Bernedoodle Growing Up: From Puppy to Adult

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Posted Oct 16, 2024

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Close-Up Shot of a Puppy
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As a Bernedoodle owner, you're probably eager to see your adorable puppy grow into a confident and loving adult dog. At around 12-18 months, your Bernedoodle will enter a period of rapid growth and development, which can be both exciting and challenging.

During this time, your Bernedoodle will experience a significant increase in size, with males reaching up to 80 pounds and females up to 60 pounds. This growth spurt can be intense, with some Bernedoodles gaining up to 3-4 pounds per week.

As your Bernedoodle grows, their energy levels will also increase, requiring more exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes and some playtime in a securely fenced area can help meet their needs.

As your Bernedoodle matures, they'll also become more independent and may test boundaries, so be patient and consistent with training and socialization. With time and effort, your Bernedoodle will become a loving and loyal companion, bringing joy and happiness into your life.

Puppy Development

Credit: youtube.com, Bernedoodle growth and time-lapse video!

Puppies are born helpless and blind, weighing around 1 pound at birth, and will double in size by one week old. They'll stick close to their mom at all times, nursing and sleeping.

As they grow, their bones will start to take shape, but they'll be made up of muscle, tendons, and ligaments, with skin covering, and joints won't be fully formed yet. This means it's essential to handle them gently and avoid activities that can damage their developing joints.

By one month old, Bernedoodles can weigh 5 to 10 pounds and will start to be more alert, with their eyes and ears open. They'll still want to nurse but will be fully weaned soon, and you can start introducing puppy mush or kibble soaked in water.

Infancy

Infancy is a critical stage in a Bernedoodle's life, and it's essential to understand what to expect during this time. At birth, Bernedoodles weigh about 1 pound.

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Stages of Puppy Growth and Development - Dog Years

They will double in size by the time they reach one week old, so be prepared for rapid growth. Puppies are quite helpless at this stage and need to stick close to their mom at all times.

Their eyes and ears will be closed, and they won't be able to see or hear much. Mother's milk is essential to support them during this very sensitive time, so they need as much milk as possible.

By one month old, Bernedoodles can weigh 5 to 10 pounds, depending on their size. They'll start to be more alert and their eyes and ears will be open now.

Puppy teeth will start to erupt around 3 to 6 weeks, so be prepared for some teething fun. Puppies are gaining weight rapidly and will still want to be near mom and try to nurse, but they'll be fully weaned soon.

Recommended read: Blue Eyed Bernedoodle

Puppy Timeline

At birth, Bernedoodle puppies weigh about 1 pound and are quite helpless, so it's essential to stick close to mom. They're born blind and deaf, and mother's milk is crucial to support them during this sensitive time.

Credit: youtube.com, Puppy Development Stages Birth to 2 Years

By one week old, Bernedoodle puppies will have doubled in size, weighing around 2 pounds, and will continue this rapid growth pattern. They'll be nursing and sleeping a lot, but soon they'll start to develop their senses.

At 3 to 6 weeks old, Bernedoodle puppies will begin to erupt their puppy teeth, and their eyes and ears will start to open. You can start offering puppy mush, gradually increasing the food as they eat more.

One month old Bernedoodles can weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds, depending on their size, and will be more alert, but still want to be near mom and nurse. They'll be fully weaned soon, so be prepared to introduce puppy kibble.

By 12 months old, Bernedoodles are considered adults and can weigh between 70 to 80 pounds for males and 70 to 75 pounds for females. They'll still have more weight to put on, but it's essential to switch to adult kibble at this stage.

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Growth and Size

Credit: youtube.com, Bernedoodle 101 + 1 Year Growth Update

Bernedoodles can grow to be quite large, depending on their Poodle size parent. They come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Toy Bernedoodles weigh 10 to 24 pounds and stand under 17 inches tall, while Miniature Bernedoodles weigh 24 to 50 pounds and stand 18 to 22 inches tall.

The Standard Bernedoodle is the largest, weighing between 60 and 90 pounds and standing 23 to 29 inches tall. Larger-sized pups may take up to two years to reach full growth, while smaller versions like Toy and Miniature Bernedoodles reach full growth potential between 8 and 12 months.

Here's a breakdown of the average weight and height of Bernedoodles at different ages:

A unique perspective: Bernedoodle Standard

Two

At two months old, your Bernedoodle puppy will weigh anywhere from 10 to 24 pounds, which is a significant range.

