A Goldendoodle’s gentle and friendly temperament easily makes them one of the most in-demand designer dogs to date. It’s easy to find reputable breeders that offer this mix, but the average Goldendoodle cost may vary greatly.
Spending money for a puppy does not end with the breeder. You have to take into account expenses for food, shelter, maintenance, and care that your Goldendoodle regularly needs.
So how much does a Goldendoodle cost? And how much do you need to raise a Goldendoodle? This article will discuss all possible necessities of the breed and help you plan financially!
The Average Cost of a Goldendoodle Puppy
The average Goldendoodle price may range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the Goldendoodle’s size, quality, bloodline, and even the breeder’s reputation. Other factors such as generation, location, physical features, and health may also affect the puppy price.
You might be wondering why the average price is unreasonably high. This is because breeders spend years studying how to produce perfect dogs. Also, the process of getting this mix is complicated.
Thanks to its popularity among dog lovers and dog breeders, it won’t be difficult to find one at the lower end of the price range, especially from puppy mills or backyard breeders.
However, getting a Goldendoodle puppy from a puppy mill or backyard breeders is not a good idea. The initial price may save you a few bucks, but you may end up spending more on maintenance costs in the future.
Since the size of Goldendoodle puppies varies depending on the weight of the parent dogs, they come in a variety of sizes: Standard, Medium, and Mini Goldendoodle. Standard Goldendoodles usually follow the size of a parent Golden Retriever.
A Goldendoodle which comes in the toy, micro, and teacup categories, is the most in-demand, with teacup Goldendoodles being the most expensive.
For this mixed breed, the size is not directly proportional to its price. There are a lot of other factors that can affect its overall cost, and there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all price for the Goldendoodle.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Goldendoodle Puppy
Goldendoodles are a cross between two popular purebred breeds — the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Hence, getting a Goldendoodle may cost a lot, especially if you’re going for a reputable Goldendoodle breeder.
Before making a big financial decision, it’s important to understand why they are costly. As mentioned, many factors affect Goldendoodle’s cost, such as size, quality, physical features, breeders, and more.
Below is a detailed list and an explanation of each factor that may affect Goldendoodle price:
Size: Goldendoodle puppies come in three sizes: Mini, Medium, and Standard. Contrary to its size, the teacup Goldendoodle is the most expensive. This is because small breeds easily develop health issues; thus, reputable breeders spend more time and effort breeding them.
Coat Type: Goldendoodles can have straight, curly, or wavy coats, depending on the parent dogs. Since those wavy and curly coats are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, they tend to be more expensive.
Coat Color: A Goldendoodle’s coat can have 13 possible colors that affect its price. Brown, cream, and white are the most common colors for this mix, while parti is one of the rarest. If you’re willing to shell out extra bucks, you may opt to get a rare Goldendoodle color.
Demand: This mix is one of the most in-demand designer dogs to date, especially the mini Goldendoodle. Over-breeding may sound like a solution for many breeders, but this will greatly compromise the health of a dog. Reputable breeders opt to increase their prices by tenfold instead.
Location: Goldendoodle puppies cost lower in rural areas than in densely-populated cities. This is because the cost of living in rural areas is lower than in urban cities. Reputable Goldendoodle breeders in a rural area could have spent less for the mix; hence they charge lower prices.
Breeder’s Reputation: Responsible breeders prioritize quality over quantity. Getting cheaper options from puppy mills might save you a few bucks, but you will end up spending more on maintenance costs in the future.
Aside from the aforementioned factors, gender, genetic testing, health guarantees, health testing, training, generation, and pedigree may also affect its pricing.
Consulting with a Goldendoodle breeder may help you know more about the other factors and determine if a Goldendoodle price point is reasonable.
If the cost is not within your budget, getting one from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder may be an option, but this does not guarantee that you will get a healthy dog.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Goldendoodle From a Rescue?
If you cannot afford the average Goldendoodle price or risk it with puppy mills or backyard breeders, then adopting a Goldendoodle may be your best choice! The average adoption cost is between $200 and $400.
You can choose to adopt from local shelters or rescues. Adoption fees vary between shelters and centers. On average, the adoption fee will only cost you around $200 to $400 for the initial veterinarian fees.
Designer dogs like Goldendoodles are also a rare find in shelters and centers unless they are old, past their prime, or terribly sick. Miniature Goldendoodles are even harder to come by in these places.
Hip dysplasia, a disease common among large dogs, is one of the reasons Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles are found in rescue facilities. Dogs with hip dysplasia are often harder to look after.
If you’re looking for a young and healthy mix, adopting a Goldendoodle could be difficult, and it’s better to head straight to a breeder instead!
Initial Cost of Goldendoodle Ownership
Aside from spending thousands on breeders or hundreds for a rescue, you also have to prepare cash for your puppy’s initial necessities.
To keep them safe, healthy, and happy, you need to prepare their food, bowls, bed, toys, grooming essentials, medications, licenses, and many more.
