Chicago · Illinois

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.

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The Breed

Three 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.

Australian Mountain Doodle at Stokeshire Designer Doodles — Wisconsin AMD breeding program

Raised in Wisconsin.
Delivered to Chicago.

Stokeshire Designer Doodles · Medford, WI
Coat Types

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.

Furnished Australian Mountain Doodle — Penelope, Stokeshire AMD dam
Furnished Coat

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
Unfurnished Australian Mountain Doodle at Stokeshire — RSPO2 negative AMD line
Unfurnished Coat

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 Shedding
Size Guide

Mini, 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.

The Stokeshire Method

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.

01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

Ten children.
One program.

Family-raised from day one
Puppies raised in home environment at Stokeshire Designer Doodles Guardian home family with Stokeshire companion dog
How They're Raised

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.

10
Children in the home
Enrichment from day one
WI
Medford, Wisconsin
AMD Lines

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 — Stokeshire AMD foundation dam, furnished Australian Mountain Doodle
Foundation Dam

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.

Stokeshire unfurnished Australian Mountain Doodle line — RSPO2 negative AMD
Unfurnished Lines

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.

Available Litters

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.

Location & Delivery

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.

Chicago
~4 hrs
Approx. drive time
Milwaukee
~3 hrs
Approx. drive time
Minneapolis
~3.5 hrs
Approx. drive time
Madison
~2.5 hrs
Approx. drive time

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.

FAQ

Questions from Chicago Families

Common questions about Australian Mountain Doodles, the Stokeshire program, and what Chicago-area families should expect.

What exactly is an Australian Mountain Doodle?
The Australian Mountain Doodle (AMD) is generally described as a companion cross involving Bernese Mountain Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Poodle ancestry. The combination is often described as blending the Bernese's calm disposition, the Australian Shepherd's active intelligence, and the Poodle's trainability. Traits vary significantly by lineage, generation, coat type, and individual dog. At Stokeshire, AMD development emphasizes temperament stability and genetic health over novelty color or pattern.
Can an Australian Mountain Doodle live in a Chicago apartment or condo?
Some Chicago families report success with AMDs in apartment settings, particularly with consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and training. AMDs carry herding and working dog ancestry, which tends to produce dogs with higher-than-average energy and engagement needs. Whether a specific AMD will thrive in smaller urban quarters depends on the individual dog's energy level, the owner's lifestyle, and available enrichment. Stokeshire discusses lifestyle fit as part of every placement conversation — size, energy level, and daily routine all factor into matching.
Are Australian Mountain Doodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Dogs with furnished coats are commonly described as lower-shedding than unfurnished dogs, and lower-shedding dogs may be better tolerated by some allergy sufferers — but individual allergy responses vary widely. Stokeshire does not guarantee allergy safety for any dog. Families with allergy concerns are advised to consult a physician and, when possible, spend time with the specific dog or a related dog before committing to placement.
What is the difference between an AMD and a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is generally a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. An Australian Mountain Doodle adds Australian Shepherd to that foundation. In practice, the AMD tends to show a somewhat more active, herding-influenced energy profile compared to a Bernedoodle, though individual variation is significant. Coat patterns, size ranges, and overall appearance overlap between the two. Buyers should review the specific lineage, generation, and health testing on any individual litter rather than making decisions based on breed name alone.
How far is Stokeshire from Chicago?
Stokeshire Designer Doodles is located in Medford, Wisconsin — approximately four hours north of Chicago under typical driving conditions via I-90/I-39 and US-51. Many Chicago-area families make the drive to pick up their puppy directly. Stokeshire also coordinates ground transport and flight nanny delivery for families who prefer a delivered option.
Can Stokeshire deliver an AMD puppy to Chicago?
Stokeshire may coordinate delivery to Chicago and the greater Illinois area through vetted ground transport or flight nanny services. Availability is subject to route scheduling, timing, and transport partner availability. Not all litters or pickup windows align with delivery routes. Delivery options and any associated costs are discussed during the placement process — not after placement is confirmed.
What size AMD is best for Chicago city living?
Mini and medium AMDs are more commonly placed in urban settings with smaller living spaces, while standard AMDs generally suit families with more room and yard access. That said, size is only one factor — energy level, exercise access, and daily routine matter as much as square footage. Stokeshire works with Chicago families to identify which size grouping and individual puppy may best suit their specific situation.
How does the reservation process work?
Families begin by submitting an application and discussing their lifestyle, living situation, activity level, experience with dogs, and puppy preferences with the Stokeshire team. If approved, a reservation deposit may be used to hold a waitlist position under the terms of the applicable agreement. Stokeshire works to match each family with a puppy suited to their specific circumstances — not simply to fill a litter. Availability, timing, coat type, and final placement are subject to litter outcomes and program policies.

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