This is a great time to start setting up your puppy's schedule, including regular feeding times and opportunities for socialization.

Credit: youtube.com, What Causes Dwarfism? | Growth Disorder | The Dr Binocs Show | Peekaboo Kidz

Your puppy should be fully weaned from their mother's milk and eating puppy food by now, and you can still add water if they need extra moisture.

Socialization is crucial during these early months, as puppies are most receptive to learning new things.

Crate training is also a good idea at this age, as it will help prevent destructive behavior when left alone.

Eight

At eight months old, your Bernedoodle is likely to weigh between 55 to 59 pounds, with some reaching even more.

By this age, they may seem close to adult size, but keep in mind that they'll still experience growth spurts and lulls, which is perfectly normal.

Your dog's size will depend on the size of their Poodle parents, so some Bernedoodles may be smaller than others.

As they near adulthood, their growth rate will slow down, but they'll still need time to mature physically and mentally.

Nine

At 9 months, your Bernedoodle is likely to weigh between 59 to 62 pounds. This is a significant milestone, considering they're still just a few months shy of their first birthday.

Their growth is substantial, but they have much more to go. Puppy vaccinations are soon to be done.

A 2-year-old Bernedoodle can weigh 90 or more pounds.

Eleven

Credit: youtube.com, Average height of an 11 year old

At eleven months old, your Bernedoodle is likely a force to be reckoned with, weighing in at around 65 to 67 pounds or more.

Your doggie is probably getting close to 70 pounds, so be prepared for a big furry friend taking up space in your home.

They're well set in their ways and routines, but still test those limits, so keep up with training and keep them entertained.

This age is a great time to reinforce good behavior and solidify your bond with your dog.

One Year

At one year old, your Bernedoodle pup has reached a major milestone. They've made it through the first year, which is a big deal.

Your pup is now considered an adult, but they're not fully grown yet. They'll continue to grow over the next several months, even years, to reach physical and mental maturity.

Males are larger than females, weighing between 70 and 80 pounds, while females will be slightly smaller, around 70 to 75 pounds.

You can start to think about switching to adult kibble, but keep in mind that your pup still has more weight to put on.

Calculating Dog Size

Credit: youtube.com, How can I estimate my dog's size?

Calculating dog size can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can get a good estimate of how big your furry friend will get.

You'll need to know your dog's age in weeks and their current weight to use a dog size calculator. This is because the calculator uses a formula to predict your dog's adult weight based on their current weight and age.

The formula is: Adult weight = (Puppy weight / Puppy age in weeks) × 52. This is because there are 52 weeks in a year, and most dogs mature into adults within 12 months.

You can use this formula to calculate your dog's adult weight, or you can simply use a dog size calculator like the one mentioned in Example 10, which uses the same formula to give you an estimate of your dog's adult weight.

Here's a rough guide to help you estimate your dog's size based on their breed group:

Keep in mind that this is just a rough guide, and your dog's actual size may vary depending on their individual characteristics and breed.

Factors Affecting Growth

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Genetics plays a very significant role in determining how large a Bernedoodle will grow. It's one of the most significant factors, in fact.

Their genetic makeup is influenced by their parent breeds, which can be quite large. Bernese Mountain dogs can reach 75 to over 120 pounds when fully grown, while Standard Poodles can reach between 60 and 100 pounds.

Health conditions can also impact a Bernedoodle's growth. Every dog has specific health conditions that will contribute to how large or small they grow.

Nutrition is another crucial factor in a Bernedoodle's growth. Learning about growth milestones and consulting breed size charts can help owners understand what to expect.

But it's essential to remember that growth charts are just guidelines and averages, not specific size goals dogs must meet. Owners must discuss any growth concerns with their veterinarians as soon as possible.

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Training and Socialization

Training and socialization are crucial for a Bernedoodle's development. It's essential to start basic training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home, ideally once vaccinations are done.

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Credit: youtube.com, Puppy Socialization - Tips to Positively Work On Exposure Training

Sign up for a puppy socialization class to help your puppy interact with other young dogs in a supervised setting. You'll learn to read your dog's body language, recognize play cues, and prevent bullying behavior.

