What’s better than getting a pet that’s gentle, clever, loyal, and goofy at the same time? The Bernedoodle dog breed is the one that’s got all of these characteristics.
This mixed breed has got the best qualities from its parents- Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. To learn more about this interesting breed, keep scrolling.
About The Breed
Getting a Bernedoodle as a pet means getting a lifetime friend. These dogs get their intelligence from the Poodle and the goofy and charming personality from the Bernese.
They feel heavenly when they get to spend time with their owners. It can be a tricky job to identify the exact nature of a mixed breed like these, as any parent’s traits can get dominant.
The Bernedoodle is loved by everyone because of its friendliness, intelligence, and affection. Talking about these dogs’ appearance can vary.
They can be seen in a variety of colors with straight or curly coat textures. The thickness of a Bernedoodle’s coat makes it survive in cold temperatures. They are hypoallergenic dogs that have no definite size.
Bernedoodle Dog Breed History
The Bernedoodle is a fairly new mixed breed, so there’s not much known about their history.
It is said that Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels was the first one to breed Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles to create the Bernedoodle you see today.
However, this mixed breed might have been accidentally present before this time also.
The Bernedoodle might not be considered by the American Kennel Club, but clubs like the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club recognize this breed.
To know how a mixed breed like the Bernedoodle will turn out to be, you should be made aware of their parent’s history.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s origin can be found around 2,000 years ago when Switzerland was invaded by the Romans with their guard dogs and cattle drivers.
The crossing of Roman mastiff-type dogs was done with the local flock guarding dogs whose coats were suitable for the severe climate in the Alps.
Poodles come from Germany though some thought that this breed comes from France.
These dogs can be seen in different sizes, from mini poodles to big poodles. Their name means “splash of water.”
Bernedoodle Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Bernedoodle |
| Other Name | Bernie |
| Dog Breed Type | Mixed breed |
| Origin | 2003 |
| Parent Breeds | Bernese Mountain Dog, Poodle |
| Height | 10-29 inches |
| Weight | 10-90 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years |
| Coat Type | Wavy coat |
| Common Colors | White, Black, Brown |
| Grooming Needs | High maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Goofy, Friendly, Playful |
| Apartment Living | Suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Hip dysplasia, Ocular diseases, Elbow dysplasia, Allergies |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | High |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 6-8 puppies |
What To Know
• They come in various sizes, including standard, mini, and tiny, making them suitable for different living spaces.
• Bernedoodles require regular grooming due to their wavy or curly coats, which can vary in color.
• These dogs are highly trainable and make great companions, but they may need early socialization.
• Health concerns can include hip dysplasia and certain genetic issues, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
Characteristics
Adaptability
Bernedoodle dogs are renowned for their adaptability. They easily adjust to different living environments, whether it’s a spacious house or a cozy apartment.
Their friendly disposition makes them adaptable to families, singles, or seniors, and they thrive in various climates.
These dogs enjoy both playtime and downtime, making them flexible companions.
Their intelligence and trainability also aid in adapting to new routines and lifestyles, making Bernedoodles wonderful pets for all.
Adaptability
Adaptive to Apartment Living
Suitable for New Owners
Sensitivity Scale
Comfortable Being Alone
Comfortable with Cold Weather
Comfortable with Hot Weather
Friendliness
Bernedoodles are renowned for their warm and affectionate nature. These charming dogs are highly sociable, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
Their friendliness extends to other pets, kids, and strangers, often eager to form bonds and share love.
Their gentle disposition and innate desire to be close to their human family members make them truly lovable and devoted pets.
All About Friendliness
Lovable with Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The Bernedoodle gets the best characteristics from its parents- Poodle and the Bernese Mountain dog.
It’s quite tricky to determine which specific traits they will get from their parents as it’s a mixed breed.
Any parent’s trait can become dominant in their personality. Even puppies from the same litter can have different personalities.
These dogs can be highly intelligent, just like their Poodle parents, goofy and lively, just like their Bernese Mountain dog parent, or simply a combination of both.
Generally, the Bernedoodle is said to be friendly, hardworking, goofy, and loyal. They might get their stubborn personality from the Bernese Mountain dog, which makes it a bit difficult to train them. However, their smartness can help in training them.
You can always control your pet’s negative behavior by socializing them from a young age. These dogs like attention and are full of energy.
As they want attention, leaving them alone wouldn’t be the best idea. They might get destructive to get your attention when you get home.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Bernedoodles are renowned for their friendly disposition, making them excellent companions for children.
Their gentle nature and playful spirit create a loving bond with kids. They’re patient, adaptive, and thrive in family settings, making them a top choice for families seeking a child-friendly canine companion.
Amicable to Other Pets
Bernedoodles are typically amicable to other pets, thanks to their friendly and social nature.
Their affable personality makes them great companions for other dogs, cats, and even smaller animals.
Early socialization and positive interactions play a vital role in ensuring they get along well with their furry housemates, creating a harmonious pet-friendly environment.
Barking Tendencies
Barking tendencies in Bernedoodle dogs can vary. These friendly pups tend to be moderate barkers, often alerting you to visitors or unusual sounds.
Early training can help control excessive barking. Bernedoodles thrive with positive reinforcement, so teaching the “quiet” command can be an effective way to manage their vocal tendencies.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Staying alone for a Bernedoodle can be challenging. These social dogs thrive on companionship and may experience separation anxiety.
To ease this, gradual training, toys, and creating a safe space can help. Additionally, professional dog walkers or sitters can provide much-needed interaction, ensuring a happy, well-adjusted Bernedoodle when alone.
