Finding the right Goldendoodle breeder is as important as finding the right puppy. A quality program produces healthy, well-socialized dogs with predictable temperaments. A poor one cuts corners on health testing, socialization, and transparency — and those shortcuts often show up in vet bills or behavioral challenges down the road.
Before you put down a deposit anywhere, ask these 10 questions. They'll help you evaluate any breeder — and they also reflect the standards we hold ourselves to at Purkey Puppies.
The 10 Questions
1. Are the breeding dogs health-tested?
Reputable Goldendoodle breeders health-test every dog in their program before it's ever bred. At minimum this means genetic testing to screen for hereditary conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), degenerative myelopathy (DM), and von Willebrand's disease. Ideally, breeding dogs are also OFA-certified for hips and elbows — the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals evaluates joint health and certifies dogs whose hips and elbows are suitable for breeding.
At Purkey Puppies, all of our breeding dogs are genetically cleared at minimum, and most are OFA-certified for hips and elbows.
2. What generation is the puppy — F1, F1B, or F2?
The generation determines the puppy's likely coat type and how much it will shed. F1 Goldendoodles (50% Golden Retriever, 50% Poodle) are the first cross and tend to have wavy coats with moderate shedding. F1B dogs (75% Poodle, 25% Golden Retriever) carry more Poodle genetics, which typically means curlier coats and significantly less shedding — making them the best choice for families with allergies or anyone who doesn't want hair all over the furniture.
At Purkey Puppies we focus exclusively on F1B Goldendoodles for exactly this reason.
3. How are the puppies socialized before going home?
Well-socialized puppies are exposed to a variety of sounds, surfaces, people, and handling during the critical developmental window between 3 and 12 weeks of age. Experiences during this period have a lasting impact on temperament. Ask what specific protocols the breeder follows — are puppies handled daily? Exposed to different environments? Introduced to children?
Our Purkey, Stinnett, and Gentry families are hands-on with each litter every single day from birth — feeding, holding, and helping every puppy grow into a confident companion before it leaves at 8 weeks.
4. Can I meet or learn about the parent dogs?
Meeting the parent dogs gives you the most direct preview available of your puppy's likely temperament, size, and coat. A breeder who won't let you meet the parents — or who can't provide detailed health and temperament records on them — is a yellow flag. At minimum you should be able to see photos, health records, and descriptions of both the sire and dam.
We publish all of our parent dogs on our website and welcome questions about their personalities, health clearances, and lineage.
5. What veterinary care does the puppy receive before pickup?
Puppies should have at least their first set of vaccinations and a licensed vet health check before going home. You should receive documentation — a health record you can hand directly to your own vet at your first appointment. Without this paperwork, you have no verified starting point for your puppy's medical history.
Every Purkey Puppies puppy receives their first puppy shot and a vet well-check exam before pickup, both included in the purchase price.
6. What is included in the purchase price?
Know exactly what you're getting before you write the check. A full purchase price typically includes the puppy, starter health records, first vaccinations, and a health guarantee. Some breeders offer optional add-ons like microchipping, additional vet visits, or early neurological stimulation protocols — ask what's available.
At Purkey Puppies, each puppy is $1,700 including the first puppy shot and vet well-check. We also offer optional upgrades if you'd like additional vet visits, microchipping, or other extras completed before pickup.
7. How does the reservation or waitlist process work?
Good breeders with quality programs often have wait times. Ask when the next litter is expected, how the deposit is structured, what the cancellation policy is, and how puppy selection works. Vague or overly flexible answers here can be a sign of an unstructured or high-volume operation.
We take reservations through our HoneyBook portal. A $200 reservation fee holds your spot, with the remaining $1,500 due at pickup. Reservations are first-come, first-served for puppy selection — straightforward and no surprises.
8. What coat colors, sizes, and types are available?
Goldendoodle coats range from wavy to curly and come in a wide variety of colors including cream, tan, red, black, chocolate, and multi-color patterns. A variety of colors and coat textures can appear within the same litter. Sizes range from Mini (20–35 lbs) to Standard (40–70 lbs), with females typically smaller than males.
Ask the breeder what sizes and colors they typically produce and whether they can give you any predictability on coat type based on the parent dogs.
9. Does the breeder offer post-adoption support?
A breeder who disappears after the sale is a red flag. The first weeks with a new puppy come with a lot of questions — about nutrition, crate training, vet schedules, socialization, and adjustment. A breeder who's been through dozens of litters is an incredibly valuable resource during that period. Ask directly whether they're available for questions after pickup.
We're happy to answer questions from our puppy families after they go home. We love getting updates — and we genuinely want every puppy we place to thrive.
10. Can I see reviews from previous families?
Real reviews from real families are the most honest form of quality assurance a breeder can offer. Ask to see Google reviews, Facebook recommendations, or direct references from past buyers. A breeder with a strong program and happy families should have no hesitation sharing them.
We've placed hundreds of puppies with families across Texas and beyond. You can read what our families are saying on our About page and on our Google Business Profile.
The Bottom Line
A good breeder welcomes every one of these questions. Transparency is a sign of a well-run program — breeders who have nothing to hide don't act like they do. If a breeder gets defensive, rushes you, or can't answer basic health-testing questions, that tells you what you need to know.
If you're considering Purkey Puppies, we'd love to answer any of these questions directly. Reach out anytime, or browse our available puppies to see who's ready to join your family.
Ready to Reserve Your Puppy?
Join the waitlist for an upcoming litter from our Midland or Dallas, TX program. $200 reserves your spot.