How To Find A Reputable Bernedoodle Breeder?
WHERE TO FIND BERNEDOODLE PUPPIES FOR SALE?
A few years ago two of the most common ways to find a breeder would have been the local paper or recommendations from friends. The thought of looking online would've seemed crazy! Maybe even impossible! Luckily, having Google at our fingertips it has become SO much easier to find Bernedoodle puppies for sale. However, it is important to do your research and make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Sadly, there are lots of breeders that are only in it for the money and continuously breed their dogs over and over, giving little thought or care to their adult dogs and puppies. Scammers have also become a huge problem and are ready to take advantage of those who are ready to adopt a Bernedoodle.
WHAT TO ASK BERNEDOODLE BREEDERS BEFORE BUYING A PUPPY?
Like many, once you have decided you are ready to add a puppy to your family, you want him or her now. You probably don’t want to be added to waitlist. Especially if the dam hasn’t even been bred yet. However, it is extremely important to make sure you are choosing the right breeder.
WHERE ARE YOUR PUPPIES RAISED?
Personally, we prefer that puppies are raised in a home environment so that they are exposed to the hustle and bustle of everyday life and receive more socialization. However, there are many good breeders that raise their puppies in a kennel environment for one reason or another. I have seen many kennels that are quite possibly cleaner and more well-kept than the average persons house. Either way, it is important to ask to see the area in which the puppies are raised and how often they are handled.
CAN I SEE THE PARENTS?
Due to the fact that some breeders may use Guardian Homes for some of their breeding dogs, this may not always be possible. However, the breeder should be able to offer pictures and/or videos of their parent dogs. They should also be able to provide you with info on their temperament, disposition, and other general information. Knowing about the parents’ will give you better insight on what to expect your puppy’s future personality to be like.
DO YOU HEALTH TEST YOUR BREEDING DOGS?
Health testing potential breeding dogs is extremely important something that all breeders should do. While it isn’t possible to eliminate all health problems, the proper testing can help reduce the odds of health problems in the future. The breeder should be able to provide copies of the health testing done on each parent.
DO YOU OFFER A HEALTH GUARANTEE?
It is a huge red flag if you are not offered at least some sort of health guarantee with your new puppy. The breeder should be happy and willing to stand behind the puppies that they produce.
HOW DO YOU SOCIALIZE YOUR PUPPIES?
The first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life is extremely important and plays a huge role in their adult life. Puppies should be handled daily and be exposed to different sights, sounds, and textures. It is also important that are socialized with people of all ages.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REPUTABLE BERNEDOODLE BREEDER?
A breeder that is willing to answer all of those questions and more! They should be happy to talk to you about their program and their dogs that they have worked so hard on. If they seem uninterested or get upset with your questions, then this is a red flag.
A breeder should be willing to FaceTime or at a minimum send pictures and videos of the puppies. Anyone who is not willing to do this is most likely a scammer.
A breeder that asks YOU questions, either literally or through a puppy questionnaire. Raising puppies is a lot of work and many breeders pour their heart and sole into raising their puppies. A reputable breeder will want to know where their puppy is going and won’t give him or her to the first person that is ready to buy.
A breeder that health tests their breeding dogs. While testing cannot fully eliminate the risk of all diseases, it can help prevent them! Especially if they are doing the specific testing “recommended” for their breed(s).
A good breeder will keep their puppies on a deworming schedule and your puppy should have age appropriate shots. This will vary, but a minimum of 3 deworming and 1 vaccine should be given prior to you bringing your puppy home at 8 weeks.
A breeder that is knowledgeable about their breed(s).
A breeder with a website. Most good breeders will have a website to showcase their dogs, puppies, and knowledge to those looking for a puppy.
A breeder that will take a puppy (no matter the age) that they produced back if the adopter can no longer keep him or her.
A breeder that socializes their puppies! This is SO important because the first few months of a puppies life will begin to shape them into the adult dog that they will grow up to be.
HOW MUCH DOES A BERNEDOODLE COST?
The cost of a Bernedoodle will vary by breeder. Most well-bred Bernedoodles from health tested parents will cost anywhere from $2,500-$5,000. It is important to everything mentioned above into consideration when buying a puppy and not just basing it on the cost. Yes, you can probably find a Bernedoodle that is less than $2,500, but it is important to take into consideration everything mentioned above. Just because you are getting a “good deal” now does not mean that it will be in the long run. For example, a puppy that came from unhealth tested parents may require expensive vet care in the future that could’ve been prevented.