Bernedoodle Puppy Ownership: What You Need to Know

If you're considering bringing a Bernedoodle puppy into your family, there are a few things you should know. Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, which makes them a unique and lovable breed.

Bernedoodles are generally friendly and outgoing, but they can be wary of strangers at first. Their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

Bernedoodles require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. This includes daily brushing and regular trimming.

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The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, inheriting the intelligence of its Poodle parents and the charming temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

This breed is a companion dog through and through, happiest when spending time with their families, children included, and willing participants in playtime and cuddle fests alike.

Bernedoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate, making them a great choice for families or single owners looking for a lovable, smart mixed-breed.

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They also tend to be more hypoallergenic, which is a blessing for allergy sufferers.

Their coats can be curly and wavy or straight and come in a variety of colors, with three sizes to choose from: tiny, miniature, and standard.

Smaller sized Bernedoodles make better apartment pets, while Standard Bernedoodles do best with a yard to burn off energy.

This breed has moderate exercise needs, usually met with at least one long daily walk.

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The Bernedoodle breed has a fascinating history. It was first created in 2003 by Sherry Rupke, who intentionally bred Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to create the Bernedoodle.

The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, and as such, it's not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, it is recognized by several other organizations, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Breed Registry.

You might be surprised to learn that while the Bernedoodle is considered a designer breed, you can still find them in shelters and rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs. This means there's no need to rely on a breeder for a Bernedoodle, and adopting is always a great option.

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Bernedoodles were created in the wake of the "doodle" craze that swept the world after the Labradoodle came on the scene in the 1990s. This was a deliberate attempt to create a new breed by crossing two existing breeds.

The Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed, which means it's not a purebred dog with a fixed breed standard. As a result, there's a lot of variation in how individual Bernedoodles look and act, making it difficult to predict what you'll get if you buy a Bernedoodle puppy.

Bernedoodles can be classified into different generations, including F1, F2, and F3. An F1 Bernedoodle is a 50-50 cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and a purebred Poodle, resulting in quite variable puppies.

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Bernedoodles come in three main size options: Toy, Mini, and Standard. Toy Bernedoodles are generally less than 15 inches in height and between 10 and 25 pounds in weight.

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Their size is determined by the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard size. For example, Toy Bernedoodles are bred using a toy Poodle, while Mini Bernedoodles are bred using a miniature Poodle.

The size of a Bernedoodle can also affect its lifespan, with smaller dogs like Toy Bernedoodles aging more slowly than larger versions.

Here are the typical heights and weights for each size of Bernedoodle:

Bernedoodles typically have a thick, wavy, or curly coat that is often tricolor, with black, white, and brown markings. This coat type is great insulation against the elements, and although coat type may vary from dog to dog, they typically need to be groomed often.

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Bernedoodles can vary in size, but they generally fall within a medium to large range. They can grow up to a certain height, but it's not specified in the article. Some Bernedoodles may be smaller than others, while others may be larger. However, their size is not the only factor that determines their overall appearance.

There are three main size options for Bernedoodles: Toy, Mini, and Standard. Each size is determined by the size of the Poodle parent.

Toy Bernedoodles are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Toy Poodle, and they're generally less than 15 inches in height. They weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, making them a great option for those who want a smaller dog.

Mini Bernedoodles, on the other hand, are bred using Miniature Poodles. They're medium-sized dogs, typically around 20 inches tall and weighing 25 to 50 pounds.

Standard Bernedoodles can reach up to 30 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds.

Here's a quick size reference guide:

Keep in mind that individual dogs can vary in size, even within the same litter.

Bernedoodles are highly intelligent dogs that pick up commands easily once training begins.

They are good with children and other dogs, provided they have been well-socialized.

Bernedoodles can be a bit stubborn, inheriting this trait from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent, but it tends to fade away as they mature.

They are loving and kind, making them a great addition to nearly any family.

Bernedoodles love spending time around children and are gentle with smaller pets like cats.

They can be guarded and cautious when meeting new people, but with proper socialization, they become friendly and loving.

With a good breeder and early training, your Bernedoodle puppy will grow to be a sweet and happy dog.

Bernedoodles crave attention and at least moderate exercise, so they do best in homes where they're not left alone for long periods of time.

They'll need at least a nice, long daily walk to burn off energy and keep them happy and healthy.

Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles are better suited for apartment and city life than Standard Bernedoodles.

Overall, Bernedoodles are perfect for families who want a loyal and loving companion that will be by their side for years to come.

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The Bernedoodle is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia can affect their joints, while Progressive Retinal Atrophy can lead to blindness.

Some Bernedoodles may also experience skin issues, allergies, and hot spots due to their dense and curly coat. Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Patellar Luxation, Addison’s Disease, and Cushing’s Disease are other potential health concerns. Heart Issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, can also affect the breed.

Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. Brush your Bernedoodle daily, and consider trimming every 4-8 weeks, depending on their coat type. This will also help prevent excessive shedding, which can be a problem for some Bernedoodles.

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Bernedoodles have a unique coat that can vary in texture and shedding. Their coats can be wavy, curly, or straight, with the curly and wavy coats being more common.

The thickness of their coat helps them thrive in cool temperatures and provides protection from the heat of summer months. Their coat also requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Bernedoodles typically need to be brushed every week, with curly and wavy coats requiring more frequent brushing to prevent matting. They also need to be trimmed every four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly their coat grows.

Some Bernedoodles may shed excessively, which is usually due to irresponsible breeding. However, high-quality breeders can help avoid this issue.

Here's a breakdown of the different coat types and their grooming needs:

It's worth noting that Bernedoodles with straight coats tend to shed more and require more frequent brushing. On the other hand, those with curly coats shed less but require more frequent trimming.

Overall, Bernedoodles require regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. With the right care and attention, their beautiful coats will shine and bring joy to their owners.

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

Their allergies can be from food or the environment.

Persistent itching or licking, rashes, skin and ear infections, and hair loss are common signs of allergies in Bernedoodles.

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

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

Exercise and Training is a crucial part of raising a happy and healthy Bernedoodle puppy. Positive reinforcement training methods are a must, especially since Bernedoodles are sensitive dogs.

Start leash training immediately, as Bernedoodles love going on lots of walks, and they'll be eager to learn basic cues and fun tricks. This will also help with potty training and crate training.

You'll want to provide about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can be fulfilled with activities like walks, runs, obstacle courses, and games of fetch. Don't forget to socialize your Bernedoodle with other dogs – trips to the dog park are a great way for them to meet new friends.

Here are some fun activities you can try with your Bernedoodle:

Exercise is a vital part of a Bernedoodle's life, and they need plenty of it. Daily exercise should include one or two walks a day, plus off-leash games of fetch in a safely enclosed space like a fenced yard or dog park.

Bernedoodles are athletic and love to stay active, so they'll likely enjoy fun dog sports like agility, hiking, flyball, running, swimming, rally, and dock jumping.

If you're planning to own a Bernedoodle, be prepared to give them about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can fulfill these needs by trying activities like walks and runs, obstacle courses, and games of fetch.

Bernedoodles also enjoy socializing with other dogs, so trips to the dog park are a great way for them to meet other puppies.

Bernedoodles are known to be sensitive, so it's best to use positive reinforcement during training. This encourages your dog to behave while strengthening your bond.

Bernedoodles are smart and quick to learn, making them a joy to train. They'll pick up basic cues, fun tricks, and essentials like crate training and potty training in no time.

To get the best results from your Bernedoodle, use positive training methods like clicker training paired with tasty treat rewards. This will help you overcome any stubbornness they may inherit from their Bernese mountain dog side.

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Start obedience training using positive reinforcement from a young age. This will help your puppy grow into an adult dog who knows the rules and gets along great with people and other pets.

Some common behavioral issues in Bernedoodles include disobedience, separation anxiety, play biting, chewing, and jumping. Don't worry, these behaviors will diminish with age, but proper training will help them disappear sooner.

Here are some common training issues to watch out for and how to address them:

Feeding your Bernedoodle puppy a nutritious, well-rounded diet is essential to its well-being and growth. Puppies should be fed about three to four meals a day on a regular schedule.

You should select a brand that lists meat as the primary ingredient when looking for a dog food. It's also a good idea to consult your veterinarian, as they can let you know whether your dog will benefit from dry food, wet food or a combination of both.

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Bernedoodle puppies should eat food formulated for large breeds if they may grow to be giant-sized by adulthood. This will encourage slow and steady growth.

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

As long as your dog is eating a well-balanced dog food approved by the AAFCO, they shouldn’t need any nutritional supplements unless your vet recommends them.

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Bernedoodles are excellent family pets, especially with young children. They're great with kids, but it's essential to teach them how to treat animals gently, especially with Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles that may be injured more easily.

Their even temperaments and outgoing natures make them a great addition to any home. They're affectionate, love to play, and adore spending time with their families.

Bernedoodles usually do well with other dogs, but socialization from an early age is crucial to ensure they're comfortable around new animals. This is especially important for Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles.

Their innate desire to please their owners makes them highly trainable, which is a huge bonus for families. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Bernedoodle puppy to be a well-behaved and loving member of the family.

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Owning a pet can be a life-changing experience, and it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Considering the benefits and drawbacks can help you decide if owning a pet is right for you.

Pros of owning a pet include having a constant companion and friend. Bernedoodles, in particular, can make great pets for many families.

If you're unsure about the pros and cons of owning a Bernedoodle, let's take a closer look. Here are some key benefits of owning a Bernedoodle:

However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. For example, Bernedoodles may be skittish with strangers, which can make socialization a bit challenging. They may also be stubborn or hard to train, which can be frustrating for some owners.