Golden Australian Mountain Doodle:
"The Stokeshire"
The Golden Australian Mountain Doodle (GAMD), affectionately called "The Stokeshire," is our signature four-breed companion, developed over more than a decade of intentional breeding. It unites the heart of a Golden Retriever, the gentle strength of a Bernese Mountain Dog, the bright mind of an Australian Shepherd, and the lower-shedding coat of a Poodle into one adaptable, emotionally attuned family dog.
Also known as: The Stokeshire · GAMD · Golden Aussie Mountain Doodle
View GAMD Litters Why Four Breeds
Golden Australian Mountain Doodle — Quick Facts
| Breed Type | Stokeshire signature four-breed cross. Proprietary program, more than a decade in development. Not AKC recognized. |
| Parent Breeds | Golden Retriever × Australian / Mini American Shepherd × Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle |
| Also Called | "The Stokeshire," GAMD, Golden Aussie Mountain Doodle |
| Size Classes | Standard (current flagship) and an emerging Medium line, per The Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard |
| Coat Types | Wavy or curly, furnished (lower-shedding); an unfurnished Medium line is in development. Driven by RSPO2, KRT71, MC5R, and FGF5 genetics |
| Shedding | Low to moderate in furnished dogs. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. |
| Temperament | Affectionate, intelligent, emotionally attuned, balanced energy, family-oriented |
| Exercise Need | Daily structured activity plus mental engagement |
| Trainability | Very high. Quick learners; many suit therapy-adjacent work. |
| Typical Lifespan | 10 to 15 years (smaller and medium dogs tend toward the upper end) |
| Best Suited For | Active families, allergy-sensitive homes, therapy candidates, those wanting a one-of-a-kind Stokeshire companion |
| Where We Breed | Stokeshire Designer Doodles, Medford, Wisconsin. Nationwide transport available. |
| Pricing | Varies by size, coat genetics, color, and program tier. See Stokeshire Puppy Pricing. |
What Is a Golden Australian Mountain Doodle?
The Golden Australian Mountain Doodle, affectionately known as "The Stokeshire," is a four-breed hybrid developed at our family-run program in Wisconsin. It combines the Golden Retriever, the Australian Shepherd (including the Miniature American Shepherd), the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Poodle. The result is a companion that blends the gentle nature of a family dog with the intelligence and spirit of a working breed.
We did not set out to simply mix breeds. We set out to craft a better companion. Each generation is purposefully bred to combine the heart of a Golden Retriever, the gentle courage of a Bernese, the bright mind of an Australian Shepherd, and the lower-shedding coat and intelligence of a Poodle, producing an adaptable, loyal, affectionate family dog that is as steady in spirit as it is striking in appearance.
"The Stokeshire" is not just a name. It is a promise: years of dedication to ethical breeding, temperament evaluation, and health science, all directed at one goal, a dog that looks beautiful, lives healthy, and loves deeply.
Why Four Breeds, and the Power of Diversity
Every pairing begins with the science of genetics, not guesswork. We use Embark-verified DNA testing and lineage mapping to keep our Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) low and preserve genuine genetic diversity across generations.
Why it matters: low-COI breeding reduces the risk of inherited disease and immune weakness that affect many purebred lines trapped in narrow genetic bottlenecks. By intentionally crossing four complementary breeds with minimal shared ancestry, we lower the probability that a puppy inherits two damaging recessive variants at the same gene, support overall vitality, and protect for longevity. It is not just responsible breeding; it is a commitment to generational health.
The Parent Breeds: A Symphony of Traits
Our philosophy is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Each foundation breed was selected for a distinct contribution.
Golden Retriever
Famously friendly and tolerant. Contributes a sunny, eager-to-please disposition, a playful spirit, and deep loyalty, the true "people dog" foundation. Health note: Goldens carry elevated cancer and hip dysplasia risk, which the cross is designed to dilute.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Calm, steady strength and a profoundly affectionate nature. Contributes a laid-back confidence and quiet devotion, the natural "off switch" that lets the dog settle indoors. Health note: elevated cancer and elbow dysplasia risk, mitigated by the diverse cross and screening.
