The Great Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically a Standard Poodle. This mix creates a unique and lovable breed.
They are often considered a low-shedding breed, perfect for those with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
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Appearance and Size
Bernedoodles come in a wide range of colors, from tricolor to pure black, black and white, and even random mixes. Their coat can be curly like a poodle or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog.
The straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed, but a curly coat is considered hypoallergenic. A curly Bernedoodle coat is often sought-after for this reason.
Bernedoodles can vary in size depending on the poodle parent, with standard poodle crosses reaching up to 29 inches in height and weighing up to 90 pounds. Mini Bernedoodles are between 18-22 inches tall and weigh 20-45 pounds.
A "tiny" Bernedoodle, bred from a toy poodle, is only 12-17 inches tall and weighs 10-24 pounds.
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What Do They Look Like?
Bernedoodles can display a wide range of appearances due to the varying traits they inherit from their Bernese Mountain Dog and poodle parents.
Their coloring can be tricolor, pure black, black and white, or a random mix, and they can also have a curly or straight coat.
The thickness of a Bernedoodle's coat makes them suitable for colder temperatures.
A curly Bernedoodle coat is often sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic.
Their size can vary depending on the size of the poodle parent, with Bernedoodles coming in tiny, miniature, and standard sizes.
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.
A tiny Bernedoodle, bred from a toy poodle, is only 12–17 inches tall and weighs 10–24 pounds.
Their size and coat type can greatly impact their living needs, with smaller Bernedoodles being suitable for apartment living as long as they get plenty of walks and exercise.
Related reading: Bernedoodle Coat Types
Size
A bernedoodle's size will depend on the poodle they're crossed with. One with a standard poodle parent will tend to be larger, between 70-90 pounds and 24”-30” tall.
Minis and toy crosses will be significantly smaller, with minis coming in between 25-50 pounds.
Bernedoodles may be more robust like a Bernese or long and lean like a poodle.
Temperament and Personality
Bernedoodles are loving and kind, making them the perfect addition to nearly any family. They love spending time around children and are gentle with smaller pets like cats.
Bernedoodles are intelligent pups and tend to be goofy and love attention from their humans. They can be very charming and charismatic with positive reinforcement training.
These canines are often exuberantly happy and energetic, but they can use their intelligence for negative behaviors if they're not trained correctly. Engaging training and mental stimulation are key to unlocking their full potential.
Bernedoodles are friendly, loyal, and loving, which makes them a great family dog. They love being beside their family and don't bark very often.
While every dog is an individual, Bernedoodles often inherit the sweet, mellow temperament of a Bernese and the sociability, smarts, and sense of humor of a poodle. They can be sensitive and skittish around strangers, so socialization is crucial.
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Living Needs and Care
Bernedoodles are social dogs that thrive on interaction and attention. They love to be around people and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
To keep your Bernedoodle happy and healthy, provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This can include daily walks, agility trials, or even just playing fetch in the backyard.
Personal space is not a part of a Bernedoodle's vocabulary, so be prepared to share your home and your time with your furry friend. They'll appreciate the attention and affection.
Bernedoodles are adaptable to different living situations, but they do require some TLC. They need room to stretch their paws and plenty of work to keep them engaged.
Here are some general guidelines for Bernedoodle care:
Remember, every Bernedoodle is unique, so be prepared to adjust your care and attention accordingly. With the right care and attention, your Bernedoodle will be a loving and loyal companion for years to come.
A different take: Mini Bernedoodle Care
Health and Wellness
A great Bernedoodle is a wonderful companion, and their health and wellness are just as important as their adorable looks. The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12-18 years, depending on their size.
Their hybrid breed may not inherit the same health risks as the Bernese Mountain dog, but they can still be predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies. Regular grooming is essential to prevent skin issues like hot spots, which are caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial to maintaining a healthy weight, as obesity can put pressure on their joints and lead to arthritis. Hip and elbow dysplasia are inherited conditions that can be treated with medications, joint supplements, or surgery if severe.
To ensure your Bernedoodle stays happy and healthy, it's essential to provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. A daily walk of 30 minutes to one hour is a great starting point, and you can also try jogging, swimming, fetching a ball or bone, or hiking.
