Clear Answers, Clear Process

Our FAQ is designed to help families quickly find answers about our breeding program, pricing, delivery, health standards, and what to expect before and after go-home day.

  • ✓ Reservation process explained
  • ✓ Pricing and payment details
  • ✓ Delivery and go-home guidance
  • ✓ Health testing and family support

Last updated:

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Goldendoodle Program

If you’re researching our breeding program, this Goldendoodle FAQ is designed to answer the questions families ask most often. From reservations and health testing to pricing, delivery, go-home timing, socialization, and puppy care, we want families to feel informed and confident every step of the way.

We’ve organized this page into two main sections: questions about our program at ABCs Puppy Zs, and questions about Goldendoodle puppies more generally.

Many families also review our Goldendoodle Owner Reviews, Ethical Goldendoodle Breeder, Texas location, and Meet Our Family pages while researching.

About ABCs Puppy Zs

📍 Where Are You Located?
We’re located just outside the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex in Texas — specifically north of Fort Worth and just west of Roanoke.
🏡 As a family-owned and operated breeder, we raise our Goldendoodles right in our home — not in a commercial facility. For privacy and safety, we do not publish our physical address online.
🐶 Puppy visits are available by appointment once puppies are at least 8 weeks old. This gives future families the opportunity to meet, interact with, and experience our Goldendoodles in a comfortable, personal setting.
🖥️ Can’t travel? No problem! We happily offer live video calls so you can meet your puppy virtually and enjoy a guided, up-close look at ABCs Puppy Zs — all from the comfort of your home.
Ready to plan your visit or schedule a call? Simply contact us to start the conversation — we’d love to connect with you!
🐶 What Is the Complete Process at ABCs Puppy Zs?
Our Goldendoodle Reservation Process is simple, transparent, and designed to make bringing home your puppy an exciting and stress-free experience:
  • 📩 Send Us a Message – Let us know you’re ready to begin, and we’ll guide you through the first steps.
  • 📝 Complete Your Reservation – Review and sign our Puppy Reservation Agreement, then submit your deposit securely through our online agreement system.
  • 📅 Schedule Choice Weekend – We’ll coordinate your official puppy selection date.
  • 🐾 Choose Your Puppy – Visit us in person or join live via video call to make your special pick.
  • 📦 Receive Helpful Updates – After Choice Weekend, you’ll receive a detailed email packed with important information and preparation tips.
  • 🏡 Set the Go-Home Date – Confirm and schedule the exciting day your puppy joins your family.
  • 📸 Stay Connected – Enjoy private updates, on-site visits (when appropriate), and live video calls as your puppy grows.
  • ❤️ Welcome Your Pup Home – Pick up your new family member in person or arrange loving hand delivery.
🐾 How Do I Reserve a Goldendoodle?
Step 1: Verify & Sign
Begin by completing our verification process and signing the Reservation Agreement. Once submitted, your agreement officially secures your place in line for a puppy.
Step 2: Choose Male or Female
You’ll let us know whether you’d like to reserve a male or female puppy. Availability depends on litter size, so your selection is based on current openings at the time of reservation.
Step 3: Secure Your Spot
Reservations are honored strictly in the order agreements are completed. Earlier confirmations receive earlier selection positions.
Step 4: Flexible Policy
We believe this process should feel exciting — never pressured:
  • You may transfer to another litter at any time, or
  • Request a refund of your deposit (minus a $50 application fee) if your plans change.
We don’t accept deposits simply to “hold spots.” If you’re uncertain, we would much rather pause the process and issue a refund than have you feel rushed.
Step 5: Confirmation
