Bernedoodle Guide (Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix)

The Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix, otherwise known as the Bernedoodle or Bernepoo, is a mixed breed dog. They are known for their friendly, goofy and affectionate nature as well as their super fluffy hypoallergenic coats that come in many beautiful colors. It’s no surprise they are highly sought after and fetch very high prices.

If you are interested in Bernedoodles keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about this dog breed!

Cover Image Credit: Photo by Poodles 2 Doodles on Pexels

What Is A Bernedoodle?

A Bernedoodle Dog is a cross between a Poodle (Toy, Miniature or Standard) and a Bernese Mountain Dog. They have a goofy, affectionate, gentle and friendly temperament and feature a wavy or curly single coat as well as brown eyes.

Bernedoodle Origins

The precise origins of the Bernedoodles is unclear as it is a relatively new breed and they don’t have a comprehensive historical record like other purebred dogs. Nevertheless, it is believed that people starting regularly crossing Bernese Mountain Dogs with Poodles in the early 2000s in North America. This is the time when crossing a range of different dogs with Poodles was becoming very popular however the concept of intentionally breeding two different dogs to create a new hybrid breed emerged as early as the 1980s.

The original goal of crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Poodle was to create a highly intelligent and loyal dog that had the hypoallergenic and low shedding coat of the Poodle as well as the friendly and gentle nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. They were also trying to introduce genetic diversity to reduce the risk of inherited health issues.

Today, the Bernedoodle is a very popular family dog, working dog or therapy dog as they are so affectionate, intelligent and are hypoallergenic.

Bernedoodle Temperament

The temperament of a Bernedoodle can vary depending on many factors such as the percentage mix of Poodle to Bernese Mountain Dog, their level of socialization, environment as well as training. In general, Bernedoodles have an intelligent, goofy, affectionate, gentle and friendly temperament.

Are Bernedoodles Smart?

Bernedoodles are very intelligent as both the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are known to be very smart. Poodles are ranked 2nd for working and obedience training out of 138 breeds while Bernese Mountain Dogs are ranked 22nd. Bernedoodles are eager to please and quick learners as they are so smart which makes them relatively easy to train.

Are Bernedoodles Protective?

Bernedoodles are quite protective of their owners and family members. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their guarding instincts and tendency to be protective of their home and family so it’s no surprise that Bernedoodles can also inherit this trait. While they are protective, Bernedoodles hardly ever show signs of aggression or are territorial.

Do Bernedoodles Bark A Lot?

How much a Bernedoodle barks highly depends on the individual dog. There are many factors that influence a Bernedoodle’s tendency to bark including genetics, socialization, separation anxiety, lack of exercise or lack of mental stimulation. Overall, Bernedoodles do not bark as much as other smaller dogs.

If barking does become an issue, it’s best to firstly try to retrain your dog out of the habit with positive reinforcement techniques. If this doesn’t work, try distracting them from their barking triggers with toys. Look for boredom-busting dogs toys such as ones you can hide treats inside. Other options include using ultra-sonic sound devices.

Are Bernedoodles Lazy?

Bernedoodles are not lazy. While they are a very gentle and docile dog breed, they will work hard to learn new tricks, obey commands and expel lots of energy while exercising and playing.

Are Bernedoodles Aggressive?

Bernedoodles are not usually aggressive if they have been socialized from a young age and come from a happy household. Proper socialization is crucial so Bernedoodle grow up to be well-adjusted and well-behaved dogs. They should be exposed to a range of sights, sounds, environments and experiences as a puppy so they don’t display aggressive or fearful behavior in these situations as an adult dog.

Are Bernedoodles Good With Other Dogs?

Bernedoodles generally are very good with other dogs. They’re very gentle and good-natured and if they have been properly socialized around other dogs from a young age, they should get along with them just fine.

Are Bernedoodles Hyper?

Bernedoodles can be hyper if they are not given enough exercise each day. They may exhibit behaviors such as chewing, pacing or being vocal if their daily exercise needs are not met. The Bernese Mountain Dog is moderately energetic while the Poodle is moderately to highly energetic, so it’s no surprise that Bernedoodles are as well.

What Does A Bernedoodle Look Like?

Bernedoodle Coat Types

There are three main types of coats Bernedoodle’s can have depending on the percentage make-up of Poodle to Bernese Mountain Dog. These are the wavy coat, curly coat and straight coat. Their coats can range from thick to thin and can have slightly different textures depending on the individual dog.

