Are you considering adding a Bernedoodle to your family? This hybrid dog is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! Bernedoodles are friendly, intelligent, and make great pets.
In this guide, we will provide you with some basic information about Bernedoodles so that you can decide if one is right for you. We’ll cover things like size, temperament, care requirements, and more!
Breed Breakdown:
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What are the parent breeds: Poodle + Bernese mountain dog
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Do Bernedoodles shed? Yes, but not much.
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How big do Bernedoodles get? Depends on the size, but generally between 50-90 pounds.
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How much is a Bernedoodle? $2000-5000
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How long do Bernedoodles live? 12-18 years
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What’s a Bernedoodle’s temperament? Playful, companion-oriented, intelligent
What is a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles are a hybrid dog, created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. Bernedoodles can come in three different size varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
Standard Bernedoodles are the largest of the three, and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. Mini Bernedoodles typically weigh between 25 and 50 pounds, while Toy Bernedoodles are the smallest of the bunch, weighing in at under 25 pounds.
Bernedoodles are known for being intelligent, friendly, and loyal dogs. They make great family pets and do well with children. Bernedoodles also tend to have low-shedding coats, which make them a good choice for people with allergies.
Origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed of dog that was developed in Switzerland. They are thought to have descended from dogs that were brought to the area by Roman soldiers in the early days of the empire.
Berners are a versatile breed and are used for a variety of purposes, including herding livestock, tracking livestock, working with search and rescue teams, and as guide dogs for the blind.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1937. However, they have been around for much longer than that; their history can be traced back to the late 1800s when they were used by farmers in the Swiss Alps to herd sheep and cattle.
Bernese mountain dogs are incredibly intelligent, agile, and stamina – they need to be exercised for at least an hour every day. They’re also amazing herders, and can cover a lot of ground quickly while herding livestock.
They’re also rated as one of the most adaptable breeds, with a wide range of applicabilities including tracking cattle, working with search and rescue teams, and serving as guide dogs for the blind.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s popularity has continued to grow over the years and they are now one of the most popular dog breeds in North America.
Origin of the Poodle
The Poodle is a breed of dog that was originally developed in Germany. They are thought to have descended from dogs that were brought to the area by Dutch and French traders in the early days of the empire.
Poodles are a versatile breed and are used for a variety of purposes, including herding livestock, tracking livestock, working with search and rescue teams, and as guide dogs for the blind.
The Poodle was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1886. However, they have been around for much longer than that; their history can be traced back to the 1500s when they were used by German nobles as hunting dogs.
Poodles are known for their intelligence, agility, and stamina – they need plenty of exercise (at least an hour per day) and can cover a lot of ground quickly while herding livestock or tracking game.
They are also considered one of the most versatile breeds; they can be used for many different purposes such as working with search and rescue teams or as guide dogs for the blind.
The Poodle’s popularity has continued to grow over the years and they are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Bernedoodle Colors
Bernedoodles come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, silver, and white. They can also have markings of brown, black, cream, phantom, sable, merle, or red.
Tri-color Bernedoodles are Bernedoodles with three colors in their coat-usually a black base with white and brown markings. They are often called “parti” Bernedoodles, as this is the term for Bernedoodles with multiple colors in their coat. Tri-color Bernedoodles are a popular choice among Bernedoodle owners, as they are visually striking dogs.
Tri-color Bernedoodle
The most popular Bernedoodle color is tri-color, which is a black base with brown and white markings. This color combo is often referred to as “salt and pepper.” Tri-color Bernedoodles are the most common type of Bernedoodle you’ll see.
There are several things that can cause a tri-colored Bernedoodle. One is the Bernese Mountain Dog’s genes. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically have a black coat with white and brown markings. When bred with a Poodle, there is a higher chance of the resulting dog being tri-color.
Another factor that can influence a Bernedoodle’s color is the Poodle’s genes. Poodles come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, silver, and white. When bred with a Bernese Mountain Dog, there is a higher chance of the resulting dog being tri-color.
So, what causes a Bernedoodle to be tri-color? It’s a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog’s genes and the Poodle’s genes!
Black and white Bernedoodle
A black and white Bernedoodle is a Bernedoodle with a black coat and white markings. These dogs are often called “landscape” Bernedoodles, as their black and white coloration resembles a scenic landscape.
Black and white Bernedoodles are one of the more popular Bernedoodle color combinations.
The cause of a black and white Bernedoodle’s coloration is the same as that of a tri-color Bernedoodle. It’s a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog’s genes and the Poodle’s genes!
Sable Bernedoodle
Sable is a color that is caused by the combination of two genes: the agouti gene and the recessive black gene.
Bernedoodles can inherit the agouti gene from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and the recessive black gene from their Poodle parent, which will result in a sable coat.
Sable Bernedoodles have a coat that is a mixture of black and brown hairs. The black hairs will be the dominant color, while the brown hairs will be the recessive color. This gives Bernedoodles with a sable coat a unique look that is very different from other Bernedoodle colors.
