Bernedoodle laying on the floor

What Is a Bernedoodle? A Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle, resulting in a companion that combines the best traits of both breeds.

Known for their intelligence, playful nature, and affectionate temperament, Bernedoodles are popular among families and individuals alike.

They come in various sizes depending on the size of the Poodle parent (standard, miniature, or toy), and their coat is often hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

Bernedoodle Origins: Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle Mix

The Bernedoodle is a relatively new designer breed, combining the large, strong Bernese Mountain Dog and the smart, hypoallergenic Poodle. This intentional crossbreed aims to produce a dog with the loyalty and laid-back personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.

To learn more about dog breeds and breeding best practices, visit our detailed articles.

Bernese Mountain Dog Traits

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle giants known for their calm demeanor and loyalty. Originally bred as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, they are sturdy, patient, and deeply attached to their families. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to health issues and often have a shorter lifespan.

  • Temperament: Calm, affectionate, and loyal
  • Size: Large, typically weighing between 70-115 pounds
  • Coat: Thick, double-layered, shedding coat

Learn more about Bernese Mountain Dogs on Wikipedia.

Poodle Traits

Poodles are highly intelligent dogs known for their hypoallergenic coats and impressive trainability. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, which influences the size of the resulting Bernedoodle. Their curly coats are a major draw for those with allergies, as they shed less than other breeds.

  • Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, and friendly
  • Size: Ranges from 10 to 70 pounds depending on the type (toy, miniature, or standard)
  • Coat: Curly, hypoallergenic, minimal shedding

Learn more about Poodles on Wikipedia.

Bernedoodle Temperament and Personality

Bernedoodles are known for their friendly, affectionate, and intelligent nature, combining the best traits of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.

These dogs are incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their families and thriving on companionship, making them ideal family pets who are especially great with children.

They are playful and energetic, enjoying interactive playtime and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

While they may not have the high-energy levels of some other breeds, daily walks and engaging activities are essential to keep them fit and mentally stimulated.

Bernedoodles also inherit the Poodle’s intelligence, making them highly trainable.

They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, which makes training relatively easy and enjoyable for both the dog and owner.

Overall, their combination of loyalty, playfulness, and intelligence makes them versatile and loving companions for a variety of households.

Bernedoodle Sizes and Variations

The size of a Bernedoodle largely depends on whether the Poodle parent was a toy, miniature, or standard. This flexibility in size makes Bernedoodles adaptable to various living environments, from apartments to larger homes with yards.

  • Standard Bernedoodle: A Standard Bernedoodle is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle, resulting in a large dog that typically weighs between 70 and 90 pounds. These dogs are best suited for families with larger living spaces or yards and plenty of time to dedicate to their exercise needs.
  • Miniature Bernedoodle: A Miniature Bernedoodle is the result of crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Miniature Poodle, producing a smaller dog compared to the Standard Bernedoodle but still maintaining the loyal and playful nature. They typically weigh between 25 and 49 pounds and are ideal for active individuals or families living in smaller homes.
  • Toy Bernedoodle: A Toy Bernedoodle, the smallest of the group, is created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Toy Poodle. These tiny dogs weigh around 10 to 24 pounds, making them perfect for apartment living or families with limited space.

Health and Care for Bernedoodles

Bernedoodles are generally healthier than their purebred Bernese Mountain Dog parents, thanks to hybrid vigor, but they can still be prone to certain genetic health conditions.

Being aware of potential health risks and providing proper care is key to ensuring your Bernedoodle lives a long, healthy life.

Common health issues that may affect Bernedoodles include hip dysplasia, which is often seen in larger breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic disorder that can lead to blindness.

Regular veterinary check-ups, along with a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine, are crucial for preventing or managing these conditions.

In addition to health care, grooming plays an important role in keeping your Bernedoodle comfortable and looking its best.

Their wavy or curly coat sheds less than other breeds, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies, but they still need regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting.

Occasional trips to a professional groomer can also help maintain their coat’s texture and cleanliness. Proper ear care is another important aspect of Bernedoodle grooming, as they can be prone to ear infections.

Regular ear cleaning, along with good hygiene practices, helps reduce the risk of infection and keeps your dog healthy.

By staying proactive with their health and grooming needs, you can ensure that your Bernedoodle remains happy and well-cared for throughout their life.

PetMD recommends regular exercise and mental stimulation for Bernedoodles to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, particularly in younger dogs.

Are Bernedoodles Right for You?

Bernedoodle Playing at the Beach

Bernedoodles are an excellent choice for families, singles, or even seniors looking for a loyal, friendly, and intelligent dog.

They adapt well to various living environments, provided they receive enough exercise and attention.

With their hypoallergenic coats and lovable nature, Bernedoodles are becoming increasingly popular for those looking for a well-rounded companion.

According to DogTime, Bernedoodles are among the most affectionate designer dog breeds, thriving in homes where they receive plenty of attention and mental stimulation.

This mixed breed is especially well-suited for families who are looking for a loyal, loving dog.

Conclusion

A Bernedoodle is a designer dog breed that mixes the gentle Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligent Poodle, resulting in a loyal, playful, and hypoallergenic pet.

With a variety of sizes, Bernedoodles can fit into different living situations, making them an adaptable choice for many families.

Their affectionate temperament and low-shedding coat make them a popular breed for pet owners seeking a loving, trainable companion.

FAQs

1. How big does a Bernedoodle get?

The size of a Bernedoodle depends on whether they have a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle parent. Standard Bernedoodles can weigh between 70-90 pounds, Miniature Bernedoodles between 25-49 pounds, and Toy Bernedoodles between 10-24 pounds.

2. Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?

While no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, Bernedoodles are known to shed less than many other breeds, making them a good option for people with allergies. Regular grooming can further reduce allergens.

3. Are Bernedoodles good with children?

Yes, Bernedoodles are known for being gentle, affectionate, and patient, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their friendly nature and loyalty make them well-suited for family life.