Wavy Coat

The wavy coat is one of the most common Bernedoodle coat types. It features a gentle wave and is low to non-shedding. Wavy coats are quite hypoallergenic however curly coats are generally considered to be the most hypoallergenic. In terms of maintenance, wavy coats are generally easier to groom than curly coats.

Curly Coat

The curly coat is the next most common Bernedoodle coat type and is generally seen in backcross generations such as F1b Bernedoodles, F1bb Bernedoodles and F2b Bernedoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. These coats give Bernedoodle’s more of a Poodle appearance and are generally more hypoallergenic than straight and wavy coats. These coats require more effort to maintain as they are more susceptible to matting.

Straight Coat

The straight coat, also called the flat coat, is the least common Bernedoodle coat type. It is usually seen in reverse backcross generations such as F1b Reverse Bernedoodles as they have a higher percentage of Bernese Mountain Dog genes. Generally, straight coats are not as hypoallergenic and are light to moderate shedding so are not as suitable for allergy sufferers as curly or wavy coats. Nevertheless, straight coats are quite rare for Bernedoodles.

Bernedoodle Colors

Tri Color Bernedoodle

The traditional tri-color Bernedoodle coat features black, white and tan however it can be a combination of three other colors such as apricot, brown, red, cream, sable, black, tan or white. Tri-color Bernedoodles are the most popular coat color of the breed. This coat pattern originated from the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Black & White Bernedoodle

Black and white Bernedoodles have a solid black coat with white patches on their chest, muzzle, head and paws. If they have white patches on their paws it looks like they are wearing boots or socks. Black and white Bernedoodles are quite common.

Black Bernedoodle

Black Bernedoodles are very rare. For a Bernedoodle to have a solid black coat they need to inherit the recessive gene both the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Some Black Bernedoodles may have white spots underneath their paws. On average only one puppy out of the litter would be solid black.

Chocolate Bernedoodle

Chocolate Bernedoodles have a solid brown coat which can range from light to a dark tone. Bernedoodles get a chocolate coat if they inherit a recessive black or silver gene from the Poodle. F1 Bernedoodles (first generation) can’t be Chocolate as the Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t carry the gene. Chocolate coloring can only be bred into later generations. Chocolate Bernedoodles have hazel or brown eyes and brown noses.

Red Bernedoodle

A Red Bernedoodle has a coat that is a rich rusty brown color. Solid red Bernedoodles are extremely rare. Red Bernedoodles are very likely to have a tiny patch of white on their chest and paws however this is different to a red and white tuxedo Bernedoodle that has large patches of white on their chest.

Red & White Bernedoodle

Red and White Bernedoodles are also called Red and White Tuxedo Bernedoodles as they have a large white patch on their chest that curls back around their neck, looking like a shirt. Their solid red coloring around this white patch looks like a tuxedo jacket. Red and White Bernedoodles also have white patches on their paws, muzzle and sometimes on the top of their head.

Grey & White Bernedoodle

Grey and White Bernedoodles have a mainly white coat with grey strands of hair or patches of grey dispersed throughout the coat. This coat color is rare.

Black & Tan Bernedoodle

The Black and Tan Bernedoodle is a type of phantom Bernedoodle. They features a solid black coat with tan patches located on their muzzle, eyebrows, legs, paws and chest.

Merle Bernedoodle

A Merle Bernedoodle carries the merle gene which causes the coat to have mottled patches of colours. In addition to affecting coat colour, the gene also affects skin pigmentation on their paws and nose. It also alters their eye colour. The two main types are the Blue Merle Bernedoodle and Red Merle Bernedoodle.

Phantom Bernedoodle

Phantom Bernedoodles have a two-toned colored coat that usually features a solid background with patches of another color in specific areas such as across the chest, on the sides of the muzzle, above the eye, on their throat or legs. The solid background color is usually a dark shade while the patches are a lighter color. Most commonly Phantom Bernedoodles are black and tan however they can come in different colors. They look somewhat similar to a tri-colored Bernedoodle however without the white patches.

Sable Bernedoodle

Sable Bernedoodles have hairs that are black-tipped with roots in a lighter solid color. The sable hairs cover most of their body and they usually have a white patches on their chest, muzzle and paws.