Once your reservation is complete — congratulations! You’re officially on the list. From there, we’ll keep you updated as we prepare for your puppy’s arrival.
🏷️ What Does 1ST Male or 2ND Female Mean?
Our reservation process operates on a first come, first served basis. The first family to reserve a specific puppy momma and choose a male or female earns what’s commonly referred to as the Pick of the Litter.
  • 1ST Male – The first family to reserve a male puppy from that litter
  • 2ND Female – The second family to reserve a female puppy from that litter
For example, a 2ND Male Goldendoodle means the next available male after the 1st male has already been selected.
❤️ The Right Fit Matters Most
We are deeply committed to proper temperament matching and the right family fit. While this is our business, we take a highly personal approach and genuinely treasure the memories we create with future owners as they meet their fluffy new family members.
We welcome visitors and encourage families to make the trip to our family estate whenever possible. During your visit, you can:
  • Meet some of our parent dogs
  • Spend time with the puppies during a no-obligation selection visit
  • Relax, play, and cuddle until you feel completely confident in your decision
Our goal is to ensure you make your choice in the most comfortable, informed, and personal way possible.
📝 What Happens After I Sign the Reservation Agreement?
⏳ Waiting Period
Your estimated wait time depends on when your agreement and deposit are secured. At the time of reservation, we provide a general wait time estimate based on current reservations and upcoming litters.
🏡 While You Wait
  • Start a shopping list using our Goldendoodle Puppy Essentials Guide
  • Browse our Goldendoodle Blog for training, nutrition, and care insights
  • Visit us when possible to see essentials in action and enjoy time in our meet & greet space
🧬 Breeding & Birth
Our breeding program utilizes safe, veterinarian-guided methods when appropriate. The natural gestation period typically results in birth within 58–62 days.
📞 Communication
Throughout your wait, we remain available and proactive with updates. We’re always happy to schedule calls to discuss your reservation status, upcoming litters, or puppy delivery and pickup planning.
💵 How much do Goldendoodle puppies cost?
Our Goldendoodle puppy pricing is all-inclusive and varies by size:
Minis & Micros
$2,450 (All-Inclusive Total)
$1,950 (All-Inclusive • In-Person Cash Price)
See Mini Goldendoodle for Sale
See Micro Goldendoodle for Sale
Toys
$2,950 (All-Inclusive Total)
$2,450 (All-Inclusive • In-Person Cash Price)
See Toy Goldendoodle for Sale
Teacups
$3,450 (All-Inclusive Total)
$2,950 (All-Inclusive • In-Person Cash Price)
See Teacup Goldendoodle for Sale
Micro Teacups
$3,950 (All-Inclusive Total)
$3,450 (All-Inclusive • In-Person Cash Price)
See Micro Teacup Goldendoodle for Sale
💳 What payment options do you accept?
We accept major credit cards through PayPal invoice, including American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and PayPal Credit.
Your reservation deposit is always paid by PayPal invoice and may be completed using any payment method available through the invoice. A PayPal account is not required to pay the invoice.
The discounted All-Inclusive • In-Person Cash Price applies only when the remaining balance is paid cash in hand at go-home.
To receive the cash discount, payment must be made in actual physical cash, in hand, in person at go-home. That is the only method accepted for the cash discount.
📦 What’s included in the price?
Our pricing is designed to be clear and all-inclusive. What’s included:
  • Veterinarian health check and age-appropriate vaccines
  • Health-tested parents, genetic screening, and early socialization
  • Puppy go-home goodies: records, food sample, care guide, and training essentials — see Our Goodies
  • No hidden fees — every price shown is all-inclusive and already includes Texas sales tax
  • Early Reservation: $550 total ($500 is fully refundable upon request)
