The Complete Guide to Adult Bernedoodles

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Adult Bernedoodles are a unique and lovable breed that combines the best qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. They typically weigh between 70-90 pounds and stand between 20-25 inches tall.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first-time dog owners, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.

Bernedoodles are generally low-shedding, but they still require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. This can be a bit of a challenge, especially for owners with thick coats.

With proper care and attention, adult Bernedoodles can live up to 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion.

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History and Origins

The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, first intentionally bred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels in Canada.

They were created by crossing Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to create an ideal companion dog.

The Bernedoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and other organizations.

Being a hybrid of two purebreds, the Bernedoodle is considered a designer breed.

You don't necessarily need to rely on a breeder to get a Bernedoodle, and adopting from a shelter is always a great option.

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Physical Characteristics

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Adult Bernedoodles come in a range of sizes, from tiny to standard, depending on the size of the Poodle parent.

The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds.

Their coats can display a range of colors and patterns, including pure black, black with a white bib, or tricolor with black, brown and white patches.

Dark brown eyes are common in Bernedoodles, although merle variations can have light blue eyes.

Their coats can be either tight curls or straight locks, but most tend to have wavy coats that resemble a shaggy teddy bear.

Size

Size is one of the most noticeable characteristics of a Bernedoodle, and it's largely determined by the size of the Poodle parent. The size of a Bernedoodle can vary greatly, with some being quite small and others quite large.

There are three main sizes of Bernedoodles: Tiny, Miniature, and Standard. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds.

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Males are generally larger than females, regardless of size. The size range for each type of Bernedoodle is as follows:

Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and the actual size of a Bernedoodle can vary depending on its parents.

Physical Traits

Bernedoodles can inherit a variety of physical traits from their parent breeds, making each one unique.

Their coat can range from tight curls to straight locks, but most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat that resembles a shaggy teddy bear.

The thickness of their coat helps them stay warm in colder climates, making them well-suited for areas with chilly weather.

Bernedoodles can display a range of colors and patterns, including pure black, black with a white bib, and tricolor with black, brown, and white patches.

Merle Bernedoodles have a dappled silver coat, while less common variations include sable and brindle.

Their eyes are usually dark brown, but merle variations can have light blue eyes.

Heterochromia, where one eye has a different color from the other, is also possible in this breed.

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Coat Types

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Bernedoodles can have a range of coat types, but most have wavy or curly hair that's low to no shedding.

The curlier a Bernedoodle's coat is, the more hypoallergenic it tends to be, making it a great option for people with allergies.

Some Bernedoodles may inherit the straighter Bernese hair of their parent, which sheds more and is less hypoallergenic.

Most Bernedoodles have dark brown eyes, although merle variations can have light blue eyes.

Bernedoodles can display a range of colors and patterns in their coats, including pure black, black with a white bib, and tricolor with black, brown, and white patches.

Their coats can be quite thick, helping them stay warm in colder climates.

The thickness of their coat also provides protection from the heat of summer months.

You can help prevent matting by brushing your Bernedoodle's coat daily, which many owners find to be a great bonding experience.

Brushing your Bernedoodle twice a week can make shedding less noticeable.

Their coat must be trimmed every few months, depending on how quickly it grows.

You can choose to have a professional trim their coat or do it yourself.

Coat Color and Grooming

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Adult Bernedoodles have a unique coat that can vary in color and texture. Their coats can be wavy, curly, or even straight, with some shedding more than others.

The thickness of their coat helps them thrive in cool temperatures and provides protection from heat. Bernedoodles can have a range of coat colors, including pure black, black and white, and black and brown, with some even having tri-colored patches of black, white, and brown.

Their coat color and texture can greatly impact their grooming needs. Curlier coats are harder to groom and require more frequent brushing to prevent matting. Daily brushing is a must for some owners, while others may only need to brush their Bernedoodle every week.

Here are some general guidelines for Bernedoodle coat care:

It's also essential to trim their coat every few months to prevent overgrowth. Some owners choose to do this themselves, while others prefer to take their Bernedoodle to a professional groomer.

Allergies

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As an adult Bernedoodle owner, I've learned that allergies can be a concern for both you and your furry friend.

Bernedoodles are known to be a good fit for people with allergies, but they can still experience allergies of their own.

Their allergies can be from food or the environment, and signs include persistent itching or licking, rashes, skin and ear infections, and hair loss.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to talk to your vet as soon as possible.

They can help you come up with a plan for identifying and treating the allergy.

The good news is that Bernedoodles generally shed very little, making them a great choice for those with allergies to pet fur.

However, the straighter a Bernedoodle's coat, the more they shed and the less hypoallergenic they are.

Care and Feeding

Adult Bernedoodles need to eat two meals per day, but you can consider feeding them one meal every 12 hours for their mental health and metabolism. This can also help reduce the risk of health issues like GDV.

