Bernedoodle

A mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, the Bernedoodle was first bred in 2003 to be a companion. These dogs thrive on attention and affection from their families. Whether it's lounging on the sofa or hiking a trail, Bernedoodles are happiest when they're by your side. They're energetic and playful and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

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Appearance

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their distinctive black, tan, and white coats, while Poodles can come in a variety of colors. This means that Bernedoodles, a cross between these two breeds, can have a wide range of coat colors. While many Bernedoodles have the classic tricolor pattern like their Bernese parent, they can also be all black, black and white, or a mix of different colors.

Regarding their fur, Bernedoodles can inherit either the curly coat of a Poodle or the straighter coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog. Generally, the straighter the coat, the more likely it is to shed. However, the thick coat of a Bernedoodle makes them well-suited for colder weather. Many people prefer Bernedoodles with curly coats because they are often considered hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for those with dog allergies. While no dog is completely allergen-free, the Bernedoodle's coat can be more manageable for those who experience symptoms like sneezing or itching around dogs.

Poodles come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—so Bernedoodles can also vary in size. Breeders typically offer Bernedoodles in tiny, miniature, and standard sizes, giving potential owners options based on their living situation and care preferences. A smaller Bernedoodle could be an excellent fit for apartment living as long as it gets plenty of exercise and walks. On the other hand, a standard Bernedoodle can grow up to 29 inches tall and weigh up to 90 pounds, while a miniature is usually between 18-22 inches tall and weighs 20-45 pounds. The smallest variety, known as "tiny," is bred from a toy Poodle and stands 12-17 inches tall, weighing between 10-24 pounds, according to the United Bernedoodle Registry.

Personality

Bernedoodles are affectionate and playful and make wonderful family pets, especially for households with young children. They form strong bonds with their families and are a constant source of joy and companionship as kids grow up. These dogs are smart and a bit goofy and thrive on attention from their humans.

While Bernedoodles are deeply attached to their families, they might initially be a little shy, sensitive, or nervous around strangers. Socializing with your Bernedoodle puppy from a young age is crucial to help it feel more comfortable and friendly with new people. With positive reinforcement training, they can become incredibly charming and charismatic.

Sarah Hodgson, an experienced trainer and applied behaviorist with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, speaks highly of the Bernedoodle's temperament. She says, "As a trainer, I've noticed their popularity growing for over a decade. What's great about Bernedoodles is that, when bred responsibly, you get the gentle, calm nature of a Bernese Mountain Dog combined with the sociability, intelligence, and playful spirit of a poodle."

Living Needs

Bernedoodles truly offer the best of both worlds. They're energetic and love outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and running, but they also make excellent cuddle companions. If you're looking for a dog that will happily snuggle up with you, a Bernedoodle is a great choice. However, they could do better when left alone for long periods. Being separated from their humans can lead to separation anxiety, which might cause them to develop nervous habits like whining or chewing.

As Dr. Adam Christman, a veterinarian, explains, Bernedoodles need plenty of love, space to move around, and something to keep them busy. He suggests giving them tasks, like taking them for walks, involving them in agility trials, or even putting a backpack on them to give them a sense of purpose. This helps them feel fulfilled and reduces anxious or obsessive behaviors.

If you're living in an apartment, a mini or tiny Bernedoodle can be a great fit, as long as they get enough outdoor time and attention. Regardless of size, Bernedoodles are generally gentle, especially with children. While every dog is unique, Bernedoodles tend to bark less and are more likely to greet a stranger with friendliness rather than trying to scare them away.

Care

Bernedoodles are often recognized for their wavy or curly coats, which can be a great option for people with allergies. However, some Bernedoodles may inherit a straighter coat like their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. This type of coat tends to shed more, which might not be ideal for someone allergic to pet dander. As the puppies grow, breeders can usually determine the type of coat each puppy will have, helping match them with the right owner.