Pros And Cons Of The Bernedoodle Dog Breed
Pros
- Loving and Affectionate Companionship
- Low-Shedding, Hypoallergenic Coat
- Intelligent and Easy to Train
- Versatile in Size and Activity
- Healthy Hybrid Vigor Benefits
Cons
- High Grooming and Maintenance Needs
- Potential for Health Concerns
- Active Exercise Requirements
- Can Be Expensive to Purchase
- Variable Temperament Traits
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The attitude of a Bernedoodle depends on the parent’s dominant traits, not their gender. Even puppies of the same gender are said to have different personalities.
The attitude of mixed breeds like these depends majorly on their parent’s dominant traits and the environment they grew up in.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Bernedoodle, a charming and friendly crossbreed, boasts a unique appearance.
With their fluffy, wavy, or curly coats that can come in a variety of colors, they’re sure to catch anyone’s eye.
These dogs range in size from tiny to standard, fitting diverse living situations.
They often have expressive eyes, a playful demeanor, and an endearing blend of their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle heritage, making them an adorable and distinct pet choice.
Coat Color
The coat of a Bernedoodle can either look like the Poodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog. Usually, their coats are known to be curly and wavy.
Their coats can be seen in a variety of colors, like a combo of white and black or black and brown. Sometimes, they are tri-colored, too, with brown, white, or black patches.
Bernedoodles’ grooming needs become high depending on their coat’s curls. They shed less, so you need to brush them more to avoid matting.
You can even brush their coat daily and make grooming a bonding session with your dog. Coat trimming is required to be done every few months depending on the growth.
Shedding
The shedding quantity of a Bernedoodle depends on its coat’s texture. When the coat is curly and wavy, they tend to shed less.
On the other hand, if the coat is straight, they tend to shed more. Straighter coats also mean they are less hypoallergenic.
Size
The Poodle parent of the Bernedoodle comes in different sizes, so there’s no definite size for this mixed breed too. They can be mini, tiny, or large.
The standard size of a Bernedoodle can be a maximum of 29 inches. The mini ones can grow between 18-22 inches, and the tiny dogs can grow between 12-17 inches only.
Small size dogs can easily live in an apartment setting. Standard Bernedoodle can also live in apartments as long as you’re giving them loads of exercise.
Health
Mixed breeds are generally considered healthier in comparison to their parents. As the Bernedoodle is still a new breed, there’s not much known about the health issues they can face.
The chances of getting cancer are fairly low as compared to their parent Bernese Mountain dog. Other health issues they will probably face are elbow dysplasia, allergies, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and hot spots.
Regular health checkups with your vet should be done to avoid any major health issues.
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding Quantity
Drooling Capability
Effortless to Groom
Overall Health
Capable of Gaining Weight
Size
Maintenance And Care
Miniature and tiny Bernedoodles can do well in apartments, whereas the standard Bernedoodle might need a house with a yard to run around.
They don’t demand personal space as long as you are giving them enough mental and physical stimulation.
This helps in preventing them from getting destructive. Their intelligence levels make them learn things quickly, which is good and bad at the same time.
Their chances of learning good things are as high as their chances of learning bad things. That’s why socialization and training become necessary from the puppy stage.
Grooming
Grooming a Bernedoodle is essential to keep their gorgeous, wavy coat in top condition. Brushing a few times a week prevents matting and keeps their fur shiny.
Regular baths are recommended to keep them clean. Trimming their hair around the eyes and paws can enhance their appearance.
Don’t forget ear cleaning and nail clipping to maintain overall health.
Food And Nutrition
Every dog, especially the mixed breed, has unique dietary requirements. What should and should not be fed to your dog depends on its age, size, health, and environment.
The Bernedoodles are said to be compulsive eaters that will eat whatever you give them.
The moment you bring a Bernedoodle home, you should take it to your vet and make a diet plan for your pet.
Taking recommendations from a vet helps to maintain the health of your dog and fulfill its nutritional requirements.
Exercise And Activity Level
The Bernedoodles are considered full of energy. Even a daily long walk with their owner would be enough to keep them happy and healthy both physically and mentally.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise Requirements
Capable for Playfulness
Trainability
Bernedoodles are exceptionally trainable dogs, combining the intelligence of Poodles with the loyalty of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Their eagerness to learn and please makes them quick learners. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best.
Early socialization is key to ensuring they develop into well-mannered and well-adjusted companions.
Trainability
Effortless to Train
Smartness
Capable for Mouthiness
Tendency to Attack Prey
Urge to Howl or Bark
Wanderlust Ability
Children and other pets
Bernedoodles make great pets for families with kids though you should always supervise the play sessions with the kids.
Teach your kids how to handle tiny and miniature Bernedoodles, as the chances of injury are high with such dogs.
The Bernedoodle loves spending quality time with family and loves playing. Usually, these dogs are good with other pets, but socialization is still needed for them to be on their best behavior.
Conclusion
Greta Gerwig, actress, and filmmaker, takes her Bernedoodle-Wizard with her wherever she goes.
Bernedoodle dogs are an appealing choice for those seeking a friendly, intelligent, and low-shedding companion.
Their diverse sizes cater to various living situations, but grooming and early socialization are key.
Keeping an eye on potential health issues and regular vet visits ensures a happy, healthy Bernedoodle.
Explore More Dog Breeds…
FAQs On Bernedoodle Dog Breed…
Where do the Bernedoodle dog breeds come from?
Bernedoodle dog breeds originate from the crossbreeding of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, resulting in a charming and versatile hybrid known for their intelligence and affectionate nature.
What is the best diet routine for a Bernedoodle?
A balanced diet for a Bernedoodle should consist of high-quality dog food, appropriate to their size and age, with a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
How much exercise is required for a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle typically needs at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.