✨ Breeder Spotlight: A Golden Connection to Poodles & Aspiring Breeder Wisdom
Thank you, Shannon Knox, of Knox Family Goldendoodles, for sharing your words of wisdom with the TellTail community.
Shannon's breeder spotlight reveals her unwavering passion for dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers and Poodles, as she shares her journey of love, dedication, and expertise in producing cherished Goldendoodles while offering invaluable advice to aspiring breeders.
💡 Interested in being in the spotlight, or wish to nominate a friend? Email us at hello@telltail.com
What is special to you about Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles?
There is so much, where do I start? I think I can pretty safely lump them both into the same answer by saying that they are affectionate, loyal, gentle and patient, super intelligent and easily trained, they are active and energetic, they are both absolutely beautiful and snuggly, and they are versatile. Both breeds are very adaptable and can easily fit into most any household and become respectable, loving, and cherished pets.
What questions do you ask your potential buyers?
This is not an all-inclusive list, but ultimately leads to additional questions and answers as the conversation progresses.
Why are you interested in getting a puppy? This helps me understand the buyer's motivation for getting a dog and whether they are prepared for the time, energy, and financial commitment that comes with pet ownership.
Have you ever had a puppy before? I like to learn about whether this will be a first for them or if they have experience with having a puppy and all the good, bad, and ugly that can come with it.
What kind of lifestyle do they have? Are they an active family or more sedentary? Puppies are a lot of work, and they’re pretty active, so if someone has unrealistic expectations, here is where I can usually pick up on that.
Do they have any children or other pets in the home? It’s just good to know these things because there are certain ways that I would recommend introducing other pets to a new puppy. If they have kids, then knowing the ages of them helps me better prepare the family for what they can expect.
Are you prepared to spend some money? Let’s face it, talking about finances can be daunting to some people, but it’s inevitable. I like to make sure they are fully aware of the costs involved in owning a puppy, particularly a Goldendoodle puppy. It goes way beyond vet and food bills. There’s training, training, and more training. And there’s the grooming requirements. People often don’t realize how much it can cost to maintain regular grooms on a Goldendoodle. Although we are aiming to produce coats that are easier to manage than a Poodle, they do still require regular grooming.
Then there’s the training and socialization question. How do you intend to manage training and safely socialize your puppy? Private trainer? Online Puppy Schools? Puppy Classes? A well-trained dog is a joy to be around. A poorly trained or untrained dog causes stress and can disrupt a household.
Why do you love being a dog breeder?
Growing up in Kentucky, I was always nicknamed “Ellie Mae,” you know, from the Beverly Hillbillies. This was because of my love for animals - all animals. This passion has been a part of my life for a very long time, and I don’t see that changing. This love for animals was particularly focused on two animals in particular. Dogs and Horses.
As I grew into adulthood, I really wanted to learn about breeding Golden Retrievers because I have always loved Goldens and the “perfect family pet” reputation that they have. So I started breeding Golden Retrievers. My mom decided that she wanted a Poodle. So I got her one. That love and passion that I had for Golden Retrievers exploded into a deep and unending love for Poodles...the looks, the smarts, the affectionate personality, the retrieving, and so much more.
I have to admit that the Standard Poodle is hands-down my favorite dog breed in the world. Second is the Golden Retriever. So here comes the Goldendoodle. I fell in love with the Goldendoodle’s personality and looks right away. To me, it’s the best combination of both of the breeds. Sweet, beautiful, loving, silly, focused, smart, and just plain adorable.
What challenges do you face as a dog breeder?
Probably one of the biggest challenges I face with breeding is my location. We are in a rural part of the Midwest, so we regularly have to transport our puppies to their new homes or meet people at the airport - which is still 2-2.5 hours away from us.
Another challenge is simply put, breeding is a lonely job. The countless hours of waiting, cleaning, monitoring, and lack of sleep; did I mention cleaning?
We also work very hard to maintain a positive reputation in the dog breeding community, and this means that we always have to be mindful of what our buyers and competitors are saying about us. Adhering to ethical breeding practices, being transparent about the health and temperament of our dogs and puppies, and providing excellent customer service is just one way we strive to maintain a good reputation.
What advice do you have for aspiring breeders?
Focus on breeding for health and temperament. When starting out, it's important to prioritize breeding for good health and a stable temperament. This will help ensure that your puppies are healthy, happy, and well-adjusted, and will set the foundation for a successful breeding program.
Join breed clubs and organizations. Joining breed clubs and organizations is a great way to connect with other breeders, stay informed about the latest developments in your breed, and learn from experienced breeders. Joining a breed club is what helped turn the tables on my program.
Educate yourself about genetics. I have a strong background in medicine, so this part came pretty easily to me. Understanding the principles of genetics and how they apply to breeding can help you make informed breeding decisions and reduce the risk of passing on genetic health issues to your puppies.
Develop a strong reputation. Building a strong reputation as a responsible and ethical breeder is critical to your success. This means adhering to ethical breeding practices, being transparent about the health and temperament of your dogs, and providing excellent customer service to buyers.
Be prepared for the financial commitment. Breeding dogs can be expensive, and it's important to be prepared for the financial commitment involved. This includes investing in quality dogs, veterinary care, and other expenses associated with breeding. And another word to the wise: Keep a reserve for the unexpected.
Be patient. Building a successful breeding program takes time, and it's important to be patient and persistent in your efforts. It may take several years to develop a successful breeding program and establish a reputation in the dog breeding community. It took us 5 years before we really started to take off.
Never stop learning.
The world of dog breeding is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay informed and continue learning throughout your breeding career. Attend seminars, read books and articles, and seek out the advice of experienced breeders to continue growing your knowledge and skills.
