MEET THE SMITH FAMILY
WELCOME TO SMITH FAMILY DOODLES!
We’re the Smiths — a big-hearted, dog-loving family of five (plus a few curly-coated companions). Based in Tigard, Oregon, we’re raising our puppies right here at home, surrounded by love, laughter, and lots of little helpers. Smith Family Doodles is a true family effort, with each of our kids lending a hand and plenty of cuddles along the way.
Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or looking to expand your pack, we’re honored to be part of your journey. Thank you for considering one of our Smith Doodles. We can’t wait to introduce you to your perfect match!
- 💛 The Smiths
Our Story
How our doodle life began…(And Why Grandpa Was Almost Part of the Plan)!
Hi! I’m Tami — the breeder behind the scenes — and I’m so glad you’re here!
Growing up, I practically lived in a zoo. Dogs, cats, parrots, turtles — you name it, we had it. Some of my best memories are with our Labs, Pete and Sugar, chasing fish trucks along the beaches of Kenai, Alaska while we worked summers as commercial fishermen. Animals have always been a source of deep connection and comfort for me.
But after college, life without pets became the norm — first because of apartment rules, then because of my husband’s allergies. It was nearly 20 years of marriage without any furry companions. But that didn’t stop our kids from dreaming… and begging. For years, they walked imaginary dogs around the house, buckled them into car seats, and brought them along on errands. Eventually, all three had their own pretend pups in tow — and that’s when Stuart and I realized we might need to reconsider. At one point, we floated the idea of maybe getting a dog after the kids’ beloved Grandpa (Stuart’s dad) passed away — thinking a puppy might help ease that eventual transition. But kids have a way of hearing things literally, and before long they started asking, “Sooo… when is Grandpa going to die?” It was one of those innocent, matter-of-fact kid questions that stop you in your tracks — equal parts hilarious, horrifying, and deeply logical in the way only a child could be.
Needless to say, that plan got scratched.
Grandpa, of course, lived several more good years — and ended up loving Coco just as much as the rest of the family. And that little moment? It’s become one of those legendary family stories we’ll always remember — the one that quietly marked the beginning of our journey toward life with dogs.
Meet Coco — Our Original Doodle
After a lot of research into allergy-friendly breeds, we discovered Goldendoodles — and everything changed. A friend connected us with a reputable breeder, and in February 2021, we brought home our first Doodle: Coco.
From the moment we met her, Coco felt like she was meant to be ours. She was the only cream-colored pup in a litter of browns — a little blonde ray of sunshine in the middle of a pandemic. We flew to Utah to pick her up, and I carried her home zipped into my jacket like a newborn. It was love at first snuggle.
What we didn’t know then was how much we would need Coco. She helped our family through some of the hardest times — from Autism diagnoses to a traumatic car accident and long-term health challenges. She’s a trained service dog now and has been a constant, comforting presence through it all. Coco isn’t just our dog — she’s part of our healing, our growth, and our story.
How Smith Family Doodles Began
Even when Coco was just a puppy, we knew she was special. Her sweet, intuitive temperament made us want to share her magic with others. After my accident, I couldn’t return to work full-time, but raising puppies from home was something I could do — with help from my family and lots of flexibility for my health.
So I dove into the world of breeding: learning everything I could, finding the right match for Coco, and preparing our home. That first litter was a whirlwind (anyone who’s had a newborn knows the feeling!) — lots of laundry, late nights, puppy pads… and the kind of joy only puppies can bring. Each of our kids helped raise those pups, and we all learned so much about life, responsibility, and love.
Our first litter is now happily placed with wonderful families — and one sweet girl, Cinnamon, is staying with us as a future mama. We’re excited to continue growing our Doodle family, one special puppy at a time.
Cinnamon, our next generation
the Breeder Behind the Scenes
Raising puppies isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. I love this work because it meets me right where I am — at home, balancing health challenges with purpose and joy. I get to nurture new life, care for sweet souls, and share the magic of these amazing dogs with families just like ours.
You won’t see a lot of pictures of me on the site — I’m usually the one behind the camera! (Believe me, I don’t look like I do in my headshots everyday 🤷♀️😂). But my kids? You’ll see plenty of them with the puppies. This is a family labor of love, and I’m so proud of the part we each play. Breeding Goldendoodles is more than a job — it’s a calling that came at the right time in our lives.
- Tami Smith
Owner, Smith Family Doodles
