Buying a Goldendoodle Puppy

What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.

Goldendoodle Puppy

Essential Documents

  1. Heath Certificates (both parents)
  2. Signed AWF Puppy Contract
  3. KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
  4. Microchip Registration Certificate
  5. Temporary Pet Health Insurance
  6. Vaccination Certificate

A Good Breeder Will:

  1. have socialised and habituated the puppy
  2. provide a supply of food
  3. provide a blanket smelling of Mum
  4. follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Official Health Schemes

  • BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
  • abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness
  • BVA/KC scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED)
  • abnormal formation of the elbow joint – pain and lameness
  • BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding, to include gonioscopy (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)
  • Gonioscopy tests for primary glaucoma/PLA (pectinate ligament abnormality) a painful progressive eye disease leading to blindness
  • MRD – multifocal retinal disease
  • often asymptomatic, may cause visual issues

Other Diseases Found in Parent Breeds

No current health scheme or DNA test available.

  • Addison’s disease
  • hormonal disease, causes lethargy, collapse and other symptoms
  • Allergic skin disease
  • |
  • Aortic stenosis (heart disease)
  • |
  • Arthritis
  • |
  • Bloat/GDV (gastric dilation and volvulus)
  • stomach inflates with air and twists, sometimes fatally
  • Cancer
  • |
  • Cushing’s disease
  • progressive hormonal disease, causing increased thirst and lethargy
  • Ectopic ureter
  • incontinence in puppies, caused by malformation of drainage to bladder
  • Epilepsy
  • |
  • Hypothyroidism
  • underactive thyroid gland, causing lethargy and weight gain
  • Polyneuropathy
  • progressive weakness caused by neurological disease
  • Sebaceous adenitis (SA)
  • skin disease causing inflammation and hair loss

DNA Tests Relevant to Breed

  • PRA – Progressive retinal atrophy
  • eye disease leading to blindness
  • Ichthyosis
  • scaled, roughened patches of skin
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • blood clotting disorder

Other Tests

  • Some DNA testing panels will also include other rare genetic diseases

Further Information

Although Goldendoodles are not a KC registered breed, responsible breeders will still health test their dogs.

Return to Breed Health Information List