Why Rocky Road Doodles?

This picture had a lot to do with it. We were grabbing content to throw up on our Instagram page and the caption came out like this: Recipe: Rocky Road? 🐶 🍨#yum We have several Tri-Colored Bernedoodles available in several sizes 📣 #bernedoodle ... Then it hit us. This pile of puppies really does look like a nice pile of Rocky Road Ice Cream. The rest is history. 

How long have you been breeding?

I knew when I was a kid,  growing up in Australia, that my dream was to be a breeder- goldendoodles were even first developed in Australia, so they are kind of a big deal there. I’m not saying that they stole my idea, but I might have known someone who heard me say something.  When I was a kid , I actually dreamt of being a poodle breeder, because I grew up with a brother that had asthma and plenty of allergic family members. When I started having a family I realised that the temperament of the Golden retriever and Bernese mountain dog was more friendly, patient with my little kids, happy-go-lucky and that the combination of the poodle- for intelligence, trainability and of course the non-shedding hair and the bernese mountain dog or golden retriever was quite possibly the perfect all round family dog. 

My first litter was in 2011,  not long after we moved to the U.S  to live the American dream (to be surrounded by puppies all day long* that’s what the brochure said*) and then I took a break while I had a human baby, before we started developing our program on a serious level in 2014. When we started,  there were not many bernedoodle breeders and most people had never heard of Bernese mountain dogs.

We knew that this cross-breed was an incredible mix of temperament, they are obviously stop-you-on-the-street-good-looking and all-round family-friendly awesomeness and it is nice to see that the world is starting to catch on to the world’s best kept secret- Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles.

Should I get a Bernedoodle or a Goldendoodle?

Get both! JK... but seriously, both. There are differences in the two breeds as a generalisation- Bernese mountain dogs are lovers- driven by one desire- to keep you stroking their head and scratching their neck until you find them in your lap, looking at you with those big, soulful eyes and you promise to never leave. There is a term for the “Berner Bump”, it's basically where they wedge their head under your elbow and make your hand involuntarily pet them. Its real, and they like to do it when you stop petting for a second. Other than that, they are pretty happy curled up by the fire. Netflix and chill is really a bernese thing, I think they invented it*.  

Golden Retrievers are a consistent family favorites because they are social, fun loving and athletic-  they typically are more outgoing and athletic than a Bernese (who are built for muscle rather than speed).

In general they bernedoodles will be a little bit lower energy and the goldendoodles will be a little bit more fun loving when it comes to physical adventures. Of course each parent has their own personality and we strive to breed happy mid-range personalities, those that are a happy medium in terms of energy.

What is the difference between an F1, F1b and multigen?

• F1 refers to the cross between two purebred dogs- A Bernese Mountain Dog crossed to a Poodle or a Golden Retriever crossed to a Poodle. This generation cross gives a 50/50 mix, genetically they will have a combination of attributes between the two parents. Coats in F1s can vary in terms of the percentage of hair shedding. Some will be nearly completely non-shedding and others will have a percentage of hair that still sheds. There can be variation within this generation in terms of coat but most will be a loose wavy coat through to a curly wave. The reason someone would choose this generation is that they have a more even combination of the genetics and personality of the parent breeds- In Bernedoodles the F1s typically have the most Bernese colors, blockiness and personality.

• F1b’s are a Bernedoodle crossed to a Poodle- with 75% poodle, their coats are usually fairly consistently, low to non-shedding. Typically half of the litter will be have a curly coat and half will have a looser wavy coat. They are more suited to a family that may have mild allergies or that feel strongly about shedding in their dog. Their build will usually be a little less blocky and their colors can vary more than the F1’s.

• F2 or Multi-Generational refer to two Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle parents that are bred together to achieve a multi-generational cross. The attributes can vary, but the idea behind multi-gen breeding is to reach a consistent pairing between desirable attributes from both parents. All purebred dogs today come from many generations of breeding multi-gen crosses to achieve a consistent breed standard. There can be variation in the mix of genes that each multi-gen puppy gets, but with many generations, a predictable set of traits and looks will emerge.

How does the puppy selection work?