For more insights, see: Bernedoodle Health Issues
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Bernedoodles:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Skin problems like allergies and hot spots
Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on, allowing you to take preventative measures and provide the best possible care for your Bernedoodle.
Food & Diet
Feeding your Bernedoodle a well-balanced dog food approved by the AAFCO is essential for their overall health.
You should feed your Bernedoodle two or three regular meals a day to maintain and monitor the amount of food they receive.
Bernedoodles are prone to obesity, so measuring the amount of food you give is crucial to prevent overfeeding.
Generally, feed between 2-3 cups of good quality dry kibble per day.
If you feed treats, take these out of your Bernedoodle's daily allowance to avoid overfeeding.
Feeding your Bernedoodle a dog food approved by the AAFCO ensures they get a complete and balanced diet.
Bernedoodle puppies should eat three to four meals a day on a regular schedule, while adult Bernedoodles should eat two meals per day.
Here's an interesting read: Best Dog Food for Bernedoodle Puppies
You can introduce a slow feeder to help your Bernedoodle eat their food slowly and avoid scarfing it down.
Bernedoodles do best on a high-quality dog food with real meat as the first ingredient.
The larger members of the Bernedoodle group eat a lot, so be prepared for a significant dog food bill throughout their lifetime.
It's essential to discuss a feeding plan with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Bernedoodle based on their size, health, and lifestyle.
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Exercise and Training
Bernedoodles are highly energetic dogs that require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, which means they need to play games almost all the time.
They love activities like jogging, walking, fetching a ball or bone, swimming, and hiking, but the duration may vary from 30 minutes to one hour per day. Walking is often enough to keep them happy and healthy.
To keep your Bernedoodle happy and healthy, make sure to provide daily walks of moderate intensity, and consider engaging them in canine sports like carting and cart pulling if they take after their Bernese Mountain Dog parent.
Bernedoodles are intelligent and quick to learn, but they need to be challenged daily to stimulate their mind. Learning obedience or tricks can help provide that stimulation, and consistency is key.
Here's a list of recommended exercises for your Bernedoodle:
- Jogging
- Walking
- Fetching a ball or bone
- Swimming
- Hiking
Exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of a Bernedoodle's life. They require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, so be prepared to get moving!
Bernedoodles are moderately vigorous and high-energy dogs, which means they need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk is a must, and it should be of moderate intensity.
You can choose from a variety of activities to keep your Bernedoodle entertained, such as jogging, walking, fetching a ball or bone, swimming, and hiking. These activities will help burn off their excess energy and keep them mentally stimulated.
Some Bernedoodles may not require high-intensity activities, depending on their parent breeds. They can be adaptable to any kind of lifestyle, but walking is often enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Here are some recommended exercise activities for your Bernedoodle:
- Jogging
- Walking
- Fetching a ball or bone
- Swimming
- Hiking
The duration of exercise may vary from 30 minutes to one hour per day, depending on your Bernedoodle's individual needs.
As your Bernedoodle grows and matures, you can introduce more complex activities that challenge their mind and body, such as carting and cart pulling. This will help them reach their full potential and become a well-rounded companion.
How to Train
Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that are quick to learn basic cues and fun tricks. They thrive on positive reinforcement, so use this approach to promote good behavior.
Start leash training immediately, as Bernedoodles love going on lots of walks. This will help them get accustomed to being on a leash and prevent unwanted behaviors.
Bernedoodles need to be challenged daily to stimulate their mind, or they may resort to negative behaviors like becoming destructive or barking. Consistency is key in providing mental stimulation through learning obedience or tricks.
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Family and Pet Compatibility
The Bernedoodle is a great breed for families, especially those with small children. Its size and gentle nature make it a perfect companion for kids who love to play rough.
Introducing your Bernedoodle to your cat when they're both young can result in a harmonious relationship between the two. However, it's essential to never leave a dog alone with smaller animals.
Bernedoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Consistent and fair training is key, especially during the early stages.
The Bernedoodle's size can be beneficial in withstanding rough play from children, but it's still crucial to manage their energy levels. Early socialization with children is also vital in building lasting bonds.
