Zeke — PREMIERE BERNE’S BLUE SKY’S (AKC WS65367509)
Whelped July 4, 2019, Zeke is a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog exhibiting the classic black, rust, and white tri-coloring and balanced, masculine structure true to the breed standard. Bred with a focus on health, soundness, and temperament, Zeke carries himself with the steady, gentle, and people-oriented disposition for which Bernese Mountain Dogs are known.

Zeke has completed foundational orthopedic and cardiac health screening through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), including:

• OFA Hips: GOOD (BMD-24937G25M-VPI) at 25 months

• OFA Elbows: NORMAL (BMD-EL15171M25-VPI) at 25 months

• OFA Patellas: NORMAL (BMD-PA746/25M/P-VPI) at 25 months

• OFA Basic Cardiac: NORMAL – Practitioner (BMD-BCA476/25M/P-VPI) at 25 months

Owned and cherished by Jessica Tritz and Becky Meins, Zeke is valued both as a beloved companion and as a representation of thoughtful, health-conscious Bernese breeding. His temperament, conformation, and verified health clearances make him a strong example of the modern, well-bred Bernese Mountain Dog.

Previous Litter

Stilly × Zeke

Health & Genetic Transparency Overview

At Stokeshire, we believe clarity builds confidence. Below is a full health and genetic summary of both parents in this intentional F1 Australian Mountain Dog pairing.

Sire

Zeke — PREMIERE BERNE’S BLUE SKY’S

AKC Registration: WS65367509
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Whelped: July 4, 2019
Color: Black, Rust & White (Tri-Color)

Zeke represents a classic, well-structured Bernese Mountain Dog with a steady, affectionate temperament and balanced masculine build true to the breed standard.

Owned by Jessica Tritz and Becky Meins, Zeke has undergone orthopedic, cardiac, and DNA screening to support responsible breeding decisions.

OFA Health Clearances (Completed at 25 Months)

• Hips: GOOD — BMD-24937G25M-VPI

• Elbows: NORMAL — BMD-EL15171M25-VPI

• Patellas: NORMAL — BMD-PA746/25M/P-VPI

• Basic Cardiac (Practitioner): NORMAL — BMD-BCA476/25M/P-VPI

These results indicate structurally sound joints and normal cardiac evaluation at maturity.

DNA Testing – GenSol Diagnostics (11/8/2021)

Zeke has been tested for breed-relevant inherited conditions, including Degenerative Myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM – SOD1A)

Result: B — Carrier / Not Affected
Zeke carries one copy of the SOD1A mutation.
He is not affected and is very unlikely to develop DM.

Degenerative Myelopathy (SOD1B Variant)

Result: A — Clear / Normal
Zeke does not carry the SOD1B mutation.

Von Willebrand Disease Type I (vWD1)

Result: A — Clear / Normal

Dam

Stilly — SDD Stilton Stokes

Breed: 100% Australian Shepherd (Embark Verified)
Weight: ~47–50 lbs
Embark DNA Test Date: May 9, 2021

According to her Embark DNA report Stilly:

Genetic Health Summary

Embark reports:
“Stilly is not at increased risk for the genetic health conditions that Embark tests.”

Key Breed-Relevant Results (All Clear)

• Degenerative Myelopathy (SOD1A)

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-prcd)

• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

• MDR1 Drug Sensitivity

• Von Willebrand Disease (Types I, II, III)

• 200+ additional screened conditions

Genetic Diversity

• Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI): 10%

• High MHC Diversity

This reflects strong immune diversity and healthy genetic breadth.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Zeke is a carrier for DM (SOD1A).
Stilly is clear for DM (SOD1A).

Because this is a carrier × clear pairing:

• 0% of puppies will be affected

• ~50% may be carriers

• ~50% will be clear

Carriers do not develop the disease but can pass the gene forward. No puppies from this pairing are expected to develop Degenerative Myelopathy.

Zeke is also clear for the SOD1B DM variant, and both parents are clear for Von Willebrand Disease Type I.

Expected Breed Outcome

F1 Australian Mountain Dogs (AMD)

• 50% Bernese Mountain Dog

• 50% Australian Shepherd

This first-generation (F1) pairing is intentional and designed to:

• Preserve Bernese structure and emotional steadiness

• Add Australian Shepherd intelligence and responsiveness

• Improve genetic diversity

• Create a medium-to-large, more manageable family companion

Expected Size

With Zeke as a full-size Bernese and Stilly at ~50 lbs,
we anticipate adult weights averaging:

60–80 lbs, with natural individual variation.

