Have you heard about the Aussie Bernedoodle? It’s a Poodle mix that’s gaining popularity among pet lovers these days, just like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles.
This adorable breed is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Labradoodle, making it an excellent choice for families.
Aussie Bernedoodles are known for being loyal and eager to please, thanks to their Poodle ancestry. But what sets them apart from other mixes is their impressive intelligence and all-around great temperament.
In this article, we’ll delve into these exceptional traits, so keep reading!
Breed Overview
| Height: | Toy: 10 – 15 inches Miniature: 10 – 15 inches Standard: 21 inches |
| Weight: | Toy: 10 – 24 pounds Miniature: 25 – 49 pounds Standard: 59 pounds |
| Lifespan: | Toy: 14 – 18 years Miniature: 13 – 17 years Standard: 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, white, brown, bi-color, and tri-color |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, devoted, energetic, strong-willed |
| Suitable for: | Families with children; being a guard dog; being a working dog |
What Is an Australian Bernedoodle?
The Australian Bernedoodle is a cross between the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Labradoodle. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s affectionate and hardworking nature combines excellently with the superb traits of the Aussie Labradoodle, making the Australian Bernedoodle an exceptional dog.
As with other mixes, the Australian Bernedoodle was bred with the goal of taking the best traits from different dog breeds and bringing them together in one perfect dog. In this case, these dogs are the Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Labradoodle.
The brains behind the Australian Bernedoodle hit the mark and produced a dog whose appeal reaches far beyond Doodle enthusiasts. This hybrid breed is highly trainable, and they also live a very long life.
Whether you are an Australian Bernedoodle fancier or not, these dogs would make adorable additions to your family.
If you want to see how cute Australian Bernedoodles are, watch this video:
Australian Bernedoodle vs. Other Doodles: What’s the Difference?
There are a number of similarities between the Australian Bernedoodle, Australian Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, and the Aussiedoodle, be it in their catchy, tongue-twisting names or their shared traits.
But perhaps what stands out the most is that the Poodle features in each of these mixes.
There are also distinct differences among them, most notably in the broader heritage of each specific dog. So let’s break them down.
Australian Bernedoodle
The Australian Bernedoodle is a mix of the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Labradoodle.
The latter is a Labrador crossbreed which combines a Labrador Retriever and any of the Spaniel breeds like the Irish Water Spaniels.
As we have seen previously, the Australian Labradoodle is a mix of three breeds, with up to six different dog breeds being possible parents.
The Australian Bernedoodle has similar parentage to each of the Aussiedoodle, Bernedoodle, and Australian Labradoodle. As such, some of their traits may also overlap. But by and large, it stands as a dog breed all its own.
Australian Labradoodle
The Australian Labradoodle is the result of introducing either the Curly Coat Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, or Irish Water Spaniel to the standard Labradoodle configuration.
Unlike Australian Bernedoodles, Australian Labradoodles have higher energy levels. They are also relatively smaller due to the size of their parents.
Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. It bears the closest resemblance to the Australian Bernedoodle due to their same purebred Bernese Mountain Dog parent.
Aussiedoodle
This breed is the product of a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. Their Poodle parent is either a Standard or Miniature Poodle.
Aussiedoodles tend to be smaller than Australian Bernedoodles. They are also more active, making them great playmates for children.
Australian Bernedoodle Origin and History
As previously touched upon, the Australian Bernedoodle is the resultant hybrid of a cross between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Australian Labradoodles.
Unlike the well-documented beginnings of the normal Bernedoodle, there isn’t much on the origins of the Aussie Bernedoodle to go on.
However, there is a considerable amount of information we can derive from the parent breeds’ histories.
To begin with, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large working dog hailing from Switzerland. It is named after a region in Switzerland called the Canton of Bern.
It’s a powerfully built canine well-suited for work in its native habitat, where the temperatures are lower.
As for the Australian Labradoodle, the development of this breed dates back to the 1980s, with the emphasis heavily placed on the consistency of both temperament and appearance.
While the standard Labradoodle is obtained by mixing a Labrador and a Poodle, Australian Labradoodles add an essence of the Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, or Irish Water Spaniel to the equation.
The Australian Labradoodle Association of America describes them as “people-focused dogs with exceptional eye contact and a desire to please.”