While Bernedoodles are generally good with other dogs, introducing them when they're young will increase the chances of a happy relationship between the two.
History and Overview
The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, first introduced in 2003. It's a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, bred solely for companionship.
They were created by Sherry Rupke of SwissRide Bernedoodles, who wanted to make the Bernese mountain dog more allergen-friendly and free from health issues. The first intentional pairing of a Bernese and a poodle was made in 2003.
The Bernedoodle is a large breed, weighing between 70-90 pounds and standing 23 to 29 inches tall. They have a curly, long coat that requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
Additional reading: Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Their lifespan is 12 to 18 years, with some standards tending to have shorter lifespans than minis and toys. They're known for being friendly, gentle, outgoing, and playful, making them a great companion for families.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bernedoodle breed:
Overall, the Bernedoodle is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for active families.
Purchasing and Caring
Purchasing a Bernedoodle requires some research and consideration. There are three different sizes to choose from: Toy, Mini, and Standard, each with its own unique characteristics and needs.
If you're looking for a small apartment dog, a Toy or Mini Bernedoodle might be a great fit. They weigh between 20-45 pounds and stand up to 22 inches tall, and can live for 14-16 years. They're also very adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations.
When it comes to grooming, Bernedoodles require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Expect to brush your Bernedoodle at least once a week, and consider regular grooming appointments to keep their coat looking its best.
Check this out: Grooming a Bernedoodle
Here are the different Bernedoodle sizes and their corresponding weights and heights:
Bernedoodles are intelligent and friendly dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Plan on taking your Bernedoodle on at least two walks a day, and consider providing puzzle toys and snuffle mats to keep their minds engaged.
Puppies
You can expect a litter of 2 to 12 Bernedoodle puppies from the parent generation, and their price can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on size, coat type, and color.
Reliable breeders will provide you with genetic testing results for the parents and offspring, as well as vaccination records and other important documents.
The Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed that's intelligent, friendly, and good with children, making it a popular choice for families and buyers.
To ensure you get a healthy puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' screening for conditions like joint dysplasia.
Meeting the puppy and its parents is crucial; observe how the puppy interacts with you and other people, and see the character of the parent dog.
You can find Bernedoodles in shelters or rescues, but be sure to take the same precautions as when buying from a breeder.
Choosing a reputable breeder is essential; they should know both breeds inside and out and have done their homework on screening tests for common issues.
Bernedoodle pups come in various sizes, including Toy, Mini, and Standard, allowing you to choose according to your preferred size and available space at home.
Due to cross-breeding, these puppies have a reduced risk for congenital diseases, which can help cut costs for managing this breed.
Remember, while a clear result for the parents doesn't guarantee a problem-free puppy, it does improve the likelihood of a healthy dog.
Final Thoughts
The key to a happy and healthy pet is to train and socialize your Bernedoodle from a young age. This will help them grow into a confident and well-adjusted companion.
A Bernedoodle's low-shedding coat does require some weekly maintenance to prevent matting and knotting. Regular grooming is a must to keep them looking and feeling their best.
To keep your Bernedoodle at a healthy weight, be sure not to overfeed them. A balanced diet and regular exercise will help them stay happy and healthy.
A daily walk is essential for a Bernedoodle's physical and mental well-being. Make sure to get them out for a decent walk every day to keep them happy and fulfilled.
By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to raising a loving and loyal Bernedoodle that will bring joy and companionship to your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bernedoodles good house dogs?
Bernedoodles are wonderful family dogs who thrive as loyal companions in the home, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They love to be around their owners and enjoy being part of the family.
What is the downside of a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles can be stubborn and exhibit challenging behaviors like refusal to listen and possessiveness, but these traits often improve with age and training
Sources
- Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Bernedoodles (bernedoodles.com)
- Meet Timber (instagram.com)
- Thaiwong, T., et al. “Gain-of-Function Mutation in PTPN11 in Histiocytic Sarcomas of Bernese Mountain Dogs.” Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, vol. 16, no. 2, 20 Sept. 2017, pp. 220–228., (nih.gov)
- doggy toothpaste (chewy.com)
- puzzle toys (chewy.com)
- elbow dysplasia (cornell.edu)
- Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog & Poodle Mix) (dogster.com)
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