A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically a Standard Poodle. This unique mix creates a loving and loyal companion.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With proper training, a Bernedoodle can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.
Bernedoodles generally require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. This can be a time-consuming task, but it's essential for their health and well-being.
Their size can vary, but on average, a Bernedoodle can weigh between 40-80 pounds and stand 18-24 inches tall.
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What is a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, making them a unique and lovable breed. They come in three different sizes: Standard, Mini, and Toy, with Toy Bernedoodles weighing as little as 10 pounds.
Their playful and mischievous personalities are inherited from their happy-go-lucky parents. They're low-shedding and semi-Hypoallergenic, thanks to their curly Poodle hair.
Bernedoodles have different generations, and their characteristics become easier to predict over time. First-generation Standard Bernedoodles, for example, come from a Standard Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Their Poodle heritage also means they're intelligent and easy to train. With proper care and attention, a Bernedoodle can make a wonderful companion for families and individuals alike.
Characteristics
A Bernedoodle is a unique and lovable breed. They are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically a Standard Poodle.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a joy to work with. With early socialization and consistent training, they can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of a Bernedoodle is their low-shedding coat. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
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Temperament
Bernedoodles are known to be smart, sweet, patient, goofy, and adorable, making them a great addition to any family. They thrive on attention and interaction, so be prepared to spend quality time with your doodle.
As both Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to work, Bernedoodles require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This means at least 60 minutes of running, walking, fetching, and playing each day.
Bernedoodles are intelligent, so they need brain games designed for dogs to keep them engaged and entertained. This will help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Leaving your Bernedoodle home alone for extended periods can be detrimental to their well-being, as they become anxious and depressed without attention. Bernese Mountain Dogs, in particular, are known to be clingy and hate to be away from their owners.
Bernedoodles can be strong-willed and stubborn, making training a challenge. They may also be wary of strangers and take time to warm up to new people, which can make them great guard dogs.
With positive reinforcement training and socialization, you can help your Bernedoodle overcome these potential issues and become a well-behaved and loving companion.
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Appearance
Bernedoodles can vary in color, typically resembling their Bernese mountain dog parent or being pure black, black and white, or a random mix.
Their fur can be curly like their poodle parent, which is considered hypoallergenic, or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog, which sheds more.
The thickness of a Bernedoodle's coat makes this breed suitable for colder temperatures.
A curly Bernedoodle coat is a popular choice because of its hypoallergenic properties, making it a good option for those with allergies.
Bernedoodles come in different sizes, including tiny, miniature, and standard, which affects their care and living needs.
A standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds, while 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 and weighs 10–24 pounds.
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Caring for Your Bernese Mountain Mix
A Bernedoodle's coat can be a beautiful thing, but it does require regular grooming to prevent matting. They come in a variety of coat types, including wavy, curly, and straight.
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A Bernedoodle's curly coat is ideal for those with allergies, but it needs to be brushed frequently to prevent painful matting. They'll need a haircut every few months to keep them looking their best.
Standard Bernedoodles do best with a fenced-in yard to run around and play in. They'll need daily walkies to burn off their energy.
Bernedoodles are intelligent and easy to train, but they can learn behaviors quickly - good or bad. Consistent social stimulation is key to reinforcing positive behaviors.
Bernedoodles need regular ear care to prevent infections or sore ears, especially if they inherit the Poodle's tendency for excessive hair inside their ears.
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Living with a Bernedoodle
Living with a Bernedoodle is a joy, but it requires some attention and care. They need lots of TLC and room to stretch their paws.
Bernedoodles are social butterflies and don't do well with loneliness, so they should not be left alone much. This can result in separation anxiety, which can lead to nervous habits like whining or chewing.
They require frequent outdoor time and lots of attention, which can be easily managed in an apartment if you're willing to put in the effort. A mini- or tiny-size Bernedoodle can thrive in an apartment setting as long as they get regular outdoor time.
Personal space is not in their vocabulary, and they love being your snuggle buddy. They're especially gentle-natured and love children, making them a great addition to many families.
Living Needs
Bernedoodles are social dogs that thrive on attention and interaction, so they shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to separation anxiety and behaviors like whining or chewing.
They require lots of TLC, room to stretch their paws, and work to stay happy and fulfilled. Giving them a job to do, like going for walks or agility trials, can help.
Bernedoodles are adaptable and can live in apartments as long as they get frequent outdoor time and lots of attention. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are key to keeping them happy and healthy.
They are especially gentle-natured and love children, making them a great addition to families. Each dog is different, but in general, they bark infrequently and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away.
Family Suitability
Living with a Bernedoodle can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially if you're a family with kids. Bernedoodles make fabulous family dogs if they're sourced from a reliable breeder and well-trained from puppyhood.
They're a total joy to own and will get on with everyone, including your little ones. This breed is very owner-oriented, so they thrive on positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
To ensure a smooth transition, it's essential to train your Bernedoodle to enjoy handling and grooming, as they will need a lot of it. This will also help them learn to walk easily on a lead and come back to you when called.
Given their Poodle heritage, Bernedoodles should be well socialized with cats, who they can learn to live with very happily. However, it's crucial to watch them with caution around other small animals and birds.
Health and Wellness
A Bernedoodle's lifespan is 12-18 years, which is a great age for a furry friend to be a part of your family.
They're generally a healthy breed, but they can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies.
Bernedoodles can inherit some health risks from their Bernese mountain dog side, including a high rate of cancer, heart disease, and epilepsy.
However, with regular grooming, you can help prevent skin issues like hot spots, which are caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area.
Keep an eye out for warning signs like excessive drooling and weight gain, as these can be indicators of potential health problems.
Regular grooming is key to preventing skin issues, so make sure to keep your Bernedoodle's coat clean and well-maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles can be strong-willed and exhibit challenging behaviors like stubbornness and possessiveness, but these traits often fade with age and proper training. With patience and training, you can help your Bernedoodle overcome these downsides and become a well-behaved companion.
How big does a Bernedoodle get?
Bernedoodles typically range from 45-110 pounds and 23-29 inches tall at the shoulder, with size varying between smaller and larger standards. Their adult size can be unpredictable, but understanding the breed's potential is key to preparing for their growth.
Do Bernedoodle dogs shed a lot?
Bernedoodles tend to shed minimally, but individual shedding can vary. Some may shed more, especially if they inherit traits from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent.
How much money is a Bernedoodle?
The cost of a Bernedoodle can range from $1,500 to $5,000 for a purchase from a breeder, or $50 to $300 for adoption from a shelter or rescue organization.
Which is better, goldendoodle or Bernedoodle?
If you're looking for a playful companion, a Goldendoodle might be the better fit. For a gentle and affectionate pet with a lighthearted personality, a Bernedoodle could be the perfect choice.
Sources
- Bernedoodle Breed Info (tlcbythelake.com)
- Key Facts about the Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix (petventuresbook.com)
- Meet Timber (instagram.com)
- Bernedoodle Dog Breed Information (purina.co.uk)
- Bernedoodle Information | bernerbabies (bernerbabies.com)
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