We generally begin selections around the 6 week mark in Utah. We may begin selections earlier or later depending on the particular litter and breeding. We reserve the right to offer selections as it best suits our breeding program and to hold back any puppy we need to advance our program. We are invested in creating multigenerational Bernedoodles and that requires extensive genetic testing, analysis, and is a combination of a science and an art. We appreciate your understanding and our support of our passion.

I live out of state, how can I pick up my puppy?

1. Flight Nanny: Our Flight nanny personally carries your puppy from the Salt Lake City airport to the closest major airport near you. The price is typically $675 - $975+ and the nanny carries the puppy with her in a breathable, soft travel carrier in cabin with her, the whole time. The puppy has treats, a chance to go the bathroom along the way and lots of love and snuggles from her as they travel.

2. Airport Pickup: The other option is that we can meet you at the Salt Lake City airport with your puppy and if you need the take home package we will provide the carrier which will have everything ready for you puppy to fly home for $50. We do not include this option with Delta due to their 10 week old puppy policy.

Final Payments

Final payments (including any shipping costs) are due two weeks before the puppies are ready to go home at eight weeks.  If we have not received the final amount by this date your puppy pick and spot on the list will be forfeited and available to another family. The puppy is considered yours once the deposit and final payment is received. The final payments can be made via check, bank transfer or venmo.

Health Guarantee

We provide a one year health guarantee that your puppy will be free from life threatening congenital defects or we will replace your puppy. In addition to our health guarantee many Rocky Road Doodles puppies are sent home with a tubal ligation or a vasectomy meaning that they are altered in a healthy way preventing unwanted pregnancies but also allowing for proper hormone development.

Do you sell breeding rights?

We do not offer breeding rights and many of our puppies come home pre-sterilized.

Do the puppies come with spay and neuter contracts?

Every Rocky Road Doodles puppy goes home sterilized (Vasectomy or Ovarian sparing spay) or are on a strict spay/neuter agreement where they must be altered by 12-24 months of age. Many of our puppies go home already altered (Vasectomy or Tubal Ligation) in order to protect the integrity of our bloodlines/preventing unwanted matings while also allowing for proper physical development of the dog without limiting normal hormone levels. If you do not agree with this- we suggest you purchase a puppy elsewhere. We require documentation/proof of this from your Veterinarian. Spay/Neuter/sterilization is NOT an option, but a requirement per signed contract. Breeding rights are not offered and legal action will be taken in the event our contract is breached.

Is my down payment refundable?

Our down payments are non-refundable, they go towards the final puppy price. Our planned litters are designed around the down payments, so in order for us to plan out our upcoming schedules we ask that you keep this in mind when placing a down payment. If anything happens to the puppy we will refund your down payment. 

What should I feed my puppy?

We use Pawtree brand for our dogs and puppies. It is an ultra premium food that is made in small batches, delivered monthly to your door, quality control tested before it leaves their facility to avoid contamination issues (which we have experienced in a previous dog food brand, leading to a horrible battle to save a litter of puppies that became sick from the contamination issue and had to be hospitalized). We love that we can trust that this food is held to the highest standards and our puppies love it!

Their stools are firm and the ingredients are all high quality. They have a variety of meal toppers, digestive (probiotics) and treats that we use daily. Probiotics for good gut health during stressful times, Salmon oil for their coats, Chillax for calming them when they are going to the vet or at the groomers, freeze dried treats for training- They have so many great options, but most of all, our dogs are healthier on it! Their joints, skin and weight all benefit.

Will the puppy have Vaccinations and Deworming before coming home?

The puppies are typically de-wormed 3 times before they go home (e.g. at 3, 5, 7 weeks) and have their vet health check up and first set of vaccinations at 6-7 weeks. The next set of shots will be due around 3 weeks from then. That usually falls at around 9-10 weeks. Your puppy will likely come home at 8 weeks, so the first set will be due 1-2 weeks after the puppy comes home. It is important to keep your puppy on schedule for their puppy vaccinations. Your vet can discuss the best plan at your first vet appointment when the puppy goes home.  We recommend a vet visit within 48-72 hrs of the puppy coming home so your vet can make sure the puppy arrived in good health.

What will my puppy come home with?

Each puppy comes home with a swag bag, just for them. It includes a sample bag of the food that they are on,a collar and leash, vet/ vaccination records and pee pads if travelling a significant distance.

