How to choose a good doodle or poo breeder

It can be difficult to spot a good breeder from a less responsible one. When you buy a crossbreed, there aren’t the same formal frameworks and checks as there are when buying a pedigree puppy through a kennel club. That’s why it’s crucial that you, as the buyer, know what to look for (and what to avoid) once you’ve fallen for those curls.

Choose health, temperament and safety

It’s a common misconception that you don’t need to be as thorough when you’re buying a crossbreed. In reality, it’s at least as important to be vigilant. Doodle and poo breeding isn’t regulated by kennel clubs or fixed breeding standards. Therefore, in principle, anyone can mate two dogs and call it a “Labradoodle.”

That means it’s up to you to make sure the breeder you choose prioritises health, temperament and a safe, nurturing start for the puppy. Dog breeding should be based on knowledge, ethics and care - not financial gain.

Meet the parents (don’t rely on photos)

An important step in the process of choosing your dog is meeting the puppy’s mother. It’s often not possible to meet the father but, if it is, take the opportunity to do so. This allows you to see how the dogs behave, how they’re cared for, and whether they appear relaxed and social.

Both parents should be health-tested for the most relevant inherited conditions. This can include things such as elbow and hip dysplasia, knee issues, eye conditions and more. Responsible breeders will have documentation ready - and will happily share it.

You should also ask about the parents’ temperament. Are they calm and friendly? What are they like day to day? Have they lived as family dogs? The temperament you see in the parents plays a big role in the kind of dog you’re likely to bring home.

A puppy’s first weeks shape the rest of its life

How a puppy grows up has a huge impact on its mental resilience and wellbeing later in life. A good breeder ensures puppies are raised in an environment with daily human contact - not in cages, outbuildings or isolation without social interaction.

From an early age, puppies should be introduced to everyday sounds and situations: the hoover, children, visitors, kitchen noises, short car journeys and gentle handling.

A puppy that only knows one room and one person will often struggle to cope with normal family life.

Ask the breeder how the puppies are socialised and exposed to different environments, and whether you can visit before making a decision. It’s perfectly normal to see both the puppies and their mum a couple of times before committing. This gives you a much better basis for judging whether a puppy feels secure, curious and comfortable within its litter.

There are no guarantees – but you can reduce the risk

Doodles and poos are often marketed as ideal family dogs. But the truth is that crossbreeds can inherit traits from both parents - for better or worse. Some take after the Poodle in coat and temperament, others lean the opposite way, and some are a real mix of everything.

That’s why it’s important not to focus solely on appearance, but to properly understand what both parent breeds bring to the table. Do they have high exercise needs or other requirements? You have to be comfortable with the full package from both sides of the mix, because you don’t know which traits your dog will inherit most strongly.

The huge popularity of Poodle crosses has also led many people to see an opportunity to make quick money from rising demand. This has resulted in many unhappy dogs and disappointed owners. So, when looking for your new puppy, be a critical consumer and scrutinise the breeder - even if it’s described as a “family litter” from a private home.

Watch out for some classic warning signs

It may be tempting to get a puppy quickly and easily, but that’s rarely good for either you or the puppy. Think carefully and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to walk away. Here are some things to watch out for.

If the breeder:

• Avoids showing you where the puppies normally live
• Won’t let you meet the puppy’s mum
• Has no health tests to show
• Doesn’t ask you questions about what you can offer the puppy
• Has several litters at the same time
• Pushes for quick payment with no written contract.
• Potential signs of a reputable breeder

On the other hand, a responsible breeder will likely ask about your experience, lifestyle, expectations and ability to give the puppy a good life. As dog lovers themselves, they’re keen to match the right puppy to the right home - not just the fastest buyer. What’s more, you should always receive a written purchase agreement, a vet health record, and a clear plan for what happens if something goes wrong.

A decision that lasts many years

Buying a puppy isn’t a spontaneous decision. It’s the start of a relationship that should ideally last well over a decade. That’s why it deserves time, thought and thorough research. When you choose a breeder, you’re not just choosing your future dog, you’re also choosing the background it comes with. A good choice can give you a healthy, happy and social dog ready for life as a family member. So, take your time, ask critical questions, and remember that saying “no thanks” to the wrong puppy is also an act of kindness for both you and the dog.

The Curly Universe

Want to learn more about doodles, poos and other poodle crosses? We’ve created a Curly Universe where you can learn all about popular doodle and poo mixes, including grooming, trimming, coat care and much more.