Why Stokeshire Designer Doodles Recommends PennHIP Over OFA: A Clearer Path to Healthier Hips in Bernese, Aussies, Poodles & Goldens

Hip health is one of the most misunderstood topics in the doodle world—especially when you're combining breeds with very different hip histories like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Australian Shepherd, Standard Poodle, and Golden Retriever. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles here in Wisconsin, we spend an enormous amount of time educating families and improving our bloodlines. One of the biggest conversations we have is the difference between OFA and PennHIP.

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Allergy-Friendly Doodle Coat Types (Curly, Wavy, Unfurnished?)

Choosing a Doodle is an exciting step for any family, especially for those hoping to enjoy all the love of a dog without the worry of allergies. At Stokeshire, we focus on breeding Doodles with predictable, low-shedding coats so families can bring home a companion who’s both joyful and comfortable to live with. Understanding coat types—curly, wavy, and unfurnished—is the key to finding the right fit for your allergy needs. This guide will help you explore how each coat works, what it means for grooming, and which one will keep your home happy, healthy, and sneeze-free.

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James StokesHypoallergenic
The 10 Foundations of Ethical Dog Breeding: A Modern Guide for 2026

Responsible dog breeding isn’t about producing puppies—it’s about stewardship. It requires science, ethics, and a deep commitment to canine welfare. Guided by Purdue’s Canine Welfare Science principles, today’s breeders must blend genetics, behavior, environment, and lifelong care into a single mission: raising healthier, more stable dogs and supporting the families who love them. These 10 pillars outline what responsible, welfare-focused breeding truly looks like in 2026.

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Flying with a Psychiatric Service Dog: Your Complete Guide

For many families, a dog is more than a pet—they’re a source of comfort, grounding, and steady companionship. But when a dog is trained to perform specific tasks that support a mental health disability, they become something even more profound: a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD). With this designation comes life-changing support and important protections, especially when it comes to air travel.

At Stokeshire, we work with families seeking puppies with calm, intuitive, highly trainable temperaments—traits that make for exceptional service dogs. If you’re exploring whether a PSD is right for you, how to qualify, or what airlines require, this guide will help you navigate each step with confidence.

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Best Hypoallergenic Dogs for Kids

For many families, the dream of bringing home a puppy is filled with childhood magic—backyard play, quiet story-time snuggles, and a loyal friend for every moment in between. But for those with allergies, that dream can feel out of reach. At Stokeshire, we believe every child deserves the love of a dog and the comfort of a sneeze-free home.

That’s why we raise hypoallergenic Doodles with gentle temperaments, smart minds, and low-shedding coats—puppies thoughtfully bred to be the perfect companions for kids. Our Australian Mountain Doodles, Golden Mountain Doodles, and Bernedoodles offer all the joy of dog ownership without the worry, giving your family more cuddles, fewer sneezes, and memories that last a lifetime.

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Why Doodles (and Yes, Even Mutts) Are Often Healthier Than Purebreds

Doodles aren’t just a trend—they’re a solution. While purebreds face genetic challenges from high inbreeding, doodles benefit from hybrid vigor, leading to healthier, longer-lived dogs. At Stokeshire, we purposefully breed for health, temperament, and family-friendly traits, ensuring your puppy is more than adorable—they’re built for a lifetime of love and companionship.

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James StokesHealth
How to Groom a Doodle Weekly to Prevent Matting

For those quick clean-ups between baths, Pogi’s Grooming Wipes are our go-to. They’re soft, natural, and safe for sensitive doodle skin — ideal for wiping eyes, ears, paws, and all the little spots that collect debris. An easy, eco-friendly way to keep your doodle fresh and mat-free all week long.

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James StokesGrooming