All about AMDs.

What if you could have the intelligence and low shedding qualities of the Poodle, the athleticism and playfulness of the Australian Shepherd, and the gentleness and loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog?

Ahem… you can. It’s called an Australian Mountain Doodle.

History

The Australian Mountain Doodle is a relatively new hybrid dog breed, developed in the early 2000s and gaining popularity over the last decade.

When producing this cross for the first time breeders aimed to blend the calm, gentle, and loyal nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the energetic, intelligent, and eager-to-please traits of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle. Like many designer breeds, crossing three purebreds was also intended to reduce the likelihood of inherited health issues through hybrid vigor (genetic diversity that may result in better overall health). By including the Poodle in the mix, breeders hoped to produce dogs with low-shedding, allergy-friendly coats—something that neither the Bernese nor Aussie alone could offer. The breed was intended to be a highly trainable, adaptable dog that could serve a variety of purposes—from family companion to therapy or working dog.

Strengths

The Australian Mountain Doodle makes the ideal dog for an active family.

Highly Intelligent:
Inheriting the smarts of the Poodle and Australian Shepherd, Australian Mountain Doodles are quick learners, excelling in obedience and agility training.

Family-Oriented & Gentle:
The Bernese Mountain Dog influence gives them a calm, affectionate, and patient nature, making them excellent with children and other pets.

Hypoallergenic Qualities (Potential):
Thanks to the Poodle genetics, many Australian Mountain Doodles have a low-shedding coat, which can be more allergy-friendly than purebred dogs.

Versatile Companions:
They do well in various roles—family pets, therapy dogs, or active adventure buddies. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in both suburban and rural environments (though apartments may be too small for some).

Loyal & Devoted:
They form strong bonds with their families and are known for being protective without being aggressive.

Potential Weaknesses

With intentional training and time, many breed-related weaknesses can be overcome.

High Exercise Needs:
These are working dog breeds, therefore they require daily physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become bored and destructive.

Grooming Requirements:
Their coats, especially when curly or wavy, need regular brushing to prevent matting. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is also recommended.

Separation Anxiety:
Due to their deep attachment to their owners, they may struggle with being left alone for long periods and could develop anxiety-related behaviors.

Size Variability & Predictability:
As a mixed breed, size, coat type, and temperament can vary significantly even within the same litter, making outcomes harder to predict compared to purebreds. We do our best to inform our buyers of our best guesses when it comes to adult weight, coat type, and temperaments.

Herding Instincts:
Thanks to the Australian Shepherd lineage, some puppies may display herding behaviors, such as nipping or chasing children or other animals. These behaviors are avoidable with intentional training.

 FAQs

  • While this answer varies from litter to litter, we don’t breed miniature AMDs (also known as Swiss Doodles). Our puppies will generally grow to weigh between 40-60 lbs.

  • We currently live in an old farmhouse surrounded by cow pastures. Our puppies are exposed from an early age to young children, other dogs, cows, chickens, squirrels, etc. They get frequent exposure to sunshine, plenty of space to run around, and endless cuddles. We regularly handle our puppies and expose them to the sounds of a normal household, as well as events such as thunderstorms, crying babies, sirens, etc. Our goal is that our puppies leave our home with the skills and adaptability to thrive wherever their new lives take them.

  • When pricing our puppies, the largest determining factor is coat color and markings. We assess each puppy and assign a price based on their appearance and conformity to breed goals. Merle is the most expensive, Black-and-White is the least, and Tri-Color is in the middle. We are happy to answer any other questions you may have about pricing.

  • To reserve a puppy, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required. This guarantees your choice and secures them until they are ready to go home! If your preferred puppy is available, you are guaranteed your pick.

  • When it comes to AMDs, there is so much variety! From Merle (dappled/spotted) to Tri-Color to Apricot to Chocolate, and combinations of all of those! Merles especially can have beautiful blue eyes, but most will have shades of brown. Their coats can be wavy or curly and vary in their levels of shedding (we prioritize a low level of shedding in our litters). Size also brings with it a lot of variation, from miniature (25-45 lbs) to standard (40-90 lbs)