S’pore couple buys ‘mini goldendoodle’ puppies, DNA test finds no golden retriever DNA

UPDATE on Mar. 16 at 2:30pm: This article has been updated with CASE's statement.

A couple in Singapore were in for a shock after DNA tests revealed that their two dogs, sold to them as mini goldendoodles (a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle), did not have any golden retriever DNA.

They were not even related, as the pet shop had earlier claimed.

One of their puppies looked a little different from the rest

Speaking to Mothership, Bryan shared that he and his wife, Alicia had purchased their puppies from The Pup Life in May 2025.

The two dogs, named Hachi and Kyuu, were marketed as mini goldendoodles and said to be brothers from the same litter.

Kyuu stood out from the beginning though, as he was the only one that looked different from the rest of the litter.

Despite this, the couple said the pet shop assured them that such variation was normal among dogs from the same litter.

However, as the dogs grew older, their differences became increasingly apparent.

Bryan shared that during the first few months, he and Alicia closely tracked the puppies’ weight. Over time, the gap between them widened significantly.

"Hachi just kept growing and growing and growing," Bryan said, adding that he now weighs 17.6kg.

Kyuu, on the other hand, stopped gaining weight at about 9kg, he said with a laugh.

In a recent photo shared with Mothership, Hachi appeared to be almost twice Kyuu’s size.

When they raised their concerns to the pet shop, a representative confirmed that their father was a "pure" mini poodle and their mother was a goldendoodle.

Someone reached out to them about a similar experience

But more questions emerged when a woman contacted them online, claiming to have purchased a mini goldendoodle from the same pet shop.

She said she had previously conducted a DNA test on her dog after others remarked that it did not resemble a goldendoodle.

The results later showed that the dog was a cockapoo (a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle).

It had no golden retriever DNA at all, she said.

The woman then added that the pet shop later provided DNA certificates to the dog’s parents.

But after attempting to verify the documents with the issuing organisation, she was told the certificates were fake.

She confronted the shop again, and was subsequently refunded the full purchase price and reimbursed for the DNA test.

Took a test

Bryan said he and Alicia had already planned to carry out DNA tests on Hachi and Kyuu for their first birthday, which recently passed.

But after hearing about the other person's experience, they decided to proceed with the tests sooner.

These are the results of Hachi's DNA test:

• 50 per cent poodle (Medium and Standard)
• 41 per cent English cocker spaniel
• 5 per cent English springer spaniel
• 2 per cent American cocker spaniel
• 2 per cent poodle (Toy and Miniature)

And these are the results of Kyuu's DNA test:

• 52 per cent poodle (Toy and Miniature)
• 20 per cent bichon frise
• 12 per cent maltese
• 8 per cent English cocker spaniel
• 3 per cent havanese

Neither had any golden retriever DNA in them.

The tests also found that Hachi and Kyuu are not related.

Moreover, Hachi’s DNA test revealed a gene associated with a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a spinal condition in which the cushioning discs between vertebrae degenerate or rupture, potentially compressing the spinal cord.

Bryan said Hachi is currently healthy and the couple are working on improving the dog’s agility.

Kyuu’s results did not show any genetic health concerns.

Pet shop offered refund only if dogs were returned

When Alicia and Bryan approached the pet shop with the findings, they said the shop offered a full refund on the condition that the dogs be returned.

According to Bryan, one of the shop's owners said that in some cases, the golden retriever component in goldendoodles could be minimal due to breeding practices, and suggested that such DNA tests might not detect it.

The owner also said goldendoodles are bred for characteristics such as coat markings, colour, temperament, and size, Bryan added.

The couple said they declined the offer and have since filed a report with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).

Following the couple's account, Bryan said several individuals have since reached out to them claiming to have encountered similar issues with the same shop.

Pet shop responds

In response to Mothership's queries, The Pup Life said it is aware of the concerns circulating online regarding the ancestry of certain puppies sold by them.

The shop said it is not a breeder, and that the information they obtain and provide to owners is based on documentation provided by the respective breeders.

According to the shop, it reviews breeder documents, import records and veterinary reports from the country of origin before placing puppies with owners. These veterinary reports also state the breed of the puppies, it said.

"We confirm that these standard processes have been complied with in relation to the puppies currently in question."

The Pup Life said it is currently reviewing the DNA report that has been shared online, noting that such tests are based on genetic reference databases and may not provide a definitive determination of a dog’s ancestry.

"We have engaged legal advisers to assist with the investigation and are seeking clarification from the breeders regarding the information that had been provided to us."

Should any inaccuracies or misrepresentations be found in the documentation from breeders or veterinarians, the shop said it will seek legal advice on the appropriate course of action.

"Our immediate focus remains the wellbeing of the puppies," the shop said, adding that it will also reach out directly to the customer involved as part of its review.

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A post shared by Hachi & Kyuu (@quekdoodleduo)

CASE assisting affected consumers

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) said they received two complaints between Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 involving The Pup Life. The complaints alleged that the puppies were misrepresented as goldendoodles.

CASE said it is currently assisting the affected consumers.

It reminded those looking to buy puppies to purchase only from registered breeders in Singapore, adding that buyers should also request copies of parentage tests before completing the transaction.

"CASE also advises consumers to check breeder reviews and community forums for the pet shop’s reputation before proceeding with a purchase."

Consumers who encounter disputes may seek assistance from CASE via its hotline at 6277 5100 or through its website.

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Top photos courtesy of Bryan and Alicia