Stokeshire Designer Doodles

Which Doodle
Is Right
for You?

The best doodle for your family is not the one with the cutest face. It is the one whose temperament, energy, and needs match the way you actually live - every day, for the next 12 to 15 years.

Why This Matters

The breed you choose
determines the relationship
you build.

Most families begin the doodle search with a picture in mind. A curly coat. A tri-color pattern. A dog they saw on someone's Instagram. That is a fine place to start, but it is a dangerous place to decide.

The number one predictor of whether a dog stays in a home for life is not breed, size, or coat type. It is whether the dog's energy level and behavioral needs match the family's actual daily routine.

Every doodle breed carries a different temperament profile because every doodle breed comes from different foundation stock. A Bernedoodle inherits the Bernese Mountain Dog's calm, bonded disposition. An Aussiedoodle inherits the Australian Shepherd's drive and intensity. These are not subtle differences. They define who the dog is.

At Stokeshire, we do not sell breeds. We match temperaments. The guide below, and the quiz that follows, exist to help you understand which temperament profile fits your family - so the dog you bring home is the dog you keep.

Side by Side

Doodle Breed
Comparison

Five doodle breeds compared across the traits that determine long-term compatibility. Not every breed suits every household. That is the point.

Scroll to compare all breeds →
Trait Bernedoodle Australian Mountain Doodle Golden Mountain Doodle Goldendoodle Aussiedoodle
Foundation Cross Bernese x Poodle Bernese x Aussie x Poodle Golden x Bernese x Poodle Golden Retriever x Poodle Aussie x Poodle
Energy Level Low-mod Moderate Moderate Mod-high High
Trainability Intelligent, occasional stubborn streak Highly trainable, needs mental engagement Eager to please, balanced Very trainable, forgiving Extremely smart, needs structured work
Temperament Calm, loyal, emotionally sensitive Balanced, alert, adaptable Friendly, gentle, even-keeled Outgoing, enthusiastic, social Intense, bonded, driven
Stranger Response Reserved initially, warms with time Observant, then friendly Warm and approachable Greets strangers like old friends Variable, can be selective
Best For Calm homes, therapy work, bonded companion Active families, kids, therapy/service, versatile First-time owners, balanced families Active families, first-time owners, social homes Experienced owners, sport/agility
Size Range 25-90 lb 15-80 lb 25-80 lb 25-75 lb 10-65 lb
Grooming Mod-high Mod-high Mod-high Mod-high Mod-high

Trait ratings reflect general breed tendencies based on parent breed characteristics. Individual dogs vary. Early socialization, training quality, and environment shape adult behavior more than breed label alone.

Match by Lifestyle

Start with how you live.
The breed follows.

Rather than choosing a breed and hoping it fits, begin with an honest assessment of your household. The right doodle for a downtown apartment is not the same dog as the right doodle for a ten-acre property. Neither is wrong. They are simply different.

I
The Active Family
Hiking, sports, outdoor lifestyle

Your family is outdoors most weekends. The kids play sports. You want a dog that participates in your life rather than watching from the couch. You need endurance, enthusiasm, and confidence in new environments.

Best match
Goldendoodle, Australian Mountain Doodle, Aussiedoodle
II
The Calm Household
Work from home, young children, quiet rhythm

Your home has a predictable rhythm. You want a dog that settles when you settle - present without being demanding. Emotional attunement matters more than athletic ability.

Best match
Bernedoodle, Golden Mountain Doodle
III
The First-Time Owner
New to dogs, wants a forgiving temperament

You have never raised a dog from puppyhood. You need a breed that is patient with your learning curve and naturally inclined to cooperate rather than test boundaries.

Best match
Goldendoodle, Golden Mountain Doodle
IV
The Urban Professional
Apartment, travel, limited outdoor space

You live in a condo or apartment. Your dog needs to be comfortable in smaller spaces, adaptable to changing routines, and calm enough to coexist with neighbors.

Best match
Mini Bernedoodle, Toy Aussiedoodle, Mini GMD
V
The Therapy-Focused Home
Emotional support, clinical settings, service potential

You need calm under pressure, emotional attunement, and the ability to regulate in high-stimulation environments - whether informal family support or formal certification.

Best match
Australian Mountain Doodle, Bernedoodle, GMD
VI
The Experienced Dog Person
Sport, agility, high-engagement training

You have owned dogs before and want one that challenges you. You enjoy training as a shared activity. You want intelligence, drive, and genuine engagement.

Best match
Aussiedoodle, Australian Mountain Doodle
Your Next Step

Design Your
Dream Dog.

Answer nine questions about your family, lifestyle, and preferences. We will build a personalized breed recommendation, coat match, and suggested package - then connect you directly with James.

What you will receive
A personalized Dream Dog Profile - breed, generation, coat type, and package recommendation built around your answers.
What happens next
Your profile travels to James before your consultation call. The conversation starts informed, not from scratch.
Time required
About 4 minutes. Phone or desktop.
Go Deeper

Explore by question.

Best Doodle for Families with Kids

Age-specific guidance for toddlers through teens. Patience, gentleness, and energy balance for family life.

Read Guide
Best Doodle for First-Time Owners

Trainability, forgiving temperaments, and realistic expectations for new dog owners.

Read Guide
Calmest Doodle Breeds

The energy spectrum from settled Bernedoodles to driven Aussiedoodles. What "calm" actually means.

