Berner Doodle Hunting Dog Care and General Information

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Posted Oct 11, 2024

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The Bernedoodle is a versatile hunting dog that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

To keep your Bernedoodle's coat clean and well-groomed, brush them at least twice a week. This will help prevent matting and tangling.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great breed for first-time dog owners. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can learn to obey commands and behave well in various situations.

A Bernedoodle's diet should consist of high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs.

Physical Characteristics

Bernedoodles are squarely built with oval eyes, dark, and set far apart. They have ears hanging close to their head, long, triangular muzzle, and a bushy tail that is carried high.

Their coat is thick and dense, with harsh texture, and can be curly, wavy, or straight. The curlier the hair, the more hypoallergenic the dog is.

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Their coat comes in a variety of colours, including white, brown, black, and tri-coloured with patches of black, white, and brown. They can also have blue, grey, fawn, apricot, cream, and merle coats.

Here are the different sizes of Bernedoodles:

Males are generally larger than females, and their weight and height can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent.

Size

Bernedoodles come in three sizes: tiny, miniature, and standard. The size of your Bernedoodle will depend 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. Males are generally larger than females.

The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. Standard Bernedoodles are the largest, and often weigh between 70 to 90 lbs.

The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches tall. Tiny Bernedoodles only weigh between 10 to 24 lbs.

For your interest: Bernedoodle Standard

Appearance

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Bernedoodles come in a variety of coat types, including curly, wavy, and straight hair. Their coat is thick and dense, with a harsh texture that's perfect for colder climates.

The curlier the hair, the more hypoallergenic the dog is. This is because curly coats shed less, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Their coat can also be corded, with cords varying in length. This unique feature adds to their overall charm and character.

Coat colors can range from pure white to tri-colored with patches of black, white, and brown. Some Bernedoodles can even have blue, grey, fawn, apricot, cream, or merle coats.

Here are the different coat colors you can expect to see in a Bernedoodle:

  • White
  • Brown
  • Black
  • Black and white
  • Black and brown
  • White and brown
  • Black sable
  • Tri-coloured with patches of black, white, and brown
  • Blue
  • Grey
  • Fawn
  • Apricot
  • Cream
  • Merle

Bernedoodles are squarely built, with oval eyes that are dark and set far apart. Their ears hang close to their head, and their muzzle is long and triangular.

Their tail is bushy and carried high, and they have thick, cushioned pads on their feet. If the Bernese genetics is more dominant, the Bernedoodle will look more sturdy and square, with a longer figure than height.

Health and Nutrition

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Bernedoodles are known for their robust health, often outliving their purebred parents. A Standard Bernedoodle can live up to 15 years.

Their longevity is a testament to their good health, with some Mini Bernedoodles living up to 17 years and Toy Bernedoodles reaching 18 years.

Common Health Problems

Bernedoodles can inherit health problems from their parent breeds, the Bernese mountain dog and the poodle. This is because genes don't necessarily work in a way that cancels out inherited disorders.

Some common health issues in Bernese mountain dogs include cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, cardiac disease, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, von Willebrand disease, and gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat.

Poodles can also be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, eye diseases, autoimmune diseases, and von Willebrand disease.

Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred dogs and test them for genetic diseases before breeding them together. This helps decrease the probability that the puppies will be affected by genetic issues.

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Here are some specific health problems that can affect Bernedoodles:

  • Cancer: A leading cause of death among Bernese mountain dogs, which can also affect Bernedoodles.
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia: These orthopedic disorders can cause pain and difficulty moving.
  • Eye diseases: Various conditions, such as entropion and ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts, can affect Bernedoodles.
  • Von Willebrand disease: A blood clotting disorder that can cause bleeding while teething, spontaneous hemorrhaging, and prolonged bleeding.

Diet and Nutrition

Your furry friend's weight range is crucial to determine their diet and nutrition needs. Bernedoodles can range from 10 to 90 pounds, so it's essential to know where your pup fits in.

Feeding the right amount of food is vital, and overeating can lead to weight gain, which is unhealthy for any dog. Ask your vet about food portioning to ensure you're feeding your pup the right amount.