The list below is a compilation of the most basic and important items you need to initially buy for your new furry companion:
Food and Treats: The amount of food and treats that a Goldendoodle puppy needs will depend on its size and energy level. Getting nutritious and high-quality options will cost you around $80 to $100.
Food and Water Bowls: Getting food and water bowls made of stainless steel will save you a lot of money in the long run. It’s sturdy and easier to clean. The price will greatly depend on the size, so this initial purchase may cost you about $10 to $30.
Bed: High-quality beds will ensure that your dog will get all the rest that it needs after a long day of playtime. Depending on the size, a good quality bed will cost around $40 to $180.
Crate: Crate training may sound unnecessary for those who plan to raise puppies indoors, but Goldendoodles tend to seek shelter and independence when they get stressed. A durable and sturdy dog crate will cost around $50 to $370, depending on the size and material.
Leash and Collar: A leash and a collar will come in handy when you bring your Goldendoodle outside for dog walking and training. You can get durable and rust-free leashes and collars as a pair for $15 to $50.
Toys: Goldendoodles and dogs, in general, will undergo a teething stage and chew on almost anything to relieve boredom and pressure on the gums. High-quality chew toys for a Goldendoodle cost around $30 to $40.
Grooming Essentials: This mix doesn’t shed much, but their curly coats are prone to matting. Investing in a high-quality brush, soap, conditioner, nail clippers, and other tools will cost you between $40 and $160.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medication: Ask a reputable breeder if the dog has been dewormed or treated for fleas and ticks. If not, be prepared to shell out at least $50 to $200 for these medications.
Initial Vet Visits: To ensure that your dog is growing normally and without abnormalities, an initial visit to a licensed veterinarian is essential. A basic check-up will cost around $100 to $300.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Initial veterinary care will include vaccinations. If your dog is not vaccinated by the shelter or backyard breeder, you will need at least $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: The benefits of neutering or spaying outweigh its risks. To ensure your dog’s health and prevent complications, spending around $50 to $500 for the procedure is recommended.
Dog License: In case your dog gets lost or involved in an unexpected scenario, having a dog license will help them be identified and brought back to you safely. Spending $10 to $20 is a good deal for the benefits of a dog license.
Microchip: For only $40 to $60, you can get your dog microchipped. In case your dog gets lost, this will increase the chance of getting your dog back as quickly as possible.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Owning a Goldendoodle entails buying other essentials such as potty pads, carpet cleaners, poop bags, disinfectants, and more. These essentials will cost around $15 to $30.
Below is a table containing a breakdown of the most basic items that you need to purchase before taking your dog home:
Before bringing your Goldendoodle puppy home, make sure to buy or prepare all of the puppy care essentials mentioned above.
On average, you will initially spend $605 to $2,240. First-time pet owners will likely spend more, but a good investment will go a long way.
Be on the lookout for freebies or pre-loved items that pet stores or other pet owners offer. This will save you a few dollars!
Annual Cost of Owning a Goldendoodle
Goldendoodle owners should be ready to spend thousands of dollars if they wish to provide their dogs with their regular essentials and medical needs.
Having a Goldendoodle costs more than just the price of their food, treats, and other essentials. Grooming, regular veterinary care, and a lot more should be taken into account.
How much should a Goldendoodle owner prepare annually? The table below summarizes the average yearly and monthly cost:
Recurring expenses such as food, treats, grooming, and miscellaneous supplies for a Goldendoodle cost the most for your average yearly total.
Regular check-ups are a must for designer dogs like Goldendoodles to keep them away from health problems. A trip to the vet once every two months may cost you $200 to $400 annually.
Again, the average annual cost usually depends on Goldendoodle size. The table above includes mere estimates, and your annual expenses for this designer dog can either be lower or higher.
Other Potential Expenses
Up to this point, we’ve only covered the estimated and expected initial and annual costs for this breed’s essentials. If you love dogs, you should be aware that there may be unexpected costs associated with being a dog owner.
Listed below are potential unexpected costs that you may encounter:
Pet Daycare: A pet daycare may cost between $20 and $30 per day. If you need to leave your dog for business trips or vacations, this facility has experts that can take care of your dog.
Pet Insurance: Aside from regular vet visits, getting pet insurance is a good investment. An average price of $500 to $900 for the fee is way cheaper than emergency fees and unexpected vet bills.
Training Classes: To help them become a well-rounded companion, especially if you plan on making them guide dogs, spending around $50 to $100 on training is a good investment.
Apartment Pet Fee: Some landlords do not allow pets within their buildings. If you’re lucky to be in an apartment that allows pets, spending at least $25 to $30 for monthly fees doesn’t sound too bad!
Shipping: Breeding facilities outside your state may charge around $120 to $500 for shipping, depending on the distance. The fee is reasonable since they have to be sure that you will receive a good quality Goldendoodle safely.
