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How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? We Surveyed 300+ Owners to Find Out!

Adding a Goldendoodle puppy to your family is a big commitment…and it can come with an equally big price tag!

Although it can be tempting to rush into an emotional purchase based on their cuteness alone, it’s important to do your research.  Knowing what the average Goldendoodle price is and the factors that influence the cost can help you budget appropriately.  It can also protect you from vastly overpaying or being the victim of a scam.

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So, how much does a Goldendoodle cost?  According to 348 owners surveyed, the average price of a Goldendoodle puppy is $1,500.  While Goldendoodle prices ranged from under $500 to over $5,000, the middle 50% of owners paid between $900 and $1,800 for their Goldendoodle puppy.

Let’s take a look at the full survey data…

average goldendoodle puppy price

As you can see, while people pay a wide range of prices for their Goldendoodles, the vast majority of owners spent less than $2,000 on their new puppy.  Unfortunately, there’s more to buying a Goldendoodle puppy than simply taking the average of what other owners pay.

In fact, you may want to spend over $2,000 for your new Goldendoodle.

What separates a $500 dog from a $5,000 dog?  Should you expect to spend more or less than the $1,500 average cost of a Goldendoodle?  Let’s dive deeper to find out!

What Determines the Price of a Goldendoodle Puppy?

There are six main factors that will help us determine how much you should expect to spend on your future Goldendoodle.  Only after taking these factors into consideration will you be able to estimate what a “fair price” may be.

Size

There are five sizes of Goldendoodles—standard, medium, mini, toy, and teacup.  Keep in mind that these sizes don’t have “official” parameters, so what one breeder calls a “toy,” for example, another may call a “teacup.”

There is one rule of thumb when it comes to the cost of various Goldendoodle sizes.  That rule is, the smaller the size, the higher the price. 

The price of a Toy or Mini Goldendoodle can easily be $1,000 greater than the price of a Standard Goldendoodle from the same breeder.  Expect to pay around $2,000 or more for a Teacup, Toy, or Mini Goldendoodle from a reputable breeder.

First and foremost, you want to pick the Goldendoodle size that will work best in your family.  All else being equal, however, you may save significant money by choosing a larger dog.

Generation

Goldendoodle Generations Explained

While you can learn all about Goldendoodle generations here, we’ll fill you in on the basics and how they affect cost.  Generations are what describe the genetic makeup of Goldendoodles and how close in DNA they are to their Poodle and Golden Retriever ancestors.

The closer in DNA your Goldendoodle is to a Poodle, the less shedding and allergy issues you’ll typically experience.  Some Goldendoodles may even be hypoallergenic, though this can never be guaranteed.

Generations also affect how your Goldendoodle’s coat looks.  With more Golden Retriever DNA in your puppy, they’re more likely to have a straight or wavy coat.  More Poodle DNA frequently results in a curlier coat.

When it comes to Goldendoodle price, the closer in DNA your potential dog is to a Poodle, the higher the cost will usually be.  This is because the demand for allergy-friendly and low-shedding dogs is very high.

If you don’t struggle with allergies and can tolerate a bit of hair around your house, you can save significant money by opting for an F1 Goldendoodle (50% Poodle / 50% Golden Retriever.)

If you require a puppy with a better chance at being allergy-friendly, like an F1B Goldendoodle (75% Poodle / 25% Golden Retriever) or an F1BB Goldendoodle (87.5% Poodle / 12.5% Golden Retriever), prepare to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 extra.

Location

As the cost of living increases, so does the cost of a puppy.  For example. those who live in coastal, urban areas of the United States will likely pay more than those who live in the midwest or other more rural communities.

Sometimes it can be helpful to drive a few hours to a Goldendoodle breeder further away.  While less convenient, it could save you a little bit of money if you are from an area with a high cost of living.

Source

You’ll notice that 13 of the 348 owners surveyed paid under $500 for their Goldendoodle.  How did they seemingly get such a bargain?

The answer is where they got their dog from.  These owners likely adopted their Goldendoodle from a shelter or rescue organization.  Adoption fees for dogs are generally around $500 or less, while you’ll be hard-pressed to find a new puppy for that amount.

Even if you don’t rescue your future Goldendoodle, where you purchase your dog from will play a large role in the price you pay.

Quality, reputable breeders typically charge a premium for their puppies.  They don’t charge you an arm and a leg just because they can—it’s expensive and time-intensive to ensure their puppies are consistently healthy and well-socialized.

