Unleash happiness with a Bernedoodle: Find your perfect companion (2024)

Bernedoodles are famous for their loyal, clever, gentle, and goofy nature. This mixed breed is the best of both worlds obtained by crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle.

They are not bred to compete in dog shows but make ideal family dogs, especially for families with dog allergies.

Bernedoodles, also known as Bernese Mountain Poo, make great companions for active owners.

This article will provide all the essential information you need about this hybrid breed before buying or adopting a Bernedoodle.

Bernedoodle history

In 2003, Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels was the first breeder known for breeding Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mixes.

Maybe this hybrid breed accidentally existed before. Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize this relatively new breed.

The Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry recognize the Bernedoodle.

The dogs are considered a designer breed, but you can find them in the care of shelters and rescue groups.

Before buying from a reputable breeder, you can check with shelters or rescue groups to adopt one.

Size

Bernedoodles are known for their three main sizes, which depend on the poodle size and include the toy, miniature Bernedoodles, and standard.

A toy Bernedoodle can stand 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 10 to 24 pounds.

A mini Bernedoodle can stand 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 25 to 49 pounds.

The standard size, Bernese Mountain Dog-Standard Poodle cross, stands 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder and weighs 70 to 90 pounds.

Personality

Bernedoodles get their personality traits from the Bernedoodle and Poodle parent breeds, although which traits each dog inherits varies.

Although the individual personalities of Bernedoodles vary, some common features include loyalty, intelligence, and hard work.

Usually, the dogs are good with the kids and strangers. But be sure to focus on early socialization and training to control a possible stubborn nature.

When you start training Bernedoodle puppies, their intelligence helps them understand things quickly. They require moderate exercise daily to burn energy.

Don’t leave them alone for long periods, as they can develop separation anxiety. The dogs love to spend most of their time with their humans.

Bernadoodle temperament

One of the defining characteristics of a Bernedoodle’s temperament is its gentle and affectionate nature.

The dogs are known to be loyal and devoted to their owners, making them excellent companions for individuals or families looking for a loving furry friend.

Their tendency to form strong bonds with their human counterparts makes them great emotional support animals.

Bernedoodles are also intelligent dogs. This trait comes from both of their parent breeds.

The dogs are fast learners and excel in training. They love mental stimulation activities like learning new tricks, solving puzzles, and playing interactive games with their owners.

As always, with training, consistency, and patience are crucial for pet parents to achieve success.

Being an active breed, Bernedoodles have plenty of energy to burn off through exercise and playtime.

However, they are not as hyperactive as some other mixed breeds.

Instead, they have a moderate energy level that allows them to keep up with outdoor adventures and enjoy lounging indoors with their family members.

Bernedoodles are adaptable if they receive enough physical activity and mental stimulation.

These dogs can thrive in various living situations, whether in a spacious home in the suburbs or a small apartment in the city.

Life expectancy

On average, a Bernedoodle is a healthy breed that lives from 12 to 15 years. Of course, this number can vary based on various factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health.

One thing that sets the Bernedoodle apart from other breeds is their hybrid vigor.

This term refers to the increased lifespan and decreased risk of genetic diseases that come with crossbreeding two purebred dogs. In the case of the Bernedoodle, their parents are the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog — both breeds known for their longevity.

Poodles have an average lifespan of 12-15 years, while Bernese Mountain Dogs typically live for 7-10 years.

Combining these two breeds shows a significant increase in life expectancy for their offspring, which means your Bernedoodle could be with you for more years.

Health

Bernedoodles are healthier dogs than their parent breeds. Many purebred dogs suffer from genetically inherited diseases and conditions.

Crossbreeding minimizes the chances of many inherited diseases. Information about the hybrid breed’s health problems is limited as they are relatively new dogs.

One positive trend is the hybrid breed appears to experience cancer less often than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Other common health conditions:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems
• Elbow dysplasia
• Skin issues

While all dog breeds have some health issues, the Bernedoodle appears to be a relatively healthier breed.

Care

Depending on its size, you can keep the Bernedoodle in various places and environments.

Miniature and toy Bernedoodles are best suited for apartment life, while standard Bernedoodles need at least a small backyard to run around.

Wherever you keep your Bernedoodle, meet their physical and mental stimulation needs. And minimize the amount of time you leave your Bernedoodle alone.

Although the dogs learn quickly, keeping up with their training is important. Early exposure to other dogs and humans is always a good idea to keep your dog well-behaved.

Feeding

The amount of food your Bernedoodle needs depends on size, age, and activity level. Standard Bernedoodles are known to be voracious eaters.

Monitor their food intake and provide plenty of physical activity to keep them from becoming overweight.

For the best results, ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that perfectly suit your dog.

Exercise needs

Exercise is essential for a healthy, happy, well-behaved Bernedoodle.

As a hybrid breed between the energetic Poodle and the active Bernese Mountain Dog, these dogs require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

The dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, divided into two or three shorter walks or play sessions, depending on your dog’s age, size, and overall health.

Puppies may have more energy and need shorter bursts of activity to prevent exhaustion. Senior Bernedoodles are less active and may require less intense exercises such as slow walks or swimming.

Tailor your dog’s exercise routine to their individual needs.

Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise that provides physical stimulation and mental relaxation for your furry friend. You can stroll around the neighborhood or try different walking trails for variety.

Bernedoodles love playing fetch. Their retrieving instincts make them excellent at this game and provide them with an outlet for their high energy levels.

You can also switch things up by introducing new toys or playing hide-and-seek with treats to keep your dog mentally stimulated during playtime.

Swimming is an effective, low-impact exercise. The buoyancy provided by water is easy on joints while still providing an effective workout.

Supervise your dog at all times while in the water.

Agility training offers a fun and challenging way to keep your Bernedoodle physically active while improving their obedience skills.

Coat color and grooming needs

The bernedoodle coat appears much like a Poodle’s with the markings of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

The low-shedding coats can be straight, wavy, or curly. The wavy and curly coat sheds less than the straight coat. The curly coat is perfect for people who experience dander allergies.

Thick coats help Bernedoodles thrive in colder temperatures.

Common coat colors include black, black, white, and black and brown. The breed comes in tri-color and bi-color combinations with patches of black, white, and brown.

Bernedoodle grooming needs depend on the dog’s coat type. Curlier coat dogs need more frequent brushing than straight-coat dogs to prevent matting. Make sure to trim your dog every few months, depending on their hair growth.

Beredoodle rescue groups

Although Bernedoodles are rare in shelters, most rescue groups watch for Poodle mixes.

So, if you’re interested in this breed, check with your local shelter. You also can visit the Poo-Mix Rescue to find the dog you seek.

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