Questions families ask

Z and Z Doodles is a small, family-based Bernedoodle breeder in Central Illinois. Zach and the whole family help raise and socialize every puppy at home. Our goal is healthy, confident family companions.

We are in Central Illinois. We share our exact location with families once they are ready to arrange a visit or go-home day. Message us and we will work out what is easiest for you.

We are a small home breeder, not a mill. We raise only a couple of litters a year so every mama recovers fully and every puppy gets plenty of attention. You are welcome to ask us anything about how our dogs live.

We raise Bernedoodles, a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They are known for gentle temperaments and soft, low-shedding coats. Every puppy is raised underfoot in our home.

Puppies raised in a home grow up around everyday sounds, people and routines. That early exposure helps them come home confident and calm. A kennel cannot match the daily handling they get with our family.

We raise only a couple of litters a year. Spacing litters lets each mama fully recover and lets us give every puppy our full attention. It also means availability is limited, so joining the waitlist early helps.

Yes, you can find us at facebook.com/ZandZdoodles. Litter announcements, growing-up photos and go-home days are posted there first. It is a great way to watch our newest pups grow week by week.

You can call or text us at 217-249-3365 or email zandzdoodles@gmail.com. You can reach us any time, and we reply as quickly as we can. You can also send us a message through our Facebook page.

You can call or text us any time. We are a family home, so we like to arrange visits and go-home days directly with each family. Send a message and we will find a time that works.

We focus on health, temperament and a personal match for every family. Our pups are raised in our home, matched to families by personality, and backed by lifetime breeder support. We stay just a message away for the life of your dog.

Send us a note by email, phone or Facebook telling us about your family and what you are hoping for. A small deposit then reserves your spot for an upcoming litter. We will keep you posted when puppies arrive.

No. Reaching out, asking questions and talking through whether a Bernedoodle fits your home is free. A small deposit is only needed when you decide to reserve a spot on the waitlist.

Yes, a small deposit holds your place on the waitlist for an upcoming litter. Contact us for the details of how the deposit works. We are happy to explain every step before you commit.

It depends on which litters are planned and how many families are ahead of you. Because we raise only a couple of litters a year, joining the waitlist early is the best way to be ready. Message us for the current timing.

Yes. Families on the waitlist hear from us as soon as puppies arrive. We also post updates on our Facebook page as the litter grows.

You reserve a spot on the waitlist rather than a particular puppy. We match each family with the puppy whose personality fits their home once we know the litter. This keeps the focus on the right fit instead of line order.

You can tell us your preferences and we will keep them in mind. Coat color and gender depend on what each litter produces, so we cannot promise a specific one. We will always be honest about what is available.

Life changes, and we understand. Please let us know as soon as you can so we can offer your spot to another family. Contact us to talk through the details of your deposit.

Yes, we welcome families from Illinois, New York and Florida. Send us a message with your location and we will talk through the best way to bring your puppy home. We keep families posted with photos and videos while the pups grow.

Our available puppies are listed on our Puppies page, along with their status. Availability can change quickly, so reach out to ask about a pup. We can also add you to the waitlist for the next litter.

We learn about your home, energy level, experience and what you want in a companion. Then we match you with the puppy whose personality fits. Matching is based on fit, never on first-come order.

We work with you to choose together. You share what matters to you and we share what we see in each puppy as they grow. Most families find the guided match leads to a calmer, happier fit.

Because the right personality for your family matters more than who called first. A calm puppy suits a quiet home and an energetic puppy suits an active one. A good match helps your dog thrive for life.

We share photos and videos as the puppies grow so you can watch their personalities develop. Message us to talk about arranging a visit. We want you to feel confident before your puppy comes home.

Ask us about meeting the parents when you arrange your visit. Seeing a puppy's parents is a good way to understand temperament and size. We are open about the dogs behind every litter.

Tell us who lives with you, whether you have other pets, how active you are and your experience with dogs. Also tell us about your yard or living space and your daily schedule. The more we know, the better the match.

Many first-time owners do very well with Bernedoodles because they are eager to please and affectionate. They do need training, exercise and regular grooming. We are glad to talk through whether one fits your lifestyle.

Most families do best starting with one puppy so each gets focused training and attention. Two puppies at once can be a lot of work. Talk to us about your situation and we will give you an honest opinion.

We recommend that the person who will care for the dog is involved in the choice. A puppy is a ten-plus year commitment. We are happy to talk about ways to surprise someone without skipping the match.

No. We place our puppies directly with families we have spoken to ourselves. That is how we make sure every puppy goes to a home that is ready for them.

Yes. Both parents are screened for the conditions relevant to their breed, and we share the results openly. Ask us to see the testing for the litter you are interested in.

Yes. Every puppy goes home vet-checked with a written health record. You will get that record on go-home day to share with your own veterinarian.

Every puppy goes home up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations. Your veterinarian will set the schedule for the boosters that follow. Bring the health record to your first vet visit.

Yes. Puppies go home dewormed and microchipped. Register the chip with your contact details so your dog can always be traced back to you.

