Choosing the Right Family Dog

Bringing a dog into your home is more than just choosing a cute puppy—it's about finding a companion that fits your lifestyle, energy, and family dynamic. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we specialize in raising family-friendly doodles who are well-socialized, highly trainable, and lovingly raised in our home with our 10 children. This means every puppy we place has already had exposure to kids, noises, schedules, and routines that mimic real life.

Whether you're looking for a playful pup to run alongside your kids or a gentle companion to cuddle on the couch, here's our guide to the best doodle breeds for families with children in 2025.

Why Doodles Are Perfect for Families in 2025

According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2024 data, the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. are:

French Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Poodle

These breeds are loved for their loyalty, intelligence, and family-friendly nature. What makes doodles such an amazing option is that they combine the best qualities of these top breeds—especially the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Poodle, and Bernese Mountain Dog—with a coat that is often more hypoallergenic and lower shedding.

At Stokeshire, we intentionally breed doodles that reflect the traits families love most in these AKC favorites, while also focusing on temperament, trainability, and long-term compatibility with children.

Goldendoodle

The ever-popular Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They’re joyful, social, and active—perfect for homes with children. These dogs love to play games and are especially fond of fetch and water fun. Their friendly nature and affectionate disposition make them one of the most versatile family doodles.

Bernedoodle

A gentle giant in the doodle world, Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Known for their striking tri-color coats, they are also incredibly affectionate and loyal. These dogs thrive on family connection and are known to be cuddly, goofy, and kind—especially to young children.

Aussiedoodle

Aussiedoodles bring high intelligence and energy to the mix. A cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, they are eager learners who love mental stimulation. They’re best for active families who enjoy hiking, biking, or playing fetch. We find they do best with slightly older kids (5+) who can match their drive.

Australian Mountain Doodle (AMD)

Our personal favorite for families, Australian Mountain Doodles combine the Bernedoodle, Aussiedoodle, and/or Poodle lines for a well-rounded, adaptable companion. AMDs are extremely trainable, with a temperament that’s more calm than the Aussiedoodle and more focused than the Bernedoodle. They come in a range of sizes and coat types and are often ideal for first-time dog owners.

Australian Mountain Dog

If you love the idea of an AMD but prefer a non-poodle mix, the Australian Mountain Dog might be your match. A cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd, this breed is slightly more rugged, with a single-layer coat that sheds less and doesn’t require as much grooming. They’re intelligent, stunning, and make excellent family dogs.

Golden Mountain Doodle (GMD)

The GMD is a cross between a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle. These pups bring the best of both worlds: the loyalty of the Bernese and the cheerful energy of the Golden. GMDs are typically more laid back than a standard Goldendoodle and often come in striking coat patterns. They're affectionate, goofy, and love to be part of family life.

Why Choose a Stokeshire Puppy?

At Stokeshire, we raise all our puppies in a hands-on family environment, exposing them to real-life experiences from birth. We:

Introduce early socialization and basic manners
Conduct temperament testing and puppy aptitude assessments
Match families with puppies based on energy level, trainability, and temperament
Offer training programs to help each puppy transition smoothly into your home

Our Personalized Puppy Placement Approach

At Stokeshire, we're more than just breeders—we're matchmakers. As parents of 10 children ourselves, we understand that every family is unique, and every puppy has its own personality. That's why we conduct detailed puppy temperament testing and family interviews to ensure the best possible fit between puppy and people.

We take the time to learn about your household, your routines, your energy levels, and your hopes for your new companion. Whether you're looking for a snuggly sidekick, a hiking buddy, or a future therapy dog, we’re here to help guide your decision and support you throughout the process.

Our goal is not just to place puppies—but to create lifelong family bonds.

Stokeshire Designer Doodles — Trusted by families, guided by experience, and grounded in love.

Still Deciding?

If you're unsure which breed is right for your family, we invite you to start a conversation with us. We’ll walk you through the differences between breeds, what to expect, and help you choose the perfect puppy based on your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.