Meet the Family Behind Red Desert Doodles
Max & Cindy Barker
Hi! We’re Max and Cindy Barker, the husband-and-wife team behind Red Desert Doodles located in beautiful Southwestern Utah. Our name was inspired by the stunning red desert landscape we’re fortunate to call home.
Family has always been at the center of our lives. We’ve raised seven sons (yes, seven!) and now enjoy the wonderful chaos that comes with a growing family of daughters-in-law and grandchildren. We’re blessed to have our family living close by, and there’s nothing we love more than spending time together. Whether it’s relaxing by the pool, playing pickleball, or spending time at our mountain cabin, family time is our favorite time.
And of course, we love dogs! With a last name like Barker, how could we not?
For more than 31 years, raising dogs has been part of our family’s story, and that passion eventually led us to the wonderful Australian Labradoodle.
Today, Red Desert Doodles is truly a family endeavor. Our home is filled with puppies, wagging tails, and plenty of helping hands. We love watching each puppy develop its own unique personality and helping families find a companion that’s just right for them.
Why We Chose the Australian Labradoodle
After years of raising and training sporting dogs, we were looking for a calmer, family-friendly companion that would fit naturally into our lives with children and grandchildren.
The Australian Labradoodle captured our hearts with their affectionate personalities, gentle nature, intelligence, and low-to-no-shedding & allergy friendly coats. We quickly discovered just how special these dogs could be.
What began as a search for the perfect family companion became a passion for sharing these incredible dogs with other families.
Meet Our Team
Red Desert Doodles has always been a family endeavor, and we’re incredibly grateful for the wonderful people who help bring our vision to life. From welcoming new litters and caring for our puppies to grooming and preparing them for their forever homes, each member of our team plays an important role in making Red Desert Doodles what it is today.
Kilie Barker
Whelping, Puppy Care, & Grooming
Kilie is our daughter-in-law, married to our second son, Braden, and a busy mom of five! Between sports, dance, and family activities, life is always an adventure. When they get a chance to slow down, Kilie and her family love escaping the Southern Utah heat at our mountain cabin.
Kilie plays an essential role in the day-to-day operations of Red Desert Doodles. From welcoming new litters and caring for moms and puppies to keeping puppy areas clean and grooming our dogs, she’s involved in just about everything that keeps our program running smoothly.
Her dedication, hard work, and genuine love for our dogs make her an invaluable part of our team. We truly couldn’t do it without her!
Katie Barker
Grooming
Katie is our daughter-in-law, married to our fourth son, Jeremy, and a busy mom of four! She’s been part of Red Desert Doodles since the very beginning and was even there to help welcome our very first litter of puppies.
Growing up involved in 4-H and FFA, Katie developed a lifelong love for animals and hands-on experience caring for them. Over the years, she’s been involved in nearly every aspect of our program, from welcoming newborn puppies and early socialization to crate training and helping families on puppy pick-up days.
Today, Katie is one of our talented groomers, helping keep our Australian Labradoodles looking and feeling their best. We’re grateful for the experience, dedication, and love she continues to bring to our team!
Mikelle Maag
Whelping & Puppy Development
Mikelle is a mom to two wonderful boys and has spent the last 17 years working in veterinary medicine.
She has always had a deep love and appreciation for animals and the joy, companionship, and unconditional love they bring to a family.
Her passion for Australian Labradoodles began while working in the veterinary clinic. She quickly realized they weren’t just another doodle. Their incredible temperaments, intelligence, and loving personalities inspired her to learn more about the breed, eventually leading her to raising and whelping them.
With her veterinary background, Mikelle understands how important the earliest stages of a puppy’s life are. She takes great pride in providing each puppy with the care, attention, and foundation they need to thrive and become happy, healthy, well-rounded family companions.
We’re thrilled to have Mikelle as part of the Red Desert Doodles team! Her veterinary experience, dedication, and genuine love for animals make her an invaluable addition to our team, and we’re so grateful for the care she brings to every puppy she raises.
Raising Puppies with Purpose & Heart
At Red Desert Doodles, we believe raising exceptional puppies begins long before they’re born. Every decision we make is guided by a commitment to health, temperament, and giving each puppy the very best start in life.
From carefully selecting and health-testing our breeding dogs to providing intentional early socialization and enrichment, we put thought and care into every stage of a puppy’s development.
And our commitment doesn’t end when a puppy goes home. We’re here to support our families throughout their dog’s life, building relationships founded on trust, transparency, and a shared love for these incredible companions.
Lifelong Support & Partnership
We’re here for you every step of the way — from choosing your puppy to years of guidance and care. When you adopt from Red Desert Doodles, you’re part of our family for life.
Raised In Our Home
Our puppies grow up underfoot in our family home, surrounded by laughter, children, and love. By the time they go home, they’re confident, social, and ready to join your family.
Puppy Culture & ENS
Through Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), we ensure every Red Desert puppy begins life with structure, enrichment, and emotional confidence.
Temperament-Tested for Perfect Matches
We don’t believe in “first pick.” We believe in the right pick. Each puppy is temperament tested and observed throughout early development. Families share their puppy preferences, and we use that insight — along with what we learn about their lifestyle, energy level, and home environment — to help them find their perfect match.
Health & Integrity First
Each of our parent dogs completes comprehensive health and genetic testing, including evaluations for hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac, patella, and DNA panels for breed-specific conditions. We proudly stand behind every puppy with our Lifetime Genetic Health Guarantee.
See What Our Families Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Red Desert Doodles a responsible breeder?
We focus on health, temperament, and transparency. Every parent dog is genetically tested and all puppies are temperament-evaluated before placement.
Are your Australian Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
Yes. Our Australian Labradoodles are allergy-friendly and low-to-no shedding, making them perfect for families with sensitivities.
What kind of support do families receive?
We offer lifetime breeder support, guidance, and education for every family — before, during, and long after adoption.
Do you provide delivery outside of Utah?
Yes. We offer flight nanny delivery nationwide and in-person pickup options at the St. George or Las Vegas airports.
How can I apply or join the waitlist?
Simply visit our Available Puppies page to view current litters and submit your Puppy Application to get started.
Ready to meet your perfect puppy?
We believe the best families deserve the best start. If you’re ready to welcome a healthy, confident Australian Labradoodle from a responsible breeder you can trust, we’d love to help you begin the journey.