  • Payment Options: Most families pay online via card or PayPal. In-person physical cash receives the discounted All-Inclusive • In-Person Cash Price shown above
🚚 How does Goldendoodle puppy delivery work?
If you’re searching for goldendoodle puppy delivery, we keep the process simple so families can compare ground delivery, airport hand-delivery, and free local pickup before go-home day.
We offer free DFW pickup, distance-based ground delivery, and in-cabin airport hand-delivery. We never ship puppies in cargo and we never sedate them. Ground delivery is priced by one-way driving distance from our location north of Fort Worth. If you’re near a pricing tier cutoff, ask us and we’ll gladly confirm the exact cost.
Once your puppy is reserved and nearing go-home, we coordinate the best delivery or pickup option based on your location. We provide a delivery window, confirm the hand-off plan, and send day-of updates so you know what to expect.
For airport hand-delivery, your puppy travels in-cabin with our Puppy Nanny and is handed to you in person at baggage claim. For ground delivery, we coordinate a safe meet-up location near your area. For local families, free DFW pickup is available by appointment.
📦 What Comes with My Pup?
When you bring home your ABCs Puppy Zs Goldendoodle, your puppy comes with a thoughtfully prepared starter package designed for comfort, health, and a smooth transition home.
🧸 Essentials & Comfort:
  • Kong Goodie Bone – Durable chew toy for teething and enrichment
  • Kong Plush Chew Toys – Soft, safe play options to keep your pup happily engaged
  • Mammoth Flossy Chew – Rope toy that supports healthy chewing and dental development
  • Nylabone FlexiChew Gentle Dental Chew – Gentle chew designed specifically for puppy teeth and gums
  • Puppy Comfort Blanket from Their Mother – Carries familiar scents to help ease the transition into your home
  • Travel Water/Food Dog Bowl – Convenient collapsible bowl for meals and hydration on the go
  • Puppy Tote Goodies Carrying Bag – Stylish cotton tote to carry your puppy’s starter kit and essentials
🍽️ Nutrition & Health:
  • Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food – Personal puppy bag (1-week supply)
  • Farmers Market Foods Canned Organic Pumpkin – Natural digestive support
  • Official Record of Vaccinations – Complete documentation of veterinary care
  • AKC Reunite Microchip – Permanent ID with lifetime protection
🎓 Training & Development:
  • Our New Puppy Behavioral Guides – Step-by-step support for raising a confident, well-mannered companion
  • 10-Week Goldendoodle Socialization Program – Tailored support for ages 10–14 and 14–20 weeks
📜 Records & Registration:
  • CKC Registration Papers – Official registration documentation
  • Three-Generation Pedigree – Verified lineage documentation
📸 Keepsakes:
  • Professional Prints of Your Pup – High-quality photographs captured during their time with us
🎥 Do You Provide Temperament Testing & Socialization Videos?
Yes. Transparency is a cornerstone of our program. Every puppy receives structured socialization and temperament evaluation — and we document the process for our families.
🎬 Individual Puppy Socialization Videos
  • Exposure to new sights, sounds, and environments
  • Confidence-building exercises
  • Early neurological stimulation
  • Human interaction and handling response
  • Play behavior and littermate engagement
🧠 Professional Temperament Testing
All temperament testing is conducted by a CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
Testing evaluates:
  • Confidence vs. sensitivity
  • Human focus and engagement
  • Startle recovery
  • Energy level
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Social and therapy suitability indicators
📄 Written Temperament Report (PDF)
Each family receives a detailed PDF of their puppy’s temperament evaluation results.
Our goal is simple: place the right puppy in the right home — backed by science, observation, and professional expertise.
📏 What Are the Average Sizes of Your Goldendoodles?