Sable Bernedoodles are sometimes mistaken for tri-color Bernedoodles as they have three colors in their coat. Nevertheless, sable Bernedoodles have two-toned hairs while tri-color Bernedoodles have three distinctly colored hairs.

Brindle Bernedoodle

Brindle Bernedoodles have a tiger striped coat. They have a red/brown base coat with faint black stripes over it. For Bernedoodles a brindle coat is much more subtle that other breeds. Often the black sections blend into their coat and are not distinct lines. Brindle Bernedoodles often have a white patch on their chest and muzzle.

Parti Bernedoodle

A Parti Bernedoodle has a white base coat that covers at least 50% of their body with a secondary color that is often marbled through it. They are often confused with Phantom Bernedoodles however Phantom Bernedoodles generally don’t have marbling, just a two-toned coat consisting of solid patches of color. Parti Bernedoodles have irregular or random patches of their secondary color

Bernedoodle Lifespan

On average, Bernedoodles live for 12 to 15 years. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a Bernedoodle including their size, gender, whether they are desexed or intact as well as their generation. Give your Bernedoodle the best chance of living the longest life possible by exercising them daily, feeding them a healthy diet and keeping on top of vet appointments.

Bernedoodle Size

Mini Bernedoodle

A Mini Bernedoodle is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. It is the second smallest version of the Bernedoodle.

A fully grown Mini Bernedoodle gets to 30cm to 45cm tall and weighs 5kg to 15kg. They reach their full size between 10 and 12 months of age.

Medium Bernedoodle

A Medium Bernedoodle is a smaller version of the standard size. They are usually a second generation (F2) Bernedoodle which is the result of breeding 2 first generation standard size Bernedoodles that are on the smaller side together. They can also be bred first generation (F1) by breeding a standard Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog that are both on the smaller side.

A Medium Bernedoodle has a height range of 45cm to 60cm at the shoulder and weighs between 16kg and 25kg. They are fully grown between 11 and 14 months of age.

Standard Bernedoodle

A Standard Bernedoodle is the largest Bernedoodle size. It is the result of breeding a Standard Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog. Standard Bernedoodles are the most common Bernedoodle size, besides the Mini Bernedoodle so they are very easy to find from breeders.

A full size Bernedoodle is 60cm to 75cm tall and weighs 35kg to 45kg. They reach their full adult size between 1 year 6 months and 2 years old.

Bernedoodle Full Grown

When Is A Bernedoodle Full Grown?

The age a Bernedoodle is fully grown depends on their size. Mini Bernedoodles finish growing between 10 and 12 months, Medium Bernedoodles finish growing between 11 and 14 months while Standard Bernedoodles are their full size between 1.5 and 2 years of age.

Once your puppy is fully grown you’ll need to start investing in dog products that you’ll keep for their whole life such as:

A full size dog crate so they have their own cozy den to sleep in – consider a dog crate pad to make it that much comfier!
An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather
An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans
An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather
A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate
High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking
And other similar products

Bernedoodle Generations

F1 Bernedoodle

An F1 Bernedoodle is the first generation of the breed created by crossing a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog with a purebred Poodle (either a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle). They are 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Poodle.

F1b Bernedoodle

An F1b Bernedoodle is the first cross-back generation of the breed created by crossing an F1 Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle which can be toy, miniature or standard sized. They are 25% Bernese Mountain Dog and 75% Poodle.

F1b Reverse Bernedoodle

An F1b Reverse Bernedoodle is a first cross-back generation that is similar to a F1b Bernedoodle except an F1 Bernedoodle is crossed with a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog instead of a Poodle. They are 75% Bernese Mountain Dog and 25% Poodle.

F1b Reverse Bernedoodles get their name because they are the opposite of the standard F1b Bernedoodle that is 75% Poodle.

F1bb Bernedoodle

An F1bb Bernedoodle is a cross between an F1b Bernedoodle (Bernedoodle x Poodle) and a purebred Poodle which can be toy, miniature or standard sized. They are 12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog and 87.5% Poodle.

F2 Bernedoodle

An F2 Bernedoodle is the second generation of the breed created by breeding a F1 Bernedoodle with another F1 Bernedoodle. They are 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Poodle.

F2b Bernedoodle

An F2b Bernedoodle is the second cross-back generation that is usually created by crossing an F1 Bernedoodle with a F1B Bernedoodle. They are 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Bernese Mountain Dog. Other breeders create F2b Bernedoodles by crossing a F2 Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle. These F2b Bernedoodles are 25% Bernese Mountain Dog and 75% Poodle.

