Bernedoodle Breed Information: Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix

Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by Becky Roberts

Quick Summary: The Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle Mix, also called Bernedoodle, can inherit traits from either of their parent breeds. While purebred dogs often share a typical breed personality, this is not true for mixed breeds like Bernedoodles. Because of the blend of Poodle genetics, this mixed breed developed a coat that sheds less than their Berner parent. This mixed breed is quite healthy, and they don’t have a lot of health problems. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years on average. If you’re looking for a cute, playful breed that can get along with everyone in your household, you can consider adding a Bernedoodle to your family.

The adorable Bernedoodle is a cross of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. This mixed breed has a reputation for being playful and gentle. Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy mix is a loving dog who loves being with their family. They also love children.

They are loyal but can be a bit distant from strangers, which makes socialization very important. They can also experience separation anxiety. Because of their gorgeous coats, the breed is loved. They hardly shed at all, though this does not necessarily make them hypoallergenic.

Because this breed is mixed, it is difficult to predict how each puppy will behave and look. Mixed breeds are a mix of different parents, and the traits that they inherit from each parent are totally random. However, we can still make educated guesses about the temperament and appearance of a Bernedoodle.

Breed Background and History

The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed. They are a mixed breed that has only gained popularity in the past year. They were likely born accidentally, but they have only been popular and sought-after in the last year. Their parent breeds however have a long history.

The Bernese Mountain Dog: An Overview

The Bernese Mountain Dog (also called the “Berner”) is a Swiss breed that hails from the Bernese region. It was named after the Bernese Mountain area. It is one of four mountain dogs from this region. Bern is a large agricultural area that is well-known for its dairy production. Bern’s dairy is vital as it is used in the production of chocolate and cheese, two of Switzerland’s most lucrative exports.

This breed was originally bred for this purpose. They drove cattle and chased off predators. The Berner is also known as the carting dog. They can haul loads many times their body weight.

Despite this breed’s overall usefulness, it began to dwindle in the 1800s. The dogs left became low-quality and hard to find. Some Swiss enthusiasts saved the breed from certain doom. A Swiss breed club was formed in 1907, and soon the dog was once again prosperous. The breed was imported to America in 1926 and was recognized in the AKC in 1937.

The Poodle: An Overview

The German origins of the Poodle are not what some people think. The original purpose of the Poodle was to be a duck dog. The German term “pudelin” is used to describe water splashing.

The Standard Poodle was developed approximately 400 years ago, though it was not exactly like the modern Poodle until later. This canine was originally trained to retrieve waterfowl from the water after being shot. They were suited for this job because of their curly, short coat. They are protected from the elements when they jump in and around the water.

The show cut that we know the Poodle by is actually practical. The breed should be able to move freely in water and not get clogged up by their hair, as hunters desired. But they also wanted them to be protected from the cold. To find the right balance, hunters shaved the legs, neck, and tail of their hunter companions while covering the rest. This resulted in the popular show cut that we see today.

Since its inception, the Poodle has been able to find other jobs, which has helped spread it across Europe. They became popular among French nobles and were often seen in circuses across Europe. They are natural entertainers and highly trained due to their intelligence. Their exceptional nose made them ideal for hunting truffles.

The Bernedoodle Mix

The Bernedoodle, like many Berner mixes, was created by owners that want the look of a Berner with the shedding habits of a Poodle. This designer dog is a great example of this. You get a dog that is larger than the standard poodle and has a unique coat and color. Let’s take a look at this adorable pup to learn more about their size, appearance, temperament, costs, and other details.

Size and Appearance

Like other poodle mixes, they can inherit traits from either of their parent breeds. Mixing two dog breeds together is the flip of a coin, so you never know what you’re going to get. Even though there are many cute photos on the internet, every dog is not going to look the same. Even if they are brothers or sisters, they can appear quite different.

It is impossible to predict the appearance of any mixed breed pup. They can inherit any trait from either parent. There are certain traits that all Bernedoodles share. These puppies can grow to be quite large. They can weigh more than 75 pounds. Some can even weigh around 100 pounds. These dogs are large, regardless of their size.

They often sport the curly, single-layered coat of the Poodle, but this is not always true. And although their fur is often longer, this is not always the case. They can come in many colors. This breed is most commonly tri-colored, although it is not uncommon to see other colors. You can get solid colors as well as a wide range of markings. You’ll likely never confuse a Bernedoodle when comparing them to a Goldendoodle though.