While their curly coats may be low-shedding, they require regular grooming. Without proper care, their fur can easily become matted, causing discomfort. Regular brushing is a must, and dogs with very curly, "hypoallergenic" coats will also need haircuts every few months. So, while they may shed less, they certainly aren't low-maintenance.

Standard Bernedoodles thrive in homes with a fenced yard where they can run and play. They need daily walks to burn off their energy, which helps prevent unwanted behaviors like digging. Social interaction is also key for these dogs. The more they are exposed to different people and animals, the better they'll behave in new situations.

Bernedoodles are smart and generally easy to train, but they can also quickly pick up good and bad habits. It's essential to keep up with their training even after they've outgrown their puppy phase. Positive reinforcement is crucial, though training may require patience, especially if your Bernedoodle inherits the Bernese's stubbornness or the Poodle's high energy.

"While Bernedoodles are usually responsive to training, each dog has its own personality, so they may not be as predictable as a purebred," says Hodgson. If your puppy takes after the Bernese's independent nature or the Poodle's energetic disposition, they may need extra attention and time. "Training can be a bit hit or miss since you never know if you'll get the Poodle's intense focus or the Bernese's more laid-back attitude," Hodgson adds.

Health

The Bernedoodle, a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically lives between 12 and 18 years. This is significantly longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog, which has a shorter lifespan of around seven years and is prone to various health issues like cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and epilepsy. Fortunately, Bernedoodles don't inherit all of these risks, although they can still be prone to some health problems, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and allergies.

Despite these potential health concerns, Bernedoodles are generally considered a healthy breed and make wonderful family pets. However, its warning signs, like excessive drooling or sudden weight gain, could indicate underlying issues.

Bernedoodles also tend to have thick coats, which can make them susceptible to skin issues like hot spots. These are irritated areas caused by excessive licking or chewing, often due to a dirty or matted coat. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat clean and prevent these problems, ensuring your Bernedoodle stays happy and comfortable.

Exercise Requirements

Bernedoodles are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise—aim for at least an hour of moderate activity daily. Luckily, getting them moving is easy because they love to play. Whether it's a game of fetch, tug-of-war with a rope, or a lively chase in the backyard, these activities are great for burning off their excess energy.

To keep your Bernedoodle happy and healthy, it's crucial to engage their mind as well as their body. Puzzle toys, agility courses, and regular training sessions are excellent ways to keep them stimulated. At the very least, make sure they get a long walk daily to satisfy their physical activity needs.

Training

Training is especially important for larger dogs. Big dogs can unintentionally cause damage without proper training and socialization, so it's best to start early.

Bernedoodles, in particular, tend to be cautious around strangers, which can make them good watchdogs but might lead to challenges when meeting new people. That's why socializing them early and consistently is crucial.

These dogs can be quite stubborn, and training them might feel like a test of patience. It's essential to avoid punishment, as they respond much better to positive reinforcement. If they think they're being mistreated, they're likely to become even more stubborn.

The silver lining is that they usually become less stubborn as they grow older. However, if bad habits develop and are corrected early, they can become more accessible to change later on.

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History 

The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, so its history is short. It all began with Sherry Rupke of Swiss Ridge Bernedoodles, who had spent years breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs. She wanted to create a version of the Bernese that was more allergen-friendly and less prone to the health issues common in the breed. After successfully breeding Goldendoodles, Rupke thought she could apply the same approach to the Bernese. In 2003, the first Bernedoodle—a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle—was born. Since then, dog lovers everywhere have fallen for this loyal, loving breed, which looks just like a cuddly teddy bear.

Fun Facts

Meet Timber, the adorable mini Bernedoodle capturing hearts and attention on Instagram from her mountain home in Colorado. With over 26,000 followers, she's definitely living her best life!

Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig is often seen with her own mini Bernedoodle, Wizard. Both the Los Angeles Times and Vogue have shared how much Wizard loves being by Greta's side, showing off their close bond.