Coat Expectations

Black Tri (Primary)

• Black base

• Rust/tan points

• White blaze, chest, paws

Black Tri Merle (Possible)
Stilly carries one merle allele, so a portion of the litter may express Black Tri Merle patterning.

Coat type:

• Medium to long

• Moderate shedding

• No Poodle influence

Temperament Expectations

This pairing blends:

Bernese Influence (Zeke):

• Calm

• Loyal

• Affectionate

• Emotionally steady

Australian Shepherd Influence (Stilly):

• Intelligent

• Responsive

• Highly trainable

Expected outcome:
Balanced, emotionally attuned, trainable family companions suited for:

• Therapy or emotional support environments

• Farm or lifestyle settings

• Active homes

• Families desiring both companionship and capability

Why This Pairing Matters

Stilly × Zeke is not a trend-based cross.
It is a structured, health-screened, temperament-focused F1 pairing designed to produce:

• Predictable health outcomes

• Balanced temperament

• Functional structure

• Manageable size

• Long-term family compatibility

At Stokeshire, we begin with fully tested foundation dogs so that hybrid vigor is layered on top of responsible screening — not used as a shortcut.

Why Stokeshire Intentionally Uses F1 Pairings

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we breed with purpose — not trends. One of the foundational strategies behind our Australian Mountain Dog program is our commitment to F1 pairings, a first-generation cross between two fully health-tested purebred parents: a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd.

An F1 Australian Mountain Dog is genetically 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Australian Shepherd. This structure is intentional, strategic, and grounded in both science and real-world outcomes for families. You can learn more about the origins and purpose of the Australian Mountain Dog at https://australianmountaindog.com/, which outlines the vision behind this thoughtful cross.

Hybrid Vigor: A Healthier Starting Point

One of the most compelling reasons we prioritize F1 pairings is the benefit of hybrid vigor (also known as heterosis). When two genetically distinct, well-bred purebreds are paired responsibly, their offspring often experience:

• Greater genetic diversity

• Reduced risk of certain inherited diseases that can concentrate in closed gene pools

• Stronger immune resilience

• Improved overall vitality and longevity

At Stokeshire, hybrid vigor is never a shortcut — it is layered on top of rigorous OFA screening, comprehensive DNA testing, and careful evaluation of temperament and structure in both parents. We begin with exceptional foundation dogs so the advantages of hybrid vigor can be fully realized in their puppies.

Reduced Size with Retained Structure and Heart

Traditional Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, often exceeding 100 pounds. While they are beloved for their gentle temperament and striking appearance, their size can be challenging for many families.

By using an F1 pairing with a carefully selected Australian Shepherd, we can responsibly reduce adult size while preserving the Bernese’s calm, affectionate nature and classic structure. This typically results in Australian Mountain Dogs that are:

• More manageable in everyday family life

• Easier to travel with and integrate into homes

• More physically sustainable over a lifetime

• Still substantial, sturdy, and capable — just not oversized

For many families, this creates the ideal balance: the presence and emotional depth of a Bernese in a medium-to-large, more functional frame.

Enhanced Trainability and Emotional Balance

Bernese Mountain Dogs contribute patience, loyalty, and emotional steadiness. Australian Shepherds bring intelligence, responsiveness, and work ethic. In an F1 pairing, these traits complement each other exceptionally well.

Our F1 Australian Mountain Dogs frequently demonstrate:

• The calm, gentle nature of the Bernese

• The attentiveness and adaptability of the Australian Shepherd

• Strong handler focus and willingness to learn

• High emotional awareness and connection to their people

This combination makes them well-suited for:

• Therapy or emotional support work

• Farm and lifestyle environments

• Active families who value both obedience and companionship

• Homes that want a thoughtful, trainable, and affectionate dog

Designing the Modern Family Dog Through F1 Pairings

At Stokeshire, F1 pairings are central to our mission of designing the modern family dog. We are not simply producing puppies — we are shaping:

• Health trajectories

• Temperament and emotional compatibility

• Trainability and handler connection

• Real-world livability for families

The F1 Australian Mountain Dog allows us to blend the best of two remarkable breeds while maximizing health, balance, and functionality. It is a cornerstone of how we thoughtfully build our program — and why families consistently choose Stokeshire for predictable, intentional, and beautifully designed outcomes.