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Golden Doodles come in a wide variety of prices; on one end of the spectrum, the lowest price range for a Goldendoodle puppy can be as low as $750. However, this may not always be a good bargain since these pups tend to be bred by neglectful breeders and may come with many health problems. On the other end, show-quality Goldendoodles, or ones that have been trained as service dogs or guide dogs can cost as much as $20,000.
In this article, we answer the question, “How much are Goldendoodle puppies” while discussing the costs associated with owning one of these dogs.
How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost?
On average, the Goldendoodle price will range around $2,000 to $5,000 but the actual cost for these dogs will depend on factors such as its location, size, demand, the breeder’s reputation, and more. Below we share a few things that can affect the price of these beautiful dogs.
Size
The price of a Goldendoodle can significantly change according to the size of your Goldendoodle. These dogs can come in the following sizes:
- Standard Goldendoodle
- Medium Goldendoodle
- Miniature Goldendoodle
- Micro Goldendoodle
The standard-sized Goldendoodle can be achieved by breeding a Standard Poodle with a full-sized Golden Retriever which results in a large dog. However, not everyone wants a big dog, which is why breeders introduced the mini Goldendoodle, which can be achieved by combining the mini Poodle with a Golden Retriever. Just keep in mind that smaller dogs will need more time and effort to properly downsize them and will cost more which is why they come with a higher price.
A small Goldendoodle can cost another $1,000 to $2,000 on top of what you would pay for a full-sized Goldendoodle.
Training
While most Doodles will inherit their parents’ intelligence and willingness to please, puppies can’t train themselves and they will still need someone experienced to guide them. Unfortunately, first-time dog owners won’t know how to train their dogs and may need their breeders to start training their puppies at an additional cost. The cost of training will vary by trainer and will be charged in addition to the price of the puppy; this can range from $1,000 for a month to $15,000+ for a fully-trained puppy.
Color
When it comes to this dog breed, they can come in either the color combinations of the poodle or the luscious golden color of the Golden Retriever. Some of the most common colors the Goldendoodle can come in include apricot, golden, brown, and black, as well as the elusive merle coat found in Poodles. If you happen to come across this designer dog in a premium Merle color, you can expect it to cost $500 to $1000 more than the standard coat colors.
Breeder Quality
The reputation of your breeder will have the most impact when it comes to the cost of your puppy, below are a few kinds of breeders you’ll meet, along with their price range.
- Backyard Breeder: The most affordable place to get one of these puppies is through backyard breeders; these are owners who decide to breed their pets for a little money. While backyard breeders can be easily found on Craigslist or Facebook, they don’t know the first thing about breeding healthy dogs and their puppies may end up with health issues. These breeders will typically charge around $500 to $1,000.
- Puppy Mills: While a puppy mill may cost less than legitimate breeders, it’s not safe to buy puppies from them; these dogs live in inhumane conditions and puppies aren’t cared for before they’re sold. Because these dogs will often be sold when they’re sick and without a health guarantee, they will cost more in vet bills in the long run. Buying from a puppy mill can have a price tag between $750 and $3,000 since many will try to convince you they’re responsible breeders.
- Quality Breeders: A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will take pride in the puppies they produce and will strive to meet the right health conditions by selecting the best pairs for mating. Moreover, a quality breeder can provide health guarantees and health tests for their dogs to ensure healthy puppies so you can have a pick of your favorite from the litter. There are plenty of reputable breeders around the United States; the first place to look at is the Goldendoodle Association of North America, where you’ll find an approved list of breeders.
When you speak to a reputable breeder, you should keep an open mind on the $4,000 to $5,000+ price tag that their puppies come in but you’ll see that this comes with a health guarantee.
Health Testing
Breeders who provide health tests for their dogs will likely be highly educated in this breed and will know about the right breeding practices. There are plenty of health tests recommended when breeding Goldendoodle puppies; while both breeding education and health tests are expensive, they’re definitely worth paying extra.