Australian / Mini American Shepherd
Renowned herding intelligence and athleticism. Contributes exceptional trainability and a love of engaging activity, quick learners that thrive on mental stimulation. Carries merle and the MDR1 variant, both screened before pairing.
Poodle
One of the most intelligent breeds, with the RSPO2 furnishings and KRT71 curl genetics behind the lower-shedding coat. Contributes high trainability, the coat foundation, and the broad color palette, plus genetic diversity that dilutes risk from the other lines.
The Friend You Always Wished You Had
Golden Australian Mountain Doodles tend to be affectionate, outgoing, and deeply connected to their families, the companion that greets you at the door and is just as happy on a hike as snuggled on the couch. The blend of nurturing and working breeds gives them a balanced energy level: the Golden's zest for play and the Aussie's drive, grounded by the Bernese sense of calm. Modern behavioral-genetics research finds breed ancestry explains only a modest share of individual behavior, so temperament language here uses "tends to," and early socialization matters more than breed alone.
* Furnished dogs with curly coats shed least. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
They are patient and gentle with children and generally get along with other pets. Their intelligence and desire to please make them a joy to train, and many excel in therapy or service-adjacent roles, though individual outcomes depend on training, handler, and environment.
Who the GAMD Is Not Ideal For
- Homes where the dog is alone for long stretches. GAMDs are social and do best woven into daily family life.
- Those wanting a zero-grooming dog. The lower-shedding coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming.
- Families unable to provide daily exercise and mental engagement.
How Big Is a Golden Australian Mountain Doodle?
As a cross of large and medium foundation breeds, the GAMD is currently a substantial, sturdy, balanced dog. Stokeshire breeds it in a Standard class today, with an emerging Medium line in development (see below). Sizes are reconciled to The Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard, measured at the withers. Adult size is typical, not guaranteed; individuals may finish above or below the band.
| Class | Adult Weight | Height at Withers | Status | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 36 to 50 lb | 17 to 21 in | Emerging unfurnished line (in development) | 12 to 15 years |
| Standard | 50 to 90+ lb (typ. 70 to 95) | 21 to 27 in | Current flagship | 10 to 14 years |
→ The Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard: the canonical size system across all our breeds
Understanding Coat Color in "The Stokeshire"
The GAMD's appearance is as unique as its personality. Thanks to the Poodle, most have a wavy or curly, lower-shedding coat. The color possibilities are exceptional: the striking tri-color of the Bernese, the rich gold of the Retriever, the captivating merle of the Aussie, and the chocolate and dilute variants of the Poodle. Each puppy is genetically mapped before pairing.
Why the Poodle Opens the Palette
Poodles carry alleles across nearly every major pigment locus, which "unlock" hidden recessives in the other breeds, making a stunning range possible, from solid cream to tri-color merle, chocolate phantom, and silver parti. Full coat-genetics guide →
EE, Ee, or ee. The "ee" recessive overrides black pigment entirely, producing the familiar golden and cream shades.
KB (solid), kbr (brindle), or ky, which lets the A-locus patterns show through.
at/at (phantom), ay/at (sable + phantom), aw (wild sable), the basis of tri-color points.
Controls black (B) versus chocolate/brown (b).
Turns black to blue/silver and brown to café au lait.
The mottled/marbled pattern from Aussie and merle Poodle lines. Always tested.
Controls white spotting and Irish-spotting trim behind tri-color.
Solid gold with no dark points; introducing Aussie, Bernese, and Poodle alleles opens tri-color, merle, and chocolate.
Grooming, Exercise & Environment
Grooming. The lower-shedding coat needs consistent attention to stay free of mats. Brush several times a week and schedule professional grooming every few months. Regular nail trims and ear checks are essential, the floppy-eared parentage makes weekly ear care important, especially after swimming.
Exercise & environment. GAMDs are active dogs that thrive on daily exercise and mental engagement. A fenced yard is ideal, but they adapt to smaller homes with enough daily walks, play, and training. They are social and do not do well left alone for long periods; involving them in family life is the key to their happiness.
Health & lifespan. We conduct genetic screening on every parent to reduce the risk of hereditary conditions common to the foundation breeds, such as hip dysplasia. With good nutrition, routine veterinary care, and plenty of love, a GAMD typically enjoys a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. See the Stokeshire Health Guarantee.
