FAQs

What kinds of Doodles do you raise?

We raise our Doodle puppies from moms and dads that are AKC registered or from AKC lines, and conform to breed standard type. We perform DNA genetic testing, joint conformation checks, and basic obedience training for each of our dogs before they’re approved for my breeding program.

We currently focus on two Doodle breeds: Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles! Occasionally we raise Mini Australian Bernedoodles or Petite Mini Cavapoos.

Our Mini sizes are 25-35 lbs, Mediums are 35-60 lbs.

When do I choose my puppy?

Puppy choice is at no sooner than 3 weeks old via FaceTime, Zoom, or photos & videos in reservation order. You can read all about my complete adoption process on my Adopting a Puppy page!

Can I visit my puppy in-person?

Resoundingly, YES! You are encouraged to visit and bond with your puppy at my Puppy Play Date at 5-6 weeks of age. Bring a toy or blanket for your puppy and get to know him or her, meet the parent dogs and get to know our family too! Come with any questions you may have and we can discuss each of them.

My goal as a family-oriented breeder is to make the puppy adoption experience involved and personal from day one. In addition to my Puppy Play Date, you’ll receive photos of your puppy week-by-week. And I’m always available to talk on the phone, answer questions, and even FaceTime you with your puppy.

What about personality? What can I know about my puppy at puppy choice time?

A well-raised and bred Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle will have a consistently intelligent, playful, sweet personality that is a combination of its parent breeds. They are eager to please and get along well with children and other animals. Jogging and hiking companions, agility, hunting, and therapy are options with these Doodle puppies. The term “Doodle” means another breed crossed with a Poodle. More about Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle breed characteristics can be found on the AKC website under Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Reading the breed standards can help you understand more about the personality of each breed and what you can expect in your Doodle.

My child has allergies. Are your Doodles hypoallergenic?

Yes! “Hypoallergenic” is a blanket term meaning these breeds typically do not cause allergic reactions due to pet dander. No dog is completely allergen-free, but based on your allergy level, a Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle could be the perfect fit for you! All of our past families with pet dander allergies have reported no reactions. If yourself or your child have severe allergies, we can schedule a test visit with one of our Doodles to see if there is a reaction, or also do a “tee shirt test.” Generally speaking, a curly-coated Doodle puppy is usually a better fit for those with allergies.

For more information about what “hypoallergenic” means, read here.

I live out of state. How can I get my puppy home?

Typically, families will drive by car to our home for puppy pickup. If you’re too far for driving, we personally offer a flight nanny option whenever we can! Or, we will meet you at our nearest airport — MSP.

For “Flight Nanny,” I or an immediate family member will personally fly with your puppy as a carry-on pet. Your puppy is kept comfortable and secure during the flight until your Doodle meets you at the airport! The only additional cost is the price of the round trip ticket for myself and one way for your puppy, usually around $600 in the continental US. The Chicago O’Hare airport, Oregon, Washington, New York, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania are common flight destinations to name a few! Often families from Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa choose to drive to Minnesota to pick up their puppy.

The safety, comfort, and emotional health of your puppy comes first!

How do I train my Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle to be a therapy dog?

There are many ways to accomplish this! The first step is adopting a healthy, well bred and raised Doodle from a responsible breeder.

Next, bond with your puppy and use positive reinforcement and educational and stimulating experiences for your dog such as visiting parks (after all vaccinations are complete), dog parks, puppy day care, going to pet friendly stores, pet friendly sporting events, take car rides, visiting friends and a variety of age groups.

Then, you can choose to enroll your puppy in puppy obedience classes. After basic obedience is mastered, you’re ready to test with a Therapy Dog Certified Tester! They’re licensed to give you a therapy dog certificate! To see the AKC’s list of certified dog trainers and dog clubs, visit the AKC’s website here.

There are different levels of support dogs.

The first level is Companion (your well-trained pet). Next comes the ESA (Emotional Support Animal) which is an options for those in a living situation that typically doesn’t allow pets. Your Doctor or Psychiatrist can write a “prescription” for you to get an emotional support pet and many landlords & leases will honor this and allow you special permission to have a pet. With an ESA dog, visiting nursing homes, hospitals and schools could be an option for you to bring the joy of your Doodle to others!

Official certifications include Certified Therapy Animal, which requires a certificate and typically 1-2 years of training. The highest level is a Service Dog. If you need specific medical assistance or physical aid, you can enroll your Doodle in a Service Animal Program. This takes 2-3 years to master.

Research now for the best training program for that need in your area. The time to do this is before your puppy is born so you have plans in place.

How do I care for my Doodle’s coat?

The first step to a healthy coat is regular brushing. Your doodle will also need gentle, routine coat maintenance to maintain optimal health and coat condition. This includes brushing daily, bathing (every 2-4 weeks), nail trimming, ear cleaning, and, about every 8 weeks, a grooming at the dog salon (depending on the look and coat length you prefer).

You can read more about Doodle coat care here!

Will my Doodle be curly or wavy?

Some of our puppies have Curly coats, and some have Wavy coats. We are your Doodle Professionals and can guide you to get the coat type you love!

All F1 (first-generation) Bernedoodles or Goldendoodles will have a long, soft, fluffy straight or wavy coat, because they’re a 50/50 cross between the parent breed and a Poodle.

Some of my Mini Doodles are F1b or F2b, which means one parent is a Doodle and the other is a Poodle. Essentially, they are 75% poodle which gives them a curlier coat which is usually better for the allergy-sensitive. These litters usually have about half curly puppies, and half wavy puppies.

We also raise Multigenerational Goldendoodles, where both parents are Goldendoodles. We see both curly and wavy coats in these litters as well.

When choosing a puppy, I’ll tell you which puppies are curly or wavy, based on my professional experience! I cannot guarantee the adult finished coat, as this can only be exactly determined through DNA panel testing through a genetics lab. But will give you my professional input.

How big will my puppy get?

It depends on which Doodle you choose!

Our Mini Goldendoodles are 25-35 lbs pounds. Medium Goldendoodles are 35-60 lbs. My Mini/Medium Bernedoodles are 35-60 lbs.  These sizes are based on the size of each parent, and the average sizes of their past puppies. Exact size will vary somewhat per litter pairing. This is subject to change based on which dam or sire (mom or dad) I choose and I will discuss this with you before you reserve your puppy!

What is the difference getween a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle?

Bernedoodles are half Bernese Mountain Dog and half Poodle. Goldendoodles are half Golden Retriever and half Poodle. I use AKC registered, health tested, purebred dogs with excellent temperaments, breed standard look and bloodlines.

Do you have Tri Color Bernedoodles?

Yes! Our Bernedoodles are tricolor. This means their coats have a combination of black, rust, and white. The amount of white pattern and the brightness of the rust color varies in every litter.

When do I spay or neuter my puppy?

I recommend going to your closest University vet hospital and waiting until (at minimum) 12 months of age. This allows the sex organs and hormones to fully develop and your dog to have the best physical, hormonal, and immunological health possible. Many vets disagree based on fear of accidental litters. Responsible pet owners are perfectly capable of preventing accidental breeding by supervising their Doodle. There is no reason a high quality therapy dog or pet should be denied the chance to develop properly and live their healthiest life because of a certain percentage of irresponsible pet owners. University vet hospitals are often the most up to date with technology and practices and more than capable of spaying or neutering a fully developed dog. Say “no” to subjecting a 4-8 month old puppy to major surgery.