Yes. Every puppy goes home with a health guarantee. We will walk you through exactly what it covers before you decide.

Like any breed, Bernedoodles can face joint issues, skin and ear problems, and some inherited conditions from the Bernese and Poodle sides. Health testing of both parents lowers the risk but cannot remove it. Regular vet care and a healthy weight help a great deal.

Lifespans are often quoted around 12 to 15 years, though every dog is different. Genetics, diet, exercise and veterinary care all play a part. Starting with health-tested parents gives your puppy a good foundation.

Many families find pet insurance a helpful safety net for unexpected vet bills. It is a personal choice, and it is easiest to start while your dog is young and healthy. Ask your veterinarian which options they see work well.

Book a visit within the first few days of bringing your puppy home. Your vet will review the health record and plan the remaining vaccines. Check that this visit fits within the terms of your health guarantee.

Contact your veterinarian right away for anything that worries you, then let us know. We stay a message away and want to hear how your puppy is doing. Your health guarantee covers the situations we explain at go-home.

A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They are known for friendly, affectionate personalities and soft, wavy or curly coats. They make devoted family companions.

The Bernedoodle was developed in the early 2000s by crossing Bernese Mountain Dogs with Poodles. Breeders wanted the Bernese's gentle nature with the Poodle's intelligence and lower-shedding coat. They have become popular family dogs across the country.

Bernedoodles are typically gentle, loyal and eager to please, with a playful streak. They usually bond closely with their people. Individual personality varies, which is why we match puppies carefully.

Yes. The Poodle side is famously intelligent, and the Bernese side is eager to work with people. That makes Bernedoodles quick to learn when training is consistent and positive.

Common colors include tri-color (black, white and rust), black and white, and solid black. Coat patterns and shades vary within every litter. Check our Puppies and Gallery pages to see the pups we have raised.

Tri-color means a coat of three colors, usually black, white and rust or tan. The pattern is inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog side. Each pup's markings are unique.

An F1 is a first-generation cross of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. An F1B is an F1 bred back to a Poodle, which often gives a curlier, lower-shedding coat. Ask us which generation applies to the litter you are interested in.

They are alert and will usually let you know when someone arrives. They are generally friendly rather than guarding dogs. Most are more likely to greet a visitor than to scare them off.

Not usually, but any dog can become a barker if bored or lonely. Exercise, training and company keep barking in check. Early training helps set good habits.

No, a Bernedoodle is a crossbreed, or hybrid, of two purebred breeds. That is why health testing of both parents and careful pairing matter so much. We choose pairings for temperament, structure and health.

Size depends on the size of the Poodle parent and the individual puppy. Adult Bernedoodles range from small to large. Ask us about the expected size for the litter you are considering.

Most reach adult height around a year old and keep filling out until about two. Larger dogs can take a little longer. Feed a growth-appropriate diet and keep them lean during this time.

Coats are usually soft and range from straight to wavy to curly. Wavy and curly coats are the most common and tend to shed less. The exact coat type shows more clearly as a puppy matures.

Plan on brushing several times a week, and often daily for curly coats. Regular brushing prevents mats from forming close to the skin. A slicker brush and a metal comb work well.

Most need a professional groom every six to eight weeks. Trimming keeps the coat manageable and comfortable. Your groomer can advise on a style that suits your dog.

Many owners handle brushing, baths, nails and ears at home and visit a groomer for haircuts. Start handling your puppy's paws, ears and coat early so grooming feels normal. Take it slowly with lots of praise.

Every four to six weeks is common, or when the coat is dirty. Brush out tangles before bathing, because water tightens mats. Dry the coat thoroughly afterwards.

Brush regularly down to the skin and check behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar. Keep up with scheduled grooms. If mats form, have a groomer deal with them rather than pulling at them.

Yes. A puppy coat usually changes to an adult coat somewhere around six to twelve months. This can bring a short matting-prone phase. Extra brushing during this time keeps the coat comfortable.

Some Bernedoodles lighten or soften in color as they mature. Black can fade to a softer tone, and tri-color markings may shift slightly. This is normal and not a sign of a health issue.

Many allergy-sensitive families do well with Bernedoodles because of their soft, low-shedding coats. No dog is fully hypoallergenic. We are always happy to talk through your specific situation.

No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Bernedoodles often cause fewer reactions because they shed less, but allergens also come from skin and saliva. Spend time with a Bernedoodle before committing if allergies are a concern.

Most Bernedoodles shed very little, especially those with wavy or curly coats. Some shed a bit more, particularly with straighter coats. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.

Curly coats usually shed the least, followed by wavy coats. Straight coats tend to shed more. A wavy or curly coat does need more grooming in return.

Yes, and we recommend it. Spend time around a Bernedoodle first, and talk with your doctor if you have significant allergies. We are happy to talk about arranging a visit.

No. Low-shedding coats hold onto loose hair, which can mat if not brushed. Expect regular brushing and grooming appointments. The trade-off is far less hair around your home.

