Stokeshire Designer Doodles
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about our program, puppies, and process — answered clearly.
Pricing & Reservations
How much do Stokeshire puppies cost?
Stokeshire puppy investments begin at $3,500 and may reach $7,000 or more, with each puppy priced individually.
Pricing reflects each puppy's phenotype, size, coat type, and gender. Breeding rights are available to approved, state-licensed programs at an additional $5,000 premium.
A $500 reservation fee (plus applicable sales tax) is required to secure a waitlist position and applies toward the final purchase price.
How do deposits and waitlists work?
The $500 reservation fee secures your waitlist position, ordered by deposit date and location, and applies toward the final balance.
The deposit is 90% refundable ($450, excluding tax) only before confirmed breeding — defined as documented artificial insemination or live cover. Once breeding has occurred, the deposit is fully non-refundable but remains transferable to another litter for up to 24 months.
Each litter requires its own deposit. A Pick of the Litter spot carries a separate, non-refundable $500 POL fee that does not apply toward the purchase price.
Deposits may be transferred if your litter produces fewer puppies than expected — you retain second-position priority on the transferred list.
What is Pick of the Litter, and how does it work?
Pick of the Litter grants one of only two priority selection positions per litter, including a scheduled nursery visit on puppy selection day.
The POL fee is $500, non-refundable, and does not apply toward the deposit or purchase price. Stokeshire reserves the right to retain any puppy for the breeding program, and some puppies are designated exclusively for full breeding rights.
POL is recommended only for families confident they want first-choice access from a specific litter. If unused when puppies become available, the fee is forfeited.
What payment methods are accepted?
Final payment is due within 72 hours of Puppy Pick Day via credit card, debit card, Afterpay, or Klarna.
Klarna is integrated with Stokeshire's secure Stripe checkout, allowing qualified U.S. buyers to split into four interest-free installments or finance over time. Full payment must be received before transport is scheduled.
Health & Genetic Testing
What health testing do Stokeshire breeding dogs receive?
Every Stokeshire breeding dog receives a comprehensive genetic panel through Embark Veterinary as a condition of program inclusion.
Testing is breed- and pedigree-specific and may include evaluation for degenerative myelopathy (DM/SOD1), progressive retinal atrophy (GR-PRA1 & GR-PRA2), von Willebrand's disease, ichthyosis, neonatal encephalopathy (NEwS), cardiac function, hip and elbow dysplasia (OFA or PennHip), patellar luxation, and coat-trait markers.
Stokeshire works directly with Embark's team to analyze each pairing's coefficient of inbreeding (COI) before proceeding. All health documentation is shared with families during the reservation process.
Are Stokeshire Doodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic — allergens are produced by dander, saliva, and urine, not hair alone.
Stokeshire Doodles carry Poodle heritage, which typically produces lower dander and reduced shedding. Many families with mild to moderate allergies find these crosses compatible, but individual immune responses vary significantly.
Families with severe allergies are strongly advised to spend time with Doodles in person before reserving. F1B generation dogs (~75% Poodle genetics) generally carry stronger non-shedding traits. This guidance does not apply to unfurnished puppies.
Stokeshire does not use "hypoallergenic" as a marketing claim. Transparent allergen communication is part of the program's standard.
What is the difference between F1, F1B, and multi-generational Doodles?
Doodle generations describe the proportion of Poodle genetics, directly influencing coat type, shedding tendency, and allergen profile.
Two genes govern coat expression: the curl gene (KRT71) and the furnishings gene (RSPO2). Embark testing predicts coat outcomes before each pairing.
| Generation | Genetics | Typical Coat |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | 50% Poodle / 50% parent breed | Straight to wavy; some shedding possible |
| F1B | ~75% Poodle | Wavy to curly; low-to-non-shedding |
| F2 | F1 × F1 cross | Variable; depends on parent genetics |
| Multi-Gen | F3 and beyond | More predictable; varies by pairing |
What veterinary care do puppies receive before going home?
Every puppy receives a licensed veterinary exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, a structured deworming protocol, and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) before placement.
Care is conducted in partnership with Medford Veterinary Clinic. The first vaccine combination is given at approximately 6 weeks. Deworming with Fenbendazole begins at 2 weeks and continues at 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks.
A CVI is a legally required document confirming health status, vaccination records, and identity at the time of transfer. All documentation is included in each puppy's take-home packet.
What vaccination schedule should I follow after bringing my puppy home?
