Bernedoodle Lifespan: A Guide to Their Health and Longevity

Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, and their lifespan can vary depending on several factors. On average, a Bernedoodle can live for 12-15 years.

Their lifespan is influenced by the size of the Poodle used in breeding, with smaller Poodles resulting in a longer lifespan. In general, a Bernedoodle's lifespan is determined by the average lifespan of its parent breeds.

A Bernedoodle's lifespan can vary depending on its size and health.

Bernedoodles are generally considered to be a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.

The average lifespan of a Bernedoodle is between 12-18 years.

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The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically a Standard Poodle. This unique combination creates a friendly and outgoing breed.

They are often described as intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dogs. Their intelligence is a result of the Poodle's influence, making them highly trainable.

Bernedoodles can come in a variety of sizes, from Toy to Standard, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. This size variation affects their energy levels and exercise needs.

Their coats can be a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog's tri-color coat and the Poodle's curly coat, resulting in a unique and varied appearance.

For another approach, see: Bernedoodle Coat Types

The Bernedoodle's origins are a fascinating story. Sherry Rupke, a Canadian breeder, is credited with intentionally breeding the Bernese Mountain Poo in 2003.

Rupke's goal was to create a hypoallergenic dog that lived a longer, healthier life. Sadly, Bernese Mountain Dogs have an average life expectancy of just 7 years.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, originally from Switzerland, was bred to work hard in guarding and driving livestock. They're large, strong, and surprisingly gentle!

Bernedoodles often inherit their patience and good-natured temperaments from their Bernese Mountain parent. This makes them a great fit for families with kids.

Their Poodle parent brings intelligence, energy levels, and good looks to the mix.

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Caring for your Bernedoodle requires attention to their feeding needs, as their diet can vary depending on their size and energy level. You'll want to provide a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs.

Feeding your Bernedoodle regularly is essential, with two to three meals a day recommended for puppies and one to two meals a day for adult dogs. Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Grooming is also a crucial aspect of Bernedoodle care, as their coat can be prone to matting and tangling. Regular brushing and trimming can help prevent these issues.

Spending quality time with your Bernedoodle is vital for their emotional and mental well-being. This can be as simple as playing fetch or going for a walk.

Exercise is also essential for Bernedoodles, with daily walks and playtime recommended to keep them happy and healthy. The amount of exercise needed will vary depending on their age and size.

Bernedoodles can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, Bernese mountain dogs and poodles. Both breeds are prone to cancer, with Bernese mountain dogs being particularly susceptible to malignant histiocytosis.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common in both breeds, causing pain and difficulty moving. Eye diseases, such as entropion and ectropion, can affect Bernese mountain dogs.

Autoimmune diseases, like meningitis, can occur in Bernese mountain dogs, while poodles are at risk of idiopathic epilepsy. These conditions can have a significant impact on a dog's quality of life.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Bernedoodles:

Feeding your Bernedoodle measured meals twice a day, rather than leaving food out all the time, is a good idea to prevent overeating.

This approach helps keep your Bernedoodle lean, which is crucial for preventing joint disorders like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

Standard Bernedoodle puppies that may grow to be giant-sized by adulthood need food formulated for large-breed puppies to encourage slow and steady growth.

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This type of food is essential for their development, and you should talk to your breeder or veterinarian to get a recommendation for a healthy food.

You should also ask your breeder or veterinarian for an ideal healthy weight for your adult Bernedoodle, as this will help you determine how much food they need.

Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common concern with large breeds, and Bernedoodles are no exception. This condition can be worsened if your Bernedoodle is over-exercised in puppyhood.

Bernedoodles have a higher risk of developing cancer due to their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. The risk is highest with Standard Bernedoodles and decreases with the size of the pup.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to various health issues, including cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, cardiac disease, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, and von Willebrand disease.

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

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Some genetic health conditions that can affect Bernedoodles include idiopathic epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and luxating patella.

Responsible breeders test their adult purebred dogs for genetic diseases before breeding them together, and reputable breeders test their adult Bernedoodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the probability of genetic issues in the puppies.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Bernedoodles:

As we explore the lifespan of Bernedoodles, it's essential to consider their exercise needs. Bernedoodles require daily exercise, including one or two walks a day.

To keep your Bernedoodle happy and healthy, you'll want to incorporate off-leash games of fetch in a safely enclosed space, such as a fenced yard or dog park. This will give them the freedom to run around and have fun.

Bernedoodles with athletic builds and biddable temperaments might enjoy training for fun dog sports. Some activities they're likely to love include agility, hiking, flyball, running, swimming, rally, and dock jumping.

To ensure your Bernedoodle gets enough physical and mental stimulation, consider enrolling them in one or more of these activities. Not only will it keep them active, but it'll also strengthen your bond and provide a sense of accomplishment for both of you.

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The life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is a fascinating topic. The average Bernedoodle life span is between 12 to 18 years, and it's influenced by their size, generation, and health.

Tiny Bernedoodles, being the smallest of the bunch, can live up to 18 years. This is due to their slower growth rate, which means they age at a lower speed than larger breeds.

Standard Bernedoodles, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan, typically reaching the age of 15. This is because their purebred parents, a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle, both have shorter lifespans.

Mini Bernedoodles, being the result of breeding a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Miniature Poodle, can live up to 17 years. This is thanks to the Miniature Poodle's longer lifespan.

Here's a rough estimate of how long your Bernedoodle will live based on their size:

Calculating a Bernedoodle's age in human years is a bit more complicated than just multiplying their age by 7. According to the table, a Tiny Bernedoodle's age in human years is:

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your Bernedoodle's lifespan will depend on various factors, including their diet, exercise, and health conditions.