Is a Bernedoodle your dream dog? 9 facts to consider first
Bernedoodles are famous for their loyal, clever, gentle, and goofy nature. This mixed breed, obtained by crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, is the best of both worlds.
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 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 Bernedoodle is recognized by the Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.
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 inherit personality traits from their parent breeds, the Bernedoodle and Poodle, 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 its hybrid vigor.
This term refers to the increased lifespan and decreased risk of genetic diseases that come with crossbreeding two purebred dogs.
The Bernedoodle’s 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 a poodle parent and a Bernese Mountain dog parent can significantly increase the life expectancy of 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
Your Bernedoodle’s food needs depend 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 gaining too much weight.
Ask your veterinarian for the best results for dietary recommendations that suit your dog perfectly.
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, which provides 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 coats shed less than the straight coat, which is perfect for people who experience dander allergies.
Thick coats help Bernedoodles thrive in colder temperatures.
Standard coat colors include black, black and white, and black and brown. The breed comes in tri-color and bi-color combinations with black, white, and brown patches.
Bernedoodle grooming needs depend on the dog’s coat type.
Curlier-coated 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.
Adopting a Bernedoodle
When considering adding a Bernedoodle to your family, it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder or adoption center that prioritizes the health and well-being of their animals.
Start by conducting thorough research on breeders who specialize in Bernedoodles. Look for those registered with breed associations, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, and ensure they provide health clearances for the puppy’s parents to check for common genetic conditions like hip dysplasia.
Asking local veterinarians, dog trainers, or grooming facilities for recommendations can also be helpful. You can also connect with Bernedoodle owners through forums or social media groups to gather personal experiences and suggestions.
Whenever possible, visit Bernedoodle breeders or an adoption center in person. This visit allows you to inspect the living conditions to ensure the animals are kept in a clean environment and are well-cared for. It’s also an opportunity to meet the puppies and their parents, giving you insight into their future personalities and behavior.
Prepare a list of questions to ask the breeder or staff at the adoption center, such as what health tests have been conducted on the parents, what socialization practices are implemented for the puppies, and whether they can provide references from previous adopters.
A reputable breeder will typically present a written contract outlining the terms of the sale, including health guarantees and return policies.
Although Bernedoodles are rare in shelters, most rescue groups watch for doodles.
So, if you’re interested in this breed, check with your local shelter. You can also visit the Poo-Mix Rescue to find the dog you seek.
If you’re considering adoption, ensure the center has a clear policy regarding returns or support if you encounter challenges after bringing the dog home.
Finally, trust your instincts; if something feels off during your interactions—whether it’s the condition of the facilities or the responses you receive—don’t hesitate to look elsewhere.
Researching and visiting breeders or adoption centers will ensure you find a healthy and well-adjusted Bernedoodle to bring into your home.
Tips for first-time Bernedoodle parents
Bringing a Bernedoodle into your home can be a joyful and rewarding experience. As a first-time owner, it is essential to understand your dog’s needs.
Early socialization is crucial, so introduce your Bernedoodle to different environments, people, and other pets to help them develop into a well-adjusted adult. Puppy classes can be a great way to achieve this while strengthening your bond.
Regular grooming is necessary, as Bernedoodles require consistent care based on their coat type—poodles have curly hair, while Bernese Mountain Dogs have flat coats. Be prepared to brush them several times weekly to avoid matting, and consider professional grooming every few months.
Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation. To keep them entertained and minimize destructive behaviors, engage your dog with puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games.
Daily exercise is also crucial for your Bernedoodle’s physical and mental health. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity, including walks, fetch, or agility training, depending on their age and energy level.
Start training early, be consistent with commands and rules, and use positive reinforcement methods that work best with Bernedoodles. Patience and consistency will help your pup learn faster and strengthen your bond.
Regular vet check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations are also crucial for health care, discussing spaying or neutering, and any breed-specific health issues to consider.
Create a safe environment by removing hazards, such as toxic plants or small objects they might ingest, and providing a comfortable space for them to relax. Nutrition is also vital; feeding your Bernedoodle a high-quality diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level is essential, so consult your vet for recommendations.
Potential costs
Owning a Bernedoodle can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to consider the associated costs before bringing one into your home.
The initial purchase price of a Bernedoodle typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the breeder, the dog’s lineage, and the generation of the Bernedoodle.
Additionally, there are ongoing expenses that new owners should account for, such as food, grooming, and health care.
High-quality dog food is essential for the dog’s health and can cost between $50 and $100 monthly.
Grooming is particularly important for Bernedoodles, given their curly coat, which often requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks, leading to an annual cost of $500 to $1,000.
Routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, check-ups, and potential emergencies, can add another $300 to $700 annually.
While optional, pet insurance can provide peace of mind against unforeseen medical costs, usually ranging from $30 to $70 per month.
Other expenses such as training, supplies, and pet sitting or boarding during travel should also be factored in.
Overall, prospective Bernedoodle owners should expect to budget several thousand dollars annually to ensure they provide a loving and healthy environment for their furry companion.