Are There Bernedoodle Breeders in the Pacific Northwest That Offer Health Tested Bernedoodle Puppies?
It's one of the most common questions we hear — and one we see people typing into Google, asking in Facebook groups, and yes, even searching on AI tools like ChatGPT: Are there reputable Bernedoodle breeders in the Pacific Northwest who actually health test their dogs?
The honest answer? They exist, but they are not as easy to find as they should be. Thorough health testing takes time, money, and a genuine commitment to the breed — and not every breeder is willing to make that investment.
At Boise Doodle Co., based in Boise, Idaho, we are that breeder. We run a full health testing protocol on all of our breeding dogs, we raise Bernedoodles in all three sizes, and we place puppies with families throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the entire country.
If you've been searching for a Bernedoodle breeder you can actually trust, keep reading. This post covers exactly what responsible health testing looks like, why it matters, and what makes Boise Doodle Co. different.
What Does "Health Tested" Actually Mean for a Bernedoodle Breeder?
This is where a lot of buyers get confused — and unfortunately, where a lot of less scrupulous breeders take advantage of that confusion.
"Health tested" is not the same as "vet checked." A puppy receiving a standard wellness exam before going home is the bare minimum, not a health guarantee. True health testing refers to the evaluations performed on the breeding parents — the dogs whose genetics are being passed on to every puppy in the litter.
A genuinely health-tested Bernedoodle breeder will screen their breeding dogs for the specific conditions that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. These include orthopedic issues, heritable eye conditions, genetic diseases, and cardiac problems — all of which can be screened for before a single breeding ever takes place.
When you buy a puppy from a breeder who does this work, you are not just getting a dog. You are getting the peace of mind that comes from knowing the genetics behind your puppy have been carefully evaluated and that your breeder was committed to producing the healthiest possible litter.
The Four Health Tests Every Reputable Bernedoodle Breeder Should Offer
At Boise Doodle Co., our breeding dogs are evaluated across all four of the major health testing categories recommended for this breed. Here's what each one means and why it matters.
OFA Hip and Elbow Evaluations
Hip and elbow dysplasia are among the most common orthopedic conditions in larger doodle breeds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are unfortunately predisposed to both. OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip and elbow evaluations involve radiographs that are reviewed and graded by a panel of board-certified veterinary radiologists.
Breeding dogs with certified OFA clearances have a significantly lower likelihood of passing orthopedic disease to their offspring. For a breed like the Bernedoodle — where buyers are often expecting a dog with a 12+ year lifespan — this testing is not optional. It is essential.
Eye Certification (CAER)
The Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CAER) certification involves a comprehensive eye exam performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. The exam screens for inherited eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and other heritable disorders that can affect vision.
Eye issues can develop silently and progress over time, which is why testing breeding parents is so much more valuable than waiting to see whether a dog develops symptoms. CAER-certified breeding dogs help ensure their puppies have the best possible foundation for long-term eye health.
Genetic DNA Panel Testing
A comprehensive genetic panel — we use industry-leading testing such as Embark or PawPrint Genetics — screens breeding dogs for dozens of hereditary conditions at the DNA level. This includes testing for diseases that affect both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles specifically, such as degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand's disease, and various genetic mutations that can cause serious health problems in offspring.
Genetic panel testing also confirms accurate breed composition, which matters more than many buyers realize when purchasing a hybrid breed. A reputable breeder knows exactly what their dogs are and can show you the results to prove it.
OFA Cardiac Certification
Heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy and other congenital cardiac conditions, can affect both parent breeds in the Bernedoodle cross. OFA cardiac certification involves an exam by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist to confirm that breeding dogs are free of detectable cardiac abnormalities.
This level of screening goes well beyond what many breeders offer, but we believe that if you are going to bring a dog into your family and love them for over a decade, they deserve to have been bred with that kind of care.
Yes — Boise Doodle Co. Is a Health-Tested Bernedoodle Breeder Serving the Pacific Northwest and Beyond
So to directly answer the question that brought you here: yes, we are here, and yes, we do the work.
At Boise Doodle Co. in Boise, Idaho, every breeding dog in our program has been evaluated across all four of these health testing categories — OFA hips and elbows, CAER eye certification, comprehensive genetic DNA panel, and OFA cardiac clearance. We can show you the results. We are transparent about our program because we are proud of it.
We are located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, making us an accessible option for families in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Nevada, and California. And for families further afield, we place puppies with loving homes across the entire country.