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Labradoodle’s great relationships with humans give their offspring, the Australian Bernedoodle, a predisposition for the same lovable personality.
Australian Bernedoodle Appearance
The Australian Bernedoodle combines the Australian Labradoodle’s teddy bear semblance with the majestic bearing of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Unlike purebreds that have a standard look, the Australian Bernedoodle is a hybrid sporting a less streamlined set of physical characteristics. That said, its looks largely depend on what genes it inherits from its parents.
The Australian Labradoodle parent alone is sure to bring much variety to the table. Just think about the extensive differences there are in Poodle colors and markings.
But more often than not, the Aussie Bernedoodle comes with a bi-color or tri-color coat that combines black, white, and brown. But they can also come in single colors, albeit less commonly.
To help you visualize, here are two of the most common colors of Australian Bernedoodles:
Tri-Color Australian Bernedoodle
The tri-color Australian Bernedoodle features the classic look of black, white, and brown markings. The color distribution varies with each pooch, but black is typically predominant featuring highlights of white and brown.
Bi-Color Australian Bernedoodle
Australian Bernedoodles can come in bi-colors of black and brown. But, it is also possible to see a combination of black and white like the doggo from the picture above.
Australian Bernedoodle Size and Weight
Owing to its Poodle heritage, the Australian Bernedoodle comes in three size variants. Like the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle, there are also standard, miniature, and toy Aussie Bernedoodles.
The toy Aussie Bernedoodle stands at 10 to 15 inches tall and weighs between 10 and 24 pounds. The mini Australian Bernedoodle matches the toy in height but tips the scale at 25 to 49 pounds.
Meanwhile, the standard Australian Bernedoodle measures 21 inches tall with an average weight of 59 pounds.
All variants grow to their full height by approximately 12 months of age. Meanwhile, it takes a little longer before they make their expected weight at 18 months.
Beyond that, they may continue to put on pounds if they do not receive a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Australian Bernedoodle Temperament and Personality
The Australian Bernedoodle is notable for being energetic yet gentle. Although it can sometimes be strong-willed, it is a very intelligent dog which makes it trainable and generally responsive to commands.
Its parents, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Labradoodle, do extremely well with people.
As expected, these desirable traits come down to the Australian Bernedoodle from both sides of the family.
It also does splendidly with children in particular, and its trainability can help you lay down boundaries that can ensure your safety, as well as your family members.
It is an affectionate pooch that has complete devotion to its owners. Its good temperament and usefulness in being a guard dog make the Australian Bernedoodle the perfect family dog.
Moreover, it can have a great relationship with other pets in the household. Thus, if you are a fur parent of many, they are an awesome choice!
Australian Bernedoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The lifespan of the Australian Bernedoodle is around 12 to 18 years, depending on its size variant. They share the same lifespan as the Poodle breed.
Standard Australian Bernedoodles can live for 12 to 15 years, while mini Australian Mountain Doodles can live for 13 to 17 years.
The toy Australian Bernedoodles have the longest life span among all three, living between 14 and 18 years.
Certain health problems, especially immune system diseases, have been known to plague the Australian Bernedoodle.
Some are inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog parent, while others are more likely to be passed on by the Poodle parent.
The following list details some of the conditions that an Australian Bernedoodle may develop throughout its lifetime:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These deformities in canines are very common. Both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are the results of abnormal bone growth, particularly when the bones are not fitting together correctly at the joints. As the names suggest, they affect the hip and elbow, respectively. Both conditions are hereditary, and the Bernese Mountain Dog is identified to be the source.
- Sebaceous Adenitis: This is an uncommon condition that affects the sebaceous glands, which are found in the skin and associated with hair follicles. As a result, a pooch with sebaceous adenitis may have hair loss, flakey skin, and lesions. Genetics may cause this, and the Standard Poodle is listed as a predisposed breed.
- Cancer: The Bernese Mountain Dog is known to have one of the highest canine cancer rates. To be specific, mast cell tumors are what most often afflict the Berner. This type of cancer typically presents as skin tumors but may also affect the spleen, liver, intestine, and bone marrow.
Given that these conditions are hereditary, the offspring of a Berner and an Australian Labradoodle are susceptible to each one. But Aussie Bernedoodles can generally be fit as a fiddle.