Health & the Power of a Four-Breed Gene Pool
Both the Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog carry elevated cancer risk. In a two-breed cross, the Poodle dilutes one line's risk. In the GAMD, four independent genomic backgrounds reduce the probability of inheriting identical deleterious recessives, the broadest hybrid-vigor structure in our program. This does not make any dog disease-proof, which is why we pair diversity with rigorous testing.
The Stokeshire Testing Standard
Every breeding parent completes a full Embark genetic panel (250+ conditions) plus coat and color genotyping; orthopedic evaluation (OFA or PennHIP) where appropriate to the lineage; cardiac evaluation where indicated for Bernese and Standard Poodle lines; MDR1 testing on Aussie lineage; and COI analysis on every planned pairing, kept low to preserve diversity. No two carriers of the same recessive condition are mated, and families receive genetic documentation at placement.
The Medium, Unfurnished Stokeshire
We are planning future GAMD litters that are medium-sized with unfurnished, single-layer coats, part of a decade-long vision to broaden the program while holding our standards of health and temperament. These lines are being developed through careful parent selection and genetic understanding so the result is not only beautiful but predictable.
- Unfurnished coat. Dogs carrying two non-furnishing (wild-type) RSPO2 alleles lack the classic doodle beard and eyebrows and have a sleeker coat texture.
- No heavy double coat. Selecting against the dense undercoat typical of Bernese and Aussie lines promotes easier grooming and less shedding, while keeping the active, sturdy build.
- Medium size. A more moderate adult weight and height that suits a wider range of homes while retaining true mountain-doodle presence.
The genetics: furnishings are governed largely by RSPO2; coat texture and length also involve KRT71 (curl) and FGF5 (length). By selecting known non-furnishing carriers and minimizing heavy-undercoat genes, we aim to produce reliable medium-sized puppies with simpler, lower-shed coats. When these lines are ready, we will publish full transparency on genetics, expected adult size, and coat maintenance. Learn more about unfurnished doodles.
GAMD vs. Golden Mountain Doodle vs. Australian Mountain Doodle
The GAMD is the four-breed evolution of our mountain-doodle line. Here is how it sits beside its three-breed siblings.
| Trait | Golden Australian Mountain Doodle (The Stokeshire) | Golden Mountain Doodle | Australian Mountain Doodle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Breeds | Golden × Aussie/Mini Am. Shepherd × Bernese × Poodle | Golden × Bernese × Poodle | Bernese × Aussie × Poodle |
| Foundation Breeds | Four | Three | Three |
| Temperament | Balanced: warmth + working intelligence | Balanced, social, steady | Calm with working drive |
| Genetic Diversity | Broadest (four-breed) | Broad (triple-cross) | Broad (triple-cross) |
| Trainability | Very High | Very High | Very High |
| Therapy Suitability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent (when matched) |
| Size Focus | Standard now; Medium emerging | Mini / Medium / Standard | Toy through Standard |
| Best For | Families wanting the signature Stokeshire companion | Families torn between Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle | Families wanting calm sharpness for therapy or active life |
Compare the three-breed crosses directly: Golden Mountain Doodle · Australian Mountain Doodle
Breeding Better Dogs for Tomorrow
Our purpose is to create a modern American family dog, one that blends intelligence, empathy, and emotional awareness into every generation. Through more than a decade of intentional pairings, genetic testing, and temperament evaluation, we have cultivated lines that are balanced, intuitive, and human-centered, bred with therapy-relevant temperament as a goal rather than an afterthought.
Modern breeds are crafted, not found, the Golden Retriever, Australian and Mini American Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle were each built by thoughtful combination and rigorous selection. The GAMD follows that same time-tested path: combining proven breeds to harmonize friendliness, calm confidence, keen intelligence, athleticism, and a manageable coat, generation after generation, while deliberately keeping a wide gene pool and low COI.
Golden Australian Mountain Doodle Puppies
We pour our hearts into raising each puppy, well-socialized and ready to become a cherished member of your family. If "The Stokeshire" sounds like the companion you have been dreaming of, we would be delighted to speak with you.
Golden Australian Mountain Doodle FAQs
What is a Golden Australian Mountain Doodle?
