Bernedoodle

Are you in search of endless devotion and boundless love? Look no further than the charming, playful, and intelligent Bernedoodle. This delightful mix combines the Bernese Mountain Dog with either a Standard or Miniature Poodle, showcasing the best traits of both breeds. Unlike typical Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bernedoodles shed and drool less and tend to have a longer lifespan, making them great companions for families. They can be created using larger Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, or even Toy Poodles, which can lead to variations in size, weight, height, shedding, grooming needs, color, and personality. Regardless of these differences, you can count on them to be a fluffy, devoted, and affectionate part of your household.

Quick Info

Size
10 to 30 inches
Colours
Varies; can be black; black and white; black and brown or tri-colored with patches of black, white, and brown.
Lifespan
12 to 18 years
Height
10 to 90 pounds
Type
Herding
Hypoallergenic
yes
Weight
Family

Personality

Bernedoodles combine the finest traits of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Bernese Mountain Dogs are often called gentle giants because of their relaxed and loving personalities, which can lead to plenty of slobbery kisses. On the other hand, Poodles are recognized for their smarts, playfulness, and ability to adjust to different situations, along with their high energy. You might be surprised to learn that Poodles were first bred to retrieve things from the water, so it’s no wonder if your Bernedoodle excels at playing fetch.

History

The Bernedoodle is a newer mixed breed, but both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle have rich histories in Europe. The origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog go back around 2,000 years to the time of the Roman conquest of what is now Switzerland. Romans bred their large mastiffs with strong, helpful dogs that guarded flocks. This mix resulted in a friendly and gentle dog that was used for centuries to carry goods in villages. On the other hand, Poodles are not just the stylish dogs we often think of as French. They actually started out in Germany as dogs that retrieved water. The classic Poodle haircut, which some might find amusing, was designed to help them swim better while keeping their important organs safe with fur. (Interesting tidbit: those fluffy clumps are known as pompons!) In the 20th century, Toy and Miniature Poodles were developed as charming companions for city dwellers seeking a fashionable, clever, and playful lap dog.

Ideal Owner

Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mixes, despite differences in size, weight, and grooming needs, are generally very intelligent. They require owners who enjoy stimulating their sharp minds and can spend plenty of time playing outside with them. When trained properly, these dogs can thrive in homes with children and families, offering boundless loyalty and affection in return.

Exercise Needs

Bernedoodles can be happy lounging by the fireplace, watching their family, or they may require plenty of outdoor activities, exploring, and mental stimulation to tire them out. If you have a lively Bernedoodle, keep in mind that they were originally bred for work in the Swiss Alps and prefer cooler weather. Like many of us, they struggle with hot summer days, so it’s wise to take them for walks when it’s cooler, like in the early morning or late evening.

Space Requirements

The size of your Bernedoodle will influence how much room you need for their exercise. Bigger dogs require a spacious outdoor area or plenty of chances for long walks.

Training

If Berniedoodles were people, they would likely be seen as friendly and sociable, always eager to make others happy. They are intelligent, but sometimes they can be a bit headstrong, which means training them might take extra time and a lot of rewards like treats. Putting effort into good training can assist them in mastering essential skills, such as responding to their name, walking nicely on a leash, interacting well with other pets, and avoiding jumping on people, especially small children who might get knocked down!

Grooming

Sadly, there’s no easy way to know exactly how much grooming a Bernedoodle will need. They might have a thick, heavy coat like a Bernese Mountain Dog, or they could have a more hypoallergenic coat like a Poodle. Be prepared to spend some money, as their grooming can be costly. Whether they shed a lot or just a little, regular grooming is a must. You’ll also need some strength in your arms. Bernedoodles often need to be brushed daily or weekly to avoid tangles, especially in areas like behind the ears, around the neck, thighs, belly, and at the tail's base. It’s a good idea to find a reliable groomer nearby who can take care of your Bernedoodle’s coat or show you how to do it yourself. Taking care of their ears is very important to help prevent infections.

Suitability for Family Life

Bernedoodles are great pets for families. They are loving, loyal, silly, and full of energy, making them a good fit for home life. Their easy-going, patient, and relaxed nature helps them stay calm, even when things get a bit hectic.

Did You know?

When given the right training, Bernedoodles can be wonderful pets for families. They are loyal, loving, silly, and full of energy, making them great companions in a home setting.

Similar Breeds

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Need to Know

Good for experienced dog owners
Extra training might be required
A generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks, one to two hours a day
Vast size variation
Will drool some
Requires grooming
Chatty and vocal dog