Raising Quality Dogs… It’s in the Family!
From Lynn’s established Berner beginnings…
… to our second generation pursuit of Bernedoodles…
… it’s always been a family affair!
Kinsey’s childhood could only be described as an animal lover’s paradise. It’s safe to say, growing up on a 40 acre farm and having a professional horse trainer for a mom was not lost on her. In fact, it molded her. From her first time kissing a pony’s nose to eventually winning equestrian championships, Kinsey’s love for four-legged friends has been foundational in her life. What's more distinguishing, however, is the education in breeding she received throughout that time.
In addition to riding, Kinsey’s mother Lynn also bred Quarter Horses. Every Spring, a new little foal showed up in the barn, delivered by Lynn with assistance from her Junior Barn Manager (and recent preschool graduate) Kinsey. Each season Kins learned the many factors that go into breeding reputable livestock and by the age of six she was giving input on sires and mares. The Punnett Square became a familiar resource to predict foal traits and coloring, which made their delivery exciting every single time. Year over year, Kinsey learned the art and science that goes into breeding. She discovered how dilute genes and health testing play a role just like temperament and lineage, and how much care needs to be taken to ensure all of these factors are combined to create exceptional animals.
When Kinsey turned twelve, Lynn utilized her experience with horses to transition into dog breeding. Lynn began her program with a fun-sized dog that is very common to horse owners, Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Haystack Acres was born when she bred Sir Rusty’s Radar, a stud owned by a friend of the family, with her beloved girl Emma. From that point on, dog breeding became the next animal endeavor Kinsey got to study. Of course she didn’t know the wonderful path it would take her on later in life, and even now looking back it seems surreal the journey our family has taken.
Kinsey playing with Emma
Wayyy back at the beginning, Lynn took her degree in livestock management, two decades of experience breeding horses, and a drive that some might describe as “hard-headed" to establish the foundation of her program. Raising dogs is different from horses, however, so there was a quite learning curve. Going from a twelve month gestation and one foal to two month and up to fifteen puppies is an adjustment, and Kinsey got to be part of that education.
Lynn’s first advertisements were in the Summer 1999 Fence Post magazine when her whelping setup consisted of newspapers and a heat lamp. Over years of trial and error, genetic crossing, facility management, breeding schedules, lineage preservation, and health testing all developed, and Kinsey was there to learn those best practices throughout the journey.
Fast forward to 2019 and the Moses Family was established! Kinsey and I got married, and the discussion of our future began. A shared love for dogs was always a hallmark in our relationship (Claire was born a week after our first date), and the opportunity to pursue that passion through a breeding program was too exciting to ignore. Fast forward again to the end of 2021, and we’re very proud and fulfilled in what we’ve achieved thus far.
Then…
Now…
Our mission is providing the best new furry family members to the wonderful community we’re so fortunate to participate in. We believe that love underpins that entire process, but best breeding practices are what provide the actual results. In this regard, we’re very grateful for the education Kinsey received growing up, and being able to continue that lineage (Yes… that was a breeding pun).
We’re also incredibly excited to share our breeding experience and what constitutes a “Great Bernedoodle” with you. After all, what’s the point in doing all of this if we don’t explain it! Next, let’s have a discussion on lineage, genetics, and what you should be looking for in the parents of your puppies!