Bernedoodle Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bernedoodle?

Developed by mixing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with Poodles, the creation of Bernedoodle was made. The Bernese originates from Switzerland, whilst the Poodle comes from both Germany and France.

There's not a huge amount when it comes to their history, as they've only been around for a brief period of time. However, it's believed the first Bernedodle was bred in Canada back in 2003 by Sherry Rupke.

It is thought that Sherry bred the two after becoming disheartened with the short lifespan that the Bernese had - it's only eight years!

Who are Bernedoodle dogs best for?

The Bernedoodles tend to be put in the same category as many other 'designer breeds' due to their appearance. However, that doesn't stop them from being great dogs for most households. They're great as a family dog and particularly for those who need a dog to be hypoallergenic.

As the Bernedoodles come in a variety of sizes, you can certainly find one that suits your household's needs, whether you're in a flat with limited space to a house with lots of space outside.

How much grooming does a Bernedoodle need?

The appearance of Bernedoodle puppies is enough to make your heart melt, and they continue to stay just as cute when they grow up.

The Bernedoodle will often look more like a Bernese Mountain Dog than a Poodle. Despite crossing purebred dogs, the Bernese has the more dominant features that are more present in this hybrid mix.

However, their appearance can vary. Most will have a square body with big oval eyes, floppy ears and a fluffy tail, so they make cozy cuddlers.

They often have wavy or curly coats. Curly coats will shed less, but it's best to get them groomed professionally. Wavy coats shed more but can be managed at home if you'd rather save the money!

The breed typically comes in a variety of colours from bi-colour, merle, sable, brindle, phantom and tri-colour, which is a combo of black, white, brown or apricot.

Do Bernedoodle bark much?

You'll find that these dogs are moderate when it comes to their barking habits. They won't typically bark unless they have a reason to do so. It's likely going to be for attention if they're barking.

Do Bernedoodle bite?

A Bernedoodle puppy will be prone to biting, as is the case with any puppies. It's always best to try and iron out these issues from an early age. A quick no or vocal 'ouch' is going to help the puppy realize that what they're doing is wrong.

The biting habits can take time to train out of a dog, especially if they're older, so be patient, persistent and trust the process.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bernedoodle?

Following on from the traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, the Bernedoodle is a bouncy dog that's full of energy and is excitable from the get-go.

They're a suitable breed for those who are in a family household or even those that have never owned a dog before. They also get along well with other breeds, so the Bernedoodle dog breed will go well with any existing household pets.

They'll want to interact on a daily basis, so attention to their needs is required. Their personality traits can vary depending on their parent's behaviour and personality. Crossbreeds can be harder to predict when it comes to this.

It's always good to see the poodle parent and the Bernese mountain dog parent if possible. This will give you an indication of what to expect!

What is the weight & size of a Bernedoodle?

As hybrid breeds, they will never always be the exact size. With the three different types, you'll also have variations in weight and size. Here are some common weights/sizes for the different categories of this dog breed:

Standard Bernedoodle - Weighs between 25-40kg and between 53-68cms tall.

Mini Bernedoodle - Weighs between 15-25kg and between 43-53cms tall.

Toy/Tiny Bernedoodle - Weighs between 5-15kg and between 28-43cms tall.

How much training does a Bernedoodle need?

It's always good to approach dog training with a gentle hand and voice. Getting aggressive or using punishment will only hinder the dog's efforts at learning the rules of the household. Bernedoodles are eager to please and highly intelligent, so it shouldn't be too hard to teach your dog some new tricks.

Make sure to socialize them from a young age and to be super patient with their progress whilst training them.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bernedoodle?

With hybrid dogs, there are fewer genetic health issues, but they can still have some concerns that need to be looked out for.

The most common being hip and elbow dysplasia, digestive problems and immune system diseases. They can also encounter eye problems from time to time. It's worth keeping an eye on these issues despite them being few and far between.

They're a healthy breed overall, so you shouldn't have too many problems in comparison to other dogs.

What is the lifespan of a Bernedoodle?

You'll find that the Bernedoodles benefit from their hybrid mix when it comes to their lifespan. They often have an average lifespan that varies from 12-18 years of age. That's certainly towards the top end of life expectancies in dogs!

The bigger the dog, the more exercise it needs, so make sure you're giving it plenty of outdoor fun so that it will continue to live a long and healthy life.

How much should you feed a Bernedoodle?

The Bernedoodle dog breed is one that can easily gain weight, and that's something to pay attention to when it comes to keeping them healthy. Their diet should be made up of healthy fats, protein and plenty of nutritional veggies! This ensures they are getting all the goodness they need for their bodies to work at peak performance.

What is the price of a Bernedoodle in Australia?

For an Australian Bernedoodle, you'll be looking at a hefty price tag, especially as they're bred between two purebreds and they're part of the designer dogs kennel club. With that in mind, you can expect to pay anything between $2,000 to $3,500.