Combine the fun-loving charms of a poodle with the quiet sweetness of a Bernese mountain dog, and what do you get? The bernedoodle! These pups were bred to be the warmest of companions, incorporating the very best qualities of two diverse dog breeds into a mid-sized, easy-upkeep dog perfect for families.
They have beautiful coat color variations. Bernedoodle colors can range from white to black with shades of red, brown, gray, and even tri-color markings, the bernedoodle is beloved for its signature look. With a shaggy, curly, wavy coat type that’s soft as a pillow, these dogs love to snuggle up with their dog owner, roll around at the dog park, and provide plenty of affection. Expect a kind pooch with a healthy dose of goofiness and a surprising intelligence, making this hybrid dog breed truly one of a kind.
Breed Overview
Also Known As…
Bernepoo, Bernepoodle, the Bernese Mountain Poo, or any other funky hybrid you could think up—“The Bernoodle Mountain Goober”?
What Is The History Of The Bernedoodle?
The Bernese mountain dog’s history dates back thousands of years to rural Switzerland and the poodle likely came from Germany in the middle ages, but this hybrid breed has a significantly shorter history.
In the early 2000s, breeders were eager to find a way to increase the health and lifespan of Bernese mountain dogs by cross-breeding with another robust breed. That’s where the poodle parent put its paws into the mix. As one of the healthiest breeds in the world, they were perfectly suited to breed with the Bernese mountain dog, creating a pup with fewer health problems while combining the wonderful qualities of both breeds.
After nearly two decades, it’s easy to see why the bernedoodle has taken off in popularity across the US. This breed doesn’t compete in high-stakes dog shows or work on a farm. Instead, their sole purpose is to provide comfort and companionship to their dog owner, and they’ve been a smashing success in that realm.
How Big Do Bernedoodles Get?
With hybrid breeds, their full size depends on the size of their parents. While Bernese mountain dogs are a breed of massive stature, poodles come in a range of sizes. That means the general size of a bernedoodle varies significantly, from full-sized standard bernedoodle, medium bernedoodle, to toy-sized mini bernedoodle.
Height: 12–29 inches
Weight: 10–100 pounds
How Long Do Bernedoodles (Generally) Live?
This poodle mix breed can have a seriously long lifespan. You can look forward to 12 to 18 years with your precious bernepoo.
What Is A Bernedoodle’s Temperament & Personality Like?
Cuddle-buddy, steadfast companion, or excitable puppy eager for full-on fun? How about all three? It’s no wonder the adorable bernedoodles are one of the most popular poodle mixes.
Bernedoodles are up for anything you’re into. Bred as companion dogs, they’re always eager to spend time with their owners. They’re friendly with strangers, too, so long as they’ve been trained and socialized properly. If not, you might find your pooch a bit overprotective in some scenarios. But mostly, they’re interested in hogging your attention.
Are Bernedoodles Good With Kids? Cats? Dogs?
Gentle enough for young children but sturdy enough to handle a little horseplay, bernedoodles have been a favorite among families looking for a furry friend. As with all dogs, supervise first introductions and teach young children proper dog handling to avoid unintended injuries.
Living in a multi-pet household? No problem. Bernedoodles are known to make fast friends with dogs and cats, and because of their non-aggressive tendencies, you should have nothing to worry about. Introduce your bernedoodle to the rest of your pet family at a young age and watch their friendships blossom.
Are Bernedoodles High Energy?
With this dog breed, playtime is usually in session—so, in a word, yes.
Bernedoodles love nothing more than a day of fun and frolicking. Whether you’re tossing around their favorite toy or running through the park, your toy bernedoodle or standard bernedoodle is sure to have a great time. That said, this breed doesn’t have the most demanding exercise needs. Once your toy bernedoodle or standard bernedoodle completes their recommended 30 to 60 minutes of activity for the day, you can look forward to kicking back and snuggling up.
Are Bernedoodles Hard To Train?
Bernedoodles aim to please, and that includes during training sessions. Gifted with the high intelligence of a poodle and the loyalty of a Bernese mountain dog, bernedoodles are highly capable and highly trainable. You can teach your pup basic commands, doggy manners, and even a few tricks if you’re so inclined.
Do Bernedoodles Have Health Issues?
Bernedoodles don’t typically inherit the common health problems of either Bernese mountain dogs or poodles.
The most common issues for this hybrid dog breed include:1
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Skin issues, including hot spots
Do Bernedoodles Need To Be Groomed?
Once you adopt your beloved bernedoodle puppy, it’s highly recommended that you find a trusted groomer. You’ll want to take your pup in for seasonal hair cuts to reduce the chance of matting and skin irritation.
You can take care of brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and the occasional bath at home or combine their hair cuts with a little all-inclusive spa action at the groomer.
Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
While poodles are known for their hypoallergenic tendencies, Bernese mountain dogs are massive shedders. The bernedoodle is typically a good, low-shedding middle ground and shouldn’t irritate those with dog allergies too much, though the ratio of Berne to doodle can vary with every litter.2
How Much Does It Cost To Care For A Bernedoodle?
After adopting your furry friend, you can expect to spend $1000 or more per year to care for your bernedoodle.
Food
Bernedoodles can put back 1.5 to 3 cups of kibble a day, depending on their sizes, adding up to about $20 to $80 per month.
For a pre-portioned meal delivery service crafted by veterinary nutritionists and customized for your bernedoodle breed, try BARK Eats just for bernedoodles! Experience the easiest way to ensure a high-quality meal for your dog every single day, and now, get 50% off your first month!
Routine Vet Care (Healthy Dog)
Standard vet appointments and checkups run about $50, plus the cost of any necessary medications, testing, and operations.
Preventative Medications For Bernedoodle
Every dog should have flea, tick, and heartworm treatments every year. For a bernedoodle, these treatments may range from $100 to $300.
Bernedoodle Grooming
The biggest line item on your bernedoodle’s bill may be your groomer appointments. For a full-service grooming session, you can expect to spend $100 or more every few months.
Toys, Treats, Beds, & Accessories
Most bernedoodle owners are eager to spoil their precious pups with a range of toys and treats. The expenses of various puppy accessories, including combs, collars, and carriers, will cost a few hundred dollars altogether.
Try BarkBox to receive toys, treats, and chews every month. If your bernedoodle is hankering for something to really sink their teeth into, try our Super Chewer subscription for $29/month. With 2 fluff-free, durable toys, 2 full-size bags of treats, and 2 meaty chews, you might just find your pup waiting at the door for the mailman instead of you. (DOUBLE YOUR FIRST BOX FREE!)
Last but not least, don’t forget to factor in the cost of extra services you might need for your bernedoodle, including:
- Dog walker ($20–$40 per session)
- Doggy daycare/kenneling ($25 to $75 per day)
- Training classes ($100+)
Sources:
Dog Time. Bernedoodle.
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bernedoodle
Dogs Planet. Is the Bernedoodle hypoallergenic?.
https://www.dogsplanet.com/en/mixed-breeds/bernedoodle-hypoallergenic/
Swiss Ridge. About Bernedoodles.
https://www.swissridgekennels.com/breeds/bernedoodles/