Our Goldendoodle Puppies come in several unique sizes: Mini, Micro, Toy, Teacup, and Micro Teacup — giving families a variety of options to fit different homes and lifestyles.

F1 Mini

Height: 15–20 in

Avg Weight: 25–35 lbs

Healthy Range: 25–50 lbs

F1B Mini

Height: 15–20 in

Avg Weight: 25–35 lbs

Healthy Range: 25–50 lbs

F1B Micro

Height: 13–18 in

Avg Weight: 15–25 lbs

Healthy Range: 15–30 lbs

Toy

Height: 11–16 in

Avg Weight: 10–15 lbs

Healthy Range: 10–20 lbs

Teacup

Height: 9–14 in

Avg Weight: 7–13 lbs

Healthy Range: 5–15 lbs

Micro Teacup

Height: 7–13 in

Avg Weight: 5–8 lbs

Healthy Range: 5–10 lbs

You can also explore our Mini Goldendoodle for Sale, Micro Goldendoodle for Sale, Toy Goldendoodle for Sale, Teacup Goldendoodle for Sale, and Micro Teacup Goldendoodle for Sale pages for current availability and size-specific details.

🧬 What Type of Health Tests Are Conducted on Your Puppy Parents?
At ABCs Puppy Zs, comprehensive health testing is the foundation of our breeding program — and one of the reasons we confidently stand behind every puppy with a 5-Year Health Guarantee.
Our Health Testing Includes:
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Certifications
• Hips
• Elbows
• Patellas
• Cardiac examinations
Eye Examinations (CAER/CERF)
• Certified by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
Genetic DNA Testing
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD)
• Ichthyosis
• Additional inherited conditions relevant to Golden Retrievers and Poodles
General Health Screenings
• Annual dental cleanings
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Comprehensive veterinary wellness examinations
Why This Matters
Thorough testing significantly reduces the risk of passing hereditary conditions to future generations and helps ensure each puppy begins life with the strongest possible health foundation.
Our Promise
Health-tested parents produce healthier puppies. When you choose ABCs Puppy Zs, you can feel confident knowing your puppy’s lineage has been carefully screened.
🧬 Can You Tell Me More About Goldendoodle DNA, Genetics, and Traits?
Goldendoodles are a cross between the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, meaning they inherit genetic traits — and potential risks — from both parent breeds.
Genetic Disease Screening
We screen for a wide range of hereditary conditions known to affect Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Goldendoodles.
Understanding Shedding Genetics (SD-IC)
Shedding traits in Goldendoodles are influenced by the interaction between Poodle and Golden Retriever coat genetics, particularly the SD and IC loci.
See our Combined SD and IC Loci Shedding Chart below for a visual breakdown:
SD-IC Shedding Genetics Chart
What Does This Mean for You?
  • F1 Goldendoodles → Typically Moderate-to-Low shedding
  • F1B Goldendoodles → Typically Low shedding
  • All Poodles are naturally Low-to-Moderate Shedding
Our Promise: Whether your family is seeking a Low-Shedding Goldendoodle or is comfortable with Low-to-Moderate, our testing allows us to guide you confidently.
🩺 How Do You Care for and Maintain the Health of Your Goldendoodle Puppies?
At ABCs Puppy Zs, puppy health is our highest priority. We are committed to raising Goldendoodles that are not only well-socialized and loved, but also given the strongest possible health foundation.
Veterinary Care & Checkups
  • Our puppy moms receive a post-whelp veterinary checkup within the first week after delivery.
  • Every litter receives a comprehensive veterinary examination at approximately 7–8 weeks of age.
Vaccinations & Preventative Care
  • NeoPar – Protection against Parvovirus
  • Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv – Protection against core canine diseases
  • Broad Spectrum Dewormer – Protection against common intestinal parasites
You will receive complete vaccination documentation when your puppy goes home.
Long-Term Health Assurance
  • Every puppy is backed by our 5-Year Health Guarantee.
  • Ongoing health testing of all parent dogs helps reduce the risk of hereditary conditions.
  • We encourage lifelong wellness through routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and exercise.