The parents’ color can greatly affect the color of each puppy. It is possible to see the parents and get an idea of the potential appearance of the puppies. They are strong and muscular and can also be used as working dogs.

Coat and Colors

Bernerdoodles have one coat. Their Berner parent is a Berner, while their Poodle parent has one coat. Because of the blend of Poodle genetics, this helped them develop a coat that sheds less than their Berner parent, with easier grooming requirements. Although these pups shed, it is still less than any double-coated dog breed.

The Bernedoodle can have a variety of coat colors, including white, black and brown. The AKC does not define a “breed standard” for this breed. This is because it is a mixed breed. Breeders and potential owners usually look for a dog with the same color coat as their Berner parent. However, they also want a consistent hairstyle that is somewhere in between these two breeds.

Wavy Coat or Curly Coat:  This coat will be closer to their poodle parents. Their hair is thinner and wavier than their Berner parent.

Straight coat: Your dog may have a straighter coat than their Berner parent. They will appear more like a Berner with all the anti-shedding benefits that a Poodle parent offers.

Nutrition and Food Requirements

We don’t need to tell you that Bernedoodles consume a lot of food. You might be surprised at what kind of food they should eat.

A Bernedoodle should never eat grain-free food, regardless of any misconceptions. This is unlikely as they aren’t particularly allergic to grains. Dogs have adapted to eating grains, so it is not harmful to the average dog in the least.

While grain-free foods don’t contain grains, some of them contain fillers that can cause harm to dogs. These include peas and legumes as well as potatoes. These ingredients can cause problems in the dog’s ability and digestion, which could lead to other health issues. DMC, which is a serious heart condition, can occur in dogs who consume lots of potatoes, legumes, or peas.

It is better to choose a food that includes grains than one that contains potentially dangerous ingredients. Avoid foods that contain duck, lamb, and boar as their main source of protein. These protein sources are not tested for nutritional requirements. These protein sources can be used in combination with other proteins, but they should not be the sole source of protein for your dog.

You should also avoid “boutique diets.” These foods are often made by smaller companies and contain “fancy” ingredients. These companies don’t have dog nutrition experts on staff, and they haven’t properly tested their food. You should instead choose food that conforms to AAFCO standards.

Grooming and Maintenance

Bernedoodles need moderate grooming and care. The amount of hair shed by these dogs increases with each season. This hair can get caught in the dog’s fur or simply fall out. This hair should still be removed by regular brushing.

We recommend that you brush your Bernedoodle at most once a week. Your Bernedoodle will need to be groomed on a regular basis if they have poodle-like hair. Routine eye and hearing cleaning is also necessary but can be done at home with water and a cotton ball. Brush your dog’s teeth using an enzyme toothpaste made for dogs.

Temperament and Personality

Purebred dogs can often share a common “breed personality,” but this is not true for mixed breeds like Bernedoodles. Genetics do play a role in personality and temperament. Mixed breeds are bred from larger genetic pools, so you don’t know what they will look like.

Based on the personalities of the parent breeds, it is possible to draw some conclusions about the mix. A lot of temperament can also be influenced by the environment. To be friendly and calm, a puppy needs to be socialized at an early age. No matter how friendly their breed may be, a dog that has never met a cat before is likely to not like them.

While it’s impossible to predict how any Bernedoodle will behave, they tend to be playful and affectionate. They are close to their families and love being with their loved ones. Because of their large size, they are patient and can get along with children. They should be introduced to children as soon as possible to help them become used to them.

They are reserved and can seem aloof around strangers. To prevent aggression, Bernedoodles should be socialized early in life. They are not good left alone for too long. They may also experience separation anxiety and be anxious.

Bernedoodles can be intelligent and friendly. They do well in most training situations and enjoy obedience lessons. They are also eager to learn tricks and do well with basic tricks like “shake” and “cross paws.”

Exercise Requirements and Living Conditions

They require moderate activity. They require exercise regularly and are very energetic. They do not require hours of exercise like other breeds. They are also very active and have great endurance. Although a fenced-in backyard can be very useful, it is not essential as long as your dog is walked daily.

Dogs need to get at least thirty minutes of intense exercise each day. You can take your dog for a walk or play fetch. This breed also loves to play all day. They love to be outside and enjoy outdoor activities with their families.

Bernedoodles can also be very intelligent and require mental stimulation daily. A fifteen-minute training session can help you do this. Mental stimulation can be achieved by mentally stimulating your dog with puzzle toys or games such as hide-and-seek.