Phantom Bernedoodle
A phantom Bernedoodle is a Bernedoodle with a black coat and brown markings. Phantom Bernedoodles are often called “phantom poodles,” as they resemble the popular phantom Poodle coloration.
A phantom Bernedoodle’s coloration is caused by a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog’s genes and the Poodle’s genes.
Related: Phantom Bernedoodle: Quick Facts & Info
Brown Bernedoodle
One possible explanation for why Bernedoodles can have a brown coat is the genes that they inherit from their parents. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically have a black coat with brown markings, while Poodles come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, silver, and white.
When bred together, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles have a higher chance of producing a Bernedoodle with a brown coat.
Another explanation for why Bernedoodles can have a brown coat is the environment in which they are raised. If a Bernedoodle is raised in an area that has a lot of mud or dirt, they may develop a brown coat as they will be covered in dirt and mud on a regular basis.
Black Bernedoodle
The black Bernedoodle’s coat is caused by a gene called the eumelanin gene. This gene codes for the production of the black pigment melanin, which is responsible for giving a dog their black coat.
Bernedoodles can inherit the eumelanin gene from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and the Poodle parent, which will result in a black coat.
Bernedoodles with a black coat are very common, as the black color is dominant over other colors.
Merle Bernedoodle
The merle Bernedoodle’s coat is caused by a gene called the merle gene. This gene codes for the production of the merle pigment, which is responsible for giving a dog their merle coat.
Bernedoodles can inherit the merle gene from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and the Poodle parent, which will result in a merle coat.
Merle Bernedoodles are very rare, as the merle color is recessive. This means that Bernedoodles must inherit two copies of the merle gene in order to have a merle coat.
For more information, check out our Merle Bernedoodle guide.
Cream Bernedoodle
The cream Bernedoodle’s coat is caused by a gene called the cream gene. This gene codes for the production of the cream pigment, which is responsible for giving a dog their cream coat.
Bernedoodles can inherit the cream gene from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and the Poodle parent, which will result in a cream coat.
Red Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle’s red coat is caused by a gene called the MC1R gene. This gene codes for the production of the red pigment melanin, which is responsible for giving a dog their red coat. Bernedoodles can inherit the MC1R gene from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and the Poodle parent, which will result in a red coat.
Bernedoodles with a red coat are very common, as the red color is dominant over other colors.
Caring for a Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they do require some basic care. Here are a few things you’ll need to do to keep your Bernedoodle healthy and happy:
- Brush their coat regularly to prevent tangles and mats.
- Bathing them as needed, but not too often as it can dry out their skin.
- Trim their nails every few weeks.
- Keep their teeth healthy by brushing them on a regular basis.
- Take them on walks or runs daily to keep them exercised.
Do Bernedoodles Shed?
Because a Bernedoodle is a mix between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog (a breed that sheds a lot), Bernedoodles do shed. However, they don’t shed nearly as much as purebred Bernese mountain dogs, and compared to other dog breeds, they don’t shed as much.
Because there are different types of Bernedoodles (f1 Bernedoodles, f1b Bernedoodles, f2 Bernedoodles, etc.), your dog will shed according to the type of doodle you own. More specifically, it depends on the percentage of poodle vs. Bernese mountain dog in your dog.
If your dog is more poodle, it won’t shed as much as if it was a higher percentage of Bernese mountain dog.
Bernedoodles come in 3 different coat types: straight, wavy, and curly. A straight coat Bernedoodle has very straight hair. A wavy coat occurs when a dog gets one curl gene from one parent and one non-curl gene from the other.
Lastly, when each parent contributes a curl gene, the Bernedoodle puppy ends up with a curly coat. Although this type of coat can be harder to brush, dogs with this coat are the least likely to shed.
Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
Truth be told, no dog breed is ever truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs have fur that can shed, making it a potential issue for people who have allergies. Despite being completely hypoallergenic, Bernedoodles are an allergy-friendly dog breed.
This is due to the incorporation of poodles into the breed mix. Pet dander, saliva, and urine are the three elements that produce allergic reactions. Luckily, poodles have only a single coat with low dander, and their fur is non-shedding.
Therefore, if your Bernedoodle is more poodle than Bernese mountain dog, your pet will be more allergy-friendly. In other words, a F1b Bernedoodle will be more allergy friendly than a f1 Bernedoodle.
How Big Do Bernedoodles Get?
When it comes to Bernedoodle size, there are generally three classes: miniature Bernedoodles, medium Bernedoodles, and standard Bernedoodles.
Tiny Bernedoodles are between 10-24 pounds when they’re a Bernedoodle adult. They’ll stand around 12-17 inches tall. This is a great choice if you don’t have as much space for a large dog, or if you just prefer smaller dogs. Keep in mind, though, that regardless of their size, Bernedoodles have higher energy, so they still need to be able to run around and play. This size can also be referred to as a Micro Bernedoodle or a Toy Bernedoodle.
Miniature Bernedoodles are a bit bigger, and will generally weigh between 25-49 pounds when they’re full grown mini Bernedoodles. These dogs will usually stand at 18-22 inches tall.
