Q. What is the difference in an F1 and an F1b?
A. F stands for first and 1 stands for first generation. This means that an F1 Goldendoodle is 50 percent Retriever and 50 percent Poodle. One parent is a Retriever and one is a Poodle. b indicates a backcross. This means that Mommy is an F1 Goldendoodle and Father is a standard poodle. Puppies are 75% poodle and 25% Retriever. At this time, we only offer these two generations, though through research, you can find that there are many, many generations.
A. No reputable breeder should ever guarantee that any dog will be hypoallergenic. This can cause a lot of disappointment for potential families with allergy sufferers. People can have allergies to saliva, urine, fur, and dander, but Goldendoodles (especially F1b’s (75 percent Poodle) are the most likely to take from their poodle parent and not shed fur and dander (the protein that causes reactions) all over the house, therefore reducing the likelihood of reactions for allergy sufferers. The original purpose of the Poodle/Retriever cross was to develop guide dogs suitable for visually impaired individuals with allergies. I take allergy shots and Claritin D twice each day but am still bothered by some dogs. So far, I have had no trouble with any of our goldendoodles.
Q. What are the potential sizes of Goldendoodles?
A. Standard Goldendoodles weigh between 45 and 75 lbs., typically. Standard Goldendoodles are the result of breeding a Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle.
Miniature Goldendoodles weigh between 30 and 45 pounds, typically. This is the result of a Retriever mother and a Mini-Poodle Father.
Petite or Toy Goldendoodles weigh 15 to 30 pounds. A Golden Retriever and a Toy Poodle (Father) are bred to achieve this size.
Q. Do you ever breed Minis/Toys?
A. I had planned to breed Petite Toys in 2018 but we have decided to delay a litter until at least 2019. Breeding Minis/Toys is extremely difficult and expensive. This type of breeding requires Artificial Insemination and there is a high probability that a successful breeding will not occur. Sometimes, a canine reproductive specialist is necessary to facilitate this breeding. At present, we are just not ready to take this chance. Not to mention, the puppies will be more expensive for our buyers which is something we try to avoid.
Q. Why are Goldendoodles so expensive?
A. First, all pets are expensive if properly maintained. When one thinks of buying a pet, feeding him or her should be paramount in the mind of the buyer. While food is expensive, especially for such a large dog, the real expense for us as breeders comes with the parents, themselves. Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers are registerable by the American Kennel Club, and all of our parents have clear AKC registration which means we own the breeding rights. We have a few Goldendoodle parents and they are registered by the Continental Kennel Club (the AKC doesn’t recognize hybrid breeds, but to be CKC registered, the parent’s parents should be AKC registered). Basically, all of our dogs are registered and as such, any puppies will be registered from Oodles of Doodles LLC. Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers from reputable breeders will almost always be over $1000. We feed our dogs Fromm Gold, which is grain free, and very expensive. When the litter is born, dew claws are removed and 6 weeks later, the litter is vaccinated. We also Genetic Test all of our parents in hopes of freeing our breeding lines of genetic diseases common to Poodles and Retrievers. This doesn’t even count the hundreds of dollars we spend on flea and tick prevention because we live in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.
Q. Do I have to keep a Goldendoodle in the house? What if I decide I can’t when he/she is grown?
A. You should keep your Goldendoodle inside in a climate controlled area. In the event that this becomes a problem, I am quite connected in a multitude of Goldendoodle groups and can help you re-home. I will even help you recoup some of the money you have spent by asking a rehoming fee. I will, of course, welcome them back into my home at anytime. You will not be entitled to a monetary refund in this event.