If you’re looking for a unique dog that combines the best features of two fantastic breeds, look no further than the Bernedoodle. These dogs are the perfect combination of wits and cuteness.
Combining the intelligent Poodle with the happy-go-lucky Bernese Mountain Dog results in the Bernedoodle. This adorable designer breed brings the best of both worlds.
If you’re on the fence about getting a Bernedoodle, this guide is for you. Here, we’ll dig deep into everything you need to know about the Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix. Let’s begin!
What Is a Bernedoodle?
The Bernedoodle is a mixed-breed dog that results from crossing a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are clever, gentle, goofy, and loyal. These dogs can have either curly or wavy hair, which comes in many color variants. Size-wise, Bernedoodles come in three different sizes.
The combination of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog results in an undeniably adorable hybrid. This hybrid dog inherits many likable traits from its parent breed, making them highly desirable as a companion dog.
On top of its adorable looks and pure wits, the Bernedoodle is also considered hypoallergenic. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers.
But, consequently, it also makes maintenance more tedious.
What Are the Different Generations of Bernedoodles?
In theory, a Bernedoodle puppy is half Poodle and half Bernese Mountain Dog. However, other pairings can also produce Bernedoodles. These combinations pave the way for the different Bernedoodle generations.
To make it easier to grasp, here’s a quick overview of the different Bernedoodle generations:
- F1 Bernedoodle: The F1 Bernedoodle results from the combination of a purebred Poodle and a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. This generation is also known as the first-generation Bernedoodle.
- F1B Bernedoodle: The F1B Bernedoodle is born by crossing an F1 Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle. This cross was developed to further emphasize the Poodle’s hypoallergenic traits.
- F1BB Bernedoodle: The F1BB Bernedoodle results from the combination of an F1B Bernedoodle and a purebred Poodle. In numbers, this mix is 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog.
- F2 Bernedoodle: The F2 Bernedoodle, also known as the second generation Bernedoodle, is a dog that results from crossing two F1 Bernedoodles. Despite having two hybrid parents, this dog retains a balanced ratio of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle lineage.
- F2B Bernedoodle: F2B Bernedoodles result from crossing an F2 Bernedoodle with a Poodle. This pooch is 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Bernese Mountain Dog.
- F2BB Bernedoodle: F2BB Bernedoodles are the offspring of an F2B Bernedoodle and a purebred Poodle. This dog has a DNA percentage of 81.25% and 18.75% from the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog, respectively.
- F3 Bernedoodle: F3 Bernedoodles are dogs that are born by crossing two F2 Bernedoodles. These dogs are third-generation Bernedoodles.
- Multigen Bernedoodle: Mutligen Bernedoodles are Bernedoodles born from other pairings not listed above. An example of a multigen Bernedoodle is a dog that has an F3 and F1B Bernedoodle parent.
Notice from the list above that the names for Bernedoodle generations start with the letter F. This stands for “filial hybrid,” which indicates that the dog is a cross between two different breeds.
The names of generations also have numbers in them. This number indicates whether the dog is a first, second, or third-generation hybrid.
Finally, the “B” means that the dog is a backcross. The term “backcross” refers to the new Bernedoodle generation being bred back to a Poodle. Accordingly, “BB” means the dog has been backcrossed to a Poodle twice.
Bernedoodle Origin and History
The first recorded breeding of two Bernedoodles is said to have occurred in 2003 in Canada after Sherry Rupke bred her first litter of Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mixes.
Aside from this, there is not much known about the origin of this mixed-breed dog. Fortunately, learning the backgrounds of their parent breeds can teach us a lot about the Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix.
First off, the Bernese Mountain Dog was created in the Swiss farmlands in the canton of Bern — from which it gets its name.
The breed was created as a working dog for herding cattle, pulling carts, and serving as a companion and watchdog.
On the other hand, the Poodle was first developed in France and Germany in the 1400s as a waterfowl retriever for hunters. This is a striking contrast with how the breed appears today — well-decorated and groomed for show.
With the rich history of its parents, the Bernedoodle is indeed an interesting hybrid. In fact, the Bernedoodle is arguably one of the most versatile and adorable dogs out there.
However, unlike its parents, the Bernedoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Fortunately, it can still be registered in clubs like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
Bernedoodle Appearance
The appearance of a Bernedoodle highly depends on which parent breed’s genes are more dominant. However, there are a handful of telltale features that are unique to the Bernedoodle.
Here are some notable physical features of the Bernedoodle:
- Build: Bernedoodles are a bit longer than they are tall, giving them a slightly rectangular silhouette. This mixed-breed dog has an athletic and sturdy stance.