Not entirely, but you should find much less than with a heavy-shedding breed. You will still see the occasional hair, especially during coat changes. Regular brushing keeps it minimal.

Not when kept clean and groomed. A damp or matted coat can develop an odor, so dry them well and brush often. Regular baths and ear checks keep your dog smelling fresh.

Some families with mild asthma do well with low-shedding dogs, but reactions vary by person. Please talk to your doctor and spend time with the breed before you decide. We want your match to be a healthy one for everyone in the home.

Brush and bathe your dog regularly and wash their bedding often. Vacuum with a HEPA filter and keep the dog out of the bedroom if you need to. Ask your doctor for personal advice.

Bernedoodles are typically gentle and patient, which suits many families with children. Young puppies and small kids should always be supervised. Teach children how to handle a dog kindly from the start.

Most are friendly and sociable with other dogs, especially when socialized early. Introduce new dogs slowly and in neutral places. Our puppies learn good manners from living with our family.

Many get along well with cats, especially when raised with them or introduced carefully. Go slowly and give the cat safe spaces. Tell us about your cat so we can match the right puppy.

They are people-loving dogs and some struggle when left alone for long stretches. Gradual practice at being alone, plenty of exercise and enrichment all help. Plan how your dog will be cared for during long days.

Most do well with a good walk or active play session once or twice a day. The amount varies with the individual dog and its size. Mental games and training count as exercise too.

Yes, if the dog gets enough exercise and attention. Smaller Bernedoodles often suit apartments best. Daily walks and training matter more than the size of the home.

A yard is helpful but not required. Daily walks and play are what really keep a Bernedoodle happy. Tell us about your living space and we will help you think it through.

Very. Most love to be near their people and enjoy a good lap or couch snuggle. They tend to be affectionate and attached to their families.

They tolerate cooler weather well because of their Bernese heritage. In heat they can overheat, so provide shade, water and cooler exercise times. Keep walks short on hot days.

Adult dogs can usually manage a few hours with exercise beforehand and something to do. Puppies need much more frequent attention and breaks. Build up alone time gradually and do not leave a dog all day.

Generally yes, because they are intelligent and eager to please. Short, positive and consistent sessions work best. Start on day one at home.

Start the day your puppy comes home with simple routines, name recognition and potty habits. Formal classes usually begin once vaccinations allow, as your vet advises. Early training builds good habits for life.

Make the crate a comfortable, positive place with treats and a soft blanket. Start with short stays and build up slowly, never using it as punishment. A consistent routine helps puppies settle quickly.

Many puppies make good progress in a few weeks, but reliable habits can take a few months. Take your puppy out often, after meals, naps and play, and praise each success. Consistency matters more than anything.

Ask your vet when your puppy is ready, usually after the first rounds of vaccines. Meanwhile, gently introduce them to new people, sounds and surfaces at home. We begin this socialization in our home from the first weeks.

Feed a high-quality puppy food suited to your dog's expected adult size. Your vet can recommend the right brand and amount. We send starter food home with your puppy to ease the switch.

Follow the guide on your food bag and adjust with your vet's advice. Puppies eat several small meals a day, and adults usually eat twice. Watch their body condition rather than just the bowl.

Puppies explore with their mouths, so give them plenty of safe chew toys. Redirect to a toy when teeth touch skin and reward calm behavior. Stay consistent and patient.

Introduce a lightweight harness or collar and leash indoors first. Reward your puppy for walking beside you and keep early walks short. Practice in quiet places before busy ones.

You will want a crate, bed, food and water bowls, collar and leash, chew toys, and a brush. Puppy-safe the house and book a vet visit. The blanket we send home helps your puppy settle.

Puppies come home around eight weeks old. By then they are vet-checked and ready for their first day with you. We will plan the day with you ahead of time.

Every puppy goes home with a written vet health record, up-to-date vaccinations, deworming and a microchip. You will also receive a health guarantee, starter food, a blanket that smells like home, and lifetime breeder support.

Bring a secure crate or carrier, a collar and leash, and some towels in case of car sickness. Bring a second adult so one of you can sit with the puppy. A calm, unhurried trip home is best.

Keep the first night calm, with the blanket we send home in the crate. Take your puppy out right before bed and expect a few wake-ups. Stay patient, because most puppies settle within a few days.

You will receive the written vet health record and the health guarantee. Keep both safe and share the health record with your veterinarian. Ask us if anything is unclear.

Yes, lifetime support. We stay just a message away for the life of your dog for questions on training, grooming or anything in between. Many families send updates and photos, and we love seeing them.

If life ever changes, we ask that your dog come back to us, never to a shelter. We want every dog we raise to have a loving home for life. Contact us as soon as you know.

Message us to talk about arranging a visit. We want you to feel comfortable and confident before your puppy comes home. We will share photos and videos along the way too.

We share photos and videos as the pups grow and learn their personalities. Follow our Facebook page for litter updates. Waitlist families also hear from us directly.

Send us an email at zandzdoodles@gmail.com or call or text 217-249-3365. Tell us about your family and what you are looking for. There is no cost to start the conversation.