What age will the puppy be ready to come home?

Eight weeks the puppies are ready to start their next adventure!

Can I take my puppy to public places when I first get them?

There is an important period of time between 8-16 weeks where puppies learn many of their social skills but also it is a time that fears and nervous behaviours can develop. We want our puppies to be kept safe from communicable diseases before they are fully immunised (which is typically under 16-18 weeks) but it is also important to have them meet new people, dogs, smells, sounds and textures during this time. Having your puppy go with you to safe places - trusted family members and friend’s homes where you know that their dogs are healthy and fully immunised is a good compromise between keeping your puppy away from potential illnesses but also allowing them to experience new things to help them develop into confident, well adjusted adults.  Taking them for car rides, having positive experiences is SO important, but also keep them away from places that carry high risks for Parvo and other illnesses. Keep your under-immunised puppy away from pet stores, high foot traffic places like dog parks, sidewalks and when you go to the vet, hold your puppy off the ground. Puppies lick their paws and so be aware in the first 2 months that they can pick things up at places like the vet from other sick dogs, but taking precautions like removing your shoes before entering your house, not letting the puppy lick shoes and other contaminated surfaces will help reduce the risk. Don’t let your puppy miss out on fun new experiences, but just be careful about how you do it.

Will my puppy be microchipped?

I don’t pre-microchip my puppies for a couple reasons:

• Many people don’t change over the registration into their name once the puppy goes home ( because a new puppy is totally distracting), and so it is better if your vet inserts the microchip. If your dog ever became lost, they would be registered to you and/or your vet- who would have your current contact details and have the best chance of locating you, many years down the track.

• Puppies grow at a rapid rate when they first go home, and if we microchip a young young puppy, the placement of the chip can move as the puppy grows rapidly in the neck/back area. The microchip is better placed after most of the initial growth has happened so the chip will be in the right spot at adulthood.

• Microchips are inexpensive and easy to do. Ask your vet about what they recommend when at your first visit.

How often should I feed my puppy?

Most puppies will need to eat 3 times a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The quantity varies, depending on the age and size of the puppy, and the quality of the food. I like to give them a generous bowl of food for 10-15 minutes, and once they lose interest in eating, take it away, take your puppy out to the bathroom for the next 20 minutes. Don’t feed your puppy too late at night or your pup will need to go to the bathroom more often when you want to be sleeping! If your puppy is a tiny breed size (teacup minis) they will need feeding more often 4-5 times a day- their blood sugar levels can drop to dangerously low levels quite quickly if they are not eating regularly and they may not have the fat stores to cope with it- keep a tube of nutri-cal or karo corn syrup handy- if they are looking lethargic or sleepier than they normally do, give them a drop under their tongue. If they are having a low-blood sugar episode they should pick up within the next 10 minutes. If you are worried that your puppy is hypoglycemic, seek veterinary help- it can be life threatening in little puppies.

How do you start the puppies on houstraining?

We use several methods, depending on the time of year and weather. We do litter training or fake turf training on most of our puppies- that means that at 3 weeks we start introducing a puppy litter or fake grass area that they learn to separate their sleeping, playing and food area from. When we start training them, just as they first start to walk around, they naturally learn to go in the designated area and keep the other areas clean. With consistency and patience, they will be given more room to play, as they get bigger, and by the time they are weaning from mom they typically have it down!  We can then start taking them outside on the grass (depending on the weather!) for more grass and freedom during the day. In Winter, when there is a lot of snow on the ground it is not safe to have them outside, so they may have limited outside time but we keep them busy with toys and socialization. Some litters will also learn to use the doggy door as well and those that work with our trainer, Sabrina, start learning to ring bells to go outside.

Are your moms in “Guardian Homes”?

We have all of our females in guardian homes so that they can live in a happy family home as the center of attention! They live with their family full time, except for when they come back to whelp their puppies and then they go home once the puppies are weaned. We believe that this is the best possible life for our girls so they are not kenneled and they live happy, normal lives outside of being awesome moms. If a girl is ready to retire from our program or perhaps doesn’t make the cut before they are of breeding age, they will just simply stay where they are, no need to be rehomed when they are older, and it is harder to re-adjust.

If you have a questions that hasn't been answered please ask!