So, if you think you want to own a Bernedoodle, you’ll need to know the pros and cons of owning a Bernedoodle. Well, my friend, they make fantastic pets for the right person.
Before you get an adorable Bernedoodle puppy, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty. Today we will discuss all the Bernedoodle pros and cons to help you determine if they are the right dogs for you.
You can make an informed choice by looking at all aspects of owning these majestic Doodles.
Pros
Low Shedding
Most first-generation Bernedoodles are very low shedding. This is great for allergies and asthmatics alike. You will not have to worry about too much hair on your furniture or around the house.
You also will never have to worry about the dreaded shedding when you have just got done playing with your precious Doodle.
Some curly-haired Bernedoodles may never shed at all. So that is less cleaning for you!
Size Variations
Another great pro for the Bernedoodle is all the size variations. If you do not like how large a Standard Bernedoodle gets, don’t forget that they also come in mini and toy sizes.
These sizes are great to fit into your life and your needs. If you love the Bernedoodle temperament but do not have large spaces, you could get a mini.
Or if you have small children in the home, you may opt for a toy breed. The possibilities are endless.
Bernedoodle Temperament
And let us not forget the excellent Bernedoodle temperament. Bernedoodles are a great dog to own if you are looking for a loyal companion that is just as playful as they are affectionate.
These dogs could be just as happy cuddling inside as outdoors playing all day. They are moldable to any living situation and adapt well to your lifestyle.
Protective
Since Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to be herding dogs, some of these traits can pass down. Many herding dogs were bred to be nightly guard dogs for their flock and would fend off any predators.
Your Bernedoodle could inherit these guard dog traits too. They can be protective of their owners, families, and homes.
Moderate Energy
You would think that larger Bernedoodles would require a lot of exercises. But, in reality, they are only moderately active.
They can be just as happy cuddling inside with you as they are out running in the fields. Your Bernedoodle will still need daily walks like every other dog breed.
But, you will not find yourself going out of your way to wear out a hyperactive dog. This moderate energy level is excellent for children and some elderly.
The Bernedoodle is a great dog to keep you active and healthy while still having a best friend.
Intelligence
Bernedoodles are known to be intelligent and easy to train. Their drive to have a task and please will help with the training process. But their intelligence goes far beyond training.
They are also very intuitive and human-like in their thoughts. They know just how to make you feel better and when to diffuse a situation.
Bernedoodles make excellent therapy and service dogs because of this intelligence.
Popular
Choosing a popular dog breed is good because you can find a breeder anywhere. Bernedoodles have become popular in recent years, making them easy to find throughout the USA.
That means you will not have to pay higher prices with long waiting lists. It also means that the chances of you having to transport a puppy from remote areas are less.
All of this keeps the general cost down for the Bernedoodle.
Loyal And Loving
Bernedoodles are some of the most loyal dogs known to man. And that is a pro worth its weight in gold.
Your Bernedoodle will always be right by your side, giving you love and attention. This attachment gives them the nickname Velcro dogs because they cling to their owners.
Docile
The Bernedoodle is one of the most docile of all Doodles. They are kind and gentle towards everyone as if they are afraid to break us.
This considerate behavior makes Bernedoodles with children a significant pro. You will never have to worry about your Bernedoodle being too rough with children.
They know they are large compared to most of us and take great caution not to hurt us.
Life Expectancy
Another pro for smaller Bernedoodles is a long life span. The average Mini Bernedoodle life span is 15-18 years.
Since we all want to spend as much time as possible with our best friends, this is a great plus. You can even prolong the life of your Bernedoodle with proper care and breeding.
Cons
Grooming
While Bernedoodles do not shed, they do require a lot of grooming. This grooming is needed daily, and they will need grooming from a professional.
Grooming salons will be an expense for life with Bernedoodles and something you can not avoid.
Socialization
Bernedoodles can be very social creatures, but sometimes they inherit genetics to be wary of all people and animals. You will need early socialization to keep them friendly to all.
This socialization will help your puppy get used to all situations and people. It will prevent accidents and even dog aggression later in life.
Without this, you risk having a dog that is people possessive and anxious around the company.
Herding Instinct
Though Bernedoodles are known to be docile when they are older, they can have a herding instinct. This instinct can require a lot of training if you have other small animals and children.
Otherwise, you will see your Bernedoodle trying to corral all of your children, small dogs, and even cats. It will take a lot of training and redirection to get this instinct under control.
Need Larger Spaces
Standard Bernedoodles may not be hyperactive, but they require a lot of space. With sheer size alone, your 70-90 pounds may feel cramped in small living spaces.
They thrive off larger yards and spacious homes, making them unfit for apartment lifestyles. Smaller breeds can be perfect for these small living conditions with plenty of exercises.
Cost
A big con for a lot of dog owners is the price. The Bernedoodle has an average cost of $2,500-$5,000 for just the puppy itself.
They also cost a fair amount of money for food, vet bills, grooming, and other miscellaneous needs. The larger the dog is, the more it will cost you yearly.
Stubborn
Bernedoodles can be intelligent, but also a little hard-headed. Some Bernedoodle owners have noted that their dogs are stubborn and hard to train.
It may appear that your dog is not learning in training classes, but they are absorbing everything.
They can decide they don’t want to do it. It will take a lot of practice and patience to train your Bernedoodle.
Anxiety
Since Bernedoodles are so loyal, they can have a little fear if you spend a lot of time away. They thrive in homes with routines, with people present most of the day.
If you work long hours, you may have to hire a dog sitter or daycare to keep your dog happy.
And even with these added precautions, it is not guaranteed that your Doodle won’t develop separation anxiety every time you leave.
Medical Conditions
Like every dog breed, the Bernedoodle medical history can be something to worry about. Bernedoodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, skin issues, and allergies.
While you can get genetic testing for many of these, it is not 100%. Always choose a reputable breeder to prevent these types of diseases from forming.
Short Life Span
Smaller Bernedoodles can have extremely long life spans. But Standard Bernedoodle’s life span is only about 10-12 years. This is considerably shorter than the mini and toy breeds.
Everyone wants their dog to stay with them for as long as possible, which is sometimes impossible for large breeds. If longevity is important to you, you should choose a smaller breed.
Nocturnal
Bernese Mountain Dogs are nocturnal to protect their herds throughout the night. This trait can sometimes pass down to their hybrid offspring.
You may find that your Bernedoodle has more energy late in the afternoon or early evening. This late to rise puppies can be a con if you work nights or have a lifestyle that requires you to be calmer at night.
And since Bernedoodles are a mixed breed dog, it is not always a predictable trait.
Takes Experience
Bernedoodles are a wonderful breed, but they are not for beginners. Bernedoodles are great pets as long as they have proper training and care.
They can be a lot to handle for beginner dog owners and take a lot of commitment.
Are You Still With Us?
If you have gotten through all the Bernedoodle pros and cons without second guesses, then Congratulations!
You may be on your way to owning the perfect dog to bring you years of happiness.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
