The Mountain Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd, often resulting in a medium to large-sized dog with a sturdy build and a thick coat.
Their intelligence and high energy levels make them a great fit for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
Mountain Bernedoodles are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, but they can be wary of strangers at first, so early socialization is key.
They typically weigh between 50-80 pounds and stand between 20-26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Origins of History
The origins of the Mountain Bernedoodle are a fascinating story. Sherry Rupke, a breeder from Canada, is credited with creating the first intentional pairing of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle in 2003.
Rupke's goal was to produce a hypoallergenic dog that would also live a longer and healthier life. She was successful in achieving this, as Bernedoodles can live up to 18 years, compared to the 7-year average life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, originally from Switzerland, was bred to work hard in guarding and driving livestock. They are large, strong, and surprisingly gentle dogs.
Their Poodle parent brings intelligence, energy levels, and good looks to the mix. Most Bernedoodles inherit their patience and good-natured temperaments from their Bernese Mountain parent.
The Bernedoodle's appearance is often described as a teddy bear-like mix of their parents. They can come in a variety of sizes, including tiny, miniature, and standard.
Worth a look: Mountain Cur Shepherd Mix
Temperament and Personality
Bernedoodles are smart, sweet, patient, goofy, and adorable, making them a great addition to any family. They come from a great background, inheriting the best traits from their Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents.
Their intelligence means they require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, with a minimum of sixty minutes of running, walking, fetching, and playing each day. This can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.
Worth a look: Great Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are also highly affectionate and love to receive attention, making them a great companion for children and adults alike. They will happily curl up in your lap after a long day of fun.
However, they can be strong-willed and stubborn at times, which can make training a bit challenging. This is why positive reinforcement training from an early age is essential to address any behavioral issues.
Bernedoodles can be apprehensive and skittish around strangers, but with proper socialization, they can become comfortable and affectionate around new people. This is a great opportunity to teach your Bernedoodle to be confident and calm in new situations.
Their affectionate nature makes them a wonderful lifelong companion, and with the right training and care, they can turn out to be the best dog you've ever had.
Care and Nutrition
A mountain Bernedoodle is a unique and loving companion that requires regular care and attention. They need to spend lots of time with their family to prevent anxiety and behavioral issues.
Their high energy levels mean they need at least two long walks per day and some playtime out in the yard with their toys. This will help them stay happy and healthy.
A mountain Bernedoodle's coat can be a bit high maintenance, especially if it's curly. They need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
Their diet is also an important aspect of their care. They should be fed high-quality wet or dry food split into two or three meals a day. The size of your Bernedoodle will determine what type and how much food you should give at each meal.
Standard Bernedoodles, for example, should eat a blend formulated specifically for large breed dogs and require about 1,800 calories a day depending on their activity levels and sex. Mini Bernedoodles require about 1,400 calories, while Toy Bernedoodles require around 900 calories.
It's essential to train your mountain Bernedoodle to prevent stubbornness and behavioral issues. They're highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
On a similar theme: Best Dog Food for Bernedoodle
Grooming and Health
Grooming a Mountain Bernedoodle requires regular brushings, especially if they have curly fur that's prone to tangling. Brush your dog several times a week to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best.
Their thick coats also make them prone to hot spots, which can be caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. Keeping up with grooming is essential to prevent this issue.
A Bernedoodle's nail growth is continuous, so it's essential to keep an eye on their nail length and clip them regularly. You can use nail clippers specifically designed for puppies, and it's a good idea to have some treats on hand to help with the process.
To help prevent excessive drooling and weight gain, monitor your Bernedoodle's food intake and exercise output. This will ensure a healthy balance and prevent potential health issues.
Here's a list of essential grooming tools for your Mountain Bernedoodle:
- Slicker or Curry Brush
- Nail Clipper
- Medium-toothed or Fine-toothed Comb
Need Grooming?
A Bernedoodle's low-shedding coat is a major plus, but it can also be a bit of a challenge to manage. You'll need to brush your Bernedoodle at least twice a week to prevent tangled mats from forming.
Regular brushing will help keep your Bernedoodle's coat looking its best and prevent skin issues like hot spots from developing. Hot spots are caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area, often due to a dirty and matted coat.
Bernedoodles are prone to developing matting, so be sure to brush their coat gently but thoroughly at least twice a week.
In addition to regular brushing, you'll also need to have your Bernedoodle professionally groomed every 3-4 months. This will help keep their coat looking its best and prevent any matting or tangling from getting out of control.
Here are some essential grooming tools you'll need for your Bernedoodle:
- Slicker or Curry Brush
- Nail Clipper
- Medium-toothed or Fine-toothed Comb
Remember, grooming is an important part of being a Bernedoodle owner, and it's something that should be done regularly to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Health Concerns
Bernedoodles are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common concern, especially in large breeds, and can be exacerbated by over-exercising your puppy.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent skin issues like hot spots, which are caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. Hot spots can be painful for your Bernedoodle and may lead to infection if left untreated.
Bernedoodles can also inherit a higher risk of cancer from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent, which can be a concern for owners. However, the risk decreases with the size of the pup, so Toy Bernedoodles have a lower cancer risk.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor your Bernedoodle's health and catch any potential issues early. Your veterinarian can help you identify warning signs of health problems, such as excessive drooling and rapid weight gain.
Here are some common health concerns to be aware of:
By being aware of these potential health concerns and taking regular care of your Bernedoodle, you can help ensure they live a long and happy life.
Training and Behavior
Training a mountain Bernedoodle requires patience and time, especially due to their stubborn streak inherited from Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Early socialization to various places and people is crucial to raise a happy, friendly, and confident Bernedoodle pup. This should start from a young age.
Proper training and socialization should be started in puppyhood to help them grow out of their puppy rebelliousness. Sessions should be positive and reward-based to promote a safe learning environment. Reward your Bernedoodle for good behavior with verbal and physical praise when they complete tasks appropriately.
Are Energetic?
Bernedoodles have a lot of energy and need a moderate level of exercise to stay happy. They are very playful and will want to spend lots of time with their families outdoors, playing, walking, or running around with their toys. Two long walks daily is a good amount of exercise for this pup. They will use up their high energy levels with time spent playing with their toys.
Explore further: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need
Are Good?
Bernedoodles are generally good watchdogs due to their loyalty and protective nature. They're unlikely to bark unless they see something suspicious.
Their larger size can be a deterrent to potential intruders. They're also intelligent and alert, making them a great watchdog.
Bernedoodles are a good choice for service dogs, thanks to their eager-to-please nature and high intelligence. They can be trained to assist with mobility or as guide dogs.
Their loving attitude and ability to learn complex commands make them suitable for service dog work. They can also help with medical alert or psychiatric service dog tasks.
Bernedoodles are generally quiet, moderate barkers, only barking loudly when they need to. They won't bark constantly or yap at every little thing they see.
A different take: Bernese Mountain Dogs Calm
Training Your
Training Your Bernedoodle requires patience and consistency. They are intelligent, but also known for their stubborn streaks, so be prepared to put in the work.
Bernedoodles thrive on early socialization to various places and people, which helps them become happy, friendly, and confident dogs. This early exposure is crucial for their development.
Positive and reward-based training sessions are essential for promoting a safe learning environment. Reward your Bernedoodle with verbal and physical praise when they complete tasks correctly.
Redirecting bad behavior is key, rather than punishing them, which can lead to more problems. With time and effort, your Bernedoodle will blossom into an obedient and loyal companion.
Bernedoodles are eager to please their owners, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, their stubbornness can still be a challenge, especially in puppyhood.
Getting Along with Other Animals
Bernedoodles are generally great with other animals, thanks to their playful, affectionate, and loving nature.