Puppy socialization classes will also help you understand and predict your puppy's behavior in social situations. By the end of these classes, you'll be ready to move into basic obedience classes, where you'll learn positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training and tasty treat rewards.

A Bernedoodle's trainability depends on whether they inherited the poodle's agreeable nature or the Bernese mountain dog's stubborn side. Either way, positive training methods will yield the best results.

Three

At three months, your Bernedoodle is a sizable pooch, weighing anywhere from 24-33 pounds. Males will be larger, depending on their Poodle parent's size.

They're full of energy and super curious, so be prepared for plenty of playtime and exploration.

Socialization, training, and house training should be well underway. If you need a little help with training, try looking into puppy classes.

You'll need to set and stick to boundaries to help your pup feel secure and confident.

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Five

Credit: youtube.com, Puppy Training and Socialization! January 5 on Live from The Ranch

At five months, your Bernedoodle is likely to be a big, clumsy, and very playful puppy. They can weigh 42 to 46 pounds or more, and will steadily grow until they are 18 months to a year old.

Make sure your puppy gets outside daily, as they can be very high-energy. This will help burn off some of that excess energy and prevent destructive behavior in your home.

Puppy teeth should start falling out around this age, and adult teeth will grow in. This may cause some moodiness and behavior issues in your pup, so be sure to provide plenty of teething chews to keep them occupied.

For more insights, see: Mini Bernedoodle Energy Level

Ten

At ten months, your Bernedoodle is likely to weigh between 62 and 65 pounds or more.

They're also getting big enough to start taking on more adventures with you, as long as their vaccinations are up to date.

By this age, they should be socializing with other pups, pets, and people to help them become confident and calm in new situations.

Continue to use positive reinforcement training methods to help them learn and grow.

Socialization and Training

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Socialization is key to helping your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. It's essential to expose your puppy to various environments, people, and pets to help them build confidence and learn how to interact with others.

Puppies go through periods of fearfulness, often after a growth spurt, and some are more affected than others. Recognizing and helping them through these times is crucial for their mental stability.

A puppy socialization class is one of the first and most important things to do, once vaccinations are done. It allows your puppy to interact with other young dogs in a supervised setting and helps you learn how to read your dog's body language.

Basic commands and leash training can begin the moment you bring your puppy home. Positive reinforcement methods like clicker training paired with tasty treats will help you get the best results from your Bernedoodle.

A well-built body comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing, not just one. You only get the chance to grow them once, so keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies.

Credit: youtube.com, Training and Socializing Your Service Dog: Puppy's First Week Home

Here are some fun activities you can do with your Bernedoodle as they grow:

  • Agility
  • Hiking
  • Flyball
  • Running
  • Swimming
  • Rally
  • Dock jumping

By ten months, a Standard Bernedoodle weighs between 62 and 65 pounds or more. Continue training and use a lot of positive reinforcement. They should socialize with other pups, pets, and people.

A good puppy is a tired puppy, and exercise is essential to avoid destructive behavior. A structured, consistent environment for training will help your puppy learn the rules and reduce chaos.

Temperament and Care

Bernedoodles are known for their affectionate and friendly personality, making them great family pets.

They can get along well with children and other pets, including other dogs, but some Bernedoodles may be more reserved with strangers.

A Bernedoodle's temperamental traits can vary, but they are generally calm, loyal, and intelligent.

Some Bernedoodles may be hyperactive rather than calm, and training can be challenging if they're stubborn.

To care for a Bernedoodle, you'll need to spend time with them, groom them properly, and make sure they get the exercise they need.

Their exercise needs are moderate, and they require regular playtime to stay happy and healthy.

Here's a summary of a Bernedoodle's temperament and care needs:

Six

Credit: youtube.com, Aqua Puppy Six Week Temperament and Prey Drive Test

At six months old, your Bernedoodle may be mistaken for a full-sized dog, weighing between 46 to 52 pounds.

They'll be eager to please and happy to play all day, but be careful not to overwork them.

These doggies still need time to rest and recover, especially since they're still growing.

Try to stick to regular mealtimes, with a few healthy snacks in between, to keep them fueled and focused.

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding your Bernedoodle measured meals twice a day can help prevent overeating and related health problems.

Choose a high-quality food with high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken, turkey, or lamb, to support your Bernedoodle's large size and energy needs.

To prevent joint disorders like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, it's essential to keep your Bernedoodle lean.

