Goldendoodles have rapidly gained popularity, making them one of the most sought-after breeds today. As a result, many individuals have started breeding them, but not all breeders uphold the same high standards. With so many choices available, how can you determine which breeder to trust? What sets the members of the Goldendoodle Association of North America apart as some of the best?
Unfortunately, scams in the puppy industry are on the rise. To help you make an informed decision, here are some key factors to consider when selecting a breeder:
Ensure the parent dogs have undergone thorough health testing and have received official certifications confirming their results.
Look for a health guarantee of at least two years that does not require returning the puppy to claim benefits. The breeder should also offer financial assistance for genetic health issues or provide a replacement puppy if necessary.
Confirm pedigrees tracing back to purebred ancestors to verify the puppy’s Golden Retriever and Poodle lineage, or check that DNA testing has been conducted on the parents.
Choose a breeder who implements a structured puppy training program to support early development.
Request pictures or videos of the puppies, whelping area, and overall environment to ensure proper care and conditions.
Reputable breeders dedicate significant time and effort to raising their puppies properly, so they may not always be able to provide individual photo or video updates on demand. However, they should actively share pictures and videos on social media or their website to keep prospective owners updated.
So why choose a GANA breeder?
When you choose a breeder who is a member of the Goldendoodle Association of North America, you can rest assured that the necessary research has already been done for you. GANA sets itself apart from other breed clubs by enforcing strict health testing and ethical breeding standards. By certifying breeding dogs, we ensure that each litter comes from the healthiest parents possible.
To uphold this high standard, our club has established guidelines that guarantee the exceptional quality of puppies that families have come to expect when choosing a GANA-certified breeder.
Health Testing
To become a member of GANA, breeders are required to conduct health testing on their dogs. At a minimum, this includes evaluations for hips and cardiac health. However, most breeders within our organization go above and beyond by performing comprehensive testing, which may include assessments for hips, cardiac, elbows, and patellas (if applicable based on size), as well as essential DNA screenings for conditions like night blindness, canine bleeding disorders, and degenerative myelopathy, among others. You can see the extensive list of requirements here.
Health Warranty
Our members are not only required to conduct health testing on their parent dogs, but they also offer a warranty covering life-inhibiting genetic conditions for a minimum of two years.