They don't have a strong prey drive, which means they're likely to get along with dogs and cats they meet.
However, it's essential to remember that every dog's personality is unique, so it's always a good idea to monitor their first interactions with new animals closely.
If you're introducing a new pet to your household, be cautious and keep a close eye on how your Bernedoodle reacts.
A unique perspective: Bernedoodle Breeders in New York
Appearance
Bernedoodles come in a variety of sizes, from tiny to standard, with tiny Bernedoodles standing between 10 and 17 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 24 pounds.
Their coat can be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog, with the straighter coat shedding more.
A Bernedoodle's fur can be a mix of colors, including black, tan, and white, and they can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix.
Their coat thickness makes them suitable for colder temperatures, and a curly coat is considered hypoallergenic.
Standard Bernedoodles can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds.
Miniature Bernedoodles stand between 18 and 22 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 45 pounds.
Their friendly faces feature floppy ears, and their coat can be a tri-color, piebald, or merle pattern.
The standard size of a Bernedoodle is the most popular, but tiny and miniature versions are also sought after for their cute appearance.
Their coat can be a range of colors, including black, white, rust or red, blue, tan, sable, and silver.
Recommended read: Black Bernedoodle Puppy
Purchasing and Breeding
Finding a reputable breeder is crucial when purchasing a Mountain Bernedoodle. Make sure to research and choose a breeder with proper licenses and certifications.
You should also check the living conditions of the breeding dogs and their puppies to ensure they are humane. Avoid puppy mills and irresponsible breeding practices at all costs.
If a breeder seems too good to be true, trust your instincts and look elsewhere. The price of a puppy can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on factors like size, coat type, and color.
Here are some things to consider when purchasing a Mountain Bernedoodle:
- Genetic testing results for parent dogs and offspring
- Records of vaccination and other pertinent documents
Reliable breeders can provide you with these important documents to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy.
Finding a Breeder
Finding a breeder for your Bernedoodle can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of dog breeding. The number of puppies in a litter can range from two to 12, and the price can vary greatly depending on factors like size, coat type, and color.
The price of a Bernedoodle puppy can range from $1,500 to $5,000, so it's essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder. A reliable breeder will provide you with records of genetic testing, vaccination, and other important documents.
To find a trustworthy breeder, start by performing an internet search or asking families and friends in your area for recommendations. You can also check online directories like the one below:
- Wolf River Bernedoodles
- Kin Mountain Bernedoodles in McVeytown PA
- Swissridge Bernedoodles
- Arizona Golden Doodles
Make sure to research each breeder thoroughly and look for proper licenses and certifications. It's also crucial to ensure the living conditions of the breeding dogs and their puppies are humane. If a breeder's prices seem too good to be true, it's best to avoid them altogether.
Are Expensive?
Bernedoodles are considered a premium breed and their price reflects that, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for a puppy.
Their high demand contributes to the price variation, making them a significant investment for many dog owners.
Factors such as size, appearance, and desirable traits greatly impact the final price of a bernedoodle puppy.
Some breeders prioritize certain characteristics, which can drive up the cost of a puppy.
Ultimately, the price of a bernedoodle is a reflection of their unique characteristics and the demand for them.
Discover more: Bernedoodle Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles can be stubborn and exhibit unwanted behaviors like overexcitement and possessiveness, but these traits often improve with age and training
What is the difference between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Bernedoodle?
The main difference between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Bernedoodle is that Bernedoodles are companion dogs with a longer lifespan (12-15 years) and fewer health concerns, whereas Bernese Mountain Dogs are working dogs with a shorter average lifespan (7 years).
Sources
- Key Facts about the Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix (petventuresbook.com)
- Meet Timber (instagram.com)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix (Bernedoodle) ... (alphapaw.com)
- Bernedoodle Information | bernerbabies (bernerbabies.com)
- Bernedoodle: Dog Breed Guide (dogacademy.org)
Featured Images: pexels.com