What does F1, F1b, F2 mean?
F1 - or first-generation cross occurs when you breed a purebred of one breed to a purebred of another. The puppies will be f1, first generation or 50:50. In our case we will breed a purebred BMD to purebred poodle to achieve f1 bernedoodles.
F1b - or crossing back occurs when you breed a F1 back to one of the purebreds used to create the F1 cross. For example, if you breed a f1 bernedoodle to a BMD the puppies would be f1b or 75:25. More commonly you will find that f1b doodles are coming from a F1 bernedoodle bred to a poodle in order to achieve more hypoallergenic puppies with potentially less shedding. Since you are still breeding two different breeds in this scenario (BD x Poodle) it is still considered first generation.
F2 - or second generation cross occurs when you breed a F1 bernedoodle to a F1 bernedoodle. While these puppies will technically be 50:50 you will get 1/4 of the puppies with straight BMD type coats. Half will be similar to the F1 and the other 1/4 will essentially have poodle coats. For that reason, this is generally a less desirable cross if you are trying to avoid shedding and allergies since 1/4 of the litter will have an unfurnished coat.
F1b - or crossing back occurs when you breed a F1 back to one of the purebreds used to create the F1 cross. For example, if you breed a f1 bernedoodle to a BMD the puppies would be f1b or 75:25. More commonly you will find that f1b doodles are coming from a F1 bernedoodle bred to a poodle in order to achieve more hypoallergenic puppies with potentially less shedding. Since you are still breeding two different breeds in this scenario (BD x Poodle) it is still considered first generation.
F2 - or second generation cross occurs when you breed a F1 bernedoodle to a F1 bernedoodle. While these puppies will technically be 50:50 you will get 1/4 of the puppies with straight BMD type coats. Half will be similar to the F1 and the other 1/4 will essentially have poodle coats. For that reason, this is generally a less desirable cross if you are trying to avoid shedding and allergies since 1/4 of the litter will have an unfurnished coat.
Will my puppy shed?
Doodles vary in the amount of shedding they will produce. Even people "shed" or lose hair. Doodles will too but to a significantly lesser degree than a Bernese Mt Dog or an English Cream Golden Retriever. They tend to lose hair when you brush them, maybe a little bit more during changing seasons or due to a hormonal change. Because doodles don't shed much, they need regular grooming. F1b doodles in general will shed less than a f2 or f1 but it really does vary from puppy to puppy.
How big will my puppy get?
When choosing a purebred, it's much easier to predict the adult size of your puppy. There are sometimes centuries of generations going into the formation of a consistent standard for the breed. When choosing a doodle, especially a first generation there can be wild variations within the litter as some puppies will take after mom and others after dad. With a first generation cross it's a bit like asking new parents how big their baby will be when they are 21. We have target ranges we are trying to achieve but there isn't a way to guarantee sizes especially in doodles.
Bernese Mt Dogs
females 75-95 lbs
males 90-105 lbs
Standard Bernedoodles
60-105 lbs (often influenced by the size of the poodle)
Mini Bernedoodles
45-55 lbs
Tiny Bernedoodles (f1b only)
40lbs or less
English Cream Golden Retrievers
females 55-65 lbs
males 60-75 lbs
Mini goldendoodles
25-30 lbs
Bernese Mt Dogs
females 75-95 lbs
males 90-105 lbs
Standard Bernedoodles
60-105 lbs (often influenced by the size of the poodle)
Mini Bernedoodles
45-55 lbs
Tiny Bernedoodles (f1b only)
40lbs or less
English Cream Golden Retrievers
females 55-65 lbs
males 60-75 lbs
Mini goldendoodles
25-30 lbs
What is the process to purchase?
After you have done your research and you are ready to get a puppy it begins by filling out an online application and health guarantee on our website. From there you will have a phone interview with Tom. Once it's determined that you want to reserve a puppy you would make the non-refundable deposit and your name would be added to the appropriate list. Once the puppies are born, we will post a litter picture on Facebook. We will periodically post updated pictures as the puppies grow. On the Sunday closest to when the puppies turn 5 weeks old we will do selections. Each family will be allowed to choose their particular puppy in the order we received their deposit. Preferential treatment is given to breeders or showers since they are paying a premium for pick of the litter. Final payment is due after selecting your puppy and we will schedule a pick-up time for Friday once the puppy is 8 weeks old. Your puppy will need a vet appointment within 3 days of pick up to ensure they are transitioning well to their new home. We will have already removed their dew claws, wormed them several times, microchipped them, had them vet checked and started socializing and potty training them.
