What to Expect When You Visit a Goldendoodle Breeder
By Pat & Sonny Heino, Bittersweet Goldendoodles, Newport NH
Visiting a breeder for the first time can feel a little nerve-racking. It should not. Here is what a visit to Bittersweet Farm in Newport, New Hampshire looks like, and what you should expect from any good breeder you visit.
Setting up your visit
Visits at our farm are by appointment. Call us at 603-543-7012 or send an email, and we will find a time that works for you. We like to keep visits relaxed and unhurried, so you have time to spend with the dogs.
Tell us who is coming. If you have kids, we are happy to have them along, and if you have another dog at home, we will talk about whether to bring them. A quick chat before you come helps us plan.
What you will see when you arrive
Expect a friendly welcome at the door and a house full of dogs. Our dogs live inside and out, and the puppies are kept in a clean, comfortable space in our home. You will see a working farm, with Irish Dexter cattle and Haflinger horses on the property.
Take your time to look around. A good breeder is proud of the way the dogs live and happy to show you. If anything feels off, it is fine to say so.
Meeting the puppies
You will get to hold and play with the puppies. Watch how they behave: which ones run up to you, which hang back, which are happy in your lap. Their personalities start to show early, and it tells you a lot.
We will tell you what we have noticed about each puppy, since we spend all day with them. We want to help you find the one that fits your family, and sometimes the puppy that looks best on paper is not the best match.
Meeting the adult dogs
You should be able to meet the adult dogs, too. Seeing how they behave tells you about the temperament your puppy may grow into. Our dogs are friendly, happy and used to visitors.
Ask about the parents of the litter. Size, coat, health and personality all start with the parents, and a good breeder is open about all of them.
Questions to ask during your visit
Ask about the puppies’ health care, vaccines and deworming. Ask what the contract covers and what the warranty includes. Ask about feeding, training and what to do in the first week at home.
At Bittersweet, every puppy is examined by our vet and goes home with a state Certified Health Certificate and a vaccine record. We are happy to explain the one-year warranty for genetic heart defects and walk you through the contract.
What to bring
Bring your questions, a notebook, and anyone in your family who will be living with the puppy. If allergies are a concern, bring the person who is most sensitive. Wear clothes you do not mind getting a little muddy, since it is a farm.
You do not need to bring anything else. If you are ready to take a puppy home on pickup day, we will tell you what to bring and when.
After your visit
Take a day or two to think it over. A good breeder will never pressure you into a decision. If you are ready, call us at 603-543-7012 and we will talk about next steps, including payment, timing and pickup day.
If you decide it is not the right time, that is fine too. We are always glad to meet families and answer questions, and you are welcome to call us anytime.
Why we like visits to be unhurried
Many families spend an hour or two with us, and some stay longer. We would rather you take your time than feel rushed, because choosing a puppy is a big decision. Sit on the floor, let the puppies come to you, and ask as many questions as you like.
If you have children, a visit is also a good chance to see how they and the puppies get along. Most of our families leave with a clear sense of whether this is the right match.
If you cannot visit in person
If you live far away or cannot travel, ask for a video call. A good breeder will happily show you the puppies, the adult dogs and the space where they live. Ask to see the puppies play, sleep and meet each other, and ask for recent photos and the health paperwork.
Even so, we encourage families to come whenever they can. Meeting a puppy in person tells you things a screen cannot, and a farm visit is a fun outing for the whole family.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off during a visit, it is okay to say so. The space should be clean, the dogs should look healthy and happy, and the breeder should answer your questions plainly. A good breeder wants you to feel confident, whether you decide to take a puppy home or not.
Ready to meet a puppy?
See our available mini Goldendoodle puppies, read the 100 most common Goldendoodle questions, or visit our contact page for directions to the farm. The quickest way to reach us is to call 603-543-7012.