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To choose the right food for your adult Bernedoodle, look for a dog food approved by the AAFCO, which ensures a complete and balanced diet. Your vet can also recommend a specific brand for your dog.

Here's a rough guide to the ideal food intake for adult Bernedoodles:

Keep in mind that every dog is different, and your Bernedoodle's food intake may vary depending on their age, activity level, and individual needs.

In This Article

Bernedoodles are a delightful breed, and their care and feeding requirements are relatively straightforward. They come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, each with its own unique characteristics.

Standard Bernedoodles weigh between 61-100 pounds and stand up to 29 inches tall, requiring plenty of space to roam. In contrast, Miniature Bernedoodles weigh 20-45 pounds and stand up to 22 inches tall, making them a great fit for small apartments.

Toy Bernedoodles, on the other hand, weigh less than 20 pounds and stand 12-17 inches tall, and they live the longest, up to 18 years. Their small size makes them adaptable to various living situations.

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Bernedoodles are known for their fun-loving and outgoing personality, making them a joy to be around. They're also low-shedding and low-allergen, which is great news for people with allergies.

Here are the different Bernedoodle sizes and their corresponding characteristics:

By understanding their unique needs and characteristics, you can provide the best possible care for your Bernedoodle, regardless of its size.

Feeding

Feeding your Bernedoodle requires attention to their individual needs, including size, age, and activity level. Standard Bernedoodles can be voracious eaters, so monitoring their food intake and weight is crucial.

You should ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that suit your particular dog. They can help you determine the right amount to feed your Bernedoodle.

Feeding your Bernedoodle a dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) ensures a complete and balanced diet. This ensures your canine companion gets the nutrients they need to thrive.

Bernedoodle puppies should eat three to four meals a day on a regular schedule. Standard Bernedoodle pups require puppy food formulated for large breeds.

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Adult Bernedoodles should eat two meals per day. If your Bernedoodle eats their food too fast, try introducing a slow feeder to help them eat more slowly.

A meal every 12 hours is better for your dog's mental health and metabolism. This can also help reduce the risk of certain health issues, such as GDV.

Here's a rough guide to feeding your Bernedoodle:

Bernedoodles require a high-meat, minimally processed diet to provide them with optimal clean energy from whole foods. This can help prevent excessive weight gain and promote overall health.

Always talk to your vet before giving your dog supplements of any kind, unless they recommend them. Some Bernedoodles may benefit from joint supplements to prevent hip and elbow dysplasia.

Exercise and Behavior

Adult Bernedoodles are playful and goofy, making them a joy to be around. They love being beside their family and are generally quiet, only barking occasionally.

With proper training, your Bernedoodle will grow into a sweet and happy dog.

Exercise Needs

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Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, and adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Exercise can also have a profound impact on mental health, with research suggesting that regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The frequency and duration of exercise can vary depending on age, with children and adolescents needing at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day.

Exercise can also improve sleep quality, with studies showing that regular physical activity can help individuals fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

Aerobic exercises, such as running and cycling, are particularly effective for improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

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Behavior

Bernedoodles are goofy and playful, making them a joy to be around. They love being beside their family and are generally gentle.

With proper training, Bernedoodles can grow into sweet and happy dogs. Early and consistent training is key to developing good behavior in this breed.

Bernedoodles don't bark very often, which is a bonus for families who value a quiet home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Bernedoodle shed a lot?

Bernedoodles are known to be low shedders, but individual results may vary. Some Bernedoodles may shed more than others, especially if they inherit shedding traits from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent.

What is the most sought after Bernedoodle?

The most sought-after Bernedoodle is the Tri-Color Bernedoodle, known for its classic Bernese Mountain Dog appearance. This rare and desirable color pattern makes it a highly coveted breed among Bernedoodle enthusiasts.

What is an adult standard Bernedoodle?

An adult standard Bernedoodle is a medium to large-sized dog weighing between 45-115 pounds and standing 23-29 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite this wide size range, standard Bernedoodles can make wonderful companions for active families.

What are the cons of a mini Bernedoodle?

Mini Bernedoodles require regular grooming and may be prone to inherited health issues from their parent breeds

Are Bernedoodles good house dogs?

Bernedoodles are wonderful family dogs who make great house companions, especially with children, due to their loyal and affectionate nature. They thrive on being around their owners and love to be part of the family.

Marlene Friesen

Lead Writer

Marlene Friesen is a talented writer with a passion for crafting engaging content that resonates with readers. With a keen eye for detail and a love for animals, she has established herself as a go-to expert in the realm of pet naming. Her articles, which have appeared in various online publications, offer insightful and creative suggestions for choosing the perfect name for your furry friend.