The Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Here is aBernedoodle Full Guide 2023.
Standard Poodles are commonly used to create standard Bernedoodles. However, some breeders use toy and miniature Poodles to create smaller Bernedoodles.
Bernedoodles are affectionate to people and are great pets for families with kids. They are also intelligent dogs that are easy to train.
Besides, they adapt well to cold temperatures. Whether you are living with a family or alone, Bernedoodles will adapt well to both environments.
If you plan to bring home a Bernedoodle, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss everything you need to know about this adorable dog breed. Keep reading to learn more.
Bernedoodle Origin
To understand the origin of Bernedoodles, we must first understand their parent breeds: the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in the Swiss mountains (Switzerland). In the 19th century, they were used by farmers to guard their farms and pull carts.
At the end of the 1800s, many working dogs were being imported. This lowered the population of the Bernese Mountain Dogs until a group was formed to protect them.
The breed was introduced to the United States of America in 1926. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) did not recognize them until 1937. They are known for being energetic dogs.
The Poodle
The Poodle is known to be one of the oldest purebred dogs. While their origin is unknown, many breeders and dog lovers believe they originated from Germany.
However, some information has linked their ancestors to having originated from central Asia.
The standard Poodle became a national breed in France due to its popularity. In ancient times, hunters used them as water retrieves or gun dogs.
They were also used as guide dogs, military dogs, guarding dogs, and performers for circuses.
Poodles come in three sizes: standard, medium, and miniature. They are playful, loyal, and friendly dogs. They are also considered low-shedding dogs.
Personality And Temperament
A reputable breeder will tell you that Bernedoodles combine the good traits of their Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parent.
They inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog’s sweet, loyal, and calm personality as well as the Poodle’s smart and playful nature.
Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They will also learn basic dog commands quickly. Besides, they can quickly adapt to new environments.
Their friendly and playful personalities make them great for families with kids. They are also well-mannered dogs that will relate well with other pets in the family.
However, it is important to note that every dog is unique. The temperament and personality of your Bernedoodle may depend on several factors, such as environment, training, and life experience.
Bernedoodles that are not socialized well may develop unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking.
Bernedoodle Size
Whether you live in a sprawling family home in the country or a city apartment, there will always be a Bernedoodle suited for every home.
These adorable dogs come in three sizes: standard, mini, and tiny or toy Bernedoodle. The size of a Bernedoodle is mainly determined by the size of its Poodle parent as well as its generation.
F1 Bernedoodles are larger than F1B Bernedoodles because they are 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog.
Multi-generational Bernedoodles may be smaller because of the greater percentage of Poodle genes in the mix.
Standard Bernedoodles
Most adult standard-sized Bernedoodles will fall in the range between a standard Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
They weigh between 60 to 100 pounds and are 23 to 29 inches tall. Standard Bernedoodles take longer to mature than tiny Bernedoodles and mini Bernedoodles.
They reach maturity when between 12 and 18 months old.
Mini Bernedoodles
Mini Bernedoodles are not that small, thanks to the impressive size of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Standard Bernedoodles.
They are about the same size as a medium-sized dog, measuring 18 to 22 inches tall and weighing between 25 and 50 pounds.
Tiny Or Toy Bernedoodles
The tiny or toy Bernedoodles are almost the same size as mini Goldendoodles. They weigh between 10 and 24 pounds when fully grown and range between 12 and 17 inches tall.
If you are looking for an even tinier doodle, you consider a Cavapoo or a Cockapoo.
Coat Type
Bernedoodles come in three coat types: curly, wavy, or straight. The curly coat is the most popular among Bernedoodle lovers. Dogs with curly coats do not shed as much as those with straight coats.
They are suitable for individuals with dog allergies or those who do not want dog fur on their furniture or surface.
Bernedoodles with straight coats tend to shed more than those with curly and wavy coats. However, they are the easiest to manage when it comes to grooming.
They are less common because they shed a lot and many dog-loving families prefer less-shedding dogs.
Training
Bernedoodle puppies tend to inherit the stubbornness of their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents. Therefore, it is important to start training them early.
One of the reasons why Bernedoodles have become very popular is because they are easy to train.
Provided they have the right input, they are highly responsive to training because of their calm, intelligent, and eager-to-please personalities.
While you can expect them to be cheeky, headstrong, and mischievous, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will lead to good results.
During the puppy stage, you will need to socialize with them by introducing them to people, animals, places, sounds, and sights.
Exercise
Generally, Bernedoodles are considered moderately active dogs. They love running, playing with kids, swimming, or walking outdoors. However, they do not require frequent intense activity.
Your Bernedoodle will need plenty of space to move around and at least one long walk per day.
Since they are intelligent dogs, mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation. You can keep them active by getting them interactive and puzzle toys.
Grooming Requirements
Like other designer dogs, your Bernedoodle will require grooming to stay healthy and adorable. They will require a bathe every four to eight weeks.
Overbathing can affect the balance of oils that keeps their coat and skin moisturized and comfortable.
Your furry friend will need their ears and eyes cleaned once a week. Besides, it would help if you trim their nails every time you bathe them.
Brushing their hair two to three times a week will stave off muffs and tangles. Also, you can take your furry friend to a professional groomer after every three to five months.
Common Health Issues
Generally, Bernedoodles are vibrant and healthy dogs. However, they are prone to inherit some potential health issues from their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents.
Like most other dog breeds, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
Other Bernedoodle health issues include:
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Heart Disease
- Epilepsy
- Patella
- Cancer
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Ear infections
Many reputable breeders are dedicated to reducing the health risk of the Bernedoodles they breed. Therefore, you should always purchase your dog from a reputable breeder.
15 Bernedoodle Facts You Need To Know
- Bernedoodles are a mix of a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
- They come in as many sizes as their Poodle parents.
- While they are fluffy, they do not shed a lot.
- Bernedoodles are calm and relaxed like their Bernese Mountain Dog parents.
- They are friendly and affectionate dogs.
- They can be stubborn, although you can deal with this through appropriate socialization and training.
- Being a mixed breed means they have fewer health issues.
- Their coat can be wavy, curly, or straight.
- They come in various colors, such as brown, black, white, or a mixture of colors.
- They are intelligent dogs that are also easy to train.
- They are easy and happy to blend into your multi-dog family
- Their colors may fade as they age
- Not all Bernedoodles have a tri-coat color
- Bernedoodles can develop separation anxiety
- Bernedoodle puppies have pink noses
Conclusion
The Bernedoodle is a cross between a strong working dog (Bernese Mountain Dog) and an intelligent dog (Poodle). They inherit good qualities from both parent breeds.
They are loyal, playful, friendly, smart, and easy-to-train dogs. If you plan to add a Bernedoodle to your family, remember that they are social and affectionate dogs.
This means they will need your attention and time. Leaving them alone can lead to separation anxiety.