The Sable Bernedoodle is a highly sought-after crossbreed that combines the best traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.
This adorable designer dog has quickly become a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion.
With its soft, wavy coat, playful and affectionate nature, and low-shedding properties, the Sable Bernedoodle is the perfect pet for those with allergies or who simply want a low-maintenance dog.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, characteristics, and care of the Sable Bernedoodle.
Background of the Bernedoodle Breed
The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed that was first created in the United States and Canada in the early 2000s. The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle.
The idea behind breeding these two breeds was to combine the best traits of both breeds, resulting in a dog that has the low-shedding coat of a Poodle and the sweet and gentle nature of a Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Bernedoodle quickly gained popularity due to its unique look, friendly personality, and low-shedding coat. Many people consider the breed a designer breed, which means it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but other breed registries widely accept it, and it is a well-loved companion animal.
Origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner Sennenhund, is a large breed that originated in Switzerland. These dogs were originally bred to be farm dogs, tasked with herding cattle, pulling carts, and serving as watchdogs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s good nature, strength, and loyalty made them the perfect companions for farmers and their families. They were also known for their beautiful tricolor coat, which is made up of black, white, and rust.
These dogs were first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1937.
Origins of the Poodle
The Poodle, on the other hand, has a much older history. The breed can be traced back to Germany, where they were originally used as hunting dogs. They were trained to retrieve game from the water and were prized for their intelligence and trainability.
Poodles come in a variety of sizes, from the Standard Poodle to the Toy Poodle. They are known for their distinctive curly coats, which can come in a variety of colors, and for their elegant and regal appearance.
Poodles have been recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club since 1887.
Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Coat and color
The Sable Bernedoodle has a coat that typically consists of a mix of wavy or curly hair, with a soft and fluffy texture. Its coat color is usually a mix of sable and black, giving the dog a unique and striking appearance. Some Sable Bernedoodles may also have white markings on their chest and legs.
Genetics determine the coat color and type in Sable Bernedoodles. They inherit a combination of genes from the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, which results in the coat.
The coat color of the Sable Bernedoodle is caused by pigments in the hair called melanins. These include eumelanin, which creates black and brown shades, and phaeomelanin, which creates red and yellow shades. A dominant gene for eumelanin produces a black base color with interspersed hairs of red and yellow.
A sable dog coat typically has a base color of red, yellow, or orange, and the tips of the hairs are black. This gives the coat a “sable” appearance, where the hair appears to be darker at the roots and lighter at the tips. This type of coat may also have black or dark markings on the face, ears, or legs. The overall appearance can vary depending on the dog’s breed and genetics.
Proteins in the hair and the interaction of these proteins with different genes determine the coat type inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.
Size and build
Sable Bernedoodles are medium to large-sized dogs. Their build is athletic and sturdy, with a well-proportioned body and a strong, straight back. They typically weigh between 50-90 pounds and stand at around 23-29 inches tall at the shoulder.
Sable Bernedoodle sizes
The size and build of a Sable Bernedoodle can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent. The most common sizes of Sable Bernedoodles are Miniature, Medium and Standard.
The Miniature Bernedoodle is typically crossed with a Miniature Poodle and they usually weigh between 25-49 pounds and stand at around 11-17 inches at the shoulder.
The Medium Bernedoodles are usually crossed with a Medium Poodle and they typically weigh between 50-74 pounds and stand at around 18-22 inches at the shoulder.
The Standard Bernedoodles are usually crossed with a Standard Poodle and they typically weigh between 75-90 pounds and stand at around 23-29 inches at the shoulder.
| Size | Poodle Parent | Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature Bernedoodle | Miniature Poodle | 25-49 pounds | 11-17 inches |
| Medium Bernedoodle | Medium Poodle | 50-74 pounds | 18-22 inches |
| Standard Bernedoodle | Standard Poodle | 75-90 pounds | 23-29 inches |
Sable Bernedoodle build
In terms of build, Sable Bernedoodles typically have a well-proportioned body with a strong, straight back and a deep chest. They have a sturdy and athletic build, with strong legs and a thick tail. Their head is typically large, with a broad forehead and a strong muzzle.
They have a thick and fluffy coat, which can make them appear larger than they actually are. They have a friendly and expressive facial expression, with their eyes being dark brown and almond-shaped. Their ears are usually medium-sized, hanging down and framing their face.
The overall size and build of the Sable Bernedoodle can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent, but they generally have a strong and sturdy appearance, with a friendly and affectionate expression.
Temperament and Personality
The temperament and personality of a Sable Bernedoodle can vary, but they generally friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. They are social dogs that love spending time with their families and thrive on being around people.
Sable Bernedoodles are playful and energetic, making them great companions for active families or individuals. They are trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Sable Bernedoodles are highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They eagerly please their owners and quickly learn new commands and tricks. Sable Bernedoodles are loyal and loving towards their families, making them great companion dogs. They are patient and gentle with children, making them a great family pet.
