[ellabee]

Good Morning...

My family and I are ready to adopt a dog into our home. After much research, we have decided that a Labradoodle would suit our needs perfectly. We own a house and have a yard, we live about 100 yards from a popular dog park (where I have met a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle. Very sweet souls..). I am a stay at home mom, so I would be home with the pup most of the day, and I am committed to enrolling the pup into training/behavior classes. We are very motivated; we love this breed.

There is, unfortunately one major obstacle: cost. At this time, we are not in a financial position to spend $2000+, on a pup, which is what I routinely see as the cost of a pup from breeders that I judge to be ethical.

I understand the cost that goes into producing a litter of quality pups, as a friend of mine is a fine breeder of PWDs; I know the cost of proper genetic testing, etc all factor into the final sale price of a pup. I also understand that what might seem like a high up-front cost now might prevent future vet costs.

I guess my question is twofold:
1) I do see breeders out there who charge much less for their pups. Could this be a regional factor? I live on the East coast, and my searches so far have been to breeders that are within a reasonable proximity to my house - that means I'm looking in NY, NJ, CT mainly. If I look outside a driving distance from my house (meaning that the pup would have to be flown here), that's where I see the prices start to come down. So is the cost driven by region?

I have read the entire sticky thread here on this forum started by Jac that discusses BYBs and PMs. How does one distinguish between a BYB and a small-scale ethical hobbyist, especially when one sees a varying range of prices for a pup?

Or, is the cost in place simply to weed out or exclude potential buyers who may not be 100% committed to the breed? I am totally committed; yet this cost is prohibitive to me and my family.

2) Plain and simple: Are there any reputable breeders out there that do NOT charge upwards of $2000 for a pup? We would provide a wonderful and loving home environment for a dog; must we be penalized because we can't spend 2K??

I hope I don't get flamed for my honest question...thank you all for your time and any information you can provide, or can at least steer me in the right direction. Much appreciated.

Sincerely,

L.A.B.

[Linda]

Welcome L.A.B.! I have never seen anyone get flamed on this forum! We're a fun, happy group who love our doodles and think it's great when someone else wants one, too! I think you have well thought out questions! A similar thread was just started by Kristin:
http://labradoodle-dogs.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3196
It seems that not only doodle owners, but many of the breeders on this forum agree that $2500 is too much to spend on a dog. I do think region has a lot to do with it. In our area EVERYTHING costs more, food, vet care etc. And, of course, price is set also by what people are willing to pay.
That said, you do have the option of having a puppy shipped to you. Many breeders now think it's best for them to choose the puppy that will fit best with your family, so even if you bought a puppy close by, you may not get to choose him. Or, you could plan a road trip to purchase a puppy. Close by, I have heard good things about JerseyDoodles. I have not had any experience with them though, so you would want to do some research on your own. I see from their website that it looks like genetic testing is done, my only concern was the refund of HALF the puppy cost if there was a genetic problem. That said, the policy is spelled out and their prices look reasonable and the testing has been done on parents. She also has an older doodle available at a discount.
http://www.jerseydoodles.com/


Nancy from Doodlesville in West VA has also gotten rave reviews. She also has some older puppies available at a discount. The road trip would be longer, but still doable.
http://www.doodlesville.net/



And don't forget Doodle Rescues. Shannon has an absolutely adorable Doodle that she is fostering now. Alas, she is in Illinois, so some type of travel would be involved there.
http://labradoodle-dogs.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3187

I know if I was looking for another doodle, I would purchase from one of our wonderful breeders on the board. I can tell they care, their puppies are beautiful, they are extremely knowledgeable, they all offer excellent warranties and they know the importance of health testing. AND they are NICE PEOPLE

Good Luck in your search! Take your time and I know the right puppy or dog will come along!