On the other hand, puppy mills and backyard breeders will sometimes charge very low prices because their expenses are so much lower.  Be careful, sometimes you get what you pay for.  A cheap, unhealthy puppy will cost you more in the long-term than a more expensive, healthy dog. 

Pro tip: No matter where you get your Goldendoodle from, invest in pet insurance as early in your puppy’s life as possible to protect yourself from large, unforeseen veterinary expenses.

Pet stores are where you’ll find the most overpriced puppies.  These stores thrive off of emotional, impulse purchases and receive strong criticism for obtaining their puppies from questionable breeders.  While it’s convenient to walk home with a puppy the same day, I suggest cutting out the middleman and finding a reputable breeder instead.

Color

goldendoodle color examples

There are so many colors of Goldendoodles, it may be impossible to choose your favorite!  There is a wide spectrum of solid color options like cream, apricot, chocolate, or black.  On top of that, there are unique, multi-color patterns like parti, merle, phantom, and sable.

Many breeders base their pricing partially on color.  Usually, the rule of thumb is that multi-color Goldendoodles, particularly those with rare or desirable patterns, are going to be significantly more expensive than their solid-color counterparts.

If you’re seeking out a specific color pattern or combination, expect to increase your budget by at minimum $500 to $1,000.  For more budget-minded folks, a solid color Goldendoodle puppy will be just as cute for a fraction of the price.

What’s the least expensive Goldendoodle color?  Usually, black.  Black Goldendoodles are adorable, but are often overlooked and you can sometimes find them at a bit of a discount depending on the demand.

The moral of the story when it comes to choosing a Goldendoodle color is to keep your options open.  The more specific you get with your puppy “wish list,” the more money you’ll end up paying.

Personally, I think all Goldendoodles are adorable and I’d opt to have the widest selection possible to find the perfect puppy for my family based off their personality!

Supply & Demand

At the end of the day, supply and demand influences the price of any purchase—including a dog.  When there are lots of prospective buyers and not a lot of available puppies, prices will go up.  When there are plenty of available puppies but not a lot of buyers, prices will go down.

The best example of this when it comes to buying a puppy is around the holiday season.  Goldendoodles, along with many other breeds, are often given as Christmas presents to children or spouses.  For this reason, many breeders charge more for puppies that will be available to go home around the holidays.

Why Are Goldendoodles So Expensive?

While the average cost of a Goldendoodle may be $1,500, this average price is almost certainly brought down by those surveyed who chose to adopt or purchase super-cheap puppies from family friends or less-than-reputable breeders.

In fact, it’s not uncommon at all that you’ll pay more than $2,000 for a Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder.  That’s more than you’d pay for many purebred breeds!

Why are Goldendoodles so expensive?  The simple answer is supply and demand.  Poodle mixes are extremely popular due to their adorable, teddy-bear looks and also their likelihood to be allergy-friendly and low-shedding.  On the other hand, reputable breeders struggle to keep up with demand and often have waitlists that extend months, or even years, down the road.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive puppy, a Goldendoodle may not be for you.  However, Goldendoodle owners will be sure to tell you that they’re worth every penny!

Related: 50 Experienced Doodle Owners Reveal The One Piece of Advice They Wish They Had Known Earlier

What is Included in a Goldendoodle’s Price?

What comes with your Goldendoodle is often a good indicator of the quality of breeder that you’re purchasing from.  All Goldendoodle puppies should come with at least their first round of vaccinations, deworming, up-to-date flea and tick prevention, and a vet check.

Most reputable Goldendoodle breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies.  This can range anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Usually, breeders will send your new puppy home with a few basic items like a blanket, toy, collar, and a small bag of food.

Is a Deposit Required to Purchase a Goldendoodle Puppy?

In almost all cases, you will be required by a breeder to place a deposit to secure your selection from a particular litter.  This deposit is usually around $500 and almost always non-refundable with the exception of a false pregnancy or them otherwise not being able to provide you with a puppy.

Be extremely careful sending money to any breeder who you have not personally visited.  Do your due diligence to make sure they are legitimate.  Many scammers are out there luring eager Goldendoodle buyers in with adorable, fake or stolen puppy pictures only to take their deposits and never be heard from again.

Lifetime Cost of Owning a Goldendoodle

If you thought the price of a Goldendoodle puppy was expensive, you might want to sit down for this.

While it’s impossible to predict the future, we can say for certain that the lifetime cost of owning a dog is expensive.  Many people mistakenly believe this figure to be anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000.  Realistically, that’s nowhere near the actual cost.