The Golden Australian Mountain Doodle (GAMD), called "The Stokeshire," is a four-breed hybrid developed by Stokeshire Designer Doodles. It combines Golden Retriever, Australian / Mini American Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle, blending the gentle nature of a family dog with the intelligence and spirit of a working breed.
Why breed four breeds instead of two or three?
Four complementary breeds with minimal shared ancestry create the broadest gene pool in our program. This keeps the Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) low, which reduces the probability of inheriting damaging recessive variants and supports vitality and longevity. We pair this diversity with full health testing on every parent.
How big do Golden Australian Mountain Doodles get?
The GAMD is currently bred as a Standard dog, roughly 50 to 90+ lb (typically 70 to 95) and 21 to 27 inches at the withers, with an emerging Medium line (36 to 50 lb, 17 to 21 inches). Adult size is typical, not guaranteed. Heights follow The Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard.
Are GAMDs hypoallergenic?
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Furnished GAMDs with wavy or curly coats tend to shed less and are often better tolerated by families with mild allergies, but individual response varies. Shedding is governed by coat genetics, not the number of breeds in the cross.
How long do Golden Australian Mountain Doodles live?
A GAMD typically enjoys a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, with smaller and medium dogs tending toward the upper end. Lifespan depends on genetics, weight management, diet, exercise, and routine veterinary care. The four-breed structure and low COI are intended to support longevity by diluting breed-specific disease risk.
What colors do GAMDs come in?
Because four breeds contribute pigment genetics, GAMDs range from solid golds and creams to tri-color, merle, chocolate phantom, and silver parti. The Poodle's alleles across the E, K, A, B, D, and M loci unlock recessives carried by the Golden, Aussie, and Bernese. Every pairing is genetically mapped to avoid double-merle and protect pigment health.
Are Golden Australian Mountain Doodles good family dogs?
Yes. GAMDs tend to be affectionate, patient with children, and good with other pets, with a balanced energy level, playful but able to settle. Their intelligence and desire to please make them highly trainable, and many suit therapy or service-adjacent roles. Early socialization and training shape outcomes more than breed alone.
How much grooming and exercise do they need?
The lower-shedding coat needs brushing several times a week plus professional grooming every few months, with regular nail trims and weekly ear checks. GAMDs are active and need daily exercise plus mental engagement; they are social and should not be left alone for long periods.
How is the GAMD different from a Golden Mountain Doodle or Australian Mountain Doodle?
The Golden Mountain Doodle (Golden × Bernese × Poodle) and Australian Mountain Doodle (Bernese × Aussie × Poodle) are three-breed crosses. The GAMD adds the fourth breed, combining all four, for the widest genetic diversity and a temperament that draws on warmth, calm, and working intelligence together. Compare the GMD and AMD.
What is the medium, unfurnished line?
It is a planned future variety: medium-sized GAMDs with unfurnished, single-layer coats (no classic doodle beard, no heavy undercoat) for easier grooming and lower shedding. We select non-furnishing RSPO2 carriers and minimize heavy-undercoat genes. Full genetics and size expectations will be published when the lines are ready.
Is a Golden Australian Mountain Doodle right for me?
The GAMD fits active individuals and families wanting a loyal, affectionate, trainable companion with a balanced energy level and a lower-shedding coat. It thrives with consistent training, daily exercise, and an abundance of affection. Take the Stokeshire Dream Dog Quiz or start an application.
Ready to Meet "The Stokeshire"?
Every Stokeshire placement begins with a conversation, not a transaction. Tell us about your home, and we will help you find the right companion.
Start Your Application Take the Match Quiz
James G. Stokes
Founder & Breeding Program Director, Stokeshire Designer Doodles · DATCP #514401-DS
James G. Stokes is the founder of Stokeshire Designer Doodles, a therapy-grade doodle program in Medford, Wisconsin, with more than 650 dogs placed with families across the United States and beyond. The Golden Australian Mountain Doodle, "The Stokeshire," is the signature result of more than a decade of intentional, low-COI breeding. Every breeding dog is Embark-tested and hip-evaluated; puppies are raised in a family home with Early Neurological Stimulation from Day 3.
Reviewed by the Stokeshire Breeding Team · Updated June 2026 · Reconciled to The Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard