Uphoff Country Kennel
from our family to yours
a family tradition since 1997
Cockapoos & Cavapoos
After years of raising AKC registered Cocker Spaniel breeds we began to introduce our “doodle” mixes that have become so popular, matching the allergy friendly, low shedding traits of a Poodle with the loving personality of our Spaniels.
An introduction to our family
We know selecting a reputable breeder is the important
first step in the journey to add a new furry friend to your family
Founders – Uphoff Country Kennel, Illinois
John & Liz Uphoff
After decades of raising their 7 children, farming corn and soybeans, and raising hogs, John and Liz founded Uphoff Country Kennel in 1997. Since then they have established themselves as one of the top breeders in Illinois for family dogs, primarily Cockapoos & Cavapoos. Their office wall is plastered with dozens of photos from the families that have adopted their pups.
On Christmas 2022 Liz went on to her heavenly home, and we lost a beloved mother and grandmother.
White Barn Doodles, Illinois
Jason & Caren Rambeck
John and Liz’s daughter Caren Rambeck and her husband Jason, have been raising dogs at their country home in Central Illinois since 2017 as White Barn Doodles. Caren also now runs Uphoff Country Kennel with her father as well as being a homeschool mom.
WoodHaven Pups, Minnesota
Jeff & Chris Church
Chris is daughter to John & Liz. Along with her husband Jeff, they have been raising puppies in the Minneapolis Minnesota area since 2017. Chris makes trips each month to Illinois to visit family.
What to expect
The process
All the steps involved from choosing your puppy to taking them home
02
Submit and application
Fill out an adoption application telling us about yourself and what you are looking for
03
Schedule an appointment
Set up a time to come take get your puppy and take them home
Why Doodles?
Low shedding
Doodles are just the right mix of to be low-to-no shedding.
Allergy friendly
Most people who may normally be allergic to dogs tolerate doodles just fine.
Awesome personality
Doodles are know for their perfect family pet personality, willing to play or cuddle with the ebb and flow of family life.
Ready to adopt
Start the process by filling out our application form
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to fill out an application?
Getting a dog is an amazing opportunity but also a big responsibility. We take this seriously and want to make sure that every new home is ready. The application helps us ensure that each puppy goes to a home that is well prepared.
Don’t worry if you have never had a puppy before, don’t have a big yard, etc. We believe most homes have what it takes to be dog owners and are happy to help with the process.
Making an appointment
Appointments can be made Monday through Saturday as our schedule allows. Please see our “Scheduling an appointment” page for how to schedule an appointment and what to expect.
Can I choose a puppy in person?
Yes. As long as the puppies you want to look at are at least 8 weeks old you can choose up to 3 different puppies to look at during an appointment.
Should I get a male or a female puppy?
I have found that most people’s preference between male and female is personal experience. If you have had a great experience with a male you will prefer a male or vice versa.
What does my puppy know?
When they are young, we start to take them outside to potty. They understand the concept of pottying away from their living space. They don’t necessarily understand the how and why, but we are laying the foundation for you to build on.
Speaking of potty training, how long can my puppy “hold it”? The rule of thumb is:
- 1 month of age = 1 hour of “holding it”;
- 2 months old = 2 hours of holding it;
- 3 months old = 3 hours of holding it.
At 7 weeks, we start crate training. This means a large crate with the door open in their living area. All of the puppies sleep in a pile in the crate. Again, we are laying the foundation for you. However, once that door is closed, it means separation from family. This takes a few days/weeks to have your pup be agreeable to crate training.
At this age, a puppy cannot climb multiple stairs, retrieve a ball, know basic commands or even know their name. They are an “infant”. They are looking to you for their whole world. This part of puppy life is all about REPETITION.
Can I come visit my puppy before adoption day?
No, we try to do everything we possibly can to keep our puppies safe. They are very much like newborns and do not have the immunities to fight germs and infections. Parvo is our biggest scare; it can kill a puppy in less than 24 hours; and it can live in clothing and shoes. We wait until a puppy has had at least their first shot, and are ready to go home, before they are seen in person.
Do you have any recommendations for training/online classes?
- Hillary Ratcliff *highly recommend*
- Dunbar Academy
- Baxter & Bella
- The Good Dog Training and Rehabilitation
- 3 Lost Dogs
- Zack George
What about Pet insurance?
*USA Today, 1/3/2024
The best pet insurance companies of 2024
- ManyPets: Best for affordable rates.
- Embrace: Best for a diminishing deductible.
- Paw Protect: Best for flexible vet payment options.
- Pets Best: Best for direct vet payment.
- Spot: Best for annual coverage options.
- MetLife: Best for discounts and perks.
- Figo: Great for 100% reimbursement coverage.
- Lemonade: Best for fast claims processing.
- Pumpkin: Best for preventative care.
- Trupanion: Best for reimbursement amount.
Other contenders: ASPCA, Nationwide Pet, Progressive Pet, AKC, Healthy Paws *Uphoff Pets does not have personal recommendations on pet insurance.
Did you know that almost all puppies are born with parasites?
Almost all puppies are at risk for contracting parasites. We have a healthy deworming/ parasite preventive schedule. The stress of moving to a new home can be a “activator” of parasites. We highly recommend staying on the same food for at least a month after your puppy goes home. If you decide to use a different food ( a puppy formula for the first year) you will mix the current brand with the new brand. Also, adding probiotics have been found to be very helpful for gut health and being anti-parasitic. You should set up a regular deworming schedule for your puppy after they go home.
Can I bring our other dog along?
No, for safety and infection control we don’t allow other dogs to come along.
Can I get on a waitlist for a future litter?
Yes. Please fill out our adoption application and tell us what you are looking for.
What if I have questions before I am ready to adopt?
We are happy to talk to you before you fill out an adoption application. You can either email or text Caren. We usually reply within the same day but usually not longer than 24 hours.
📞 309-242-2312
📧 whitebarndoodles@gmail.com