If you're considering bringing a Bernedoodle or Mini Bernedoodle into your family, understanding the differences between these two adorable breeds is crucial. Bernedoodles are generally larger, weighing between 70-90 pounds, with a height of 20-24 inches.
Their size is just one aspect to consider, as Bernedoodles are also prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and eye problems. On the other hand, Mini Bernedoodles are smaller, weighing between 20-40 pounds, with a height of 14-18 inches.
While size is a significant difference, both Bernedoodles and Mini Bernedoodles are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They're highly social and love to be around people, making them great family pets.
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Physical Characteristics
Bernedoodles can vary in color, but they're typically tricolor like their mountain dog mom or dad. They can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix.
Their fur can be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog. The straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed.
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A curly Bernedoodle coat is typically sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is 100 percent allergen-friendly, this breed's coat can be a good option for those who tend to sneeze, sniffle, or itch around dogs.
Bernedoodles can be different sizes, too, just like poodles. They come in tiny, miniature, and standard sizes, which allows for flexibility with the care and living needs of each pup.
A standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds. A mini Bernedoodle is between 18–22 inches tall and weighs 20–45 pounds.
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Size and Variations
The Bernedoodle and Mini Bernedoodle breeds come in a range of sizes, from the standard to the toy. A standard Bernedoodle typically weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands 22 to 29 inches tall.
The size of a Bernedoodle can vary depending on the size of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents used in the crossbreeding process. For example, if a toy Poodle is used as one of the parents, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may be smaller.
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Mini Bernedoodles are a smaller version of the standard breed, weighing between 20 and 50 pounds and standing 14 to 22 inches high. Their size depends on the parents involved in the breeding process, with mini Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs typically being used.
Toy Bernedoodles are the smallest variant, weighing between 10 and 20 pounds and standing 10 to 14 inches tall. They are ideal for apartment living and those seeking a smaller companion.
Standard
Standard Bernedoodles typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds.
Their height can vary, but on average, they stand between 22 to 29 inches.
The size of a standard Bernedoodle can be influenced by the size of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents used in the crossbreeding process.
If a toy Poodle is used as one of the parents, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may be smaller than a standard Poodle.
Using a standard Bernese Mountain Dog as one of the parents can result in Bernedoodle puppies that are larger than those bred with a smaller Poodle.
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Toy
The toy Bernedoodle is the smallest variant of the Bernedoodle breed, weighing between 10 and 20 pounds and standing 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder.
They're ideal for apartment living and for those seeking a smaller, more manageable companion.
Typically, toy Bernedoodles are bred by crossing a tiny or toy Poodle with a small Bernese Mountain Dog.
This intentional crossbreeding results in even smaller Bernedoodle puppies, offering a more compact version of the breed.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breeding strategy helps maintain the breed's desirable traits while catering to those who prefer a smaller dog.
To maintain their healthy coat, toy Bernedoodles require regular grooming, including frequent brushing, baths, nail trimmings, and ear cleanings.
Here's a comparison of the different Bernedoodle sizes:
These dogs are also known to make great therapy dogs and companions for families with children, due to their calm and gentle nature.
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Health and Lifespan
Bernedoodles are known to be generally healthy, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy are some of the potential health concerns that can affect Bernedoodles.
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Their lifespan can vary depending on the size of the Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles typically live between 10-12 years, while Mini Bernedoodles can live up to 16 years.
Genetic testing can be a valuable tool in identifying potential health issues in Bernedoodles. This can include testing for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and Von Willebrand's disease.
Some Bernedoodles may be more prone to skin issues due to their thick coats. Regular grooming can help prevent skin problems like hot spots.
Here's a breakdown of the potential health concerns that can affect Bernedoodles:
Overall, Bernedoodles can make wonderful pets for families, but it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect them.
Care and Feeding
Bernedoodles are highly intelligent dogs that require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. They thrive on interaction with their humans and can become destructive if left alone for too long.
Standard Bernedoodles need a nice yard to run around and play in, while Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles are more suited to apartment life. They require daily walkies to burn off their energy.
A Bernedoodle's coat type can affect their grooming needs - those with curly coats will need frequent brushing to prevent matting, and may require a haircut every few months.
