The Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle Mix is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Goldendoodle, resulting in a unique and lovable companion.
This mix typically inherits the intelligence and loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement.
They tend to be medium to large in size, with adults weighing between 50-90 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall.
Their coat can vary, but often features a thick, curly, or wavy texture with a golden or apricot color.
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Origins and History
The Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle mix, also known as a Bernedoodle, has a fascinating history. Sherry Rupke, a Canadian breeder, is credited with intentionally breeding the first Bernedoodle in 2003.
Rupke's goal was to create a hypoallergenic dog that would also live a longer, healthier life. Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs have an average life expectancy of just 7 years, so she wanted to improve on that.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, originally from Switzerland, was bred to work hard in guarding and driving livestock. They're large, strong, and surprisingly gentle, making them a great family pet.
Origins of Historical Events
The origins of Bernedoodles are quite fascinating. They were first intentionally bred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke in Canada.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, the parent breed of Bernedoodles, originated in Switzerland. They were bred to work hard in guarding and driving livestock.
Rupke wanted to create a hypoallergenic dog that could also live a longer, healthier life. Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs have an average life expectancy of just 7 years.
Bernedoodles can live up to 18 years, thanks to their Poodle parent. This is a significant improvement over the original breed.
Originally, Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred for their strength and gentleness. They love their families, especially the kids.
Their Poodle parent brought intelligence, energy levels, and good looks to the mix.
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History
The Bernedoodle breed has a relatively short history, with the first intentional pairing of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle taking place in 2003.
Sherry Rupke, a breeder from SwissRide Bernedoodles, was the one who made this happen. She had previously successfully bred goldendoodles and wanted to create a version of the Bernese mountain dog that was more allergen-friendly and free from health issues.
The Bernedoodle was bred as a way to address the health problems that plague the Bernese mountain dog breed. This was a deliberate attempt to create a healthier version of the breed.
Sherry Rupke's vision for the Bernedoodle was to create a loyal and loving breed that looks like a huggable teddy bear. And it seems like she succeeded, as dog owners everywhere have fallen in love with the breed.
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Personality and Temperament
Bernedoodles are loving and kind, making them a great addition to nearly any family.
They love spending time around children, and are often gentle with smaller pets like cats.
Bernedoodles require lots of exercise, with a minimum of sixty minutes of running, walking, fetching, and playing each day.
Their intelligence means they can get bored easily, so brain games designed for dogs are a great way to keep them engaged.
Bernedoodles thrive on attention, so leaving them home alone for extended periods is not advised.
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Their hybrid nature makes it difficult to predict their temperament, but with positive training, many potential issues can be addressed.
Bernese Mountain Dogs, one of the parent breeds, can be strong-willed, stubborn, and difficult to train, which may be a consideration for some owners.
Poodles, the other parent breed, can exhibit behavioral issues like hyperactivity, anxiety, and excessive barking.
However, with early and positive training, many of these issues can be overcome, and your Bernedoodle may turn out to be the best dog you've ever had.
Socialization is key to helping your Bernedoodle feel comfortable around strangers, and positive reinforcement training can help them become charming and charismatic.
A mindful and responsible breeder can help ensure you get a Bernedoodle with the sweet, mellow temperament of a Bernese and the sociability and smarts of a poodle.
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Health and Wellness
Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle mixes can live up to 12-18 years.
Their lifespan is influenced by their Bernese Mountain Dog parent, which has a life expectancy of only 7 years due to cancer and other health issues.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common concern in large breeds, and Bernedoodles are no exception, especially if they're over-exercised in puppyhood.
This condition can be corrected with medication or surgery if necessary.
Bernedoodles can still be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies, despite being a relatively healthy breed.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent skin issues like hot spots, which can be caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area.
Hot spots are more likely to occur when a Bernedoodle's coat is dirty and matted, so keeping up with grooming is crucial.
Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases in Bernedoodles, and reputable breeders will often perform these tests and provide evidence of the results.
However, even with genetic testing, Bernedoodles can still be prone to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems.
Allergies are a common issue in Bernedoodles, and they can be caused by food or environmental factors, leading to symptoms like persistent itching or licking, rashes, skin and ear infections, and hair loss.
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What to Feed Your Pet
Feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle mix requires careful consideration of their size and activity level.
Their food intake should be adjusted accordingly, with Standard Bernedoodles requiring about 1,800 calories per day, Mini Bernedoodles needing 1,400 calories, and Toy Bernedoodles getting around 900 calories.
You'll want to feed your Bernedoodle puppy about four times a day until they mature, around twelve months old.
This helps prevent their tummies from stretching and promotes healthy growth.
For a Standard Bernedoodle pup, give them a puppy food formulated for large breeds.
Bernedoodle adults, on the other hand, should eat two meals per day, with the option to introduce a slow feeder if they eat too quickly.
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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Coat and Grooming
Your Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle Mix will likely have a wavy or curly coat that's ideal for those with allergies.
They'll shed much less than a retriever or Bernese, but it's still essential to brush them regularly to prevent painful matting.
A daily brushing routine can help keep their coat tangle-free and in great condition.
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Coat Management
Brushing your Bernedoodle at least twice a week can help prevent matting. This is because their low-shedding coat can easily become tangled.
They need frequent brushing because they don't shed much, unlike other dogs. Regular brushing can prevent painful matting.
In addition to brushing, having your Bernedoodle professionally groomed from time to time can also help keep their coat looking its best. This is especially important if you want to prevent matting.
You should also brush your Bernedoodle's teeth daily to prevent plaque buildup. This is a good habit to get into, regardless of their coat type.