Kennel Club Registration: The Continental Kennel Club (CKC) provides quality canine registration services. If you wish to register your puppy to the CKC, you need to prepare at least $10 to $25 for the registration fee and documents.
Aside from the CKC, you may also register your puppy under the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) for as low as $25. Members of the Goldendoodle association can enjoy special benefits and health testing discounts!
As designer dogs and mixed breeds, however, Goldendoodles are not recognized and cannot be registered under the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Although these other potential costs are optional, it’s better to prepare beforehand. Having an emergency fund or saving a few dollars monthly for your Goldendoodle is highly recommended.
Places to Find Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finally, if you have decided to get one of these lovable and adorable companions for yourself, finding the right place to get them from would be the next step!
Although the pricing of a Goldendoodle is cheaper in a puppy mill or backyard breeders, these may not be your best options.
Backyard breeders and puppy mills produce puppies at an unreasonably fast rate, often compromising the health of the dogs. Most likely, you will end up spending more on future medical bills.
Fortunately, due to increased demand over the years, finding a reputable breeder or rescue is now a piece of cake.
Here are some of the most reputable sources to find Goldendoodle puppies for sale:
PuppySpot – Based in Florida, PuppySpot is authorized by the American Kennel Club to place puppies into their forever homes. A Goldendoodle’s price from PuppySpot ranges from $1,800 to $5,000 and comes with a 10-year health guarantee.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies advertise puppies for sale in PA, Ohio, Indiana, New York, and other states. The average Goldendoodle price from Lancaster Puppies ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
Infinity Pups – Infinity Pups offers safe and hassle-free purchasing and puppy delivery options. All puppies also come with a one-year health guarantee. The price of a Goldendoodle from Infinity Pups can range from $2,500 to $4,100.
Breeding Goldendoodle puppies requires years of experience. If you want to have a good quality Goldendoodle from a reputable and professional breeder, check our article on the 10 best Goldendoodle breeders!
If you’re leaning towards adoption instead of spending a thousand dollars, you can always opt to adopt from a reputable rescue facility.
Here is a list of several rescues devoted to rehabilitating homeless poodle mixes like Goldendoodles:
IDOG Rescue, Inc. – IDOG Rescue, Inc. boasts their 16-year history of rescuing Goldendoodles, Poodles, and Labradoodles. They usually rehome retired Goldendoodles. Adoption fees range from $100 to $750.
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) – Starting as an adoption center for a Golden Retriever, this facility ventured into rescuing Goldendoodles in 2012. Adoption fees may range from $300 to $1,000.
Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption (NCPR) – Based in Northern California, NCPR claims to be the third-largest purebred Poodle rescue in the United States. Aside from rescuing and rehoming Poodle breeds, they also offer Poodle mixes like the Goldendoodle. Adoption fees may range between $250 and $700.
If you want to find more options, you may check our article on the 10 best Goldendoodle rescues for adoption.
Adoption fees vary depending on the age and health status of the rescued dogs. The fees also cover basic veterinary procedures such as neutering, spaying, and microchipping.
Money-Saving Tips for Goldendoodle Owners
When you finally decide to bring home this adorable mix, it will be a serious and lifetime financial commitment. It will be costly, so learning to be practical will definitely help ease your pockets.
Here are some economical tips for Goldendoodle owners:
Invest in high-quality dog food. The best way to save money is to keep them strong and healthy by providing the best food. High-quality dog food may sound costly at first but will definitely be a good investment in the long run.
Groom your dog at home. Regular grooming is essential for this breed, as their coats are prone to matting. Learning to cut their coats at home will save you at least $150 to $350 annually.
Compare prices across different facilities. You may be surprised by the large price differences across facilities. Lower prices don’t necessarily mean they give cheap services. Check their websites and reviews to get the best deal in town.
Be on the lookout for coupons and discounts. Pet stores and facilities often provide loyalty coupons and discounts on food, grooming, and veterinary services. It won’t hurt to ask trusted stores for their current deals and offers.
Prepare an emergency fund. It’s better to be prepared when medical intervention is needed. One way to start is by saving little by little each month to prepare yourself for future unexpected vet bills.
These tips are simple, and it won’t hurt if you try them. You can also expect to learn more tips along the way as you spend more time with your lovely dog.
Final Thoughts
As designer dogs, Goldendoodles are considered high-maintenance and expensive. Fortunately, their popularity and demand increase the chances of finding reputable Goldendoodle breeders.
If the demand continues to increase, we may witness a significant price cut in the near future. For now, you can cut down on costs by adopting or practicing money-saving techniques.
Being a Goldendoodle owner is a lifelong commitment. It can be physically and financially exhausting. Nevertheless, the experience is very much fulfilling and rewarding.
The love, happiness, and optimism a Goldendoodle can offer will definitely be worth every penny. If you think the average Goldendoodle cost is reasonable, let us know in the comments below!
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