13/02/2022
What’s a Bernedoodle?
Some think a Bernedoodle is a cross between a Saint Bernard or a Border Collie, but that is not actually the case.
A Standard Bernedoodle (also known as a Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernese Mountain Doodle, or a Bernese Poodle) is a designer breed resulting from breeding a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle.
Bernedoodles rose to popularity for being a hypoallergenic variant of the goofy and loveable Bernese Mountain Dog.
A bit of history: the Bernedoodle was first bred in Canada in 2003 by Sherry Rupke. Since then, other Bernedoodle breeders have started breeding Bernedoodles so more people can enjoy them as family pets.
Bernedoodle Colors and Coat Type
Like most Doodle dog breeds, Bernedoodles resembles either parent and can inherit the coat type of the Poodle, the Bernese Mountain Dog, or a combination of the two. For example, the Bernedoodle may come in the Bernese Mountain Dogs’ tri-color of black, white and brown coat.
It’s also possible for a Bernedoodle puppy to inherit coloring from the Poodle and can be black and white, black and brown, even spotted.
These colors tend to be rare, and Bernedoodles usually come in the standard brown, white and black tri-colored coat that is similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog.
When it comes to coat texture, Bernedoodles range from straight hair, wavy, or curly. With Poodle mix dogs, it’s impossible to predict how their coats and colors before they are born, so it’s always a surprise (even to the breeder)!
Typically, Bernedoodles are non-shedding, but it’s impossible for breeders to predict whether their puppies will shed or not. However, most Poodle mix dogs tend to not shed.
Types of Bernedoodles
There are a few different types of Bernedoodle puppies:
F1 Bernedoodle dogs: A Bernese Mountain Dog bred with a Poodle (also known as first generation)
F1B Bernedoodle dogs: A Bernedoodle bred with a Poodle
F2 Bernedoodle dogs: Two F1 Bernedoodles bred together
F2B Bernedoodle dogs: An F1 and an F1B Bernedoodle bred together
If, because of allergies, you need a non-shedding dog, you should try to find an F1B Bernedoodle.
Size
The Bernedoodle can come in three different sizes determined from the Poodle used for breeding:
Micro/Toy Bernedoodles: The Toy Bernedoodle is probably the smallest variant of the Bernedoodle can you can ever get. It can reach 8 to 10 inches tall while weighing less than 10 pounds. Having said that, it is pretty rare to find Tiny or Toy Bernedoodles as they are challenging to breed. Often, a Micro/Toy Bernedoodle is a Mini Bernedoodle bred with a Toy Poodle.
Mini Bernedoodles: For the Mini Bernedoodle, they are 10 to 15 inches tall, while its weight can range from 10 to 30 pounds. But typically, Mini Bernedoodles can reach 30 pounds. A Mini Bernedoodle is from breeding a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Standard Bernedoodles:
The Standard Bernedoodles’ ranges from 15 inches tall up to 29 inches tall while weighing 50 pounds and above. This is pretty similar to the size of the Bernese Mountain Dog. They are a result from breeding a Standard Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Note: the above serves as a guide. Your breeder will be able to help you understand the size they estimate the litter to be. Generally, females dog breeds tend to be lighter and smaller than their male counterparts.
Bernedoodle Temperament and Personality Traits
Overall, a Bernedoodle is smart, playful, and sometimes stubborn! We can understand a Bernedoodle’s temperament by looking at Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle’s personality traits.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a working dog breed known for their high intelligence level and their loyal and faithfulness towards its owner. Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs.
They are hard-working, docile, and love to be near their families. As a result, they may experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be a little apprehensive towards strangers, but they will start to warm up with them once it gets comfortable with their presence.
Also, while the dog can be playful, they are gentle giants making them a popular dog breed for families with children. The only caveat here is that the Bernese Mountain Dog can be stubborn; therefore, you must be patient and consistent with training!
Ah, the quintessential Poodle. Poodles are one of the more popular dog breeds globally, and its traits explain why it is so popular with us.
Poodles are known for their intelligence as well as their high energy levels.
They can jump pretty high too, and when you factor in their playfulness, you can expect lots of fun in the house. Being loyal and faithful, the Poodle will love to snuggle and be near you.
One thing to note is that while the Poodle can be playful, their overzealousness can sometimes hurt children by accident. As Bernedoodles can inherit this playfulness, it’s recommended you supervise your Bernedoodle around small children.
You can expect the Bernedoodle to be loyal, faithful, and with a high intelligence level. Bernedoodles are loyal and protective of their families. Like their Bernese Mountain Dog parent, they don’t like to be left alone and would do best with families who are home often.
Since the Bernese Mountain Dog can be aloof towards strangers, this trait might rub off onto the Bernedoodle. To help mitigate this, we recommend you socialize your Bernedoodle puppy from a young age. It will help them develop socialization skills that will be useful in shaping their personality
bernedoodles and bernedoodle facts
Energy Levels
Bernedoodles have medium energy levels and require daily exercise!
