Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, we specialize in standard size F1 Bernedoodles which is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle.  Feel free to check out our Breeding Philosophy page if you’d like to learn why we are dedicated to only F1’s.

  • No dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, including Bernedoodles. Our puppies are F1 Bernedoodles, meaning they are a 50/50 cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. While many people with mild allergies find they do better with Bernedoodles than with a purebred Bernese, allergy reactions are caused by proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva, and urine (not just their fur) so no dog can guarantee an allergy-free experience.

    We test all of our Poodles for furnishings, and none of our dogs carry a weak copy, so all of our puppies are fully furnished. This means they have that classic wavy Bernedoodle coat, which typically sheds less and produces less loose dander around the home compared to a straight-coated dog. That said, if allergies are a significant concern for you or a family member, we recommend spending time with an adult Bernedoodle before making a decision, as individual reactions can vary quite a bit from person to person.

  • Yes! All of our parent dogs are extensively health tested through Embark and PennHip.  Each dog has their results and pedigree posted on their individual page of our website. Please see our Health Standards page for more information on the testing we do.  

    We test all of our Poodles for furnishings, and none of our dogs carry a weak copy, so all of our puppies are fully furnished. This means they have that classic wavy Bernedoodle coat, which typically sheds less and produces less loose dander around the home compared to a straight-coated dog. That said, if allergies are a significant concern for you or a family member, we recommend spending time with an adult Bernedoodle before making a decision, as individual reactions can vary quite a bit from person to person.

  • After you visit to choose your puppy at 6 weeks of age, we'll follow up with an email containing links to all of the products we personally recommend, including TLC dog food, Fetch Pet Insurance, Baxter & Bella Online Training, and NuVet supplements, along with an invitation to join our HM family Facebook page to connect with other Haystack Mountain families!

    When you arrive to pick up your puppy at 8 weeks of age, he/she will go home with everything needed for a smooth transition into your family! This includes a bag personalized with your puppy's name, a TLC goodie bag, and a folder containing your puppy's health and vaccination records, along with a written guide outlining a feeding schedule and helpful training tips. We also send your puppy home with a blanket that smells like their littermates and mama, offering a comforting piece of validation during those first few days in their new home.

  • The most common temperament test is the Volhard puppy aptitude test.  It is a series of 10 tests done by an unfamiliar person, and it must be done specifically at 49 days of age for the most accurate results.  In the past, we’ve used the aptitude test with our Bernedoodle litters and found that almost all of our puppies score in the middle range—ideal for loving, well-balanced family companions. However, we’ve noticed that any puppies showing timid or cautious tendencies are easily identified without the test. These pups receive extra care and socialization during their time with us, ensuring all our pups leave as confident, well-rounded companions.  


    Given the naturally affectionate and even-tempered nature of the breed, we prefer to let families choose their puppy based on personal connection at our in-person selection visits rather than test results.  After all, a puppy’s disposition is shaped significantly by the training and socialization they receive in their new home.


    Around 4 weeks old, they move out to our larger puppy play pen, conveniently located right next to Sam’s home gym (he's a full-time personal trainer), so the pups get used to sounds like dropping barbells and music playing, and his clients love giving them pets between sets! By the time they're ready to join their new families, every puppy is well-adjusted, confident, and socialized to a wide variety of sounds, people, and everyday experiences.

    We test all of our Poodles for furnishings, and none of our dogs carry a weak copy, so all of our puppies are fully furnished. This means they have that classic wavy Bernedoodle coat, which typically sheds less and produces less loose dander around the home compared to a straight-coated dog. That said, if allergies are a significant concern for you or a family member, we recommend spending time with an adult Bernedoodle before making a decision, as individual reactions can vary quite a bit from person to person.

  • Our Bernedoodles are “standard size” and typically mature around 70 pounds, though there is natural variation depending on the genetics each puppy inherits.  Most of our puppies grow to be in the 60–90 pound range as adults. Some lean toward the smaller end (closer to 60–65 lbs), while others take after the larger side (closer to 80–90 lbs or occasionally a bit more). Because size is influenced by many genetic factors, we cannot predict or guarantee an exact adult weight for any individual puppy.

  • Yes, we are inspected and licensed through PACFA (Pet Animal Care Facilities Act), Colorado's state regulatory body for breeders. PACFA licensing means we're subject to regular inspections covering the health, safety, and welfare standards required by the state. 