Puppies should eat food formulated for large-breed puppies to encourage slow and steady growth.

A standard Bernedoodle puppy that may grow to be giant-sized by adulthood should be fed large-breed puppy food.

For another approach, see: Bernedoodle Breed

Credit: youtube.com, Nutrition for a Healthy Life

Talk to your breeder or veterinarian to get a recommendation for a healthy food for your Bernedoodle.

Keep your Bernedoodle on puppy food until they reach about a year, then slowly transition them to adult food to ensure a smooth transition.

Be careful not to overfeed your Bernedoodle, as this is common among large breeds.

The Temperament of - What You Need to Know

Bernedoodles are known for their affectionate and friendly personality, making them great family pets. They can get along well with children and other pets, including other dogs.

One thing to keep in mind is that Bernedoodles can be quite variable when it comes to their temperamental and physical traits. Some Bernedoodles are outgoing and social, while others are more reserved with strangers.

Some Bernedoodles are hyperactive, while others are calm. And, as with any breed, training can be a challenge, especially if your Bernedoodle is stubborn.

Here's a breakdown of the temperament traits of Bernedoodles:

Bernedoodles often start to calm down around a year or so, but they will retain a playful personality and high energy intensity into adulthood.

Care

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament Testing a Dog for Doggy Day Care and training

To care for a Bernedoodle, you'll need to commit to regular grooming, which can be a fun bonding experience for you and your dog. Brush your Bernedoodle's coat a few times a week, depending on the type of coat they have.

Training is also essential, as Bernedoodles can be quite different in terms of temperament, despite their mixed heritage. Consistency and patience are key when training a Bernedoodle.

Exercise is crucial for a Bernedoodle's physical and mental health, so make sure to provide them with regular physical activity. This can be as simple as a daily walk or playtime in the yard.

Trimming your Bernedoodle's nails every two weeks is also essential to prevent overgrowth. Look inside their ears weekly and clean them with a pet-safe ear cleaner if they look dirty.

Bernedoodles that shed more, often those with straighter coats, require more frequent brushing to prevent matting. This can be daily or every other day, depending on the individual dog.

Expand your knowledge: Bernedoodle Coat Types

Final Thoughts

Close-up of a Golden Retriever Puppy Lying on the Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Golden Retriever Puppy Lying on the Grass

Bernedoodles are known to be lively and affectionate companions that love people. They are eager to please and make great family pets.

Their size can vary greatly, depending on their parents. On average, Standard Bernedoodles can reach between 60 to 90 pounds or even 100 pounds or more.

As with any mixed breed, there is a lot of unpredictability surrounding size and appearance. This means owners can't always tell how big their Bernedoodle will get.

With smaller-sized Poodle parents, Bernedoodles will be significantly smaller. This is just one of the many factors that can influence their final size.

Our Bernedoodle growth chart can provide guidelines throughout a puppy's first year and growth milestones. This can help owners track where their puppy is and get a better sense of their adult size.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does a Bernedoodle calm down?

A Bernedoodle's calmness typically develops around 2 years old, but this can vary from dog to dog. Understanding individual temperaments is key to knowing when your Bernedoodle will reach a calm stage.

At what age is a Bernedoodle full grown?

Bernedoodles typically reach full size between 12 to 18 months, but larger ones may continue growing until 2 years old. Growth rates vary based on genetics, nutrition, and health.

Why are Bernedoodles so hard to train?

Bernedoodles can be challenging to train due to their potential stubborn streak during adolescence. Establishing a consistent daily routine and leadership can help overcome this obstacle.

Sources

  1. Reddit (reddit.com)
  2. mother’s milk (cornell.edu)
  3. spayed and neutered (welovedoodles.com)
  4. Bernedoodle Puppy Basics (doodlepuppies.sale)
  5. Dog Size Calculator | How big will my puppy get? (omnicalculator.com)
  6. Sherry Rupke (bernedoodles.com)
  7. 2003 by Sherry Rupke (bernedoodleworld.com)

Shreyashi Gill

Writer

Shreyashi Gill is a talented writer with a passion for crafting compelling stories and characters. With a keen eye for detail, she weaves intricate narratives that transport readers to new worlds and perspectives. Throughout her career, Shreyashi has honed her craft through various writing mediums, from short stories to full-length novels.