Due to the Bernedoodle’s size and energy levels, we recommend lots of daily walks, exercise, and mental stimulation for your Bernedoodle.
You can add some variation to the activities so that you will not bore your dog out. You can try hiking (if you live near such terrain), playing in the dog park, or even opting for some water activities if you live near water bodies! Such activities will help to keep the dog fit and, at the same time, help to develop a stronger bond between you and the Bernedoodle.
Training
As explained earlier, both parents have a high level of intelligence, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is stubborn at times. As such, when it comes to training the Bernedoodle, we will recommend you to keep each training session short and varied so that your dog will not be bored easily.
You will need to consider some essential training like potty training, housebreaking, obedience training, and fundamental commands necessary in getting the dog to respond to you.
Space needed for the Bernedoodle
Unlike the mini variants, the Standard Bernedoodle might require a larger space so that it can maneuver around the house without knocking things over.
Ideally, there should be a space for them to run about to burn off their energy levels. For this, it will be good if there is a yard for them to run about in. However, you can still get a Bernedoodle if you live in a small space. Just make sure your pooch gets lots of walks and playtime.
Grooming a Bernedoodle
An assortment of dog grooming tools on a white sheet
Like all Poodle mix dogs, Bernedoodles require lots of brushing and grooming.
A low shedding coat is a lot of maintenance. All the time you’re saving by not needing to vacuum or sweep up dog fur will be spent brushing and grooming your Bernedoodle.
If you do not brush your Bernedoodle, they will get painful knots and tangles. It’s essential you spend enough time combing and brushing your Bernedoodle’s hair.
Also, due to the Bernedoodle’s thick and wavy coat, you can expect the dog to develop hot spots or rashes on their skin. Hence, there should be an added motivation for you to regularly comb the dog’s coat so that you can observe the skin for such spots!
By grooming your Bernedoodle regularly, you can also create a deeper bond between you and the dog. As for trimming the coat, you can opt to do this every 6-8 weeks, depending on your tolerance of the dog’s coat’s length.
Pro tip: We recommend combing the dog’s coat in the morning when you are feeding it as it helps create a disciplined routine for you and makes grooming a rewarding experience for you dog.
Price
Although Poodle mix dogs aren’t purebred dogs, they still come with a high price tag.
Many people wonder, “why are Bernedoodles so expensive?” Bernedoodles are expensive because there is such a high demand for this beautiful pup. A reputable breeder will also spend lots of time and money caring for the parent dogs, along with the puppies, which factors into the cost.
Bernedoodles can start at around $2,500 and go as high as $5,000. A Tiny Bernedoodle will cost significantly more than a Standard Bernedoodle since the demand is usually higher.
You might also pay more for your Bernedoodle if you want the tri-colored one. These ones tend to be more popular than solid color Bernedoodles. However, we think all Bernedoodles are perfect regardless of their markings!
Health Problems
Bernedoodles face similar health problems to the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog including:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Epilepsy
Bloat (also known as Gastric Torsion)
Thyroid issues
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Hot spots
You can avoid health issues by taking your dog to the vet regularly, making sure they get lots of exercise, and feeding them a high-quality diet.
Bernedoodle life expectancy
The life expectancy of a Bernedoodle can range. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to only live to about 7 years of age. Luckily, because of the Poodle parent for the Bernedoodle, their life expectancy is increased. Bernedoodles can be expected to live up to 12 years old (and beyond).
Smaller Bernedoodles, like the Mini Bernedoodles, tend to live even longer.
Where to find Bernedoodle puppies
It’s important to find a reputable Bernedoodle breeder. Reputable breeders will take the necessary steps to screen the parent dogs for any health issues to minimize the chance of them passing them down to their puppies.
You can also search through Doodle rescues to find Bernedoodles and other Doodle dogs up for adoption and in need of a home!
Why the Bernedoodles might not be the dog for you
Bernedoodle puppy
While the Bernedoodle is a great dog, there are a few reasons why they might not be the right dog for you:
Bernedoodles are prone to separation anxiety: Because they like to be around their pack, they can get anxious when left alone for too long. If you work long hours, this could be a challenge. You can combat this by signing your dog up for daily doggy daycare.
Bernedoodles require lots of daily grooming and trips to the groomers: If you don’t think you’ll enjoy brushing your dog often, they might not be the right dog for you.
There are many Doodle mix dogs. Click here to learn about the different (and rare) kinds!
Conclusion
Many owners fall in love with their Bernedoodle dogs. Bernedoodles are great for active families who want to bring their dogs on many adventures. Although they don’t shed, they require lots of grooming. If you’re thinking of getting a Bernedoodle, make sure to check rescues near you or to find a reputable breeder