Feeding
Feeding your Bernedoodle requires attention to their size, age, and activity level, making it highly individualized.
Standard Bernedoodles can be voracious eaters, so monitoring their food intake and weight is essential.
You'll need to provide plenty of physical activity to keep them healthy and happy.
It's best to ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations tailored to your dog's specific needs.
Care
Bernedoodles are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to personal space, but they do require some exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. They're perfect for apartment living, but Standard Bernedoodles thrive with a fenced-in yard to run around.
A Bernedoodle's intelligence means they can learn quickly, both good and bad habits. So, it's essential to keep up with training and socialization from an early age.
Bernedoodles need regular grooming due to their curly coats, which can lead to painful matting if not brushed frequently. They'll also need regular haircuts every few months to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.
Bernedoodles are highly individualized when it comes to feeding, with Standard Bernedoodles being voracious eaters that need careful monitoring to prevent overeating. Your veterinarian can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your dog's size, age, and activity level.
With proper training and socialization, Bernedoodles can become well-behaved and confident companions. They thrive on positive reinforcement and consistent social stimulation to prevent undesirable behaviors like digging or destructive chewing.
Bernedoodles are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence, but they can be unpredictable at times. Some Bernedoodles may inherit the Bernese's willfulness or the Poodle's high energy, requiring more patience and attention from their owners.
Personality
Bernedoodles are highly intelligent dogs that pick up commands easily once they begin training. They can inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog's stubbornness, but this trait tends to fade away as they become adolescent dogs.
Bernedoodles are loyal and loving companions, especially with children, and they make wonderful family pets. They're also great with other dogs, provided they've been well-socialized.
Inheriting the Bernese's apprehension around strangers is a common trait, so socialization is crucial, especially at a young age. This means exposing them to new people, places, and experiences to help them become confident and calm in new situations.
Bernedoodles crave attention and moderate exercise, and they do best in homes where they're not left alone for long periods of time. They need at least a daily walk to burn off energy, and they love to play outside with their humans.
As a result, Bernedoodles are not suited for life in an outside kennel and need to be a part of the family. They're happy to join their humans on the couch for cuddles, and they make perfect therapy and service dogs due to their gentle and confident nature.
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Exercise and Living Needs
Bernedoodles are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They love to be active outdoors, whether it's hiking, swimming, or running.
They need lots of TLC, room to stretch their paws, and work. This can be as simple as going for walks or agility trials, or even placing a backpack on their back to mimic a job.
Bernedoodles are not suited for being left alone for long periods, as loneliness can result in separation anxiety. This can lead to nervous habits like whining or chewing.
A mini- or tiny-size Bernedoodle can easily live in an apartment as long as they get frequent outdoor time and lots of attention. They need regular breaks to stretch their legs and get some exercise.
One thing to note about Bernedoodles is that they are gentle-natured and love children. They are also relatively quiet, barking infrequently, and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away.
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Comparison and Return
When considering the size difference between Bernedoodles and Mini Bernedoodles, it's essential to know that the size of a Bernedoodle depends on its Poodle parent. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds.
One of the main differences between Bernedoodles and Mini Bernedoodles is their height and weight. The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. This is significantly taller and heavier than the Tiny Bernedoodle.
The size of a Bernedoodle can vary greatly, with some being much larger than others. The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches and weighs 70 to 90 pounds, making it a substantial dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not to get a mini Bernedoodle?
Mini Bernedoodles may be prone to health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia, and occasional bloating, which can impact their quality of life and require costly veterinary care
What is the most desirable Bernedoodle?
The most desirable Bernedoodle is the Tri-Color Bernedoodle, known for its classic Bernese Mountain Dog appearance. This unique look is highly sought after, but also the most challenging to achieve.
Do mini Bernedoodles live longer than standard Bernedoodles?
Mini Bernedoodles tend to live longer than standard Bernedoodles, with a lifespan of up to 18 years. This is due to their generally healthier nature and fewer breed-related health issues.
Sources
- Bernedoodle Dog Breed Information & ... - DogTime (dogtime.com)
- United Bernedoodle Registry. (ubregistry.org)
- Bernedoodle Information | bernerbabies (bernerbabies.com)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (bmdca.org)
- Temperament, Coat, Size, Color... Everything ... (bluegrassbernedoodles.com)
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