[gene]

You can also try petfinders.com . In the description, type in poodle, and it comes up with all the mixes. It's where I found my Miko and she is an angel...with bent wings, that is!
_________________
gene , jonah , miko and rumor

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/jonahfus
"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley

[Doodlesville]

I know i dont charge 2000.00
Rarer colors are higher Prices normally depend on sex color size and generation
if you are flexible in color size sex etc
In fact depending on the age of you chidren ,i have some older pups reduced
_________________
Nancy at Doodlesville(Virginia)
www.Doodlesville.net
Aussiedoodles, Goldendoodles &
F1/F1B Labradoodles,

Breeding only Early Generation Doodles!
Keeping the Original Goals for this breed First!!
We do NOT Breed Australian Labradoodles!!

[Molly]

I have recieved three out of 4 of my dogs via airlines, and it was not half as expensive or as difficult as I thought it would be. I know of many breeders who have first generation (F1's) and F1B Labradoodles and Goldendoodles who do not charge $2000 and they are wonderful breeders. I breed F1B Goldendoodles and test both hips and eyes, and offer a two year guarantee and my puppies are well under the $2000 price.
Good luck with your puppy searching
Terri lynn
_________________
breeding F1B goldendoodles!!

[M&Tdoodles]

HI We are in RI on the east coast, we are a small breeder and plan to stay that way and may be able to help you in your search. Drop us an email or a call. BUT we don't ship and have found the other breeders we know in the area refuse to ship also...
_________________
Martha and Tom
Lighthouse Labradoodles
Warwick, RI
WWW.RILABRADOODLES.COM

http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m91/ridoodles/

[ellabee]

Wow, thank you ALL for your warm and helpful replies, for the link to the other thread, and the suggestions.

Maybe all hope is not lost, then.. I will start looking at the breeders on this thread, forum, etc, and see what I come up with. Again, thank you - you guys are a wonderful resource to have while I'm going through this process. I feel a lot more encouraged now.

[ellabee]

[Molly]

There are many great breeders in both US and Canada (most of them I know are on this forum or similiar forums). I find that the breeders who are chatting on these forums all have similar goals (to produce healthy pups, from tested parents, who are great companions). I am located in Canada, but there are many excellent breeders in the States as well. My male GD came from the states and I had no difficulties shipping him. My other two dogs came from Ontario and Alberta with no difficulties. I have also shipped puppies as well.

You should be able to find many great breeders just on this forum.
My web page can be viewed at
scgoldendoodle.tripod.com
ttlmanning@hotmail.com

I am currently working on adding pictures of my current litter, so they should be up soon!
_________________
breeding F1B goldendoodles!!

[Doodlesville]

All pups available are on the web site, i do have some older dogs not posted
visit our web page at www.doodlesville.net
complete the application there and we can go from there i can help you pick a pup that would fit well in your family after i get the info i need
we are appx 4hrs fro NYC
Lots of info on the site that will help you in your search for you perfect pup and breeder
_________________
Nancy at Doodlesville(Virginia)
www.Doodlesville.net
Aussiedoodles, Goldendoodles &
F1/F1B Labradoodles,

Breeding only Early Generation Doodles!
Keeping the Original Goals for this breed First!!
We do NOT Breed Australian Labradoodles!!

[dixiedi]

Hello and welcome to the forum There are many helpful breeders on this forum and I'm sure you will find the pup of your dreams from one of us. I also have my available puppies posted on my website if you'd like to take a look, just click on the www at the bottom of this post.

Good luck in your search and you have decided on a wonderful breed We look forward to you joining us on the forum and hearing of your doodle adventures
_________________
Di & Archie

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy...

[Doodlesville]

[dixiedi]

Hi Nancy, go to your profile and where it says website, just type in your URL and it should put a www on your postings. If not, let me know and I will figure it out
_________________
Di & Archie

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy...

[Doodlesville]

i dont see it,,maybe im blind but have looked numberous times today
this is really strange
will look again HELP
_________________
Nancy at Doodlesville(Virginia)
www.Doodlesville.net
Aussiedoodles, Goldendoodles &
F1/F1B Labradoodles,

Breeding only Early Generation Doodles!
Keeping the Original Goals for this breed First!!
We do NOT Breed Australian Labradoodles!!

[dixiedi]

Well Nancy, you're not blind. I couldn't find where to update it at either I will get ahold of Mark and get back with you.
_________________
Di & Archie

If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy...