Bernedoodle and Mini Bernedoodle: The Complete Guide (with pictures)

What do you get when you cross a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle? You get the Bernedoodle, of course! This designer breed is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people discover how great they are. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Bernedoodle. We’ll discuss their temperament, their health, and what to expect if you decide to adopt one of these dogs. So read on to learn all about the ultimate hybrid dog!

QUICK FACTS

HeightVaries greatly between 13-29 inches
Weight22-90 pounds
Lifespan12-16 years
Best suited ForModerately active people, families, couples, singles with one person often at home
TemperamentGentle, kind, affectionate and friendly
Care LevelModerate
bernedoodle dog

What is a Bernedoodle?

A Bernedoodle is a mixed breed between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. These dogs are typically very intelligent and easy to train. They are also known for being loyal and affectionate, making them great companion animals.

Bernedoodles come in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of the parent breeds. They can also come in a number of different coat types, from wavy to curly. This can make Bernedoodles easy to groom or low-maintenance, depending on the coat type. Overall, Bernedoodles are gentle, loving dogs that make great family pets.

Bernedoodles are one of the most popular doodle breeds in the United States. They are also known as Mini Bernadoodle, Bernese Poodle, Bernese mountain poo, and  Benriedoodle’s

Bernedoodle Overview

Bernedoodles are a popular crossbreed of the Bernese mountain dog and the poodle. They are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and low-shedding coat. Bernedoodles come in three different size categories- standard, miniature, and toy. Regardless of size, Bernedoodles are generally gentle and good-natured dogs that make great family pets. They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility trials.

These intelligent dogs tend to be good with children and other animals, and they make great family pets. However, Bernedoodles can also be somewhat independent, so they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation, so they are not well suited to a sedentary lifestyle. Overall, Bernedoodles are loving, loyal, and fun-loving dogs that make great companions.

black bernedoodle

Characteristics

Temperament: Gentle, kind, intelligent, affectionate and friendly

Size: small to large – see below on more info about size   

Average Weight: 10 to 90+ pounds depending on poodle parent size

Lifespan: The average lifespan is 12-15 years. Mini Bernedoodles typically live longer than standard bernedoodles

Adaptability: 4/5

Energy Level: Moderate – they do require daily exercise like all dogs and can become destructive if they don’t have enough exercise

Dog Friendly: 5/5

Pet Friendly: 5/5

Child Friendly: 5/5

Intelligence: 4/5

Trainability: 4/5

Mini Bernedoodle’s and Bernedoodle’s are fast and eager learners with good trainability. They can learn basic commands very fast and can be trained on more complex commands relatively easily.

Barking: 3/5

Apartment/small spaces: 4/5

Grooming level: 1-2/5

Shedding level: low shedding/hypoallergenic. Beware that shedding levels can vary depending on which parent they inherit the shedding from.

Appearance

The Bernedoodle has many of the same characteristics as both parent breeds, including a friendly and loyal personality, a hypoallergenic coat, and a small to large size. However, the Bernedoodle also has some unique physical traits.

Most Bernedoodles have a tri-colored coat, with black, brown, and white markings. They also have long, floppy ears, and a thick, curly coat. While the exact appearance of each Bernedoodle can vary depending on which parent breed they take after, all Bernedoodles are sure to make adorable and loving pets.

Bernedoodle coats vary from curly to wavy to straight coat. Because they are a mix of different-sized dogs, Bernedoodles can come in different sizes depending on which generation they belong to: 

Micro/Toy Bernedoodles:

The Toy Bernedoodle is the tiniest version of the Bernedoodle breed, believed to be able to reach 8 to 10 inches in height and weigh less than 10 pounds. Despite its desirable size, it is nevertheless uncommon to encounter Tiny or Toy Bernedoodles because they are difficult to breed. Typically, a Micro/Toy Bernededoodle is produced from a mini Bernedoodle and a toy poodle.

Mini Bernedoodles:

Mini Bernedoodles are 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, with a normal weight of approximately 30 pounds. A Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle is used to breed a Mini Bernedoodle and they are fairly common due to their smaller size.

Standard Bernedoodles:

The Standard size Bernedoodles range from 15 to 29 inches tall and with an average weight of 50 pounds but can max out at 90+ pounds! This is comparable in size to the Bernese Mountain Dog. They are a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog

bernedoodle tricolor

History

The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed that was first bred in the early 2000’s. The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle are both very old breeds, with the Bernese Mountain Dog dating back to the 1800s from the swiss alps and Poodles originating in Germany in the 1600s. However, it wasn’t until recently that someone had the idea to combine the two breeds and create the Bernedoodle.

The Bernedoodle has quickly become a popular breed due to its many desirable characteristics, such as its hypoallergenic coat, friendly personality, and small to large size. The Mini Bernedoodle puppies are a relatively new breed, but they have quickly become very popular. They are one of the most popular types of doodle puppies in the United States, and they are also loved all over the world. The Mini Bernedoodle puppies were first bred on purpose in Ontario, Canada.

Health Concerns

Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs. While crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle should improve hybrid vigor and thus reduce disease. Bernedoodles can still inherit health problems from their parents. This is especially true if you purchase from a backyard or puppy mill breeder who does not test for diseases before breeding the parents.

Health issues include:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat (much more common in large and giant breeds)
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
  • Environmental allergies (atopy)
  • Hotspots
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease
  • Epilepsy

It may be a long list but due to the hybrid vigor, hopefully, your Bernedoodle is less likely to develop most of these conditions.

Feeding

Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of raising a healthy puppy. As with any breed, it is important to feed your Bernedoodle a high-quality diet that meets their specific nutritional needs.

Bernedoodles need a high-quality diet that is rich in protein and fat. They also need to eat small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. This is because they are prone to bloat (where the stomach twists which can be life-threatening) and large meals can cause it to occur.

Another important thing to remember is that Bernedoodles are prone to weight gain. Being overweight or obese puts more pressure on the organs and joints and can also lead to a lower life expectancy.

The appropriate diet for your Bernedoodle depends on its size. a mini or micro Bernedoodle likely needs a premium adult maintenance diet or calorie-controlled diet. A standard Bernedoodle needs a large breed formulation.

bernedoodle puppy

Generation Guide

If you’re looking for more information about Bernedoodles and their various designations, such as F1, F2, and so on, we’ve put up a list of resources to assist you. Keep in mind that doodles with more poodle DNA strands will have a less shedding coat than those with greater Bernese mountain dog DNA will have more shedding and a straighter coat. First-generation Doodles have the most hybrid vigor

  • F1 Bernedoodle: A first-generation doodle is a 50:50 cross of a purebred poodle and purebred Bernese Mountain Dog parent. They have the most hybrid vigor and typically the least health issues (if they come from well-bred parents).
  • F1B Bernedoodle: An F1B is 75% poodle and 25% Bernese mountain dog, where the “B” stands for backcross. They are usually a cross between a Purebred poodle and an F1 Bernedoodle. Poodles are usually chosen to try to reduce shedding and make the Bernedoodle smaller.
  • F2 Bernedoodle: These have two F1 Bernedoodle parents. The level of shedding is highly variable depending on the parents.

Grooming

The Bernedoodle’s coat is one of the things that makes it so popular. It generally has a hypoallergenic coat, which means it has minimal shedding and is less likely to cause allergies in people. Many people get caught out when they but a Doodle as they presume they do not shed.

Please keep in mind that when you cross two different breeds there is no way of knowing which parents shedding level they will inherit.

While they are generally low shedding. The downside to this type of coat is that it requires regular grooming to keep it looking nice. The curlier the coat the more likely it is to matt. If you don’t groom your Bernedoodle every day to 2-3 days matting can occur which usually required a trip to the groomers to get shaved.

If you are not keen on brushing they may not be the dog for you. The alternative is to get your Bernedoodle shaved every few months.

How much does a Bernedoodle cost?

The price range of a Bernedoodle puppy varies between $1500-$5,000 depending on coat color and breeder. There are a lot of unscrupulous breeders out there so make sure to thoroughly check out the breeder and meet the parents. You can also enquire at pet rescue’s you are interested in adopting a Bernedoodle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do Bernedoodles interact with children and other pets?

A: Bernedoodles are great with children and other pets. They are usually very patient and tolerant of little ones.

Q: What is the average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle?

A: The average life expectancy for a Bernedoodle is around 12-14 years. However, they can live up to 16 years

Q: Do Bernedoodles make good therapy pets?

A: Bernedoodles make excellent therapy pets. They are very affectionate and love spending time with people.

Q: How easy are Bernedoodles to train?

A: Bernedoodles are fairly easy to train if you put the time in. They are intelligent and eager to please.

Q: Do Bernedoodle make good guard dogs?

A: Bernedoodles do not typically make good guard dogs as they are usually too friendly with strangers. They can be quite protective of their family if the family is threatened

Q: How much exercise does a Bernedoodle need?

A: Bernedoodles have moderate energy levels and need around an hour of exercise per day. This can be a combination of long walks, playing in the yard, and swimming.

Q: How much food do Bernedoodles eat on average per day?

It can be highly variable. Feed to their ideal body weight and talk to your vet.

Q: Do Bernedoodles shed a lot?

Please keep in mind that when you cross two different breeds there is no way of knowing which parents shedding level they will inherit. If you get a F1B Bernedoodle that is 75% Poodle you will have the most likelihood of low shedding.

Q: Are Bernedoodles lazy?

A: No, Bernedoodles are not lazy! They have a moderate-energy level and enjoy going for walks and playing with their family.

Q: What is the best way to groom a Bernedoodle?

A: The best way to groom a Bernedoodle is to brush it every day to keep it looking nice. If the coat is particularly curly, you may need to clip it every few months. You can also get your Bernedoodle shaved every few months if you don’t want to brush it.

Q: Where can I find reputable Bernedoodle breeders in my area?

A: You can find a reputable Bernedoodle breeder in your area by joining a Doodle or Bernedoodle Facebook group and asking for recommendations. It is highly likely you will need to travel to get a Bernedoodle from a responsible breeder. You can also check with local pet rescue organizations.

Q: Are Bernedoodles good apartment dogs?

A: Only mini Bernedoodles are good apartment dogs. Standard Bernedoodles require a decent backyard

Q: Are Bernedoodles recognized by the American Kennel Club?

No, Bernedoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as they are not purebred dog breeds.

Summary

If you are looking for a great family dog that is easy to train and doesn’t shed a lot, the Bernedoodle may be the perfect breed for you! They make excellent therapy pets and get along well with children and other pets. However, please keep in mind that when you cross two different breeds there is no way of knowing which parents shedding level they will inherit. So if you are not keen on brushing, you may want to consider another breed. Make sure to thoroughly check out the breeder and meet the parents before purchasing your puppy to ensure they are a reputable Bernedoodle breeder. Thank you for reading!

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