Standard Bernedoodles are the most popular size of Bernedoodle, and they’re great for people who prefer the security of a bigger dog. Standard Bernedoodles will generally reach about 70-90 pounds when fully grown adults. Because this is the biggest type of Bernedoodle, these dogs require more space to run around and play.
How Much Does a Bernedoodle Cost?
Pricing for Bernedoodles depends on a number of factors, although a general price tag will fall between $2000-5000.
Due to their hypoallergenic nature and their cute and fluffy looks, these breeds are more expensive than other dog breeds. There are also a number of factors that affect their price, such as:
Color
There are a number of different Bernedoodle colors. In addition to the typical black Bernedoodle or merle Bernedoodle colors, you can find Bernedoodle breeders who specialize in breeding tri color Bernedoodles, black and white bernedoodles, phantom Bernedoodles, or sable Bernedoodles, among others. The more “exotic” the color, the higher the price tag.
Coat
Breeders charge different prices based on the coat. Essentially, the more “poodle” within the dog’s genetics, the more allergy-friendly the dog is. This can sometimes result in a higher price tag.
Size
Because the most common size of Bernedoodles is the standard size, you can expect to pay more money for a smaller version of a Bernedoodle.
Location & Demand
Prices can fluctuate based on where you live along with how high the demand is for a Bernedoodle. Bigger metropolitan cities such as San Francisco or New York will often have higher price tags, both because of the higher general cost of living, but also because these cities usually have a higher demand for allergy-friendly dogs.
Reputation of the Breeder
When it comes to purchasing a Bernedoodle from a breeder, you certainly want to do your research so that you purchase from a reputable, established breeder. While it may be cheaper to buy your doodle from an at-home breeder or from Craigslist, a good breeder can mean a world of difference.
If you want a healthy, long-living dog, then it can certainly be worth spending the extra money on a reliable breeder who has done their due diligence in producing healthy pups.
Keep in mind that you can also find Bernedoodles in shelters and other rescue centers!
How Long Do Bernedoodles Live?
In general, Bernedoodles will live between 12-18 years. There are a few factors that can result in outliers, however. Smaller dogs, for example, usually live longer than larger dogs. Because of this, a mini Bernedoodle or a medium Bernedoodle will be expected to live longer than standard Bernedoodles.
An increased lifespan can also be attributed to crossbreeding (crossbred dogs usually outlive their purebred counterparts) along with purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder.
What’s a Bernedoodle’s Temperament?
Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, two breeds that are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. This means that Bernedoodles usually have great temperaments and are very social dogs. They love being around people and other animals, and they make excellent family pets.
Bernedoodles are also very intelligent dogs. They inherit this trait from their Poodle parent, who is known for being one of the smartest dog breeds. Bernedoodles are quick learners and are easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility training, and they make great therapy dogs.
Bernedoodles tend to be fairly active dogs, so they need plenty of exercise. They love going on walks and runs, and they also enjoy playing fetch and other games. Bernedoodles are also known for being fairly calm dogs, so they make great pets for families with young children.
Nutrition and Feeding
Bernedoodles are a large breed of dog, so they need a diet that is high in protein and fat. They should also have a moderate amount of carbs and fiber. Bernedoodles do best on a diet of dry kibble or wet food, but they can also eat raw meat or cooked vegetables.
When it comes to feeding your Bernedoodle, it’s important to find a food that is specifically designed for large breed dogs. This type of food will have the right balance of nutrients that your Bernedoodle needs to stay healthy and fit.
You should also avoid giving your Bernedoodle table scraps, as this can lead to obesity.
If you’re not sure what type of food to feed your Bernedoodle, talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend a food that is right for your dog’s individual needs.
Health Issues
Bernedoodles are generally a healthy breed of dog, but there are some health conditions that they are more prone to than others. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and epilepsy.
Bernedoodles can also inherit conditions from their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents, so it’s important to talk to your breeder about the health history of the dog’s parents.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally, resulting in pain and lameness. It is seen more often in large breeds of dogs, but can affect any breed.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is a condition that causes the elbow joint to develop abnormally, resulting in pain and lameness. It is seen more often in large breeds of dogs, but can affect any breed.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding during surgery or after an injury. It is seen more often in certain breeds of dogs, such as Bernedoodles, and is something that should be taken into consideration when choosing a Bernedoodle for your family.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. It is seen more often in certain breeds of dogs, and is something that should be taken into consideration when choosing a Bernedoodle for your family.
Bernedoodles are also prone to obesity, so it’s important to make sure they are getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet. These dogs should be fed twice a day.
Their food should be measured out so that they are not overeating. They should also get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, whether that’s going on a walk or playing fetch in the backyard.
Final Thoughts: The Bernedoodle
When you think about the perfect dog, you probably think about an incredibly cute dog that’s also loyal, easy to train, and great with your family. If that sounds like your kind of dog, then a Bernedoodle might be in your future. No matter if you’re an individual or you’re looking to bring a dog into a large family, you’re sure to enjoy the addition of your loyal, friendly new family member!