    This matters more than most buyers realize: many Doodle breeders in Colorado operate without PACFA licensing. Choosing a licensed breeder means there's a state body actually checking that living conditions, veterinary care, and breeding practices meet a baseline standard, not just relying on the breeder's word.

    We test all of our Poodles for furnishings, and none of our dogs carry a weak copy, so all of our puppies are fully furnished. This means they have that classic wavy Bernedoodle coat, which typically sheds less and produces less loose dander around the home compared to a straight-coated dog. That said, if allergies are a significant concern for you or a family member, we recommend spending time with an adult Bernedoodle before making a decision, as individual reactions can vary quite a bit from person to person.

  • No, all of our puppies are sold with a strict spay/neuter agreement to family pet homes only. 

  • We're a home-based program, not a facility, and all our dogs live with guardian families, so unfortunately they are not here full time for families to meet. Once you're on the list and your litter is born, you'll be invited to visit and choose your puppy in person when they're around 6 weeks old.

  • Yes! Your puppy will receive their first 5-way puppy series vaccination a few days prior to going home, and they are de-wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age to ensure they're happy, healthy, and ready to join your family. It's still important to be cautious about exposing your puppy to potential pathogens, such as at dog parks or areas with unknown vaccination status, until they are fully immunized around 4 months of age

  • Our Bernedoodles come in black tricolor (markings like a BMD), phantom, tricolor merle and phantom merle. 

  • Our puppies are whelped right in our home, spending their first 3-4 weeks in our living room, where they're exposed to plenty of household noise and activity from our young toddler and twin babies. They're handled daily for weight checks and to make sure they're nursing well, so they get comfortable with human touch from day one. 


    Around 4 weeks old, they move out to our larger puppy play pen, conveniently located right next to Sam’s home gym (he's a full-time personal trainer), so the pups get used to sounds like dropping barbells and music playing, and his clients love giving them pets between sets! By the time they're ready to join their new families, every puppy is well-adjusted, confident, and socialized to a wide variety of sounds, people, and everyday experiences.

    We test all of our Poodles for furnishings, and none of our dogs carry a weak copy, so all of our puppies are fully furnished. This means they have that classic wavy Bernedoodle coat, which typically sheds less and produces less loose dander around the home compared to a straight-coated dog. That said, if allergies are a significant concern for you or a family member, we recommend spending time with an adult Bernedoodle before making a decision, as individual reactions can vary quite a bit from person to person.

  • Unfortunately, we usually can't hold puppies past their go-home date. Once the rest of the litter leaves, we don't like a single pup being left behind alone as it's not great for their socialization at that age.

    If you're interested in a longer hold for training purposes, please inquire directly.  My aunt Karen is sometimes able to start initial crate training for us, though her availability is limited, so it depends on timing

  • We are located in Mead, Colorado, which is about 45 minutes North of Denver. We do not ship our puppies cargo.  Out of state families have two options for pickup: 

    1. Flight Nanny- our trusted flight nanny (my aunt Cecy) will personally carry your puppy from DIA to the closest airport near you. You will cover the cost of the flight, as well as her delivery fee (typically $400-$650+ depending on location), but we are happy to handle all booking and logistics.  All you have to do is arrive at the airport, ready to bring your sweet pup home! 

    2. Airport Pickup- If you prefer to fly to Denver to pick your puppy up, we are happy to meet you at the airport.  Your puppy will be bathed, and ready to fly home with you! We will bring your puppy pack, and a soft sided crate for the pup to travel in.  

  • Deposits are non-refundable, but they don’t expire and are always transferable towards a future litter.

  • The active waitlist is the master list I'm working down (the list your name goes on when you place a deposit). When a puppy becomes available and your name is next, I'll reach out to you directly.  As mentioned before, you are welcome to bump to a different litter if your name comes up before you’re ready for a puppy. If I don't hear anything back within two days, your name moves to the reserve list. From there, it's on you to reach back out when you're ready to move back to active; once you do, I'll add you to the bottom of the active list and let you know when your name comes up again

  • Families are always welcome to bump to a later litter if they're not ready. Puppy pick order is based on the date your deposit was placed, so bumping doesn't cost you your place in line, it just applies to a future litter instead.

    When your name comes up, I'll reach out to let you know. All you need to do is reply and let me know you'd like to bump, along with your preferred litter or timeframe. If I don't hear back within 2 days, I'll move you to the reserve waitlist to keep things moving for the families behind you.