How to Choose an Ethical Bernedoodle Breeder

By /Published On: June 6, 2025/

Bringing a Bernedoodle into your life is exciting—floppy ears, fluffy coat, soulful eyes, and that unmistakable happy-goofy energy. But before you start dreaming about walks in the park and snuggle sessions on the couch, there’s one big decision to make: finding the right ethcial Bernedoodle breeder.

At Double U Doodles, we’re proud to do things differently—ethically, transparently, and with more poop bags than we can count. This guide is here to help you spot the signs of an ethical Bernedoodle breeder (and dodge the red flags of a not-so-great one).

ethical Bernedoodle breeder kissing one of her puppiesWhy Choosing the Right Ethical Bernedoodle Breeder Matters

Choosing the right ethical Bernedoodle breeder isn’t just about getting a “cute puppy.” It’s about:

Unethical breeding can result in puppies with poor health, behavioral issues, and a lifetime of preventable problems. You deserve more—and so does your pup.

What to Look For in an Ethical Bernedoodle Breeder

Let’s break it down: here’s what separates an ethical Bernedoodle breeder with heart from one that’s cutting corners.

ethical Bernedoodle breeder holding one of her puppiesHealth Testing (Not Just a Vet Check)

An ethical Bernedoodle breeder doesn’t guess—they test.
At Double U Doodles, every parent dog is health-tested for breed-specific concerns like hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic diseases, and more. This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about giving your puppy the best shot at a long, happy life.

Look for:

  • OFA or PennHIP evaluations
  • Genetic panels (like Embark or Paw Print Genetics)
  • Open communication about health results 

A Real Puppy Curriculum (Not Just Cuddles)

Sure, snuggles matter. But so does early neurological development, socialization, and routine training.

At Double U Doodles, our puppies start ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) from birth, get desensitized to household sounds and textures by 4 weeks, learn to use a doggy door instead of pee pads by 6 weeks, and begin crate training and solo time by 8 weeks. By the time they’re ready to go home, they’ve already started basic imprinting.

Look for:

  • A clear, week-by-week puppy development plan
  • Exposure to real-world sounds, textures, and people
  • A start to crate training, potty routines, and self-soothing 

Clean, Enriching Living Conditions

Bernedoodle puppy standing on his back legsAn ethcial Bernedoodle breeder isn’t hiding behind a locked gate—they’re inviting you to see the magic.

We’re proud of our state-of-the-art facility and loving home, where pups and parent dogs live in clean, cozy, enriching environments. We work 24/7 to keep our dogs healthy, exercised, well-fed, and clean.

Look for:

  • Photos and videos of where the puppies are raised
  • A willingness to answer questions or give you a virtual tour
  • Healthy, happy parent dogs that look like they’re thriving 

A Team That Truly Cares

Raising puppies isn’t a part-time job. It’s a lifestyle.

Our Double U Doodles team works around the clock—not just Nick and me, but the whole crew who help feed, clean, train, and snuggle these puppies every day. It takes a village. And we love what we do.

Look for:

  • Breeders who genuinely love their dogs
  • Ongoing support even after you bring your pup home
  • Real humans behind the emails, not a faceless business 

ethical Bernedoodle breeder training one of her puppiesTransparency and Guarantees

We offer a health guarantee because we stand behind our puppies and our process. Ethical breeders do everything they can to set you—and your pup—up for success.

Look for:

  • A clear puppy contract
  • Health guarantees (ideally 1–2 years)
  • Honest conversations about what to expect 

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Won’t let you see where the puppies live
  • No real info on health testing or parents
  • Pressure to send money without a call or contract
  • Puppies always available, no waitlist
  • Unclear or nonexistent support after adoption 

The Double U Doodles Promise

We raise Bernedoodles with our whole hearts and a lot of intentionality. From ENS to crate training, our puppies are handled, loved, and guided from day one. We’re here to answer your questions, match you with the right pup, and celebrate every milestone along the way.

You’re not just getting a puppy. You’re gaining a team, a community, and a lifetime of support.

Bernedoodle from an ethcial breeder

FAQ: Choosing an Ethical Bernedoodle Breeder

What’s the difference between a backyard breeder and an ethical Bernedoodle breeder?
An ethical Bernedoodle breeder health-tests, socializes, trains, and raises puppies in clean, enriched environments. Backyard breeders often skip those steps and focus on quantity, not quality.

Do ethical Bernedoodle breeders cost more?
Often, yes—but for good reason. You’re investing in a pup with a strong foundation, which can save you money and heartbreak down the road.

How can I verify health testing?
Ask for OFA links, Embark results, or vet records. Ethical breeders are happy to share them.

Should I visit in person?
If possible, yes. If not, ask for a video tour or FaceTime. Transparency is key.

What questions should I ask a breeder?

  • What health tests do the parents have
  • How are the puppies socialized
  • What’s your early training program like
  • What kind of support do you offer after pickup

Ready to meet your future best friend?

We’d love to tell you more about our process, our pups, and why we believe Bernedoodles make the very best companions. Reach out to us anytime. We’re here for your questions, your puppy dreams, and your next adventure.