The Bernese Poodle, which we also call the Bernedoodle, is a cross between the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Reputable breeders bred these Bernedoodles as companion dogs, inheriting the Poodle’s intelligence and charming temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog. If you plan on getting a Bernedoodle yourself, learn more about them to know what you should expect!
What is a Bernedoodle?
Bernese Mountain Dog Poodles are a relatively new breed. Sherry Rupke, a breeder from the Swissridge Kennels, claims she was the first to intentionally breed the Bernese Mountain Poo. However, this hybrid dog breed might have accidentally existed before that.
Since this hybrid dog breed is relatively new, the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize the Bernedoodle. However, the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry recognize the Bernese Mountain dog mixed breed.
Bernedoodles also come in specific generations, meaning different genetic combinations create these dogs. For instance, the “F” in the generation type refers to “Filial Hybrid,” and every generation has a different percentage mix of the dog’s purebred parents.
- F1 Bernedoodles are 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog
- F1B Bernedoodles are 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog
- F1BB Bernedoodles are 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog
- F2 Bernedoodles are 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog
- F2BB Bernedoodles are 62.5% Poodles and 37.5% Bernese Mountain Dog
- F2BB Bernedoodles are 81.25% Poodle and 18.75% Bernese Mountain Dog
The F1 Cross is said to be the healthiest among the mixed breed.
Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix Appearance
The Standard Bernedoodle can grow between 23-29 inches tall, weighing between 55-100 pounds. They are not lap dogs, being a mix between Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs!
The Miniature Bernedoodle, a mix between the Miniature Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog, measures 18-22 inches tall and weighs between 25-50 pounds.
If you want a smaller Bernese Poodle Mix, there are Tiny Bernedoodles or Teddy Bear Bernedoodles that weigh less than 50 pounds. These Bernedoodle varieties are a cross between Toy Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, measuring 12-17 inches tall and weighing 15-30 pounds.
Regarding coats and colors, it really depends on what they inherited from their parent breeds.
- The F1 Bernedoodles would have plush/loose, wavy coats coming in tricolors. These dogs are best for families who have mild allergies.
- F1B Bernedoodles would have loose and wavy or curly and plush coats coming in tricolors. These dogs are best for families with moderate-to-severe allergies, as it has one of the most hypoallergenic coats.
- F2B Bernedoodles have loose and wavy or straight and curly coats coming in tricolors. These are great for families who have moderate-to-severe allergies.
- F1B Bernedoodles are most likely to shed less, thus considered the most hypoallergenic. That said, F2B Bernedoodles are also known to shed less than the F1 and F2 generations.
An experienced breeder can show you what coat type the litter of puppies will have once they hit 4-6 weeks old.
Bernedoodle Temperament
Bernedoodles inherit many exceptional personality traits from their purebred parents. The inherited features can differ, and individual personalities would vary.
Generally, Bernedoodles are highly intelligent, hardworking, loyal, with the right amount of goofiness in them. These family dogs are excellent with children and other dogs as long as you socialize them well. You’ll love the Bernedoodles’ friendly disposition that makes it handle human interaction well.
That said, teach your children how to play with Bernedoodles, particularly the smaller varieties. With their distinct size, toy and Mini Bernedoodles are more likely to get injured from rough play.
Socialization is crucial at a young age since the Bernedoodle can pick up on the Bernese Mountain Dog’s apprehension towards strangers.
However, some Bernedoodles may inherit the stubbornness of their purebred parents, so it’s possible to have trouble in training. Fortunately, that stubbornness dies down once Bernedoodles reach their adolescent stage.
Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix Health Issues
The average lifespan of the Bernedoodle depends on its specific health condition and size variety. They are a pretty healthy breed but still prone to certain inheritable diseases.
Here is the average Bernedoodle lifespan based on size:
- The Standard Bernedoodle can live for up to 12-15 years.
- The Miniature Bernedoodle can live for up to 12-17 years.
- The Toy Bernedoodle can live for up to 12-18 years.
Note that these are just estimates, and you must make sure that your dog gets proper care and regular vet visits to keep it relatively healthy. But as mentioned, there are inheritable diseases to know. Here are the health issues you should learn about so you know what to prevent in your pet:
Sebaceous Adenitis
Sebaceous adenitis is an uncommon skin condition, though common in Poodles. The disease refers to an inflammation of sebaceous glands located in hair follicles.
The main symptom of sebaceous adenitis is silvery dandruff sticking to the dog’s coat, hair loss, and a dull or dirty coat.
When this disease progresses, the dog’s skin begins forming lesions with a foul odor.
There aren’t exact causes for the disease, but in Poodles or Bernedoodles, Sebaceous adenitis is likely genetic.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia occurs when the joint in the hip or elbow doesn’t form correctly. As a result, the bones can’t fit the joints perfectly, which isn’t only painful but may cause arthritis.
Dysplasia is genetic, usually happening as Bernedoodles grow older.
Larger breeds are more prone to dysplasia given their higher BMI, presenting before a dog reaches 18 months old.
Symptoms would vary, but dogs usually try not to move the joint, resulting in a bunny-like gait. Other symptoms include:
- Mild lameness
- Lethargy
- Discomfort during walks
The signs and symptoms aren’t usually dramatic but can worsen suddenly or overtime. Unfortunately, this is an incurable and lifelong condition, focusing on treating the pain and symptoms. Fortunately, many dogs experience an excellent quality of life even if diagnosed with dysplasia.