Sable Bernedoodles have an outgoing and friendly personality, making them great with people of all ages. They are sociable and enjoy being around other dogs and animals. Sable Bernedoodles are adaptable, making them great for different types of households and living situations. They are outgoing and adventurous, making them great for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Overall, the temperament and personality of a Sable Bernedoodle is a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, making them a friendly, affectionate, trainable, and intelligent companion. They are known for being adaptable, sociable and outgoing, which makes them great for different types of households and living situations.
Training and Exercise Needs
Intelligence and trainability
Sable Bernedoodles are highly intelligent dogs and are known for being easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and are quick to learn new commands and tricks. Sable Bernedoodles are also known for being very trainable, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
This breed has a natural desire to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise. Sable Bernedoodles are also known for being very eager to please and are quick to learn new commands and tricks.
Exercise requirements
Sable Bernedoodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. They are known to enjoy going for long walks, runs, and hikes.
This breed also enjoys playing fetch and other interactive games. They are also known to enjoy swimming and other water-based activities. They require at least 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise each day, and may require more if they are energetic.
Behavioral challenges
Sable Bernedoodles are generally well-behaved dogs, but like all breeds, they can have certain behavioral challenges.
One of the most common challenges is separation anxiety. They tend to become anxious when left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing and barking.
Another common behavioral challenge is barking excessively, which can be caused by various reasons such as boredom, anxiety or lack of proper training. Training and socialization from a young age can help prevent or minimize behavioral challenges.
It’s worth mentioning that every dog is unique and may have different needs and challenges. It’s important to provide them with proper training, socialization and meet their physical and mental needs. Consulting with a professional trainer or behaviorist is always a good idea to address any specific challenges that may arise.
Health and Longevity
Potential Health Concerns
Sable Bernedoodles are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health concerns. Some of the most common health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. They can also be prone to certain skin conditions such as allergies and hot spots.
Additionally, they can also be prone to certain eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. To minimize the risk of these health concerns, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder and have regular check-ups with a veterinarian.
Grooming and Care Needs
Sable Bernedoodles have a thick, wavy or curly coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They should be brushed at least once a week, and more often during shedding season.
This breed also needs to be trimmed every 6-8 weeks and should be bathed once a month. They also require regular dental care, such as brushing their teeth, to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Additionally, they require regular nail clipping and ear cleaning to keep them comfortable.
Life Expectancy
Sable Bernedoodles have a life expectancy of around 10-15 years. This can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.
With proper care and regular check-ups with a veterinarian, Sable Bernedoodles can live a long and healthy life. It’s important to provide them with proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Suitability as a Family Pet
Interaction with Children and Other Pets
Sable Bernedoodles make great family pets due to their friendly, affectionate and playful nature. They have a good temperament and are patient and gentle with children.
This breed is sociable and enjoy being around other dogs and animals. They are great companions for families with children and other pets and can make a great addition to any household.
Adaptability to Different Living Situations
Sable Bernedoodles are known to be very adaptable dogs, making them suitable for different types of living situations. They are great for families with a big backyard or for individuals living in apartments.
This breed is also great for people who are always on the go, as they have moderate exercise requirements, and can be content with shorter walks. They are also great for people who travel frequently, as they are known to be adaptable to different environments and routines.
Potential as a Therapy or Service Dog
Their highly trainable and intelligent nature makes Sable Bernedoodles suitable for a variety of roles such as therapy and service dogs. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them great for therapy work, as they have the ability to bring comfort and joy to people with disabilities and special needs.
A Sable Bernedoodle’s trainability and intelligence also make them suitable for service work, such as assisting people with mobility issues or as a support animal for people with mental health conditions. Their high adaptability and ability to be trained to perform a variety of tasks makes them a great choice for therapy and service work.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
In summary, people highly seek after Sable Bernedoodles, a crossbreed that combines the best traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.
Having a soft, wavy coat, playful and affectionate nature, and low-shedding properties makes Sable Bernedoodles well known. They are highly trainable and intelligent, making them suitable for a variety of roles such as therapy and service dogs.
They have moderate exercise requirements and can adapt to different living situations. Being friendly, affectionate, and gentle with children and other pets makes them great family pets.
Tips for Choosing a Sable Bernedoodle
When selecting a Sable Bernedoodle, it is crucial to obtain it from a trustworthy breeder who can supply health certificates and genetic testing for the parents.
It is also essential to take into account the size of the Sable Bernedoodle, as they come in various sizes, and pick the one that matches your lifestyle and living conditions.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind the grooming and care needs of the Sable Bernedoodle, as they have a thick coat that necessitates regular grooming.
Final Thoughts on the Breed
In conclusion, the Sable Bernedoodle is a unique and highly sought-after breed that combines the best traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.
Their friendly, affectionate and playful nature makes them great family pets. Sable Bernedoodles are also highly trainable and intelligent, making them suitable for a variety of roles such as therapy and service dogs.
This breed is adaptable and can adapt to different living situations. They require moderate exercise, and regular grooming. With proper care and training, Sable Bernedoodles can make a great companion for many years.