Choosing between a male and a female is almost always a personal preference. If you already have a dog at home it can be easier to introduce a new puppy of the opposite sex since any pack will have an alpha male and alpha female so there is no reason to compete. If this is your first dog it's up to you. Females tend to be smaller and bond more strongly with their favorite person (often dad) and Males tend to be larger and happier go lucky being accepting of whomever wants to pet him or play at that moment. The biggest complaint I hear about males is that they mark their territory but generally if you neuter them in a timely fashion that doesn't become a problem. A hormonal female can be aggressive or snappy so it's best to fix your pet no matter which gender you choose.
When you pick up your puppy, they will be eating "Nature's Logic canine beef meal feast: all life stages", and we want you to continue feeding that for the first 9 months of life. In the beginning your puppy should be fed 3 times a day. Its very important that your puppy eats on the first day you have them home. If they are too stressed to eat their puppy food you may scramble and egg or brown some ground beef to add to their bowl and get them going. Once they are old enough to have their rabies vaccine you can start working towards twice daily feedings. The amount per feeding will be based on the weight of your dog and can be found on the bag's label. A quality treat for training rewards is a great idea but only in moderation. Please do NOT put your dog on a grain free diet unless prescribed by your vet for a specific reason.
For more information about the food we recommend,
Choosing between a male and a female is almost always a personal preference. If you already have a dog at home it can be easier to introduce a new puppy of the opposite sex since any pack will have an alpha male and alpha female so there is no reason to compete. If this is your first dog it's up to you. Females tend to be smaller and bond more strongly with their favorite person (often dad) and Males tend to be larger and happier go lucky being accepting of whomever wants to pet him or play at that moment. The biggest complaint I hear about males is that they mark their territory but generally if you neuter them in a timely fashion that doesn't become a problem. A hormonal female can be aggressive or snappy so it's best to fix your pet no matter which gender you choose.
When you pick up your puppy, they will be eating "Nature's Logic canine beef meal feast: all life stages", and we want you to continue feeding that for the first 9 months of life. In the beginning your puppy should be fed 3 times a day. Its very important that your puppy eats on the first day you have them home. If they are too stressed to eat their puppy food you may scramble and egg or brown some ground beef to add to their bowl and get them going. Once they are old enough to have their rabies vaccine you can start working towards twice daily feedings. The amount per feeding will be based on the weight of your dog and can be found on the bag's label. A quality treat for training rewards is a great idea but only in moderation. Please do NOT put your dog on a grain free diet unless prescribed by your vet for a specific reason.
For more information about the food we recommend,
What do I need to bring my puppy home?
The most important things to have right away are a crate and Nature's Logic canine beef meal feast: all life stages. The crate is critical to keep your puppy safe when you are sleeping or can't be watching them. You may want to have a food and water bowl, something with a wide base so it doesn't tip over is best. A pen/play yard is nice to have during the puppy stage. A variety of toys with different textures is a good idea, especially while teething around 4 months of age. Please do not leave a stuffed animal or Nerf type toy in your puppy's crate or leave them unattended with it. If your puppy eats the stuffing you will have a very expensive and potentially heartbreaking crisis on your hands and we don't want that. We will start you off with a one size fits all slip lead but you will want to have a collar and leash by 4 months of age when your puppy is getting curious about everything and brave enough to leave your side. A comb and brush is important and you will want to start using them early on so they are very comfortable for the groomer.
Your puppy will not be house broken when you bring them home. Their nervous system is not developed enough at 8 weeks old but they will be started on training. We will have your puppy quite used to using a wood chip litter pan so they generally know to go to the "potty place" and not just pee and poop anywhere and everywhere.
Why do I have to take my puppy to the vet in 3 days when they aren't due for shots yet?
Leaving their littermates is stressful and stress can bring on a variety of issues. We want to make sure the transition is going well and catch any potential concerns ASAP. Your vet will also be able to confirm that your puppy is healthy and set up a shot protocol along with any additional wormings they may need. The relationship with your vet is one we want you to have established before any potential emergency or problem would arise so you have an expert to turn to if you should need one.
Your puppy will not be house broken when you bring them home. Their nervous system is not developed enough at 8 weeks old but they will be started on training. We will have your puppy quite used to using a wood chip litter pan so they generally know to go to the "potty place" and not just pee and poop anywhere and everywhere.
Why do I have to take my puppy to the vet in 3 days when they aren't due for shots yet?
Leaving their littermates is stressful and stress can bring on a variety of issues. We want to make sure the transition is going well and catch any potential concerns ASAP. Your vet will also be able to confirm that your puppy is healthy and set up a shot protocol along with any additional wormings they may need. The relationship with your vet is one we want you to have established before any potential emergency or problem would arise so you have an expert to turn to if you should need one.