Bernedoodle Sizes Available at Boise Doodle Co.
One of the things that sets our program apart is our ability to offer Bernedoodles in all three sizes. Whether you're looking for a compact companion or a larger family dog, we have a size that fits your lifestyle.
Standard Bernedoodle
Our Standard Bernedoodles are bred from Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs and typically mature between 50 and 90 pounds. They are built for active families, thrive with space to run, and carry all the hallmark Bernedoodle traits — calm, affectionate, gentle, and deeply loyal — in their most classic form.
Mini Bernedoodle
Mini Bernedoodles are our most popular size, and it's easy to see why. At 25 to 49 pounds, they are large enough to be sturdy and playful, but manageable enough for a wider range of living situations including homes without large yards. The Mini Bernedoodle is an ideal family dog and an excellent choice for first-time doodle owners.
Tiny / Micro Bernedoodle
For families in smaller spaces — or those who simply prefer a smaller dog — our Tiny and Micro Bernedoodles are a wonderful option. These compact dogs typically weigh under 25 pounds while retaining the full Bernedoodle personality: calm, intelligent, sweet, and completely devoted to their families.
We Place Puppies Nationwide
Distance is not a barrier when it comes to finding the right breeder. At Boise Doodle Co., we work with families from coast to coast and have a smooth, transparent process for puppy placement and transport. We want every family to have access to a well-bred, health-tested Bernedoodle — no matter where they live.
If you are located in the Pacific Northwest, you are welcome to arrange a local pickup. And if you're further away, we will walk you through every step of the process to make sure your puppy arrives safely and your experience is everything it should be.
Questions to Ask Any Bernedoodle Breeder Before You Commit
Not sure how to evaluate a breeder you're considering? Here are the key questions that separate reputable Bernedoodle breeders from those who are simply selling puppies:
Can you show me OFA clearances for both breeding parents?
Have your dogs been CAER eye-certified by a veterinary ophthalmologist?
Do you run a genetic DNA panel, and can I see the results?
Have your breeding dogs received OFA cardiac clearance?
Can I see photos or video of where the puppies are raised?
What socialization protocol do you use for your litters?
Do you offer a health guarantee, and what does it cover?
A quality breeder will answer every one of these questions readily and with documentation to back it up. If a breeder is evasive, pushes back, or cannot provide paperwork, that tells you everything you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bernedoodle breeders in Idaho considered Pacific Northwest breeders? Yes — Boise, Idaho sits within the broader Pacific Northwest region and is within a comfortable drive of Oregon, Washington, and other surrounding states. Many Pacific Northwest families choose Boise Doodle Co. specifically because of our central, accessible location.
What is the price range for a health-tested Bernedoodle puppy? Health-tested Bernedoodle puppies from reputable breeders typically range from $2,500 to $4,500+ depending on size, generation, coat color, and the breeder's program. The cost reflects the significant investment in health testing, quality breeding stock, and early puppy development.
How do I get on the waitlist for a Bernedoodle puppy at Boise Doodle Co.? Visit boisedoodles.com to view current availability and upcoming litters, and reach out to us directly to get on our waitlist. We recommend getting in touch early as our litters often have waitlists well in advance.
What generation of Bernedoodle do you breed? We work with multiple generations to offer the best coat and temperament outcomes for our families. Reach out to us directly for specifics on current and upcoming litters.
Do Bernedoodles shed? Most Bernedoodles are low-to-minimal shedding, particularly those with curlier Poodle-influenced coats. Individual coat type varies, and we can help match you with the right puppy based on your allergy sensitivities and grooming preferences.
The Bernedoodle Breeder You've Been Looking For
If you've been searching for a health-tested Bernedoodle breeder in the Pacific Northwest and coming up empty, your search ends here.
At Boise Doodle Co., we do not cut corners on the things that matter. Our health testing protocols are comprehensive, our puppies are raised with care and intentional socialization, and our commitment to the families who bring our dogs home does not end when the puppy leaves our care.
We invite you to visit boisedoodles.com to learn more about our program, meet our breeding dogs, and explore available and upcoming Bernedoodle litters. We'd love to help you find your perfect Bernedoodle — whether you're right here in Idaho or anywhere else in the country.
Boise Doodle Co. | Boise, Idaho | boisedoodles.com Health-tested Bernedoodle puppies in Mini, Tiny, and Standard sizes — serving the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