Goldendoodle Generation
Breeders have come up with a Doodle Generation Classification to indicate the differences between different generations of Goldendoodles. For instance, F1 Goldendoodles are also known as first-generation Goldendoodles, which are 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever. They are considered to be the healthiest cross of these dogs and will have less chance of inheriting a health issue specific to this breed.
On the other hand, F1b Goldendoodles have a genetic makeup of 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. While breeders can’t guarantee results, the puppy should be more of a Poodle than a Golden Retriever. An F2 Goldendoodle refers to a multi-generation Goldendoodle and refers to when two Goldendoodles are used for breeding, and will often cost more than the first two kinds.
Hair Type
Goldendoodles come in curly or wavy coats but many people look for dogs with a low-shedding coat or a hypoallergenic coat which can be a good option for allergy sufferers. Experienced breeders will often conduct a genetic test to try and achieve a more consistent coat type. As such, some coat types may cost more than others.
Demand
Understandably, supply and demand can have a big influence on the cost of these dogs, and because micro Goldendoodles are harder to achieve, they will come with a bigger price tag. The same thing applies to Merle Goldendoodles and Goldendoodles bred with a specific coat type.
How to Get a More Affordable Goldendoodle?
If you find that the prices for healthy Goldendoodles are too high, there are a few alternatives you can look into. One option you can look into is adoption which will help a Goldendoodle in need of a loving home. The cost of adopting one of these adult dogs can range from $250 to $600, depending on its age and where you’re adopting them from.
Adopting a younger puppy may cost more, but it will still be much cheaper compared to purchasing one from a breeder. Another option is to look for breeders within the Guardian Home program, but this option will need further research since many people have varying options during their experience as a Guardian for their dogs.
After the Initial Cost of a Goldendoodle
Apart from the initial cost of buying your Goldendoodle, there are many other costs involved with owning one of these great dogs. Below are just a few things you need to consider before getting one of these dogs.
Annual Cost: $1,500 to $2,900
- Vet Care: $400 to $600 should be enough to cover the cost of vaccines but unexpected illnesses may occur, so look into pet insurance to offset bigger bills.
- Grooming Supplies: $400 to $800 will help to gather all the grooming supplies needed to keep your pup clean and neat with regular grooming.
- Pet Supplies: $200 to $450 will help you get essentials such as bedding, a crate, food and water bowls, a harness, and a leash.
Monthly Cost
- Food: $400 to $800 — Getting high-quality dog food will go a long way to giving your pup a balanced diet, but be sure to give puppy food to younger dogs.
- Toys and treats should cost around $200 to $600
- Professional grooming can cost between $400 to $600 per month.
- Training Classes can cost between $150 to $300
Is the Goldendoodle Good for Families?
The Goldendoodle is a great choice for families looking for a high-energy, friendly, and loving dog that’s easy to train. While there’s no such thing as a perfect dog, these puppies can grow into well-rounded and behaved adult dogs with consistent training. Thanks to the intelligence of the Poodle and the outgoing and friendly nature of the Golden Retriever, these dogs can be a wonderful addition to individuals and homes looking for a family-oriented breed.
Bringing Your Goldendoodle Puppy Home
Once you find the right breeder for you, it’s time to start preparing your home for your upcoming furry family member. As mentioned above, puppies will need many supplies and to help them become comfortable in your home. Get started by buying it food bowls, toys, and a leash and collar; you should also think about where your pooch can go for a potty break when it needs to.
Establishing a place for potty training early in their transition to your home will make everything much easier for you and your pet.
Conclusion
Goldendoodle puppies can be great family pets, provided that you get them from responsible breeders who can ensure their overall health before they even place a foot into their new home. However, keep in mind that your furry companion will need more than the basic supplies, food, and water once it comes into your family. Moreover, there may be times when they need veterinary care so be sure to put some money aside in times of unexpected costs.
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