Bernedoodle Dog Breed Information, History and Care Guide

The Bernedoodle is a result of breeding a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, this produces an amazing family friendly dog! Available in standard, miniature and tiny versions, Bernedoodles can live 12 to 17 years and their low shedding, allergy-friendly coats are highly regarded. Great family dogs – these are loyal and friendly dogs that are great with children, but they do need grooming and some exercise and early training is important for a well-rounded temperament.

The Bernedoodle is among the most popular “doodle” breeds, a dog that combines the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the poodle with its other parent’s gentle loyalty – in this case, the Bernese mountain dog. This designer breed has enjoyed market demand as a family dog since its formation on purpose in the early 2000s.

Though no two Bernedoodles are the same, owners typically report that they are affectionate, goofy and extremely social animals. Blessed with hybrid vigor, delightful personalities and a go-with-the-flow demeanor that are equally home in an active family setting or at the feet of their favorite human Magoo-winning hounds know no strangers.

Breed Overview

• Group: Hybrid (Designer Dog)
• Weight:
  • Standard: 50 to 90 lbs
  • Miniature: 25 to 49 lbs
  • Tiny: 10 to 24 lbs
• Height:
  • Standard: 23 to 29 inches
  • Miniature: 18 to 22 inches
  • Tiny: 12 to 17 inches
• Coat: Wavy or curly, some are straight
• Colors: Black, black and white, black and brown or tri-color (most common)
• Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
• Temperament: Friendly, playful, intelligent, social
• Hypoallergenic: Yes (shedding low to none depending on genetics)
• Origin: Canada

Characteristics of the Bernedoodle

One of the main benefits to bringing a Bernedoodle in your family is that they are known as people lovers! They are a very people-oriented breed who become closely attached to their families and also love to have fun; this makes them great with kids. Though their temperament largely depends on which parent breed they tend to favor:

• Affection Level: High
• Friendliness with Strangers: Moderate
• Kid-Friendly: Moderate to High
• Pet-Friendly: Moderate
• Energy Level: Medium
• Trainability: Medium to High
• Intelligence: High
• Shedding: Low to Moderate
• Barking Tendency: Medium

Though some Bernedoodles take after the laid-back Bernese, others may have a bit of stubborness from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent in which case early socialization and lifelong training are necessary.

History of the Bernedoodle

SwissRidge Kennels in Canada is where the Bernedoodle was first intentionally bred, back in 2003 when so-called “doodle” hybrids like the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle started making waves. There may have been some accidental crosses previously, but Rupke’s breeding program was key in making the Bernedoodle a designer breed with recognition.

Because of the lack of breed standards for crossbreeds, like a Bernedoodle vs. purebred dogs that have specific breed guidelines, Bernedoodles will look and act differently depending on their generation:

• F1 Bernedoodle (50% Bernese / 50% Poodle): Coats and shedding will vary.
• F2 Bernedoodle (Bernedoodle x Bernedoodle): A bit more uniform, yet still varies.
• F2B Bernedoodle (Bernedoodle × Poodle): Usually have curlier, less-shedding coats that are good for people with allergies.

Bernedoodles are not AKC-recognized since they’re a hybrid dog, but make no mistake that these pups are one of the world’s most popular designer breeds.

Bernedoodle Care

Exercise Needs

Bernedoodles need moderate exercise every day which includes one or two daily walks and interactive play. Bigger, more athletic Bernedoodles might enjoy dog sports such as agility, dock diving or flyball.

Great activities for Bernedoodles:

• Hiking
• Swimming
• Agility courses
• Fetch and frisbee
• Running with active owners

Grooming

Although these dogs are known for it, not all Bernedoodles are entirely hypoallergenic. Coat type depends on genetics:

• Wavy/Curly coats (more Poodle): They are low shedding but need to be brushed regularly (2/3 times a week) and professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks.
• Straight or bulkier coats (more Bernese genes): More shedding and require daily brushing.

General grooming routine:

• Nail trims every 2 weeks
• Ear checks weekly
• Brushing teeth 3/4 times per week

Training

Clever though they may be, Bernedoodles can sometimes be hard-headed. The earlier you start with these positive-reinforcement training methods, however (like treats and clicker training), the better they work.

Key tips:

• Begin obedience classes as puppies
• Socialize with people, pets, and places
• Use consistency and patience

Health Considerations

Though some risks may be mitigated by hybrid vigor, Bernedoodles are prone to health issues that can arise from either parent breed.

Common Bernese Mountain Dog issues:

• Cancer (malignant histiocytosis)
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Eye diseases (PRA, cataracts, entropion)
• Cardiac disease (SAS)
• Hypothyroidism
• Autoimmune disorders
• Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)

Common Poodle issues:

• Epilepsy
• Sebaceous adenitis (skin disease)
• Luxating patella
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Bloat

Reputable breeders screen parent dogs for these conditions and offer health guarantees on puppies.

Diet and Nutrition

• Feed controlled portions twice a day to reduce the risk of obesity and bloating.
• During growth, standard Bernedoodles should be fed a large-breed puppy formula.
• Keep a good fitness level – keep the joints and general health in shape.
• Ask your vet about recommended foods and ideal weight ranges.

Adoption and Buying Options

Bernedoodles can be obtained from reputable breeders or rescue groups.

• Breeder prices: $2,000 to $5,000 for size, generation and coat type.
• Rescues: Plenty of adult Bernedoodles are looking for homes and can be found through doodle-specific rescues or local shelters.

Always choose breeders who:

• Provide genetic health testing results
• Offer transparency about parent breeds
• Don’t make unrealistic “perfect” Bernedoodle promises

Bernedoodle Dog Pros and Cons

Pros

• Loyal and affectionate companions
• Intelligent and playful
• Some of the lines are low-shedding, and some of them are allergy-friendly.
• Adaptable to families and singles

Cons

• May be stubborn or reserved with strangers
• Grooming needs can be high
• Not always hypoallergenic
• Expensive to purchase from breeders

Conclusion

The Bernedoodle offers the best of both breeds and is a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Their playful demeanor, intelligence and low-to-no shedding coat (this can be a case-by-case scenario as these dogs genetics are so mixed because they’re a mix breed itself) make them great family dogs. They may be low-maintenance, but they do need grooming and exercise and training, so consider if you will have time for them.

If you are interested in a Bernedoodle, do your research on breeders, consider adoption and spend time making sure this delightful hybrid fits with your lifestyle.

FAQ About Bernedoodles

Q1: Why is a Bernedoodle so costly?

Raising Bernedoodles the right way – through health testing, quality care and artificial insemination, in many cases – is more expensive. The smaller and rarer the size (such as toy Bernedoodles), the more likely you are to pay a premium.

Q2: How large will my Bernedoodle be?

Standard: 29 inches and up to 90 lbs.

• Miniature: 18 to 22 inches, 25 to 49 lbs
• Tiny: 12 to 17 inches, 10 to 24 lbs

Q3: Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?

Not always. Curly, Poodle-type coats are more allergy-friendly to be sure, but shedding levels differ. Prospective owners who have allergies should spend time with a Bernedoodle before adopting.

Q4: Are Bernedoodles good family dogs?

Yes, particularly for families looking for a friendly, sociable and moderately active dog. They respond well to training and attention, but they may not be a fit for families seeking an entirely low-maintenance breed.

Q5: How long do Bernedoodles live?

Average 12 – 17 years; smaller individuals can live longer.