These health issues we’ve looked at can be avoided through proper and ethical breeding. If you purchase your pup from a reputable breeder, it will be less likely to develop any of these conditions in its lifetime.
How to Take Care of Your Australian Bernedoodle
Owning an Australian Bernedoodle is a responsibility that must be taken very seriously and consistently. Here are some guidelines that can help you take care of your dog.
Food and Diet
Your Australian Bernedoodle will benefit from the highest quality dog food you can provide. Its intake may be more or less depending on its activity level and lifestyle.
But it’s advisable to closely follow the feeding guide on the dog food packaging to keep your Australian Bernedoodle dog within its healthy body mass index range.
You may also supplement its diet with fruits that are safe for canines, healthy treats, and probiotics to maintain the health of its digestive system.
Keep an eye out for any food allergies your dog might have and consult with a veterinarian regarding any necessary adjustments to its diet.
Cleaning and Grooming
Cleaning and grooming are necessities for an Aussie Bernedoodle. A regular trip to the groomer should be in order. But you may alternatively learn how to groom your dog at home.
A bi-weekly bath is recommended, but it can be more or less depending on your dog’s needs. Your Australian Bernedoodle’s activities and the nature of the area where it walks or plays should be determining factors.
As with other dog breeds that have either a curly coat or wavy coat, the Australian Bernedoodle should be brushed daily.
This will prevent its fur from matting and maintain the aesthetic appearance of its non-shedding soft fleece coat.
The ears should be regularly cleaned to avoid infections. Meanwhile, nails should be kept short. You might find that clipping them after a bath is easier as they have been a bit softened by the water.
Training and Exercise
Trainability is one of the highlights of the Australian Bernedoodle. They are intelligent dogs that can learn commands, routines, and boundaries.
However, one way to make training easier is by incorporating positive reinforcement methods like giving praise and treats.
They also require ample exercise and should get no less than one hour daily. This can be broken up into different playtime sessions throughout the day.
They are very adventurous dogs that will enjoy long walks and playtime at the dog park.
How Much Does an Australian Bernedoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price range of an Australian Bernedoodle puppy from reputable breeders is from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the color of their wavy or straight coat.
Solid-colored Australian Bernedoodles are valued at $2,000 to $3,000. The bi-colored pups go for $3,500, while the tri-colored pups range between $3,500 and $4,000.
The puppy’s price tag isn’t the only thing that will dent your bank account. You will need to make other purchases in preparation for your newest family member’s arrival.
The one-time expenses for your Australian Bernedoodle, as well as each of their estimated costs, are included in the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
While this mostly covers everything you will need initially, it would also be wise to set aside a fund for veterinary emergencies.
Places to Find Australian Bernedoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
It’s infinitely more challenging to find sellers of hybrids than of purebreds registered or recognized by national kennel organizations. The same is true for the Australian Bernedoodle, which can prove to be a difficult task.
But it’s certainly rewarding when you become a proud owner and parent to one. So to help you along, we’ve put together a list of trusted breeders that could give you an Australian Bernedoodle.
Listed below are websites of kennels and breeders that may have Australian Bernedoodle puppies for sale:
- Doodle Heaven Puppies – This kennel is owned and run by a family in Arkansas. Their pups get to spend the dawn of their lives in wide, open spaces in a natural setting and healthy environment. Check out their website to see if they have Australian Bernedoodles for sale.
- Molly’s Darling Doodles – Breeding Doodles since 2007, this kennel’s strong point is in providing their “home-raised” Doodle puppies with extensive socialization from an early age. This upbringing results in social dogs, which hold great appeal for aspiring owners.
- Glass House Puppies – The youngest on this list, Glass House Puppies was founded by a husband and wife pair in 2016. Their property lies along Smith Lake in Northwest Alabama. The impressive facility ensures they meet their goal of providing their puppies with “the absolute best start in life.”
If you have no luck obtaining an Aussie Bernedoodle pup from a breeder, you could look into shelters and rescues near you.