🗓️ Why Is Our Go-Home Age 10 Weeks* Instead of 8 Weeks?
At ABCs Puppy Zs, we know how excited families are to bring home one of our Goldendoodle puppies. But as responsible breeders, our priority is ensuring every puppy is truly developmentally ready for their forever home.
That’s why we follow puppy development research that supports healthy socialization and long-term temperament stability. Waiting until 10 weeks allows us to complete critical early training during the most influential learning window.
The Critical Socialization Window
  • Socialization begins around 3–6 weeks and continues through approximately 20 weeks
  • Key behavioral lessons cannot fully begin until 7–8 weeks
  • Some of the most sensitive stages occur right before traditional 8-week go-home
By the time your puppy goes home at 10 weeks, they’ve had more time for confidence-building, behavioral conditioning, and social development.
* Note: Go-home timing for Toy, Teacup, and Micro Teacup sizes typically begins around 12 weeks and may extend to 16 weeks depending on size and developmental readiness.
🛡️ What Is a Goldendoodle Puppy Health Guarantee?
At ABCs Puppy Zs, our 5-Year Goldendoodle Puppy Health Guarantee is designed to provide families with genuine peace of mind.
What the Guarantee Covers
  • Year 1: In the event of a qualifying congenital condition, you are eligible for a full refund.
  • Years 2–5: You are eligible for a replacement Goldendoodle puppy.
Important Requirements*
  • Your puppy must be spayed or neutered after 12 months of age and before 18 months.
  • Proof of the procedure and complete veterinary documentation must be submitted within 30 days.
  • Failure to meet these requirements will void the guarantee.
Our hope is that you never need to use this guarantee. We invest significant time, research, and health testing into producing healthy, well-balanced, family-raised Goldendoodles.
🩺 What Is Your Policy on Spaying (Females) or Neutering (Males)?
At ABCs Puppy Zs, we take great pride in our responsible breeding standards and carefully developed health testing protocols.
Our Spay/Neuter Policy
  • Timing: Puppies must be spayed or neutered after 12 months of age and before 18 months of age.
  • Verification: Veterinary documentation and your veterinarian’s contact information must be provided.
  • Health Guarantee: Failure to provide required verification will void our 5-Year Health Guarantee.
Exceptions for Responsible Breeders
We may consider working with ethically aligned, responsible breeders who can provide proof of established health testing, ethical practices, and program integrity.
📋 Why Aren’t You a GANA (Goldendoodle Association of North America) Breeder?
We’re often asked why ABCs Puppy Zs does not participate in GANA. The simple answer is that we prioritize direct, independently verifiable health testing and transparent breeding practices over paid membership affiliations.
Our Focus: Verifiable Health & Documentation
  • OFA-certified health testing for hips, elbows, patellas, cardiac, and genetic screening
  • Publicly searchable health documentation whenever applicable
  • Structured socialization programs and written health guarantees
  • Clear pedigree documentation for every puppy
We believe families should evaluate breeders based on actual testing, transparency, and long-term support — not simply paid association membership.
🚫🐶 What Is a Puppy Mill, Are You a Puppy Mill, and How Do I Spot a Puppy Mill?
What Is a Puppy Mill?
A puppy mill is a high-volume, commercial breeding operation that prioritizes profit over the health, structure, and wellbeing of its dogs.
Are We a Puppy Mill?
Absolutely not. At ABCs Puppy Zs, we are a family-owned and operated breeding program. Our Goldendoodles are raised inside our home and treated as part of our family from day one.
How to Spot a Puppy Mill
  • No written health guarantee or vague promises
  • No opportunity to meet puppies or parent dogs
  • Numerous unrelated breeds for sale
  • Large numbers of puppies always immediately available
  • No structured socialization or enrichment program
At ABCs Puppy Zs, we focus on quality over quantity, health over shortcuts, and long-term relationships over quick sales.