Bernedoodles need to be brushed every week to keep their coat healthy and looking good. This is especially important if you want to prevent matting and tangling.
They will also need regular grooming sessions by a professional to keep their coat looking its best. This is because their coat type can vary, and some types may require more frequent grooming.
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A curly coat requires more frequent brushing than a wavy or straight coat. This is because curly coats can easily become tangled and matted.
A curly coat also requires regular haircuts every few months to keep it looking its best. This is because curly coats can grow unruly if not trimmed regularly.
Bernedoodles are not low-maintenance pets, despite their low-shedding coat. They require regular grooming and brushing to keep their coat looking its best.
Ear Care
Bernedoodles need regular ear cleaning to prevent moisture and bacteria from accumulating and causing ear infections, especially after swimming.
Cleaning their ears after each swim is crucial to keep them healthy and happy.
Some Bernedoodles love to swim, and it's essential to clean their ears every time they're done splashing in water.
Regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections and keep your Bernedoodle's ears in great condition.
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Training and Behavior
Training your Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle mix requires patience and consistency, as they can inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog's stubborn streak.
Early socialization to various places and people is essential to ensure your pup grows into a happy, friendly, and confident companion.
Positive and reward-based training is key to promoting a safe learning environment, so be sure to praise your pup with verbal and physical praise when they complete tasks correctly.
With good training, your Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle mix will blossom into an obedient and loyal companion.
Behavior and Training
Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that thrive on positive reinforcement training. They are quick to learn basic cues, fun tricks, and essentials like crate training and potty training.
Their Poodle heritage makes them easy to train, but their Bernese Mountain Dog side can bring a stubborn streak. Be prepared to put in the work and provide early socialization to a variety of places and people.
Reward your Bernedoodle for good behavior with verbal and physical praise when they complete tasks appropriately. Redirect them instead of punishing them when they do something wrong.
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Bernedoodles love going on walks and should start leash training immediately. With consistent training and a good breeder, your Bernedoodle puppy will grow to be a sweet and happy dog.
Their friendly and playful nature makes them a joy to be around. They love being beside their family and don't bark very often, making them a great companion for many households.
Benefits of Mixed Breeds
Mixed breeds have a unique advantage when it comes to health. Hybrid vigor, a phenomenon where the first cross between two unrelated purebred lines is healthier than either parent line, is a real benefit of mixed breeds.
This means that doodles, like those from River Doodles, tend to be healthier than their parent breeds. However, responsible breeding is still crucial to ensure the health of the puppies.
Genetic testing can significantly reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will invest in genetic testing to identify potential health issues, which can lead to lower vet bills down the road.
The upfront cost of a puppy from a reputable breeder may be higher, but it's a worthwhile investment in the long run. At River Doodles, genetic testing includes a panel of diseases specific to each breed and checks for hip and elbow dysplasia.
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Living Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodles are social butterflies and need regular interaction with their human family. They thrive on attention and can become destructive if left alone for too long.
Personal space is not part of their vocabulary, so be prepared to give them a lot of TLC and attention. This means frequent walks, playtime, and cuddles.
A Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle's energy levels are moderate to high, so they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Think hiking, swimming, and running – they love it all!
If you're planning to leave your Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle alone for extended periods, be aware that they can develop separation anxiety, leading to nervous habits like whining or chewing.
To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle's mind and body active, try these daily activities:
Remember, every Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle is unique, so be patient and adjust their needs accordingly. With the right care and attention, they'll be your best friend forever!
Size and Lifespan
The size and lifespan of a Bernese mountain dog goldendoodle mix are important factors to consider when deciding if this breed is right for you.
They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from standard to mini, with the standard size being 50 lbs or larger and 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder.
Standard Bernese mountain dog goldendoodles generally weigh between 70 to 90 lbs.
Mini Bernese mountain dog goldendoodles, on the other hand, weigh between 25 to 50 lbs and stand between 18 and 22 inches at the shoulder.
Please keep in mind that these sizes are an average, and sometimes a puppy will fall outside the expected height and weight.
A mini Bernese mountain dog goldendoodle may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard size.
This breed has the stamina to keep up with an athlete, but is just as happy to lay on the couch all day and chill.
Here's a breakdown of the sizes of Bernese mountain dog goldendoodles:
The average life expectancy of a Bernese mountain dog goldendoodle is around 13 years, making them a long-term companion.
Doodle Generations
The Bernese Mountain Dog Goldendoodle mix can come in various generations, each with its unique characteristics.
F1 Goldendoodles/Bernedoodles are a mix of 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever/Bernese mountain dog.
They can have various coat types from straight to curly.
F1b Doodles have a higher percentage of Poodle, at 75%, and 25% Golden Retriever/Bernese mountain dog.
This generation is primarily non-shedding, like the Poodle.
F2b Doodles also have many different coat types and are most likely non-shedding.
Multigen Doodles have a wavy or curly coat and are typically non-shedding.
The F1b generation has a slightly higher risk of shedding than the F2b generation.
F1b Doodles' coats range from soft curls to straight hair.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bernedoodle mixed with a Goldendoodle called?
A Golden Mountain Doodle is a cross between a Goldendoodle and a Bernedoodle, blending the affectionate nature of a Goldendoodle with the playful personality of a Bernedoodle. This unique mix makes for a loving and lovable companion.
Sources
- Sherry Rupke (bernedoodles.com)
- United Bernedoodle Registry. (ubregistry.org)
- Meet Timber (instagram.com)
- puzzle toys (chewy.com)
- About Golden Mountain Doodles (swissridgekennels.com)
- About Goldendoodle & Bernedoodle Puppies (riverdoodles.com)
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