- Eyes: The Bernedoodle has oval-shaped eyes that are typically dark and set far apart, giving off a well-balanced facial expression. Its eye colors are usually blue, black, or brown.
- Ears: The ears of a Bernedoodle hang close to the head and extend just below their eye level. Their ears are often covered in thick fur that may sport minimal markings.
- Coat: The most notable feature of the Bernedoodle is its naturally harsh and densely textured curly coats. The coat color on this dog comes in a variety of colors.
- Feet: The feet of the Bernedoodle are oval in shape and have well-arched toes and thick cushioned pads.
All in all, this hybrid dog nails a cuddly yet athletic look. On top of that, the Bernedoodle also comes in plenty of coat color variants. Some of them are discussed in the following sections.
Classic Tri-color Bernedoodle
The tri-color Bernedoodle is the most popular color variant of this hybrid dog. Tri-color coats are unique and may include colors such as apricot, black, brown, cream, red, sable, tan, and white.
The white color will usually be on the chest, feet, or snout areas. Darker colors like black, brown, or apricot are seen along the rest of the body.
Phantom Bernedoodle
Phantom refers to a Bernedoodle with specific markings on a solid background. You can usually spot these markings above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle or cheeks, near the chin, and across the chest.
The solid undercoat of a phantom Bernedoodle is usually apricot, black, cream, white, or brown. Generally, most phantom Bernedoodles have a black base, tan legs, and minimal white markings on their chests.
Brindle Bernedoodle
Brindle patterns are commonly known as tiger stripes. They usually have two types: a red color base brindle or a blue color base brindle.
The color variations are more subtle and blended than the Bernedoodle’s distinct stripes, with some of them having blue, liver, tan, or silver markings.
Sable Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles with a sable-colored coat can either have a dark brown or solid black coat. As a sable Bernedoodle ages, the sable coat begins to appear, and the solid color begins to fade.
The original coat coloring is typically seen around the Bernedoodle’s ears, but the rest of its body will take on a lighter shade.
Parti Merle Bernedoodle
Merle is a color combination with a solid base color (usually red, brown, or black) blended with lighter blue, gray, or light red patches. Usually, a parti merle-colored Bernedoodle is at least 50 percent white.
Sable Phantom Bernedoodle
As a combination of sable and phantom coat colors, this Bernedoodle usually has a coat exhibiting black-tipped hairs on a background of any solid color.
Merle Tri-Color Bernedoodle
This refers to Bernedoodles with mottled coats. Usually, it is a color combination of merle and tri-color coats (black, rust, or white coloring).
For instance, they may have a predominately black coat spotted with different color markings across the body.
To help you visualize, take a look at these Bernedoodle dogs and get to know what life is like with this designer breed:
Bernedoodle Size and Weight
Because of the three size variations of the Poodle breed — toy, miniature, and standard, the Bernedoodle comes in three different sizes as well.
Refer to the list below to learn more about Bernedoodle size and weight:
- Toy or Tiny Bernedoodle: 12 to 17 inches tall, weighing 10 to 24 pounds
- Mini Bernedoodle: 18 to 22 inches tall, weighing 25 to 49 pounds
- Regular Bernedoodle: 23 to 29 inches tall, weighing 70 to 90 pounds
Regardless of size, your Bernedoodle’s build will feature a sturdy bone structure, with the body being slightly longer than it is tall.
A reasonable estimate states most Bernedoodles are already fully grown at two years of age, but it can extend to almost three years before their development reaches a full stop.
Bernedoodle Temperament and Personality
You might be wondering if Bernedoodles make good family dogs. The quick answer to that is yes. Bernedoodles are affectionate dogs that make for great family companions. But how do they fare with members of the family?
- With Children and Toddlers: Bernedoodles adore playing with toddlers and even small children. They get along well, especially if they have been raised alongside each other. However, despite that, it is still recommended to keep an eye on your Bernedoodle when it is around kids.
- With Other Dogs and Pets: Bernedoodles usually are good at tolerating other dogs at home. They may also co-exist and live happily with cats. However, this is only the case if your Bernedoodle is socialized at an early age.
- With Strangers: While your dog will be clingy towards family and close friends, it may be a little wary of strangers. This is especially true if they inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog’s disposition.
Overall, the Bernedoodle is an excellent pet for most families. As long as you can provide for the needs of this mixed-breed dog, you are well guaranteed a well-mannered companion.
A former officemate of mine has a seven-year-old Bernedoodle, Harry, who gets along very well with his three children. Oftentimes, Harry will be very clingy with my friend and his wife and treats the kids as playmates.
Harry also becomes very protective of the children, especially when strangers are around. At night, he sleeps in front of the children’s bedroom door, somehow guarding them at night. This is a testament to how effective Bernedoodles are as family pets.
Bernedoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The Bernedoodle is expected to live for 12 to 18 years. In comparison to its parent breeds, the Bernedoodle lives longer. However, that does not mean that this mixed-breed dog has perfect health.
Below are some of the health conditions common in Bernedoodles:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: A common skeletal problem in dogs is the abnormal development of the hip’s ball and socket and the elbow, leading to eventual joint deterioration and loss of function.
- Von Willebrand Disease: This is an inherited blood clotting disorder where one clotting factor is missing. It causes any bleeding of your dog to be excessive and prolonged. Your Bernedoodle may suffer from extreme blood loss if diagnosed with this condition.
- Bloat: Also known as gastric torsion or gastric dilation volvulus, bloat is a severe medical emergency in Bernedoodles. It causes the stomach to twist, trapping air, fluid, and food within the abdomen and causing expansion.
These are just some of the common health issues that may be developed by your Bernedoodle. Fortunately, these conditions are avoidable or, at the very least, manageable.
How to Take Care of Your Bernedoodle
To provide your Bernedoodle with the best life possible, you must meet all of your dog’s needs. Read along to find out how to care for your Bernedoodle when it comes to feeding, grooming, and training.
Food and Diet
Fortunately, Bernedoodles have a hearty appetite. When feeding a Bernedoodle, owners can choose out of the four common types of dog food: kibble, raw food, cooked food, or wet food.
Once Bernedoodle puppies are four months old, owners should feed them three meals spread evenly throughout the day. From six months onwards, the Bernedoodle puppy should be transitioned over to two meals a day.
As for the proper amount of food, Bernedoodles only require a modest amount of food daily. Make sure to tailor their feeding needs based on their activity level, age, and health.
Cleaning and Grooming
Ideally, it would be best if you groomed your Bernedoodle dog daily. They also need to be professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks, but the frequency depends on the rate of their hair development.
Brushing, combing, and washing should be performed regularly to keep their coat healthy and free of damaging mats.
Aside from coat maintenance, regular toothbrushing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning are also required to keep a Bernedoodle in tip-top shape.
Training and Exercise
In terms of training, the Bernedoodle is quite a manageable pooch. Its intelligence and social disposition make it quick to pick up everything you teach them.
It will be easy to train a Bernedoodle as long as you’re firm about things like obedience. If not properly trained, Bernedoodles can become neurotic and hyper.
Bernedoodles also need daily exercise. This helps them in burning calories and maintain good health and mental fitness. Ideally, it would be best to take them for a 30-minute to one-hour walk every day.
How Much Does a Bernedoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
A Bernedoodle puppy generally costs between $2,500 and $5,000. However, be prepared to shell out at least $4,000 if you’re planning to buy from champion lineages.
Aside from the purchase price of a Bernedoodle, here are some other initial expenses to consider:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $50 – $120 |
Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $35 |
Bed | $30 – $200 |
Crate | $30 – $500 |
Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
Toys | $20 – $50 |
Grooming Essentials | $30 – $180 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Microchip | $40 – $60 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
Total Initial Cost | $525 – $2,445 |
On top of the above-mentioned expenses, you also need to consider recurring costs. These costs include routine vet fees, succeeding vaccinations, food, treats, and grooming expenses.
Places to Find Bernedoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Once you’ve decided to add a Bernedoodle to your family, it’s time to find the most reliable Bernedoodle breeder in your area.
Check out this list of trusted Bernedoodle breeders if you’re planning to buy one:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is one of the best sources to acquire dogs. This platform is backed by experts from the American Kennel Club. While they specialize in advertising breeders of purebred dogs, some of their recommended breeders occasionally produce mixed-breed pups such as the Bernedoodle.
- Greenfield Puppies – This is a digital platform that helps connect pet owners with reputable dog breeders. Presenting only the best Bernedoodle puppies for sale, you may find your next furry friend here.
- Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles – This Bernedoodle breeder is dubbed the premier breeder of F1 and Australian Bernedoodles. They are also the originators of the teddy bear Bernedoodle. Reach out to them to see if your next dog is in one of their litters.
Meanwhile, if you’re leaning more toward adopting a Bernedoodle, here are some sources to consider:
- IDOG Rescue and Rehome – This Bernedoodle rescue is based in Houston, Texas, but they also work with other regions to help people rescue and adopt Doodle dogs in dire need of a home. They take in different breeds, including Bernedoodles and other Poodle and Berner mixes.
- Doodle Rock Rescue – Located in Dallas, this rescue helps overlooked Bernedoodles and other Doodle breeds, such as the Labradoodle. Before rehoming these dogs, they rehabilitate their rescued pets and give them adequate medical attention as required.