About Goldendoodle Puppies

🐶 What Is a Goldendoodle?
A Goldendoodle is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. They were first intentionally developed as hypoallergenic guide dogs, with the goal of combining the Golden Retriever’s friendly temperament with the Poodle’s intelligence and lower-shedding coat.
Generations & Types
  • F1 Goldendoodle → First-generation cross: Golden Retriever × Poodle
  • F1B Goldendoodle → Backcross: Goldendoodle × Poodle
Thanks to their Poodle lineage, Goldendoodles are available in a range of sizes, including Mini, Micro, Toy, Teacup, and Micro Teacup.
Personality
  • From the Golden Retriever: loyalty, gentleness, and family-friendly warmth
  • From the Poodle: intelligence, trainability, and a typically lower-shedding coat
The result is a highly adaptable, affectionate family dog.
🐶 Can You Tell Me More About Goldendoodle Puppies?
Introduction to Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles are a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, combining many of the most desirable traits of both breeds. They are widely known for their friendly, intelligent, and affectionate personalities.
Goldendoodle Characteristics
  • Affectionate & Loyal – Warm, people-focused, and family-friendly
  • Active & Playful – Thrive with regular physical activity and mental enrichment
  • Coat Variety – Curly, wavy, or straighter coats depending on genetics
  • Family-Friendly – Often do well with children and other pets
Health & Genetics
Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs but may inherit certain conditions common to their parent breeds. Responsible breeding programs perform comprehensive health testing to reduce these risks.
Grooming & Maintenance
  • Brushing: Several times per week to prevent tangles and matting
  • Professional Grooming: Every 6–8 weeks
  • Other Care: Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and routine dental care
🐾 Why Are Goldendoodles So Popular?
Goldendoodles are one of the fastest-growing companion dogs in the world because they combine intelligence, loyalty, affection, and adaptability in one family-friendly package.
Key Reasons Goldendoodles Are So Loved
1. Low-Shedding & Allergy-Friendly
Many Goldendoodles have minimal to low-shedding coats.
2. Multiple Sizes for Every Lifestyle
Families can choose a size that fits their home and activity level.
3. Highly Intelligent & Trainable
They often excel in obedience, therapy work, and advanced training.
4. Gentle, Patient & Great with Kids
Their patience and sociability make them especially well-suited for families.
5. Adaptable to Different Lifestyles
They can thrive in both active and more relaxed households.
6. Beautiful & Cuddly Companions
Their “teddy bear” appearance and affectionate nature make them especially appealing.
📏 Why Are There Different Sizes of Goldendoodles?
Goldendoodles inherit much of their size variation from the Poodle side of the family. Because Poodles exist in multiple size categories, Goldendoodles can as well.
How Size Is Determined
  • F1 Goldendoodle → First-generation cross: Golden Retriever × Poodle
  • F1B Goldendoodle → Goldendoodle × Poodle
In general, the size of the Poodle parent plays a major role in determining the size of the resulting Goldendoodle.
Goldendoodle Sizes We Offer
  • Mini Goldendoodle – Our largest size offering
  • Micro Goldendoodle – A balanced size for families wanting sturdy yet compact companions
  • Toy Goldendoodle – Lightweight and travel-friendly
  • Teacup Goldendoodle – A very small companion
  • Micro Teacup Goldendoodle – Our smallest size category
🧬 What Is the Difference Between an F1, F1A, F1B, and F1BB Goldendoodle Puppy?
The letters and numbers refer to the generation of the Goldendoodle and the percentage of Golden Retriever vs. Poodle genetics in that generation.
F1 (or F1A) – First Generation
  • 50% Golden Retriever, 50% Poodle
  • Direct cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle
F1B – First Generation Backcross
  • Approximately 75% Poodle, 25% Golden Retriever
  • Created by breeding an F1 Goldendoodle back to a Poodle
F1BB – Second Backcross
  • Greater Poodle influence than F1B
  • Created by breeding an F1B Goldendoodle back to a Poodle again
Why This Matters
  • F1s offer a balanced genetic blend and slightly broader size range.
  • F1Bs and F1BBs typically offer smaller size potential, curlier coats, and increased low-shedding traits.
🌿 Do Goldendoodles Shed or Are They Hypoallergenic?
Goldendoodles are widely known as a low-shedding, allergy-conscious companion breed, but it’s important to understand what that truly means. No dog is completely hypoallergenic.
  • F1 Goldendoodles – Often have a Low-to-Moderate shedding propensity
  • F1B Goldendoodles – Typically have curlier, more Poodle-like coats that tend to shed less
At ABCs Puppy Zs, we help guide families toward puppies whose genetics align with their lifestyle preferences — especially when low-shedding is a priority.
🐕🦺 Why Do Goldendoodles Make Such Great Therapy Dogs?
Goldendoodles were intentionally developed to combine the Poodle’s lower-shedding coat with the Golden Retriever’s loyal, people-focused temperament.
The Poodle Influence
  • Lower-shedding coats
  • High intelligence
  • Trainability & focus
  • Strong human bond
The Golden Retriever Influence
  • Gentle temperament
  • Social confidence
  • Emotional sensitivity
  • Affectionate nature
Because of these qualities, Goldendoodles are frequently selected for therapy, emotional support, and service work.
🩺 What Is the Best Age to Neuter or Spay Our Dog?
This question continues to be discussed within the veterinary and scientific communities. More recent research suggests that timing may influence long-term health outcomes.
What the Research Suggests
  • Joint development considerations
  • Certain cancer correlations
  • Other potential effects
Our Recommendation
At ABCs Puppy Zs, we require that all companion puppies be spayed or neutered between 12–18 months of age.
The Bottom Line
We support responsible spay and neuter practices — but we also believe timing matters.