Here is the average lifetime cost of owning a dog according to a few, reliable sources which utilized major research studies to arrive at their conclusions:

Wow.  To give those numbers some context, let’s break down some common costs Goldendoodle owners frequently incur…

One-Time Costs

Bed & Crate ($100-300)

Harness & Travel Carrier or Dog Hammock ($50-200)

Food & Water Bowls ($25-50)

Collar, Tags & Leash ($10-50)

Spaying or Neutering ($100-500)

This price range depends on whether you go to a low-cost clinic or a traditional veterinarian.

Training ($0-3,000)

While Goldendoodles tend to be fairly easy to train, it always depends on the individual puppy.  Experienced owners may get by without outside help, but first-time owners should budget for at least a little assistance.

At a minimum, a book or course like Brain Training for Dogs will help put you on the right track.  Group training classes are a solid investment at a reasonable cost of around a few hundred dollars.  Private one-on-one training is also available, but that could cost you a few thousand dollars.

Household Upgrades ($0-10,000+)

Goldendoodles are a high-energy breed and many owners opt for fencing in their yards to accommodate them.  Doggy doors can also be a nice addition to your house—read all the pros and cons here!

Yearly & Variable Costs

Food ($100-900/year)

This number depends on the size of your Goldendoodle and what brand of food you choose to feed.  There are lots of options out there, but veterinarians commonly suggest you choose a food brand that is compliant with the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Global Nutrition Guidelines.

Related: Should Goldendoodles Eat Grain Free? (Veterinarian Advice)

Vaccines & Routine Veterinary Care ($500-1,500/year)

Yes, this is expensive but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Keeping up to date with vaccinations and going for routine wellness visits to your veterinarian can save you a lot of money in the long haul on emergency veterinary care.

Emergency Veterinary Care ($0-$30,000+)

Yes, you may be one of the lucky few dog owners who never have to experience their dog suffering a major accident or illness.  Most likely, you won’t be.  Protect yourself against huge, unexpected vet bills by investing in a pet insurance plan that can pay up to 90% of your Goldendoodle’s medical expenses.

Flea & Tick / Heartworm Prevention ($100-300/year)

I use and recommend Heartgard and Nexgard.  They’re easy, monthly chewables and my Goldendoodle gobbles them up like treats!

Treats & Toys ($50-200/year)

If your Goldendoodle destroys toys at the rate mine does, you’ll quickly see these costs adding up!

Grooming ($400-1,200/year)

Unlike many breeds that shed their coats, Goldendoodles need to have their hair cut at minimum once every 2-3 months.  Most owners opt for monthly grooming appointments on average.  Don’t forget add-ons like baths, nail trims, teeth brushing, etc.  Expect to spend around $80-120 per grooming appointment—and don’t forget to tip!

Boarding / Daycare / Dog Walking ($0-10,000+/year)

This all depends on your lifestyle and how often you’ll need professional assistance taking care of your pup.  Boarding can range from $25-85/night, daycare ranges from $10-40/day, and dog walking costs about $20-30 per walk.  Those can easily add up into the thousands of dollars every single year depending on how often you’re at home.

Tips on Saving Money as a Goldendoodle Owner

Invest in Pet Insurance

Purchasing a pet insurance policy from a reputable company like Healthy Paws is by far the best way to hedge your bets against enormous, unexpected vet bills throughout the life of your Goldendoodle.  While Goldendoodles are generally a healthy breed, there are still lots of potential health concerns that are extremely costly to treat.

Pet insurance ensures you’ll never have to choose between getting the best care for your dog and getting only the care you can afford.

DIY Grooming

Many owners choose to take their Goldendoodle to the groomers for haircuts but bathe them, clip their nails, and brush their teeth on their own.  That will save a bit of money by itself, but some people take it a step further by even cutting their Goldendoodle’s hair at home as well!

While there is some free information available online, this DIY Grooming Course on Udemy is a great place to start.

Work from Home or Have Trusted Friends or Family Nearby

While this isn’t always feasible for everyone, if you have a job where you can work from home with your doodle, it can save you thousands of dollars each year in daycare or dog walking costs.

Related: These 10 Doodles Show Why Working From Home With a Dog is an Impossible Task!

Having trusted friends or family nearby can save you money when it comes to boarding when you go on a vacation.  Better yet, by staying at these dog-friendly hotels, you can take your Goldendoodle with you on a trip like I recently did to West Virginia!

Shop Sales & Discounts

Everyone likes saving money.  Shopping during discounts and sales vs. everyday prices can add up over the lifetime of your dog.  I always check the Daily Deals over at Chewy.com to see if anything is currently on sale that I was planning on buying anyway!