A miniature Bernedoodle needs to be fed differently than a standard Bernedoodle to avoid overeating and weight gain. Be sure to choose a dog food that's suitable for your pup's size.

The right dog food can make a huge difference in your pup's health and nutrition. Your vet can help you choose the best food for your Bernedoodle.

Explore further: Vets Dog Treats

Exercise and Training

Bernedoodles are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.

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To keep them physically and mentally stimulated, Bernedoodles need to engage in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience training and scent work. This can be done through positive reinforcement training methods, which focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior.

With consistent training and exercise, Bernedoodles can grow into well-behaved and loyal companions.

Exercise and Activity

Exercise and activity are essential for your Bernepoo's physical and mental well-being. A long daily walk is usually enough to tire them out and make them happy.

Bernepoos love to be close to their family and have a playful, energetic nature. They will happily join their owner on a run or any other physical activity.

Provided they have their daily walk, Bernepoos are very adaptable to different lifestyles. They can thrive in less active households.

Playtime is crucial for Bernepoos, and they love to cuddle close to humans.

Trainability

Training your Bernedoodle requires patience and consistency. They can be trained to follow commands through positive reinforcement, which is a great way to encourage good behavior.

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Bernedoodles are highly intelligent dogs, thanks to their poodle parent. With the right approach, they can learn quickly and easily.

Positive reinforcement is a key part of training a Bernedoodle. This means rewarding good behavior with treats and praise, rather than punishing bad behavior.

Consistency is key when training a Bernedoodle. They thrive on routine and predictability, so try to establish a regular training schedule.

General Information

The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, making them a unique and versatile hunting dog.

Their size can vary depending on the size of the parent breeds, but they typically weigh between 40-80 pounds and stand between 18-24 inches tall.

Bernedoodles are known for their high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

About and History

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

They are often called Bernese Mountain Dog Poos, Bernepoos, Bernesepoos, and Bernesedoodles, and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but are recognized by other clubs like the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Breed Registry.

A different take: Blue Pointer Dog Breed

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The Bernedoodle was created to be a good companion dog, rather than a show dog, and as a result, they can vary in appearance, with puppies from the same litter having different sizes and coats.

This variation is due to the genetic contribution from each parent, and second-generation Bernedoodles (F2) are more consistent and predictable in terms of appearance and temperament.

However, F2 Bernedoodles also have a higher chance of being affected by the health problems of their parents.

Bernedoodles that are 75% Poodle (F1B) are the most hypoallergenic and shed the least, making them a great option for those with allergies.

See what others are reading: F2 Bernedoodle

Breed Overview

The Poodle is a versatile breed that comes in three main sizes: standard, miniature, and tiny.

Standard Poodles weigh between 50 to 90 pounds.

Their height at the shoulder ranges from 23 to 29 inches.

Miniature Poodles, on the other hand, are significantly smaller, weighing between 25 to 49 pounds and standing 18 to 22 inches tall.

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Tiny Poodles are the smallest of the bunch, weighing between 10 to 24 pounds and reaching a height of 12 to 17 inches.

Their coats are highly variable, often described as wavy to curly in texture.

As for coat color, Poodles come in a wide range of colors, but the most common ones are black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-color.

On average, Poodles can live for 12 to 17 years, depending on their size.

Poodles are known for their active, playful, and social nature, making them a great companion for many families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bernedoodles good hunting dogs?

Bernedoodles excel as hunting dogs due to their intelligence and love for challenge, making them a great fit for active families. With proper training, they can be an excellent addition to hunting teams.

Do Bernedoodles have a prey drive?

Bernedoodles generally have a low prey drive, making them a great match for families with cats and other pets. Their calm nature is inherited from their Bernese Mountain Dog roots, where they were bred to be gentle farm companions.

Which doodle is best for hunting?

For hunting, the American Hunting Doodle is a top choice due to its exceptional intelligence, versatility, and loyalty. This hybrid breed combines the best traits of Standard Poodles and various Retriever breeds for a superior hunting companion.

Is a Bernedoodle a herding dog?

Bernedoodles can exhibit herding behavior due to their Bernese Mountain Dog heritage, but it's not a defining characteristic of the breed. With proper training, Bernedoodles can learn to control their herding instincts

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.