Frequently Asked Questions

how big will these dogs get?

Please keep in mind that all animals are just as individual as we are. While we can safely say we expect each standard-sized dog we breed to be in the 50-90 pound range, there is always an exception. Keep in mind these are not a "mini" breed, they typically fall into a large dog category. More to love!

Do doodles shed and are they hypoallergenic?

Speaking to the F1 (first generation cross with 2 pure bred dogs), our pups will grow up with minimal shedding.  A Bernese mountain dog sheds its coat 1x a year and is not hypoallergenic while the poodle has no shedding at all and is hypoallergenic. This creates a very low chance of shedding in the bernedoodle. That being said, you can expect to see your dogs hair in a brush with proper and routine grooming, not in the corner of your living room.

do I need to groom my doodle often?

Yes! While most dogs should have a routine grooming regimen, a "doodle" of any kind will be no exception. Poodles are known for their curly high maintenance coat that can easily mat and quickly grow over their eyes and anywhere else. The fun curly fluffy coat of a doodle holds lots of this breed’s appeal, so find a groomer you like and plug it into your routine.  

how much exercise do I need to give my doodle?

Every dog and family is unique. Take our family, for example, we have 7 large breed family dogs. We also live on a small ranch with space to roam. If life gets in the way and we don’t get to take a walk, it’s safe to say the dogs have the open opportunity to run, roll, dip, dive, dig or nap at their leisure. Of course, every situation is different. Use good judgment on the needs of a living creature. Know these doodle breeds are perfect for the adventurous type who likes to hike and frequent coffee houses, and they are also happy cuddling up at home. If your family or you are gone for long periods of time every day and do not have the means for appropriate attention, a puppy may not be the best choice at this time. Another option is to hire a dog walker or at-home care. 

are doodles family dogs?

A family dog is all about how it is raised. The most impressionable time in a puppi’s life is between 3 and 12 weeks. All of our puppies are made from love with our dogs here at our home. We do not use a stud service or any artificial insemination processes. Mom and dad (sire and dam) are on-site and involved from day one all the way to go home day! Puppies nurse on mommy for the first 4 - 6 weeks of life and then have ample play and bonding time with her. My two assistants (ages 6 and 8) are full-time as well. There is no shortage of snuggles, giggles, cuddles, and playtime. Puppies are raised in their whelping box until it’s time to move out into their playpen area. Around-the-clock care is given to these nuggets by way of playing, feeding, cleaning, and all other necessary commitments. Potty pads are used in a designated area in their play and exercise area where they live so that when these hunnies go home they will have a general idea of where they should go. A doodle is a gentle fun quirky breed, and they make a delightful addition to any family, large or small.

should I train my Doodle?

Yes and YES! Nobody wants the dog at the dog park who is jumping on people, growling at other dogs, and terrorizing every chihuahua in sight. A trained dog is a happy dog. Basic commands like sit, stay, and come are almost second nature in a dog like a Bernedoodle, as they are very intelligent and eager to please. Shaping a relationship with your doggy friend will be easy when you take some time and teach these commands and beyond. There is a level of respect for a trained dog that comes with an unbreakable bond. There are so many resources for doggy training from books, to apps, to doggy drop-off programs. So get educated and teach this new doggy some tricks!

Is Julian Mountain Doodles willing to keep in contact with me if i purchase a pup and need advise or support?

When someone contacts us or even comes to our home to see a puppy, you are treated like family. We do not abandon family! If you are lucky enough to be chosen by one of these creatures, we are committed to doing all we can to support you. This is our families heart project and we look forward to seeing these dogs go into loving forever homes. Questions, comments, concerns and feedback are how we will all grow together!  

Why are they so expensive when there are so many free dogs who need a good  home?

Irresponsible breeding, accidental breeding  and over breeding of dogs are most certainly a concern. While the shelters are full of loving qualified companions, you often do not fully know what you are going to get. If choosing a specific breed and breeder is what makes the most sense for your individual situation, more often than not, that does come with a price tag. Sire and Dam are owned by our family and are cared for here just like any other family member. Both dogs are AKC registered purebreds with full breeding rights. The time, intention, thought, planning and care given to each and every Julian mountain doodle puppy is priceless. So while the initial financial investment is not small, neither is the investment to the love and companionship that you will be receiving for the next decade and hopefully beyond! 

Will these dogs have health issues / hips and elbows?

Each breeding dog in the Julian Mountain Doodle family has had age-appropriate visits by a licensed veterinarian. All dogs in our program who are 2 years of age and older are OFA tested and certified for hip dysphasia and genetic disorders. You can read more about our health guarantee on the home page. 

what is the life expectancy of a doodle?

The average healthy life expectancy of our doodles is between 12 and 17 years. Taking into account any specific health issues or environmental issues, a happy dog is a healthy dog. Good quality food, a good licensed veterinarian with routine visits, proper grooming, and accurate exercise and attention are all factors in a long healthy life. Please take into account that ANYTHING can happen. Unexpected health issues can occur in a perfectly healthy dog just like in a human. It is a very good idea to set aside incidental finances and time so you can be prepared in the event that your animal needs any type of attention. Bringing home a puppy is a full commitment, and we expect anyone who chooses us as a breeder to take full responsibility and care to give these pups a long full life. 

What do doodles eat and how often?

Good quality dog food is vital in the care of your pup. I recommend a quality choice that is NOT a grain-free option. The reason is, studies are now showing that grain-free diets in larger dogs have poor health effects in the later years. There are plenty of great dry food options out there, take some time and do research, and check in with your vet! It is VERY important to understand things that are dangerous to your pet. Table scraps are never a good idea, for many reasons. there is a lengthy list of dangerous and even deadly food for dogs. Grapes, chocolate, garlic, chicken bones, caffeine, alcohol the list goes on !! you would not give your infant a toxic cleaner to drink would u?? Please become very familiar with what is good and bad for your dog! Portion control is also just as important how much and how often you feed your dog is dependent upon the age and size. For example, a growing pup should have 3 smaller meals a day while a 60 lb dog should have about 3 cups a day maybe in two meals. 70 lbs about 3 1/2 cups, 80 lbs 4 cups, 90 lbs 4 1/2 cups, and so on… Overfeeding your large breed dog is not being kind it can be very bad for their health. Some dogs are easier to keep at a healthy weight than others. Again, get together with your vet and keep notice of your dog’s size and activity level.

what if the puppy we choose is not a good fit? Can I return my dog?

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required if you choose to purchase a puppy either born or expected. This is because there is a high demand for these pups and people can very well be turned away from a puppy who has been chosen. If you change your mind that pup could have lost a great home. Make a commitment ONLY if you are ready. Julian Mountain Doodles will always take a puppy back if the fit wasn't perfect. Refunds are not typically given and you will be placed on a list for a better-suited pup. Our intention in breeding is to enrich human lives with the divine unique love of a dog. If circumstances turn in a direction that needs further attention, we are here to support any way we can. We never want a doodle of ours to be in a home where the love is not strong. So again, only make this commitment if you are ALL IN.