Below is a list of some Doodle rescues where you may find Aussiedoodles for sale:
- NorCal Poodle Rescue – This group has been operating in Northern California since 1985 with a focus on rescuing Poodles and Poodle mixes. They only adopt their dogs to homes within their area spanning from Fresno to the Oregon border. If you are located around there, you could get in touch with them for inquiries.
- Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect (MDRC) – MDRC is primarily a surrender rescue. They open their ranch to Doodle dogs that, for various reasons, need to be surrendered by breeders or owners. They have programs for these dogs on their impressive property to keep them in great mental health. They also have trusted veterinarians and surgeons to address any medical conditions the surrendered dogs may have.
- Doodle Rock Rescue – This is a Doodle rescue founded in March 2017 in Dallas, Texas. They aim to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Doodles in need. They have rehomed over 1,200 dogs from all over the United States.
Before rehoming an Australian Bernedoodle from these rescues, make sure you are financially and emotionally prepared. Rescue dogs need a lot of love and they usually need a present owner because of what they’ve been through.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Bernedoodle
There isn’t anything that can hold a candle to the joy a dog can bring to your life. But opening your home to an Australian Bernedoodle entails a lot of responsibility and brings with it both pros and cons.
Let’s start with the advantages of owning an Australian Bernedoodle:
- Good temperament: This dog breed is a mixture of desirable traits from each parent breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Labradoodle. In an Australian Bernedoodle, you’ll have a wonderful, affectionate, intelligent, and loyal companion you can depend on to protect you and your family.
- Distinct look: If you’re interested in a designer dog breed, especially Poodle mixes, the Australian Bernedoodle might be the one for you. It bears that sought-after Poodle appearance, but with the genes of the Bernese Mountain Dog, it stands apart from other dogs with Poodle heritage.
- Many size variations: Depending on the Poodle in its ancestry, the Australian Bernedoodle can come in one of the three registered Poodle size variations. To suit your needs, you can choose from the standard Australian Bernedoodle, miniature Australian Bernedoodle, or toy Australian Bernedoodle.
Now, let’s take a look at the disadvantages of getting an Australian Bernedoodle:
- High price tag: Designer breeds come at a much higher price than other breeds. The Australian Bernedoodle is no exception. This mix carries a hefty price tag that may discourage aspiring owners.
- High maintenance: While the Australian Bernedoodle has a low to non-shedding coat, taking care of one will still eat up chunks of your time. Extensive adjustments will have to be made to your daily routine, schedule, and budget to accommodate this dog.
- Limited availability: Like any other designer breed, the Australian Bernedoodle is not always readily available on the market. It may take some time to locate a reputable kennel that offers this breed. And when you do find one, you might also find yourself at the bottom of a long waiting list.
In our book, the pros of owning an Australian Bernedoodle heavily outweigh the cons. But you need to thoroughly assess whether the same is true for you before you go out and buy or adopt one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian Bernedoodles Shed?
Australian Bernedoodles are very low shedders. Thanks to their Poodle genes, their wavy or curly coats are low to non-shedding.
This is one of the things that makes them appealing to dog lovers who are in the market for an almost hypoallergenic pooch.
Are Australian Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
There are no hypoallergenic dogs per se, so you can’t expect an Australian Bernedoodle dog to be one.
Nevertheless, they are great for people with allergies because of their low-shedding tendencies.
Specifically, the dog’s dander gets trapped in the Aussie Bernedoodle’s coat. And because it doesn’t shed much, the allergens don’t get released into the air and therefore cannot trigger allergies.
Do Australian Bernedoodles Bark a Lot?
Australian Bernedoodles are moderate barkers and will normally bark only when there is a need to. Their trainability can come into play once again. Hence, they can even be trained to bark even less.
If you are a cute guarding companion, though, they should not be on your list. They’ll fail to get your attention if an intruder enters your home.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are a man’s best friend, so the old saying goes. But the Australian Bernedoodle takes it to new heights.
Its devotion to its family and its owner is worthy of the highest praise. So if you’re looking for a canine companion that is intelligent, affectionate, and loyal to a fault, look no further.
From their stable temperaments to desirable looks, Aussie Bernedoodles are great family dogs that you will absolutely love. But, in the end, the verdict is yours to make.
Do you think you’re ready to own this unique mixed-breed dog? Let us know what you think about the Aussie Bernedoodle in the comment section below!