- Poodle and Pooch Rescue – Based in Florida, this rescue does not have a physical address. As a non-profit organization, they count on volunteers and foster homes to help them rescue dogs like Bernedoodle. They provide these dogs with the care they need before finding them a suitable home.
To sum up, if you’re thinking of bringing home a Bernedoodle, you have several options to explore. Just bear in mind all the best practices in purchasing or adopting a dog, and you’re all set.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Bernedoodle
Despite their excellent qualities as companion dogs, Bernedoodles may not be for everyone. As with other breeds, this dog has some benefits and drawbacks that you should be aware of.
Here are the pros of owning a Bernedoodle:
- Highly intelligent: Bernedoodles are highly intelligent dogs that learn quickly and are easy to train. They excel in obedience training and follow commands. They are big people-pleasers that respond best to positive reinforcement training.
- Friendly family companions: Bernedoodles make excellent family companions, as they are friendly and easy to get along with. These dogs do well with children and other pets.
- Low-shedding dogs: Thanks to its Poodle genetics, this designer dog sheds very little fur. That said, Bernedoodles are a great match for people who are allergic to dog fur.
Meanwhile, here are some of the cons of owning a Bernedoodle:
- High-maintenance dogs: Bernedoodles are praised for their non-shedding coat; however, this kind of coat comes at the price of a tedious grooming routine.
- Prone to separation anxiety: The Poodle is a clingy breed that attaches to its main caretaker very strongly. Unfortunately, this trait is also evident in Bernedoodles. This behavior makes the Bernedoodle highly prone to separation anxiety.
- High purchase price: One of the biggest cons of owning a Bernedoodle is its purchase price. Compared to other purebred and designer dogs, the Bernedoodle is a very costly breed, to say the least. On top of their purchase price, these dogs are also costly to groom.
The above-mentioned pros and cons should be considered carefully by all aspiring Bernedoodle owners. If you can put up with the cons of owning this hybrid, then it’s safe to say that the Bernedoodle is a good match for you.
Male vs. Female Bernedoodle: Which Is Better for You?
Once you have determined that the Bernedoodle is the right pet for you, you should now consider which gender to get. Deciding between a male and a female Bernedoodle involves considering a handful of differences.
For starters, male Bernedoodles are generally larger, more active, and more independent than female Bernedoodles. Males also tend to display more dominant behaviors.
That said, you should pick a male Bernedoodle if you are someone who can keep up with its energy and exercise needs. Male Bernedoodles are generally recommended for firm owners.
On the other hand, female Bernedoodles are usually more affectionate and clingy. This makes them ideal for stay-at-home pet owners. Size-wise, females are more manageable, making them more convenient to travel with.
Finally, if you already have a pet at home, it is generally recommended to pick the opposite gender for a Bernedoodle. This is to avoid same-sex aggression between your pets.
Other than these factors, there are not a lot of differences between the two. In fact, for the most part, you cannot go wrong with either a male or female Bernedoodle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bernedoodles Like to Cuddle?
Yes, Bernedoodles adore cuddling. Since these dogs love being around people so much, they need both playtime and cuddle sessions to stay happy.
Typically, their love language is through physical touch: cuddling with their owners, sitting on their laps, nuzzling, and licking hands.
Are Bernedoodles High-Maintenance Dogs?
Yes, it is a high-maintenance breed. The standard Bernedoodle may cost you around $600 to $1,000 yearly. That said, only consider getting a Bernedoodle if you have the time and resources to keep up with its needs.
Are Bernedoodles Barkers?
Bernedoodles have a moderate barking tendency. They usually don’t bark unless they feel threatened or afraid. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to train if you want to control unnecessary or non-stop barking.
Are Bernedoodles Chewers?
Bernedoodles are heavy chewers. Like all Doodle breeds, Bernedoodles have a strong desire to chew.
Your puppy is likely to chew while teething, and they may continue to do this as they grow older. Be careful, as they may chew up different things at home.
Are Bernedoodles Lazy?
No, Bernedoodles are not lazy dogs. Despite their appearance as giant teddy bears, these dogs have a modest energy level and require around one hour of exercise per day.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever been smitten by a high-spirited Poodle or a loving Bernese Mountain Dog, the Bernedoodle is the perfect furry friend for you.
The Bernedoodle gives you the best of both worlds, having inherited its parent breeds’ intelligence, charm, and loyalty. This adorable crossbreed has won the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe.
So, are you getting a Bernedoodle soon? Be sure to steer away from untrusty puppy mills and only source your dog from reputable Bernedoodle breeders or rescues.
Leave a comment below with your thoughts about the amazing Bernedoodle!