If you have been looking into buying a Doodle, you may have been caught by surprise with the price of Goldendoodles. Indeed, Goldendoodles are the most expensive Doodle breed and generally much more expensive than most dog breeds.
As a general rule, Goldendoodles are typically more expensive because they are a ‘designer breed,’ and a lot goes into raising and care from the breeder’s end. Genetic guarantees, health testing, high-maintenance puppy care, and unique traits like no shedding – all of these are among factors that make the breed pricey.
However, all good things in life come with a price! There is no question that these adorable and intelligent puppies are worth their value, and it is easy to understand why.
What Do Goldendoodles Cost?
The average price of a Standard Goldendoodle is between $2,300 and $2,600. Smaller kinds like Miniature and Toy Doodles may sell for up to $4,000. While you may find Goldendoodle puppies for as low as $500, this is usually not recommended.
Quality breeders spend a lot of time, effort, and financial investment into breeding and raising Goldendoodle puppies. Beware of breeders selling these Doodles for suspiciously low prices since this can indicate unhealthy and unethical breeding practices.
The only way you should be paying $500 or lower for a Goldendoodle puppy is if you are adopting one from a reliable friend or a reputable shelter.
Why Are Goldendoodle Puppies So Expensive?
The price of Goldendoodle puppies strikes as unbelievable at first, but their lineage and breeding requirements make it easy to understand their value. Several factors go into making Goldens the most sought-after and expensive designer breed.
Acquiring and Maintaining Purebred Parents
Respectable breeders invest in the highest quality purebred Golden Retrievers and Poodles to be used to produce Goldendoodles. They usually have to pay stud fees or acquire their own purebred parents who need time and investment to maintain their health.
Maintaining the parents’ health also means food, grooming, vet bills. As litters develop and breeders start back-crossing to produce hypoallergenic Goldendoodles, they also have to acquire additional studs to prevent in-breeding.
It is easy to see how costs go up as breeders attempt to produce the perfect Goldendoodle litter.
Breeding Time and Cycles
The breeding process is not as simple as letting a Poodle and a Golden Retriever mate. This is only the first-generation – or the F1 – and usually costs significantly lesser. What customers are looking for in Goldendoodles are their signature curly coat and their non-shedding tendencies.
It can sometimes take up to several years until a perfectly healthy and hypoallergenic Goldendoodle litter is produced.
Health Guarantees and Testing
While the mother mostly takes care of newborn Goldendoodle pups, a breeder’s work is not over once the puppies are born. They have to carry out DNA testing to determine the genetic percentage of the Poodle to ensure that the puppies are likely to be non-shedding.
Genetic testing is also required to ensure the puppies don’t carry any abnormalities. They also have to invest in high-quality dog food and professional grooming. The best breeders also spend time and money on various tests, guarantees, and necessary procedures.
These include:
- The first round of vaccinations
- Deworming shots
- Microchipping
- Hip and elbow testing
- Eye tests
- Heart tests
- General health certificate
Breeders also teach puppies to stay calm and friendly around different animals, people, and noises. This is needed not only for comfortable and warm meetings with potential buyers but also because the best age for puppies to socialize is before 8-10 weeks of age while they are still with their mother.
This ensures they grow up to be friendly and well-adjusted dogs. The best breeders also begin training for basic commands.
Facility Maintenance
Licensed breeders are required to have a clean, fenced, and well-maintained environment where they keep the dogs. They also have to go through regular inspections for proper ventilation, sanitation, lighting, pest control, and more since this prevents diseases and parasites.
Naturally, facility maintenance costs money, which is then factored into the price of the Goldendoodle puppies.
Demand
Goldendoodles are beautiful dogs that are highly in demand! Depending on their demand and supply in your area, the price may vary between $2,000 and $4,000.
Are Goldendoodles Worth Their Price?
If you want to invest in a designer dog with a curly coat and is also smart and friendly, the Goldendoodle is absolutely worth it! The second you bring this puppy home, you will realize you’ve made an excellent choice spending that money.
Here are some of the several remarkable traits of Goldendoodles that make them worth their price.
Intelligence and Trainability
Many dogs are smart, but Goldendoodles are really among the smartest. Aside from basic commands and tricks, you can even teach your Doodle to press buttons or ring a bell!
They are also easily trainable. With the right effort put in, your Goldendoodle puppy will be housebroken within the week. They crave to spend time with and impress their humans, so they’re always up for learning new tricks.
Excellent for Families
Goldendoodles love humans and other animals, including cats! With this new puppy at home, you don’t have to worry about keeping the cat separate or keeping the kids away. Teach your children how to behave around the dog and how not to hurt them, and slowly socialize them with the dog.
Goldendoodles are also larger than other Doodles, which means they are sturdy and can easily deal with a little rough play from children in the house. They don’t have any aggressive tendencies, so there is nothing to worry about on that end.
Low Shedding
Goldendoodles are ideal for homes where family members have mild allergies. They usually shed very little, or sometimes not at all, which makes them hypoallergenic! This means you don’t have to worry about pet hair around the house or on your clothes.
However, you still must brush your Doodle every day to keep their curly coat clean and untangled.
Talk to a Goldendoodle owner, and they will tell you spending on their dog was the best decision they ever made. These dogs are cute, goofy, active, and will make for your best companion for several years to come!