What is a Bernedoodle?

Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle = Bernedoodle

Country of Origin: The Bernedoodle hybrid was developed by breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland while the Poodle originated in Germany and France.

Size: The Bernedoodle is a cross of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. As a result, the puppy’s size and weight can vary tremendously. Breeders may use standard, miniature or even toy poodles. Sizes range from: Standard – 23-29″ / 70-90 lbs. Miniature/Mini – 15-20″ / 25-49 lbs. Toy – 10-14″ / 10-24 lbs.

Coat: Bernedoodles are known for the hypoallergenic properties of their coats. Bernedoodle coats are typically wavy and curly, which results in minimal shedding. Curly coats require frequent brushing to prevent tangles, as well as periodic trimming. Bernedoodles can range in colors, with the most common combinations being either black, black and brown, black and white, or black, white, and brown. Each Bernedoodle's appearance can vary because it is a crossbreed, meaning each litter has genetically different parents.

Character: Bernedoodles are extremely smart, loyal, and good in nature. They can be wary around strangers so it is important to socialize them as early in life as possible.

Temperament: Overall, the temperament of the Bernedoodle is playful and affectionate. They interact well with children and generally love to spend lots of time with their human families. Because they need to be in close and consistent proximity with their human families, you will find that they don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. Bernedoodles make great family dogs because they are friendly and easy to socialize. A lot of intelligence is passed on from the Poodle parent, which allows the Bernedoodle to be able to work as a therapy dog, with the proper training.

Care: Bernedoodles require moderate maintenance. Because the Bernese parent contributes constant and seasonal shedding of all of the coat types, brushing your Bernedoodle a couple times a week is recommended. Bathing is recommended as needed. Bernedoodles have a minimal shedding rate for the curly and wavy coated canines but for the straight coated version, which is less common, the shedding rate is a little higher. Routine teeth cleaning, eye exams, and ear cleaning should be built into your regimen.

Training: When they are still young, Bernedoodles can be a little bit headstrong. Therefore, it is important that you start your Bernedoodle puppy with socialization and training early. Use a clear, strong voice with a kind, positive tone to train your Bernedoodle. They are very intelligent with an eager-to-please nature that makes it easier for them to be trained. It might take a few repeats of your instruction, but these pups are usually quick to comply with commands. Reward good behavior and obedience with meaty, bite-sized treats and lots of praise and encouragement. Bernedoodles are extra-sensitive to your tone and mood, so harshness will scare them into shying away from you.

Activity: Bernedoodles are a moderately active cross-breed. Daily walking, play, and interaction is recommended. Their natural gait is a slow trot, so walking a Bernedoodle should be easy for most people.

Another reason behind their high demand is that they are hypoallergenic, and good for the owners who are allergic to dander

Life Expectancy: 12-18 Years

Daily exercise: Bernedoodles are exercise lovers and they never want to miss their daily exercise. Therefore you should change your decision of buying or adopting a Bernedoodle if you have a busy routine. A Berndoodle requires at least half an hour daily for his exercise.

Shyness in some cases: Bernedoodle is a highly social dog breed, still, he may feel shy in the presence of strangers.

Not a guard dog: Bernedoodles have several types and generations but unfortunately, none of them becomes a good guard.

More than enough playfulness: Their playfulness and responsiveness may sometimes become a headache for you because they hate to be bored and show bad behavior.

Regular grooming: A Bernedoodle shed very less because of its curly coat, so you need to brush them regularly or either they’ll have a matted coat. They usually need grooming every 8 to 12 weeks.

A better understanding of the different terms
of breeding:

F1 = Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle
F1B = F1 Bernedoodle x Poodle
F1BB = F1B Bernedoodle x Poodle
F2 = F1 Bernedoodle x F1 Bernedoodle
F2B = F1 Bernedoodle x F1B Bernedoodle
F3 = F1B Bernedoodle x F1B Bernedoodle OR
F3 = F1B Bernedoodle x F2B Bernedoodle OR
F3 = F2 Bernedoodlex F2 Bernedoodle OR
F3 = F2B Bernedoodle x F2B Bernedoodle
Multigen = any pairing of F3 x F3 or above