Bernedoodles are one of the most sought-after Doodle breeds. They’re the best of both worlds, taking on the best qualities of their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents. Bernedoodles are non-drooling, non-shedding dogs, and they tend to live notably long and healthy lives.
If you’re planning to bring a Bernedoodle puppy into your home, you’re in the right place! This post discusses everything you need to know about Bernedoodle puppies, including personality, training, grooming, and more.
Bernedoodle Puppies: The “Perfect” Hybrids!
The Bernedoodle, also known as the Bernese Poodle or the Bernese Mountain Doodle, is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and a purebred Poodle. Like most Doodle breeds, the Bernedoodle is a designer dog.
This hybrid is a relatively recent breed, having only been introduced in 2003.
Although they’ve yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Bernedoodle was officially recognized by the Dog Registry of America (DRA), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) in 2005–2008.
Bernedoodle Personality and Temperament
Bernedoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and friendly. Their fun-loving nature and mellow temperament make them the ideal family companion. They’re gentle around both the young and the elderly, and get along well with strangers and other pets if trained to socialize as puppies.
We have written more about Bernedoodle traits in a separate post.
Energetic and playful
These hybrids aren’t as laid-back as purebred Bernese Mountain dogs but aren’t quite as hyper as Poodles. However, as puppies, Bernedoodles tend to be overly energetic. They love playing and going out, so make sure to take them out at least once every day in their first few years!
Unlike Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bernedoodles stay puppy-like for several years before settling down. Since they can be quite mischievous and stubborn, training them at a young age is of the utmost importance.
Overall, Bernedoodles are super loving and playful. They’re intelligent but also quite goofy! Even as they grow, they never get tired of their human’s attention and affection!
Bernedoodle Appearance
Bernedoodles don’t have a “one-size-fits-all” appearance. They can take on the physical characteristics of their dominant parent or a combination of the two.
Most Bernedoodles are almost teddy bear-like in appearance, regardless of their coat and body type. They have squarish, wide faces and short muzzles, similar to that of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Their ears are long and rounded, hanging close to their heads.
Regardless of the characteristics inherited from their parents, one thing’s for sure: Bernedoodles are good-looking dogs!
Bernedoodle Colors and Coat Type
Like most crossbreeds, Bernedoodle puppies inherit the coat qualities of either or both their parents. They usually come in colors of black, brown, tan, white, apricot, cream, and sable.
Most Bernedoodles come in either single or dual-colored coats, but tri-colored Bernedoodles do exist.
Tri-color Bernedoodles are the rarest and by far the most sought-after. Typically, white covers their chest, feet, and snout areas, while a combination of darker colors like black, brown, red, and peach alternate the rest of their bodies.
Bernedoodles come in three different coat types: straight, wavy, and curly.
Straight-haired Bernedoodles aren’t as common as wavy and curly-haired Bernedoodles. More often, Bernedoodles have “in-between” coats of wavy and curly, taking on both qualities of their parents. The mentioned coat variants are usually medium in length.
Bernedoodle Size and Weight
Like Poodles, Bernedoodles come in three sizes: standard, mini, and toy.
Standard Bernedoodles are a cross between 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Standard Poodle. They typically stand at around 23–29 inches and weigh between 70–90 pounds, but some go above the 100-pound mark. Female Standards tend to be around 10% smaller than male Standards.
Mini Bernedoodles are a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. They measure around 18–22 inches at the shoulder and typically weigh 25–50 pounds.
Toy Bernedoodles, also known as Micro or Tiny Bernedoodles, are the smallest Bernedoodle breed. A cross between Toy Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, these cuties are the perfect pups for smaller homes.
If you would like more details about Bernedoodle generations check out our post which goes into more detail.
When fully grown, Toy Bernedoodles are around 12–17 inches tall. In terms of weight, they’re usually no heavier than about 10–25 pounds.
Bernedoodle Puppy Care: Grooming, Training, and Health
Bernedoodle puppies are relatively easy to take care of. They fall in between low- and high-maintenance, so as long as you take care of your puppy’s coat and bring them to the groomers every few months, you’re golden!
Grooming
Although Bernedoodles are dubbed as hypoallergenic and non-shedding, no dog is truly 100% of both.
It’s important to note that Bernedoodles with straight coats shed more than Bernedoodles with wavy or curly coats, so they might not agree with owners with allergies. The curlier the coat, the less they shed.
As you might expect, Bernedoodles with curly coats require more maintenance since they’re susceptible to painful mats and tangles. As such, make sure to brush your pups at least three times a week.
Luckily, Bernedoodles love being brushed and pampered, so resistance is unlikely when brushing them.
Like Poodles, Bernedoodles don’t need to be bathed very often; once a month will do! Also, unless you’ve got some serious grooming skills, it’s best to take your Bernedoodle pup to the groomers every three to four months for a full cut and pamper.
Clip your Bernedoodle’s nails every three to four weeks. Some owners shorten their pups’ nails a little every week to get them used to paw handling. The same is said with brushing their teeth. If you can, brush your puppy’s teeth at least three times a week. Every day, if possible!
Training
Like their parents, Bernedoodle puppies are extremely easy to train! They’re intelligent and quite eager to learn, making them ideal therapy and service dogs.
At a young age, Bernedoodle puppies can be mischievous and stubborn, so patience is key! Train your pup with lots of positive reinforcement. Be gentle, but firm.
Since they tend to be quite skittish and protective around strangers, it’s best to train them around people so they’ll get used to them.
The best results come from a thorough routine. Spend at least 15 minutes a day training your Bernedoodle. Bernedoodles don’t require extensive exercise, but they do need to be taken out for short walks every day.
Depending on your Bernedoodle’s size, age, and activity level, he may need about 45 minutes of proper exercise each day.
Bernedoodle puppies that are nine months or younger shouldn’t participate in strenuous activities that include lots of running, jumping, and navigating, as they may injure their still-developing bones and joints.
As much as possible, always keep a leash on your dog when outside to reduce the possibility of injury.
Check out our reviews of the best retractable dog leads for some ideas on good leashes to use.
Health
Due to their hybrid vigor and diverse gene pool, Bernedoodles are believed to be healthier than their purebred parents. On average, they have a life expectancy of 12–18 years. Even so, Bernedoodle health problems do exist.
Some of the most common health issues found in Bernedoodles are as follows:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, the abnormal conformation of the joint
- Progressive retinal atrophy, the eventual degradation of photoreceptor cells
- Degenerative myelopathy, the progressive loss of muscle tone
- Von Willebrand’s disease, a blood clotting disorder
- Hypothyroidism, an underactive abnormality of the thyroid gland
- Bloat or Gastric Torsion
- Allergies
- Heart disease
Closing Thoughts
Bernedoodles puppies are as adorable as they are affectionate. Their gentle, playful, and loyal personalities make them one of the most sought-after designer breeds today. They’re relatively low-maintenance and quite easy to train.
If you’re planning to bring a Bernedoodle puppy into your home, make sure you have plenty of time to spare as they require a lot of your attention!