Skin Issues
Skin issues like allergies or hot spots are common in Bernedoodles since they have thick coats. Hot spots usually come from excessive licking or chewing of a specific body part. That’s why pet owners must maintain a proper grooming routine, as dogs are more likely to pick on dirty or matted coats.
Besides what we mentioned, Bernedoodles are also at risk of:
- Eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Thyroid issues
With all that said, you must make sure your Bernedoodle has regular veterinarian visits, updated vaccinations, and even health clearances to prevent and treat health concerns immediately.
Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Exercise and Training Requirements
Bernedoodles are highly intelligent, so they can pick up on commands easier and quicker than other dog breeds when you begin training.
You must begin training at an early age to prevent your dog from acquiring behavioral issues and stubbornness in the future. Begin with house training and crate training, then move up to basic obedience training commands. Afterward, you can start teaching your Bernedoodle complex command and take your pet agility training, which you will enjoy!
When training your Bernedoodle, use positive reinforcement at all times, as your dog won’t learn from punishments and screaming.
Since Bernedoodles have such high energy levels, they require moderate daily exercise. Take them out for walks, the pool, play games, or do other physical activities together to keep their bodies happy and healthy. If you leave Bernedoodles without exercise or mental stimulation, they become very bored and frustrated, taking it out on your furniture.
We recommend giving your Bernedoodle 45-60 minutes of daily exercise. When you can’t take your dog outdoors, you can play indoor games or leave it toys to keep its mind occupied while you’re gone.
Remember that a Bernedoodle left alone for long hours can suffer from separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior. Besides providing your dog regular exercise, you need to give it your attention. Bernedoodles aren’t the best family dogs for pet owners who are always outside.
Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Grooming Requirements
A Bernedoodles’ grooming requirements will vary, depending on the generation you get and what your dog inherits.
Following these grooming tips is a good start:
- Brush your dog’s coat daily using a slicker or curry pet brush, depending on the coat length. You can opt for a slicker brush for all-purpose or a curry brush for shorter coats.
- Use a fine-toothed comb for puppies with thin hair, which removes fleas and detangles hair. Like adult Bernedoodles, brush your puppy’s hair every day.
- Bathe your Bernedoodle once a month or whenever he gets dirty. You can take your dog to a professional groomer for a bath and haircut, or you can do it at home with the right bathing products and tools.
- Check your Bernedoodles’ eyes and ears for any dirt build-up. Clean the sensitive areas to prevent infections.
- Clip your dog’s nails weekly or when you can hear its nails clicking against the floor, with the claws protruding over the pads.
Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Food and Drink
The amount of dog food you feed a Bernedoodle will depend on their age, size, activity level, and any health conditions they have. A Bernedoodle has an individualized diet, so you can ask the veterinarian for recommendations of brands and kinds of dog food to get.
Bernedoodles are voracious eaters that gobble down whatever food they get, so monitor their weight and food intake while giving them plenty of exercise. Never give your dog human food, which can be risky, and limit the treats to prevent unnecessary weight gain or obesity.
You might have heard to give your dog a grain-free diet, but that’s not the case for Bernedoodles unless they are allergic. Grain-free food contains fillers that might harm dogs and lead to health problems like DMC, a severe heart condition. Opt for food rich in real protein, vitamins, minerals, carbs, and food tested to meet dogs’ nutritional needs.
Bernedoodles, like all dogs, can only drink water. Always give your dog a fresh bowl of clean water, replacing it hourly to prevent bacterial infections and the like.
Besides dog food and lots of water, ask the veterinarian if your Bernedoodle must take any vitamins or supplements for his health.
Are Bernedoodles Excellent Family Pets?
They make excellent companions prone to separation anxiety, so you can’t leave them for long periods. Also, note that they require lots of exercise with their high activity levels. If you are always out and can’t provide the exercise they need, then Bernedoodles may not be the right dog for you.
If you can provide the daily training, exercise, and grooming requirements a Bernedoodle requires, then you’ll enjoy a loyal companion with an affectionate personality who loves to snuggle.
Bernedoodles are also great for apartment living or city life! Standard Bernedoodles are better off in bigger homes with backyards, but Toy and Mini Bernedoodles will fit in smaller homes and condos.
How Do I Get a Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle?
If potential owners believe that the Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix puppy is the perfect companion for you, then you can purchase one from a reputable breeder.
The Bernese Poodle mix can cost between $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the size, color, coat type, and breeder’s reputation. Before buying from a breeder, ask for:
- Certification of the purebred breeds
- Records of vaccination and deworming
- Genetic testing of the parent purebred breeds
- Answers regarding the parents and the environment the breeder takes care of his dogs in
Never purchase a Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix from puppy mills. Puppy mills have inhumane practices and produce puppies with more medical issues in the long run, even if you’re paying a lower price.
While we consider the Bernese Poodle Mix is a designer breed, they sometimes appear in rescue organizations and animal shelters focusing on Bernese Mountain Dog and Podles.
You can always choose to adopt an older Bernese Poodle at a lower price than breeders, though there is an interview and screening process to go through. If you’re interested, search for local animal shelters and rescue organizations in your area to see if they have a Bernedoodle dog breed up for adoption.