Stokeshire follows a protocol aligned with AAHA guidelines and Medford Veterinary Clinic recommendations.
| Age | Vaccination |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Canine Distemper Combination (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus) |
| 12 weeks | Same combination + Lyme Disease (booster 3–4 weeks later) |
| 16 weeks | Same combination + Rabies (re-vaccinate at 1 year) |
Maternal immunity wanes around 9–10 weeks, making the 12-week booster especially important. Confirm the schedule with your local veterinarian based on regional disease prevalence.
The Process
Can families visit Stokeshire before placing a deposit?
Facility visits are extended exclusively to Pick of the Litter clients during their scheduled puppy selection appointment.
This policy protects the health of puppies and breeding dogs. Parvovirus — fatal to young puppies — can be carried on clothing and footwear without visible symptoms, surviving on surfaces for months to years. Parasites including roundworm, coccidia, and giardia present additional biosecurity risks.
Families may schedule a documented virtual tour before reserving. Stokeshire does not conduct parking-lot transfers or anonymous exchanges.
At what age do puppies go home?
All puppies are placed at a minimum of 8 weeks — intentionally exceeding Wisconsin's minimum legal transfer age of 7 weeks.
This standard supports neurological, behavioral, and social development. Puppies enrolled in Doodle School or Bootcamp may remain beyond 8 weeks when appropriate. Stokeshire does not release puppies before 8 weeks under any circumstances.
What transport and pickup options are available?
Five domestic options are available — from in-person collection in Medford, WI, to in-cabin Flight Nanny transport to major U.S. airports.
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| In-Person Pickup | Scheduled at the Stokeshire facility, Medford, WI |
| CWA Airport | Complimentary delivery to Central Wisconsin Airport, Mosinee |
| Lutz Family Farms | Drop-off at Amherst Junction on allocated pickup dates |
| Flight Nanny | In-cabin transport nationwide — puppy never rides cargo |
| Ground Transport | Within 500 miles of Medford at $2.00/mi; $100 deposit to reserve |
Canadian families may arrange to meet a Flight Nanny at a designated northern U.S. international airport. If a puppy is not collected within the 3-day grace period, Bootcamp enrollment begins at $150 per day.
Does Stokeshire provide a written contract and health guarantee?
Every Stokeshire puppy is placed with a written contract and a 3-year genetic health guarantee.
The contract outlines health guarantee terms, return requirements, care standards, and spay/neuter or breeding agreements where applicable. The guarantee reflects the program's long-term responsibility for structural and hereditary soundness, supported by comprehensive health testing of all parent dogs.
Your Puppy
Does Stokeshire microchip puppies before placement?
Stokeshire does not microchip puppies before 8 weeks — the procedure is arranged by each family's local veterinarian after placement.
Delaying microchipping allows all identification and veterinary records to be registered directly to the new owner from the outset, supporting continuity of care and long-term health management.
When should I spay or neuter my Stokeshire puppy?
Stokeshire recommends waiting until at least 6 months, with later timing — beyond 12 months — advised for larger breeds.
Research indicates early spay/neuter increases risk of certain joint disorders and cancers, particularly in larger dogs. Consult your veterinarian for timing appropriate to your dog's size and breed composition. This recommendation aligns with Hart et al. (2020), Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
What if I can no longer keep my Stokeshire dog?
Any dog produced by Stokeshire must be returned to Stokeshire rather than independently rehomed, surrendered to a shelter, or transferred to a third party.
This lifetime responsibility policy ensures ongoing welfare accountability for each dog, regardless of age or reason for surrender. Full terms are available at wisconsindesignerdoodles.com/returns-policy.
Can I adopt two littermate puppies at the same time?
Stokeshire does not recommend placing two littermate puppies in the same home simultaneously.
Raising two puppies together significantly increases the risk of littermate syndrome — including bonding difficulties, training delays, and long-term behavioral instability. The program prioritizes healthy psychological development. Exceptions may be considered for select clients on a case-by-case basis.
What comes in the Stokeshire Puppy Pack?
Every Puppy Pack includes a branded folder with the vet health record, birth certificate, socialization checklist, training guide, scented bandannas, toys, treats, and food.
Scented bandannas are rubbed on littermates and the dam to ease the transition home. Bags weigh under 3 lbs. Doodle School graduates receive additional materials. Flight Nanny clients receive a complimentary soft travel crate.
Still have questions?
The Stokeshire team is available to guide you through every step.