Princess Doodles: What to Know Before Buying From This Breeder

Who Princess Doodles is and what they breed

Princess Doodles is a doodle breeder operating in South Carolina that focuses on Goldendoodle and Labradoodle puppies. The breeder maintains a presence online where potential buyers can view available litters and learn about their breeding practices. Like any breeder you're considering, it's worth understanding their specific focus, location, and how they operate before making contact.

Doodle breeds—crosses between poodles and retriever breeds—have become popular in recent years, partly because poodles shed minimally and many people find the temperament of the cross appealing. Princess Doodles specializes in these crosses rather than purebred dogs, which is an important distinction if you have specific breed standards or health concerns in mind.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Doodles breeds Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, which are poodle mixes rather than purebred dogs recognized by major kennel clubs.
• Before contacting any breeder, you should research their health testing practices, breeding history, and what happens if you need to return a puppy.
• South Carolina has no state licensing requirement for dog breeders, so reputation and references from past buyers carry extra weight.
• Doodle puppies typically cost more than purebred retrievers or poodles, and prices vary widely depending on the breeder's location, testing practices, and demand.
• Responsible breeders will answer detailed questions about parent health, genetic testing, and their return policy without hesitation.

What questions to ask before contacting Princess Doodles

Before you reach out to any breeder, prepare a list of specific questions. Ask whether the parent dogs have been tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, which are joint problems common in larger dogs. Ask what genetic screening they perform and whether they can provide documentation of those results. These tests cost money and time, but they reduce the risk of serious health problems down the road.

Find out what their return policy is. A responsible breeder will take a puppy back if the match doesn't work out, even years later. Ask how long they've been breeding, whether they're part of any breed clubs or organizations, and whether they can provide references from people who have bought puppies from them in the past. Ask whether they breed full-time or as a side activity, and how many litters they produce per year.

Inquire about the parents' temperaments and any behavioral issues in their lines. Ask what health may provide they offer and for how long. Get the specifics in writing—"health may provide" can mean very different things to different breeders.

How to verify information Princess Doodles provides

South Carolina does not require breeders to be licensed or registered with the state, so there is no official registry to check. This means your main tools for verification are direct communication, references, and your own research. Contact at least two or three people who have purchased puppies from Princess Doodles and ask about their experience—not just whether they're happy with their dog, but whether the breeder was honest about temperament, health, and what to expect.

Ask those references whether their puppies developed any health issues and whether the breeder stood behind their may provide. Ask whether communication was clear and whether the breeder provided support after the sale. If a breeder is unwilling to provide references or if references are hard to reach, that's a warning sign.

You can also search online for reviews and discussions about the breeder on doodle-specific forums or Facebook groups. People who have had problems often post about them, though remember that unhappy customers are more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones.

Understanding doodle breed characteristics and costs

Doodles are not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club or other major kennel clubs, which means there are no breed standards that breeders must follow. This creates variation—two Goldendoodles from different breeders can look and behave quite differently. Some doodles inherit the poodle's low-shedding coat; others shed more like a retriever. Temperament can range widely too.

Doodle puppies typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000 or more, depending on the breeder's reputation, location, and whether they perform extensive health testing. This is generally more expensive than a purebred poodle or retriever from a responsible breeder, yet doodles don't come with the breed predictability that purebreds offer. Understanding this trade-off matters before you commit.

Doodles also require regular grooming—typically every six to eight weeks—because their coats mat easily. This is an ongoing cost and time commitment that many new doodle owners underestimate. Factor grooming into your budget and lifestyle before deciding whether a doodle is right for your household.

Red flags to watch for when contacting a breeder

Be cautious if a breeder won't answer your questions in detail, seems annoyed by your inquiries, or rushes you to make a decision. Responsible breeders expect questions and welcome them. If a breeder has multiple litters available at once or produces litters very frequently, that can indicate they're prioritizing profit over the health and welfare of their dogs.

Avoid breeders who won't let you visit in person or who insist on shipping puppies sight unseen. A breeder who won't show you the parents or the conditions where puppies are raised is hiding something. If a breeder offers a "health may provide" but won't put it in writing or won't explain exactly what it covers, ask for clarification before proceeding.

Be wary of prices that seem unusually low compared to other breeders in the region, as this can indicate corners being cut on health testing or care. Conversely, an extremely high price doesn't automatically mean better quality—it just means higher demand or marketing.

What to expect after bringing a puppy home

A responsible breeder will provide you with documentation of any health testing done on the parents, vaccination records for the puppy, and information about the puppy's early socialization. They should give you guidance on feeding, training, and when to schedule your first vet visit. Many breeders provide a contract that outlines your responsibilities and theirs.

Plan to take your new puppy to a veterinarian within the first week for a health check. Your vet can spot problems that might not be obvious to a new owner and can confirm that the puppy is in good condition. Keep all records from the breeder and from your vet for future reference.

A good breeder stays in touch after the sale and is willing to answer questions as your puppy grows. They should be reachable if health or behavioral concerns come up. If a breeder disappears after you pay, that's a sign they weren't as invested in the puppy's long-term welfare as they should have been.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Princess Doodles is a responsible breeder?

Contact them with detailed questions about health testing, parent dogs, and their return policy. Ask for references from past buyers and follow up with those references. Visit in person if possible. A responsible breeder will answer thoroughly, provide documentation, and welcome your questions.

What's the difference between a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle?

A Goldendoodle is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle; a Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Both are similar in size and temperament, though individual dogs vary. The main difference is the retriever breed in the mix.

Why do doodles cost so much?

Doodles are in high demand, and responsible breeders who perform health testing and care for their dogs properly have real costs. However, price alone doesn't may provide quality. A higher price should reflect health testing, good breeding practices, and breeder support—not just popularity.

Are doodles hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, though poodles and some doodles shed less than other breeds. Some doodles inherit the poodle's low-shedding coat; others shed more. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the specific puppy or its parents before committing.

What should I ask a breeder about health guarantees?

Ask what conditions are covered, for how long, and what you need to do to activate the may provide. Ask whether they cover genetic issues like hip dysplasia or only infectious diseases. Get the may provide in writing and understand exactly what happens if a problem develops.