yeah......how about this face??

[MaxandMe]

jzissler ............hi and good luck in your search!!!

IDOG is a great place to start looking as well as sometimes your local paper and also other shelters ...even petfinder

Gene.....I'll take that face!!! He is adorable!

[tuffystar]

Wow! Gene you did an awesome job with that picture!!!! IDOG needs you for their photographer!!!

[gene]

Originally Posted by tuffystar

Wow! Gene you did an awesome job with that picture!!!! IDOG needs you for their photographer!!!

My cousin took that with my camera...... She used to shoot professionally. I need to give her my camera for aweek and let her figure out all the bells and whistles....then TRAIN me!!

[KingstonTodd]

Back to the original topic, if you want a puppy from a reputable breeder there are someitmes circumstances when they have a reduced price. Not because the puppies are not excellent but sometimes life gets in the way. I saw a post on another forum about Australian labradoodle puppies, 500$.

Please PM me for more information.

[lmtoth2]

Where are you located? If you are really set on a puppy and are on the east coast let me know and I'll send you a pm with their information. Dexter's breeder has older puppies (~14 weeks old) they haven't been able to sell and are discounted a lot! They do testing, etc but I think the economy just stinks right now (plus I don't think they put the greatest photos up on their website)...