Read Guide
Are Doodles Hypoallergenic?

RSPO2 genetics, coat types, generation impact, and why no dog is truly allergy-proof.

Read Guide
How Much Does a Doodle Cost?

Purchase price, first-year budget, annual costs, and why premium breeders charge more.

Read Guide
Doodle Size Guide

Toy, mini, medium, standard compared. Growth timelines and airline cabin eligibility.

Read Guide
Doodle Grooming and Coat Care

Real time and cost by coat type. Brushing, matting prevention, professional grooming frequency.

Read Guide
Doodle Temperament Comparison

Every major doodle breed ranked by energy, trainability, independence, and child compatibility.

Read Guide
Explore Each Breed

Complete breed guides from Stokeshire.

Australian Mountain Doodle

Bernese x Aussie x Poodle. The balanced family companion.

Full Guide
Bernedoodle

Bernese x Poodle. Calm, loyal, deeply bonded.

Full Guide
Golden Mountain Doodle

Golden x Bernese x Poodle. The balanced middle path.

Full Guide
Goldendoodle

Golden Retriever x Poodle. Outgoing, social, enthusiastic.

Full Guide
Aussiedoodle

Australian Shepherd x Poodle. Smart, driven, athletic.

Full Guide
Common Questions

Choosing a doodle.

Which doodle breed is best for families with young children?
Golden Mountain Doodles and Bernedoodles are generally the most patient and gentle doodle breeds for families with young children. The Bernese Mountain Dog genetics in both crosses contribute a calm, emotionally attuned temperament that tolerates unpredictable toddler behavior well. Australian Mountain Doodles are also excellent family dogs but bring slightly more energy from their Australian Shepherd lineage, which suits active families with school-age children. At Stokeshire, we match individual puppies to families based on temperament assessment rather than breed label alone.
What is the calmest doodle breed?
Bernedoodles are typically the calmest doodle breed due to the Bernese Mountain Dog's naturally settled indoor temperament. Golden Mountain Doodles are a close second, combining Bernese calm with Golden Retriever friendliness. Australian Mountain Doodles fall in the middle - calmer than Aussiedoodles but more engaged than Bernedoodles. Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles tend to have higher energy baselines. However, individual temperament varies significantly within any breed, and factors like generation, specific parent dogs, early socialization, and training have more impact than breed label alone.
Are doodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Doodles with furnished coats (carrying the RSPO2 gene from their Poodle parent) typically shed less and produce less airborne dander than unfurnished varieties, which may reduce allergic reactions in some individuals. F1B and multigenerational doodles with two copies of the furnishings gene generally shed the least. However, allergy responses vary by individual and are influenced by saliva proteins, skin cells, and environmental factors beyond coat type. Consult your physician before committing to any breed if allergies are a concern.
How much does a doodle puppy cost?
Doodle puppy pricing varies significantly based on breeder quality, health testing, breed, size, and included services. From a reputable breeder with comprehensive health testing, expect $3,000 to $6,500 for a core placement. Programs that include early-life training and development may range from $9,000 to $15,000 or more. The initial purchase price is only part of the investment - first-year costs including veterinary care, grooming, training, food, and supplies typically add $3,000 to $6,000. Families should budget for the total cost of ownership over the dog's 12-15 year lifespan.
What is the difference between a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle?
Bernedoodles (Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle) tend to be calmer, more emotionally sensitive, deeply loyal, and slower to warm to strangers. Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever x Poodle) tend to be more outgoing, higher energy, universally friendly, and easier to train for first-time owners. Bernedoodles suit families wanting a settled, bonded companion. Goldendoodles suit active families wanting an enthusiastic, social dog. The Golden Mountain Doodle combines both parent breeds with the Poodle, offering a balanced middle ground for families torn between the two. Read the full comparison.
Which doodle is easiest to train?
Goldendoodles are generally the easiest doodle to train, especially for first-time dog owners. The Golden Retriever's eagerness to please and natural biddability makes training straightforward and forgiving of beginner mistakes. Australian Mountain Doodles and Aussiedoodles are highly intelligent and trainable but require more consistent mental stimulation and structured engagement. Bernedoodles are trainable but can display a stubborn streak inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog - they respond well to positive reinforcement but may test boundaries more than Goldendoodles.
What size doodle should I get?
Doodle size depends on your living space, activity level, and practical needs. Standard doodles (50-90 lb) suit families with yards and active lifestyles. Medium doodles (30-50 lb) offer versatility for suburban homes. Mini doodles (15-30 lb) work well for apartments, travel, and in-cabin airline requirements. Toy doodles (under 15 lb) are the most portable but may be too fragile for households with very young children. Size is determined primarily by the Poodle parent - Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle genetics set the size range for the litter.
How do I choose the right doodle breeder?
Look for breeders who provide comprehensive genetic health testing on both parent dogs (Embark or equivalent full-panel screening), OFA or PennHIP orthopedic evaluation, structured early socialization protocols, temperament assessment before placement, a written health guarantee, and lifetime breeder support. Verify state licensing and inspection records. Ask to see health testing results directly - reputable breeders share this information transparently. Avoid programs that cannot identify both parent dogs, do not health test, breed continuously without rest cycles, or pressure you to commit before you have asked questions.
Begin the Conversation

The right dog
starts with the
right match.

Tell us about your family. Let the temperament assessment find the dog that fits your life - not just your feed.

Begin Your Placement Request