Bernedoodle Price

Bernedoodles cost between $5000AUD and $8000AUD+. There are many factors that affect Bernedoodle price such as size, coat color, generation, location, breeder’s reputation, lineage as well as the age of the dog.

Why Are Bernedoodles So Expensive?

Bernedoodles cost so much because they are a designer mixed breed dog. It is very difficult to breed certain colors of Bernedoodle such as tri-color in comparison to other single colored doodle breeds like the Labradoodle or Groodle.

They are also in high demand because Bernedoodles are often very hypoallergenic which is a trait the Bernese Mountain Dog lacks. People can get a dog with a similar personality and temperament to a Bernese Mountain Dog without with heavy shedding.

Are Bernedoodles Worth The Money?

Whether Bernedoodles are worth the money depends on your lifestyle m preferences and what you are looking for in a dog. Bernedoodles are usually more expensive than purebred dogs as the breeding process is much more involved, they’re a designer breed and they’re also extremely popular at the moment. They are also costly to own as their coat maintenance and grooming needs are generally more expensive than purebred dogs.

While they are more expensive, Bernedoodles usually live longer than their purebred parents as they are considered to be healthier and are less likely to inherit genetic diseases. They have a lovely, calm and affectionate temperament and make a great pet for families. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference whether a Bernedoodle is a worthwhile investment.

Bernedoodle Shedding

Do Bernedoodles Shed?

Bernedoodles do not shed much at all. They only drop a few strands of hairs here and there throughout the year so they are classified as non to low shedders. Cross-back generations of Bernedoodle such as F1b, F1bb or F2b shed less than F1 Bernedoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Bernedoodles are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed as they do not produce or release much allergy inducing dander into their immediate environment. Generations of Bernedoodle that have a higher percentage of Poodle genes such as cross-back generations (F1b, F1bb, F2b etc.) are usually more hypoallergenic than your average Bernedoodle. Smaller sizes of Bernedoodle are also considered to be more hypoallergenic as smaller sized dogs produce less dander than large dogs. Bernedoodles inherit their hypoallergenic nature from the Poodle.

Male vs Female Bernedoodles

Are Male or Female Bernedoodles Better?

Male Bernedoodles or Female Bernedoodles are not inherently better than one another however there are slight differences between the two.

In terms of size, Male Bernedoodles are generally taller and heavier than Female Bernedoodles. Within any size category, i.e. Mini Bernedoodles, Medium Bernedoodles or Standard Bernedoodles, Male Bernedoodles will be roughly 10 to 15 pounds (4.5kg to 6.8kh) heavier than their female counterparts.

In terms of temperament, Male Bernedoodles are generally more easy going and laid back while Female Bernedoodles are more independent and strong-willed. Females are generally more assertive and dominant than males. Nevertheless, there are many other factors that play into temperament so just because your Bernedoodle is a certain gender, it does not mean that they will behave in a certain way.

Exercising A Bernedoodle

How Much Exercise Does A Bernedoodle Need?

Bernedoodles need roughly an hour of exercise per day. The recommended length of daily exercise is between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours which can be split over 1 to 3 periods of exercise. Smaller Bernedoodles may not need as much exercise as a larger Bernedoodle sizes. Bernedoodle puppies require significantly less exercise. The general rule is that puppies should get 5 minutes of exercise per month of age.

There are many ways that you can exercise a Bernedoodle such as going on walks, having playtime with other dogs, playing short games of fetch, doing some obedience training or playing tug-o-war with a pull toy. These activities are generally safe for both Bernedoodle puppies and adult Bernedoodles. Adult Bernedoodles also like to run and go on long hikes however these activities should not be done until your Bernedoodle has fully developed and stopped growing otherwise they can get joint and bone problems.

Bernedoodles also need to partake mental exercise such as obedience training and brain games which is why many people get their Bernedoodle’s interactive puzzle toys or Kong chew toy which they can stuff with treats like peanut butter.

Feeding A Bernedoodle

How Much To Feed A Bernedoodle

How much you should feed an Bernedoodle depends on their size, age, metabolism, health and activity levels. An adult Bernedoodle should be fed two meals a day while Bernedoodle puppies should be given meals more frequently depending on their age.