Training Techniques

Bernedoodles can be trained quickly. They are intelligent and eager to please their owners. They are sensitive and should not be trained with harsh methods. Instead, use positive reinforcement and only train them when necessary. When it comes to potty training, we recommend training your dog to sleep in your room while in a crate.

Dogs are very active and will need to be trained in a crate each night. Toys can be very useful in training any activity. Bernedoodles don’t chew very often so they won’t destroy any toys that come in front of them. We recommend that your puppy be fitted with a harness for leash training. When they reach adulthood, you can transition them to walking with a regular collar and leash.

Health and Lifespan

Mixed breeds are more healthy than purebreds most of the time. Because they are derived from a wider gene pool, the chances of them inheriting genetic problems are lower. Purebred dogs are more likely to inherit a wide range of genetic conditions due to the close genetic relationship between their parents.

Nearly all purebred dogs were created from inbreeding done long ago. This mix is still quite healthy. They don’t have many health problems. Usually, you can expect them to live at least 12 to 15 years, on average. However, let’s take a look at some of the problems facing Bernedoodles.

Sebaceous Adenitis

This is an uncommon skin condition in some breeds of dogs. This condition can affect the Bernedoodle and the Poodle. The inflammation of the glands responsible for this disease is called sebaceous. These glands can be found in the hair follicles of dogs. They secrete a substance called Sebum which helps waterproof and lubricates the skin and fur of mammals.

The most obvious sign of this condition is silvery dandruff on the canine’s coat. Hair loss can be very common and severe in some cases. It is possible to develop dull, dirty hair.

As the disease progresses, lesions will develop on the skin of the dog and a musty odor will be produced. It is not known what causes this condition. This disorder can be caused by different breeds of dogs. It is possible that the disease is genetic in Poodles.

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia

Dysplasia refers to a condition in which the hip and elbow joints do not form correctly. This causes the bones to not fit properly into the joints. It can lead to arthritis and pain. This condition is genetic and typically happens as dogs age.

Larger breeds are more likely to develop this disorder because of their higher BMI. In most cases, this problem presents itself before your Bernedoodle turns 18 months old. Different symptoms can be experienced by different dogs. Dogs will try to avoid the pain by moving the joint because of the discomfort. This causes a bunny-like gait. Other gait changes can also be measured, depending on the affected joint.

Other symptoms include lethargy, mild lameness, and discomfort while walking. The signs of dysplasia tend not to be severe. They can get worse over time, or they can happen suddenly. This condition is life-long and incurable. Instead, we focus on relieving the pain and treating the symptoms. Many dogs can live a full life, despite the condition.

The Bernedoodle as Family Pets

• Bernedoodles make excellent family companions.
• They will get along well with all pets in a multi-pet household.
• They love attention and will happily be the primary focus of the family.
• Bernedoodles are quick to make friends with everyone.
• Because of their eagerness to please, they can suffer from anxiety.
• They won’t do well in households where their families are gone all day.
• Because of their size, they do better in larger yards with space.
• They can function in a smaller living space with proper daily activity.
• Because of their energy levels, they will need 45-60 minutes of daily exercise.

Rescues and Shelters

It is not very common for a Bernedoodle to find their way into shelters, but it does happen. If you prefer to adopt your Berner dog rather than buying a puppy from a breeder, we recommend that you check with Poodle Rescues as well as Berner Dog Rescue Organizations.

The Doodle Rock Rescue is a great place to start, as they rescue other doodle-type dogs. It is a good idea to put your name in for a dog and let them know what you are looking for.

Breeders and Puppy Prices/Costs

Start your online search for a breeder. A breeder who has bred Bernedoodles in the past is a good choice. If you buy from a breeder, the puppies should be covered by health guarantees. This is a mixed-breed breed dog and will not have AKC registration papers.

Designer dogs are becoming more popular, and it is common for these breeds to make their way into puppy mills. Avoid puppy mills at any cost. Puppy mills breed dogs and do not care about the health of the dog. These dogs are often found in pet shops.

A puppy purchased from a reputable breeder will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the breeder and their history with the breed.

Conclusion

The Bernedoodle is a large, affectionate dog that makes a wonderful companion for the right family. Because this breed is very active, it is essential that your home has enough space for your dog to run. Because of their large size, they are not suited for apartments.

Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy mix is a great choice if you’re looking for a playful breed that can get along with people and have a fluffy coat. We recommend this breed if you have the energy and time to keep a lively dog that is friendly with everyone.