Brown Merle Bernedoodle: Complete Guide for Dog Owners

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Posted Oct 25, 2024

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The Brown Merle Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog, an Australian Shepherd, and a Poodle. This combination creates a unique and lovable breed that's perfect for many families.

With their tri-colored coats, Brown Merle Bernedoodles are a sight to behold. Their merle pattern can range from a light brown to a dark chocolate color, making each one truly one-of-a-kind.

One thing to note about Brown Merle Bernedoodles is that they can be prone to certain health issues due to their genetic makeup. This is why it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

The Bernedoodle: A Guide for Dog Lovers

The Bernedoodle is a smart and mellow dog with a reduced shedding coat and extended lifespan.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their good-natured and affectionate temperament, but they do shed heavily and can be stubborn.

Poodles, on the other hand, are non-shedding and highly intelligent and trainable.

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If you adore Bernese traits but prefer a dog that sheds less and lives longer, a Bernedoodle might be the perfect choice for you!

The Merle Bernedoodle has a unique appearance, but its genetic heritage is a blend of the gentle Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent Poodle.

The Bernedoodle stands out for its sought-after qualities such as intelligence, hypoallergenic coat, and calm demeanor.

Readers also liked: Brown Bernese Mountain Dog

Coat and Genetics

The Brown Merle Bernedoodle's coat is a stunning example of the Merle coat pattern, characterized by a marbled or mottled pattern of colors, typically including a dominant color mixed with lighter shades.

Brown Merle coats are one of the five signature variations of the Merle pattern, which also includes Blue Merle, Red Merle, Chocolate Merle, and Tri-Merle.

The genetic makeup of the Brown Merle Bernedoodle is a result of a dominant gene (M) that affects the distribution of dark pigment in the coat.

Dogs inheriting a single copy of the merle gene from one parent will display the characteristic coat pattern, while those receiving two copies may exhibit health conditions associated with the gene, such as deafness or vision impairment.

You might enjoy: Bernedoodle Coat Types

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Here are the five signature Merle coat variations:

  • Blue Merle: Predominantly blue/grey hues with black patches.
  • Red Merle: A mix of red and apricot hues with black patches.
  • Chocolate Merle: Rich chocolate tones with lighter patches.
  • Brown Merle: Deeper brown shades juxtaposed with lighter colors.
  • Tri-Merle: A tricolored gene expression with large patches of two darker colors that are offset by a lighter shade, often white.

Understanding the genetic makeup of the Brown Merle Bernedoodle is crucial for responsible breeding and ownership, as it can help minimize the risk of health issues associated with the merle gene.

Lifestyle and Ownership

Brown Merle Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs that thrive in various environments, thanks to their Poodle lineage, which makes them intelligent and trainable. They're also loving and sociable companions, thanks to the Bernese blood in them.

To keep your Brown Merle Bernedoodle happy and healthy, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social engagement are a must. Without these, they can become bored and develop a negative demeanor.

You'll also need to invest in regular grooming to keep their non-shedding coat healthy and mat-free. This is especially important for Brown Merle Bernedoodles, as their coat requires regular care to avoid matting and maintain hygiene.

Here are some essential things to consider when preparing for a Brown Merle Bernedoodle:

  • Awareness of potential health concerns: Discuss these with the breeder and your veterinarian.
  • Creating a safe and enriching environment: Provide a stimulating living space and regular exercise.
  • Investing in proper grooming: Regularly care for their non-shedding coat to avoid matting and maintain hygiene.
  • Nutrition and wellness: Provide quality nutrition and regular veterinary care for their overall health and well-being.

Lifestyle Fit

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Living with a Merle Bernedoodle requires a lifestyle that matches their high energy and intelligent nature. They need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social engagement to prevent boredom.

A Merle Bernedoodle's non-shedding coat is a double-edged sword - it's low-maintenance in terms of shedding, but high-maintenance in terms of grooming. They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and mat-free.

To create a safe and enriching environment, you'll need to provide a stimulating living space and regular exercise. This includes creating opportunities for physical and mental stimulation, such as playtime and training sessions.

Here are some key aspects to consider when creating a lifestyle fit for your Merle Bernedoodle:

By understanding and meeting these needs, you can create a happy and healthy lifestyle for your Merle Bernedoodle.

Price Range

The price range for a lifestyle like this can vary greatly, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

A luxury lifestyle can cost upwards of $100,000 per year, with some estimates reaching as high as $200,000 or more.

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You can expect to pay around $50,000 to $70,000 per year for a comfortable lifestyle, which includes owning a home, a car, and enjoying some travel and hobbies.

However, a minimalist lifestyle can be achieved for as little as $20,000 to $30,000 per year, by living in a small home, cooking at home, and finding free or low-cost entertainment.

Ultimately, the price range will depend on your values and priorities, as well as your financial situation.

