Why Are Goldendoodles So Expensive?

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Goldendoodles are one of the most adorable, well-behaved, and sought-after designer breeds of dogs. A crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, their laid back, loyal, intelligent demeanor, as well as their low shedding coat, make them very popular animals. Because they are so popular and in high demand, the price to purchase a Goldendoodle is high as well. But why are Goldendoodles so expensive?

Breeders

Several factors can affect the price of a Goldendoodle. The main factor, besides high demand, that determines price is the breeder. Breeders go through a lot to get the best litter of puppies possible. It takes a lot of work and effort to find parent animals, breed them and take care of any resultant litter until they are ready for new homes. Prepping to breed mini Goldendoodle puppies also comes with a lot of upfront costs that the breeders will need to recoup. It is not as easy of a process as one would think.

Parent Dogs

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Before a breeder can even consider having a litter of puppies to give to good homes, they must first find the right parent animals, in this case, a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These two breeds are expensive in and of themselves as purebred animals. Finding the right pair for the traits that you are wanting to breed into your litter is one of the most important steps and a large upfront cost.

Once the pair has been found, either both purchased or the owner paying a stud fee for the male, there is still a lot of work to be done before it can be determined that they will make a profitable litter. There are health screenings, Genetics screenings, regular veterinary care, food, board, grooming. All of these things, a breeder pays for before puppies can even begin to cross their minds, and most are continued costs that will not stop. There is also the chance that they’ve spent all of this money on their choice of parent dog, to find out that they will not be able to breed the dog for the traits that they want to breed in. Now imagine that the breeder has more than one dog or sets of dogs that they may be breeding for different traits.

Puppies

Once a litter of adorable fluff balls has arrived there are more costs that the breeder is going to incur. The care of the mother and her puppies will be a time-consuming activity. A reputable breeder will be providing veterinary care to the puppies from a very young age and will have gotten the puppies at least their initial vaccines when they are old enough. The breeder of course also must provide food and board for the puppies until they go to their new homes, and many will begin laying down the groundwork for future training and housebreaking.

When the puppies are purchased and ready to go to their new homes, the breeder should provide a certificate of health with the puppy to verify its health. Buying from a reputable breeder may be more expensive than other breeders, but you are more assured of a healthy, happy puppy.

Size

The smaller the Goldendoodle, the more expensive it is. Smaller Goldendoodles incur extra costs of taking care of parent animals and ensuring healthy litters. Smaller dogs tend to come with more medical issues, making their care more intensive. It is also more difficult to have a successful litter of puppies so there are fewer in circulation and very high demand.

Generation

First Generation (F1) Goldendoodles, a cross between a Golden Retriever parent and a Poodle parent, tend to be the least expensive, and the prices tend to depend more on other factors. This generation also has more varied looks and characteristics.

First Generation Backcross (F1b) Goldendoodles (a Goldendoodle parent and a Poodle parent) are less characteristically diverse but more predictable for certain traits, such as coat type and color. This generation usually costs just a little more than an F1.

First Generation Double Backcross (F1bb), a backcrossed Goldendoodle with a Poodle, is slightly more expensive and more genetically related to a Poodle. The coats shed less, if at all, which makes them ideal for people who suffer from allergies.

Second Generation (F2), Goldendoodle with another Goldendoodle, are not very common and are typically less expensive than F1b or F1bb, because the traits are so unpredictable. Many times, the puppies resulting show more Retriever traits than Poodle.

Coat Type and Color

If you're looking for specific coat types or colors, you may pay more for them. Breeding for specific coat types and colors is going to take time and careful planning on the part of the breeder. It will take a great deal of time to find the right pairs, with the right traits that pass on consistently. Because of all of the time and work that goes into planning and raising Goldendoodles with specific coat types and colors, some of them will cost more than others.

Location

The location of the breeder is a factor in the price as well. If there is high demand in the area and very few breeders, the price will probably be higher. Same if the breeder lives in an area such as New York City, where the cost of living is significantly higher than other parts of the country. Breeders in more rural areas may have lower prices, but if you are not local to them, you will have to have the animal shipped to you, which you will have to pay for, and you lose the chance to physically inspect the parents and the facility.

Alternatives

If you are willing to be less stringent in your requirements for your Goldendoodle, adoption from a rescue or animal shelter/humane society is always an option. It may take longer to locate a Goldendoodle at your local animal shelter, but they do become available from time to time. Rescues may require a steeper adoption fee, but less than from a breeder, and a very rigorous adoption process, but you can feel secure in knowing that they are only doing what they believe is best for their rescues and trying to find them a good home where they will be loved and cared for.

Breeding Goldendoodles is a time and money-consuming activity, and the price you pay for your Doodle will be well worth it when you bring them home. Take the time to research your breeders carefully, and check with local rescues or humane societies who may have just what you're looking for.

To find out more about the everyday cost of owning a Goldendoodle, take a look at our dog ownership cost report.To find out more about the everyday cost of owning a Goldendoodle, take a look at our dog ownership cost report.To find out more about the everyday cost of owning a Goldendoodle, take a look at our dog ownership cost report.To find out more about the everyday cost of owning a Goldendoodle, take a look at our dog ownership cost report.To find out more about the everyday cost of owning a Goldendoodle, take a look at our dog ownership cost report.