Bernedoodle puppies usually eat between 1/2 to 2 cups of kibble per day and this is usually split into 3 or 4 meals. The quantity of food may be more or less than this range if you feed a partly or fully raw diet. The back of dog food packets usually have recommended feeding guidelines that you should follow, along with the advice of your veterinarian and breeder.

Many people opt to use smaller puppy bowls with non-slip food mats as puppies tend to be messy eaters. The pet food mat will prevent food from being spilt everywhere and also stop the bowl from slipping around and tipping over. A lot of puppies also become overly excited about food and eat way too fast which can cause indigestion and choking so it’s not a bad idea to train them out of this habit with a slow feeder dog bowl.

Most adult Bernedoodles consume roughly 1 to 4 cups of food everyday however this depends on their size, health and activity levels. This is usually split into one meal in the morning and one meal at night. Again, you should seek advice from your veterinarian for specific diet recommendations for your Bernedoodle.

Bernedoodles should also have access to clean water at all times so they can stay hydrated. Some people like to use dog water fountains if they have the tendency to forget to change water regularly.

Bernedoodle Training

Are Bernedoodles Easy To Train?

Bernedoodles are very intelligent so they respond very well to training and are generally quite easy to train. You should start teaching your Bernedoodle basic commands such as their name, sit, stay and come from the moment they arrive home. You can then progress to more difficult tricks and commands.

When training your dog it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques as dogs repeat good behavior when it is followed by a reward such as a treat or their favorite toy. Clicker training is another type of positive reinforcement training that is a good method for learning new tricks. You use a clicker device so your dog can associate a new behavior with a click and then a reward.

Bernedoodle Grooming

How Often Do Bernedoodles Need to Be Groomed?

Bernedoodles need to be groomed every 8 to 12 weeks. During this time they should get a haircut, wash and a nail trim. Brushing needs to be done at home at much more frequent intervals – at a minimum every week but ideally every day.

How Often Should Bernedoodles Be Bathed?

Generally, Bernedoodles should be bathed every 4 to 8 weeks and should not be bathed any more frequently otherwise they will get dry, flaky skin as natural oils will be stropped from their skin. Nevertheless, if your Bernedoodle leads a very active outdoor lifestyle where they swim or get dirty, they may need to be washed more frequently.

How Often Should You Brush Your Bernedoodle?

You should brush your Bernedoodle at least weekly to prevent tangles and matting and also reduce shedding. If your Bernedoodle has a curly coat, they will have to be brushed much more frequently than ones with wavy or straight coats. If you can, try to brush your Bernedoodle daily or every second day as it is much better than doing it weekly. Slicker brushes are perfect for Bernedoodles as they have a single coat.

Bernedoodle Haircuts

Bernedoodles need to get haircuts as they have a coat that continues to grow and can easily become matted. The length you cut a Bernedoodle’s hair comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer longer coats while others like shorter ones as they are better for warmer climates. You can either go to a professional groomer or learn how to cut a Bernedoodle’s hair from the internet and invest in a DIY dog grooming kit.

There are many different haircuts that you can give your Bernedoodle. Some popular ones include the:

Puppy Cut
Teddy Bear Cut
Poodle Cut
Summer Cut

What Are The Downsides Of Bernedoodles?

While Bernedoodles are a lovely dog breed with many positive traits, they do have some downsides like any other dog breed.

1. Grooming Requirements

Bernedoodles, like all Poodle mixes, are high maintenance in terms of grooming. This is not only time consuming but can also be very expensive if you choose to go to professional groomers. Luckily, you can keep these costs down by investing in a DIY dog grooming kit.

2. Stubbornness

Bernedoodles can be stubborn at times, especially if they have taken more after the Poodle than the Bernese Mountain Dog. They can be stubborn when it comes to training so they need to be trained in a consistent manner with positive reinforcement otherwise they are unlikely to want to participate. They often have a mind of their own.

3. Very Expensive

Bernedoodles are very expensive to adopt and are also expensive to own. Like lots of other Poodle Mix breeds, Bernedoodles cost thousands of dollars.

Poodle Mix Breed Comparisons

There are many breeds that are very similar to Bernedoodles. In terms of size and energy, Groodles, Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles are the most similar to Bernedoodles. Cavoodles and Spoodles are also quite similar but are usually a lot smaller. Much smaller poodle mix breeds include Maltipoos which have a similar hypoallergenic coat but a very different temperament.