Australian Mountain Doodle Puppies for Chicago
Stokeshire Designer Doodles is a therapy-grade breeding program in Medford, Wisconsin — four hours north of Chicago — raising Australian Mountain Doodles with an emphasis on temperament, health-screening, and intentional development.
Begin Your ApplicationThree Breeds.
One Companion Cross.
The Australian Mountain Doodle (AMD) is a tri-breed cross drawing from Bernese Mountain Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Poodle ancestry. The combination is widely described as blending the calm loyalty of the Bernese, the active intelligence of the Australian Shepherd, and the trainability of the Poodle.
Traits vary significantly by lineage, generation, and individual dog. At Stokeshire, AMD lines are developed with an emphasis on temperament stability, coat quality, and genetic diversity — not coat color or novelty alone.
Both furnished (lower-shedding) and unfurnished lines are available, with size ranging from mini to standard depending on the litter. Stokeshire discusses program specifics during the application process.
Furnished and Unfurnished Lines
Stokeshire raises both furnished and unfurnished Australian Mountain Doodles. Understanding the difference helps families choose the right coat type for their living situation and allergy considerations.
The Classic Doodle Look
Furnished Australian Mountain Doodles carry the RSPO2 gene variant associated with the characteristic eyebrow and muzzle furnishings most people associate with doodles. Dogs with this coat type are commonly described as lower-shedding, though shedding varies by individual genetics and other coat modifiers.
Furnished AMDs may require more consistent grooming to prevent matting. Regular brushing and professional grooming are generally part of coat maintenance.
RSPO2 Positive · Lower Shedding
The Mountain Dog Expression
Unfurnished Australian Mountain Doodles carry the RSPO2-negative genotype, meaning the smooth face and no facial furnishings associated with the underlying mountain dog and herding ancestry. These dogs tend toward more visible shedding and a more natural, less styled appearance.
Unfurnished AMDs are not marketed as hypoallergenic. Families with allergy concerns are encouraged to spend time with the specific dog before placement and consult a physician regarding individual sensitivity.
RSPO2 Negative · Moderate SheddingMini, Medium, and Standard
Australian Mountain Doodle size is influenced by parent weights, the Poodle variety used, and individual genetics. The ranges below reflect general program expectations — adult size always varies by individual dog.
| Size | Est. Adult Weight | Est. Height | Common Fit | At Stokeshire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 18–35 lbs | 14–18 in | Apartments, condos, smaller homes | Available; varies by litter |
| Medium | 35–55 lbs | 18–22 in | Versatile — urban and suburban homes | Available; varies by litter |
| Standard | 55–80+ lbs | 22–26 in | Homes with space, active families | Available; varies by pairing |
Size estimates are based on parent weights and generational patterns. Final adult size varies by individual dog. Chicago families interested in apartment or condo living are encouraged to discuss lifestyle fit and size expectations during the application process.
A Program Built Around
More Than Appearance
Stokeshire's approach to AMD development prioritizes temperament stability, nervous system regulation, and genetic health over novelty traits or rapid scaling. Every litter reflects this framework.
Health Screening
Parent dogs undergo program-level health evaluations that may include genetic screening, structural assessments, and applicable panel testing. Specific testing varies by dog and pairing — details are shared during the application process.
Early Neurological Development
Stokeshire incorporates early neurological stimulation and structured enrichment from the first days of life. This approach supports nervous system development during the critical neonatal window.
Family Socialization
Puppies are raised in a home environment with ongoing exposure to children, household activity, varied textures, sounds, and the rhythms of family life — not isolated kennel settings.
Optional Training Pathways
Families may elect into an optional early training pathway and Doodle School program depending on litter scheduling and availability. This pathway is not included in standard placement and is subject to program capacity.
Not a Kennel.
A Home.
Every litter at Stokeshire is whelped and raised in a working family home with ten children present. The resulting exposure — to noise, movement, varied handling, and the full rhythm of family life — reflects Stokeshire's belief that early environment shapes long-term temperament.
Guardian home dogs are placed in carefully selected homes throughout Stokeshire's extended network, ensuring parent dogs live as family companions rather than production animals.
Meet the Foundation
Stokeshire's Australian Mountain Doodle program is built around carefully selected parent dogs representing both furnished and unfurnished coat types across mini and standard size ranges.
Penelope
Penelope is one of Stokeshire's featured AMD dams, representing the furnished coat expression and the temperament standards that define the program. Her litters reflect intentional development across coat type, size, and structural soundness — not color or pattern novelty.
The Mountain Dog Expression
Stokeshire's unfurnished AMD lines preserve the classic mountain dog and herding-influenced expression — smooth-faced, structurally sound dogs that carry the Bernese and Aussie heritage without the doodle styling. These dogs are not marketed as hypoallergenic and reflect a distinct type within the program.
See What's Available
Stokeshire's AMD waitlist operates through an application and matching process. Availability varies by litter timing, coat type, and size — not all options are available at all times.
Four Hours from Chicago.
Nationwide Reach.
Stokeshire is based in Medford, Wisconsin — accessible to Chicago and the greater Midwest. Many families drive for pickup. Ground transport and flight nanny delivery may also be available.
Ground transport and flight nanny delivery may be available for Chicago-area families who prefer not to make the drive. Stokeshire works with vetted transport partners to coordinate safe delivery to the Chicago metro and beyond. Transport availability, scheduling, and cost are discussed during the placement process and are subject to route availability and timing.
Questions from Chicago Families
Common questions about Australian Mountain Doodles, the Stokeshire program, and what Chicago-area families should expect.
Explore the Program
Your Chicago Family.
Our Wisconsin Program.
Stokeshire works with a limited number of families per year. The application process is the first step toward understanding whether an Australian Mountain Doodle from this program is the right fit.
Begin Your Application