Health and Longevity

Brown Merle Bernedoodle owners should be aware of the potential health concerns associated with this breed. While not all Merle dogs are affected, there is a risk of inherited health issues.

Creating a safe and enriching environment is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your Brown Merle Bernedoodle. This includes providing regular exercise and a stimulating living space.

Investing in proper grooming is also essential, as the hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat of a Bernedoodle requires regular care to avoid matting and maintain hygiene. A daily brushing routine can help prevent matting and tangling.

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Providing quality nutrition and regular veterinary care is vital for the overall health and longevity of your Brown Merle Bernedoodle. With proper care, your dog can live a long and healthy life.

On average, Bernedoodles live between 10 and 18 years. This range can vary due to factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, and overall care.

Life Expectancy

When it comes to life expectancy, there are some general guidelines we can follow. On average, Bernedoodles live between 10 and 18 years.

Genetics play a significant role in determining a dog's lifespan. Smaller dogs tend to have longer lifespans compared to larger breeds.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can also contribute to a longer lifespan. Generally, a balanced diet and plenty of physical activity can help support overall health and longevity.

By taking good care of your dog, you can help them live a long and happy life.

For more insights, see: Bernedoodle Lifespan

Testing Summary

The M Locus (Merle) coat color test is a reliable way to determine if a dog carries the M (merle insertion variant) Allele of the PMEL gene. This test will also give you an idea of the approximate size of the M allele(s) present.

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Merle is a dominant trait, so only one copy of the M allele is needed for a dog to display some variation of the merle coat color/pattern. This can manifest as patches of normal coat color within areas of diluted pigmentation.

The M allele affects eumelanin (black pigment) production, but not phaeomelanin (yellow/red) pigmented areas. This is why the merle coat color is typically patchy.

The size of the M allele(s) present in a dog can influence the merle coat color or pattern. In fact, two copies of the M allele large enough to produce the merle coat color can have serious consequences.

Finding and Choosing a Breeder

Finding a reputable breeder is crucial when looking for a Brown Merle Bernedoodle. You can search online and read reviews to learn about others' experiences with a breeder.

It's also a good idea to contact your network to find out if any of your friends or associates have dealt with reputable breeders in your area. They can provide valuable recommendations.

Before purchasing a puppy, make sure to check the breeder's medical paperwork and read their reviews. This will give you an idea of their reputation and the health of their puppies.

Choosing a Bernedoodle

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Choosing a Bernedoodle can be a great choice for families who adore the good-natured and affectionate temperament of Bernese Mountain Dogs but prefer a dog that sheds less and lives longer.

The combination of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles results in a smart and mellow dog with reduced shedding and an extended lifespan. This makes them a great option for families who want a low-maintenance pet.

If you're considering a Bernedoodle, look for a reputable breeder who raises their dogs as family pets. Kandi's Sweet Bernedoodles, for example, raises their Bernedoodles on 20 acres of land where they can run and play.

You can contact Kandi's Sweet Bernedoodles in Byron Center, MI, by calling 616-262-8731 or visiting their website at https://kandisweetpuppies.com/. They also have an Instagram page at https://instagram.com/kandisbernedoodlepuppies/ where you can see photos and updates about their puppies.

A reputable breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, ensuring that you bring home a healthy and loving family pet.

Choosing a Breeder

Credit: youtube.com, How to Find and Choose the Right Breeder for You. With Bethany Preud'homme.

Choosing a breeder is a crucial step in finding the perfect furry companion for your family. You should check their medical paperwork and read their reviews before purchasing a dog from any breeder.

A reputable breeder should strive to raise perfect companion dogs and family pets by investing heavily in the health and development of their pups. They should also be transparent about the health and well-being of the parents.

You can learn about others' experiences with a breeder by searching online and reading reviews. Consider contacting your network to find out if any of your friends or associates have dealt with reputable breeders in your area.

A clean and organized breeding facility is a good sign of a responsible breeder. You should consider visiting their facility to get a sense of their operation.

Here are some things to look for in a breeder:

  • Medical paperwork and reviews
  • A clean and organized breeding facility
  • Transparent health and well-being of the parents
  • A focus on raising healthy and happy pups

Frequently Asked Questions

Are merle Bernedoodles rare?

Yes, merle Bernedoodles are considered rare due to their unique and complex coat pattern. They are one of the rarest Bernedoodle colors listed.

Why is my Bernedoodle merle?

Your Bernedoodle's merle coat is likely due to a dominant gene that causes random dilution of black pigment, resulting in patches of normal and diluted coat color. This genetic trait can be inherited from a single parent, making it a dominant characteristic.

Iris Stamm

Lead Assigning Editor

Iris Stamm is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in research and writing, Iris has honed her skills in curating engaging content for a wide range of audiences. Her expertise lies in assigning and editing articles on topics related to animals, particularly dogs.