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May 27th
Although an experienced breeder can raise healthy Goldendoodles, the increased demand for the dogs has led many amateur and inexperienced breeders to start mass-producing Goldendoodle puppies.
If not bred properly, Goldendoodles can have a number of health issues. Many breeders ignore these health problems and keep breeding the dogs, hoping to make as much money as possible.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the common health problems that appear in Goldendoodles produced by puppy mills or amateur breeders. We’ll also tell you why you should always find a reputable breeder when buying a Goldendoodle.
There are a number of different medical conditions that can be caused by poor Goldendoodle breeding. Although some of these conditions also appear in dogs that come from good breeders, they are much rarer when care is taken with breeding.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a medical condition that involves repeated seizures. These seizures can cause muscular tics, as well as abnormal behavior.
Epilepsy appears much more frequently in Goldendoodles that were produced by amateur breeders.
Dermatitis
Skin conditions such as dermatitis are frequently seen in many dog breeds, including Goldendoodles.
Dermatitis can be caused by allergens that the dog inhales or absorbs through their skin. These allergens can then cause rashes, redness, and itchiness.
The symptoms of dermatitis overlap with other skin conditions, so you should check with your dog’s vet to confirm the diagnosis.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that is quite common among dogs that have been improperly bred. It occurs when the hip joints don’t develop properly, leading to lameness in the back legs.
It can vary in severity, with some dogs unable to walk. Before choosing a Goldendoodle, make sure that the dog’s parents have no signs of hip dysplasia, as this condition is inherited.
Ligament Ruptures In The Knee
Dogs put a lot of strain on knee ligaments when they run and jump around. Some Goldendoodle breeding lines have problems with the cruciate ligament, which is responsible for stabilizing the knee during movement.
This weakened cruciate ligament can rupture, leading to lameness and problems with mobility. This can sometimes be corrected with surgery, but it can take months to recover, and the dog won’t be able to put any weight on the limb until they heal.
Dislocated Kneecap
A dislocated kneecap, called a patellar luxation, can happen during exercise in healthy dogs. However, it is much more common in dogs that have been bred from parents with knee issues.
Dislocated kneecaps usually happen when a dog is running and puts extra pressure on their knee. The injury can cause temporary lameness, and dogs will be unable to put any weight on the limb until it heals.
Fortunately, a dislocated kneecap usually heals, especially if the dog is young. However, the injury often requires surgery, and it can take dogs months to recover.
Retinal Atrophy
Retinal atrophy is a condition where a part of the eye slowly deteriorates over time. This condition is genetic in many cases, and can lead to total blindness. This condition is fairly common in middle aged Goldendoodles.
If you notice any vision problems with your dog, speak to your vet.
Many of the conditions described above can be avoided by an experienced breeder. Less reputable breeders, however, don’t care about the health of the puppies and breed to maximise total litter sizes. This leads to genetic diseases getting continuously passed down to more Goldendoodles.
Try to find a breeder that takes extra care when selecting parents for the breeding line. This helps prevent the development of many health issues.
If you choose an experienced breeder when looking for a Goldendoodle, you can expect a healthy, happy puppy. Any dog will have medical costs, but these dogs should have few added medical expenses relative to other breeds.
However, if you choose an inexperienced or dishonest breeder, you may be in for additional medical costs and expensive insurance deductibles.
Many of the conditions that can affect improperly bred Goldendoodles are chronic, meaning they stay with the dog throughout their life. That means years of expensive vet bills, as well as the emotional strain of caring for a sick dog.
Choosing a good breeder may cost more money, but you reduce the chances that you’ll have to pay for expensive medical treatments down the road. You can also help support breeders who care about the health of their dogs, and prevent unethical breeders from staying in business.
Still looking for your dream puppy? Head over to our puppy finder. We connect you to some of the best Goldendoodle breeders around so that you can find the perfect canine companion.
All of our breeders are experienced and follow ethical breeding guidelines, and none of their Goldendoodles ever come from puppy mills.
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