I have shared many days with sweet Bernedoodles, and I never tire of sharing with people what makes them so wonderful. These pups have brought so much laughter, companionship, and love to us, and I know they do the same for our Morning Glory families!
I wanted to share some of my experiences and favorite facts about Bernedoodles—answers to questions I’ve heard from friends and families considering adding one of these sweet pups to their family. Whether you’re curious about adding a Bernedoodle to your life or just want to know more about them, I hope you find information here that is helpful!
What is a Bernedoodle?
Let’s start with the basics! A Bernedoodle is a hybrid dog breed, created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. This combination was intended to bring together the best traits of both parent breeds: the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the loyalty and sweet nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. The result is a smart, friendly, and hypoallergenic companion that has quickly become a favorite among families.
What are the parent breeds?
As mentioned, the two parent breeds are the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.
- The Bernese Mountain Dog: Originally from the Swiss Alps, these are large, strong dogs known for their gentle, good-natured, patient temperament. They are incredibly loyal to their families.
- The Poodle: Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, and are recognized for their high intelligence and hypoallergenic coats. They are athletic, eager to please, and highly trainable.
What are the characteristics of a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles are often described as the perfect companion dogs. They tend to inherit the goofy, playful charm of the Poodle and the easygoing loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Every dog has its own personality, but some common traits you’ll find in Bernedoodles include:
- Intelligent: Their intelligence comes from their Poodle side, making them quick learners.
- Loyal: They form strong bonds with their families and love to be involved in all family activities.
- Playful: They have a fun-loving, playful spirit that will keep you entertained.
- Affectionate: These dogs thrive on human companionship and cuddling.
Why are Bernedoodles so popular?
Their popularity has soared, and it’s easy to see why! Many families are drawn to their wonderful temperament. They are known for being fantastic family dogs that are gentle with children and other pets.
Another important factor is their coat. Bernedoodles inherit the Poodle’s low-shedding qualities, making them a great choice for people with allergies. Plus, their adorable “teddy bear” look is hard to resist! We love the combination of a family-friendly personality and allergy-friendly fur.
What are the pros and cons of owning a Bernedoodle?
Like any breed, Bernedoodles are not a perfect fit for everyone. It’s important to be honest about the good and the challenging.
Pros:
- Wonderful Temperament: They are generally friendly, gentle, and great with kids.
- Highly Trainable: Their intelligence makes them eager to learn and please.
- Low Shedding: Many have hypoallergenic coats, which is a huge plus for allergy sufferers.
- Great Companions: They are incredibly loyal and form deep bonds with their families.
Cons:
- Energy Needs: Like almost any dog, they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, especially when they are young. Not really a con, because it’s good for their humans too!
- Grooming Requirements: Their beautiful coats need regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting.
- Potential for Separation Anxiety: Because they bond so closely with their families, they can struggle if left alone for very long periods. This is the case for any doodle, as they are all very people-oriented.
Do Bernedoodles make good family pets?
Absolutely, yes! This is an area where they truly shine. Their patience, gentle nature, and playful spirit make them fantastic companions for children. They are sturdy enough for playtime but gentle enough to be trusted around little ones.
Bernedoodles also tend to get along well with other pets, including other dogs and cats, especially when socialized from a young age. We always love hearing stories of our puppies making new furry friend in their forever home. A Bernedoodle is a wonderful addition to a multi-pet household.
Are Bernedoodles easy to train?
Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Bernedoodles are very intelligent and generally easy to train. They are eager to please their owners, which makes training sessions fun and productive.
Positive reinforcement techniques—using treats, praise, and toys—work wonders with this breed. It’s important to start early with socialization and basic obedience. Puppy classes are a fantastic way to accomplish both! Their intelligence also means they can get bored, so keeping training sessions engaging and fun is key.
Are Bernedoodles lazy dogs?
This is a common misconception. While they love a good cuddle on the couch, Bernedoodles are not lazy dogs. They need regular physical and mental stimulation. A daily walk, a game of fetch in the yard, or a trip to the dog park are all great ways to keep them happy.
An under-exercised Bernedoodle can become bored, which may lead to unwanted behaviors like chewing or barking. Their energy level can vary based on their size and parentage, but you should plan on providing at least 30-60 minutes of dedicated exercise each day.
Do Bernedoodles shed?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions! The amount a Bernedoodle sheds depends on its coat type, which is determined by genetics. Most Bernedoodles are low- to no-shed, making them a popular choice for people with allergies.
- F1 Bernedoodles (50% Poodle, 50% Bernese) can have a wider range of coat types, from wavy to curly. The wavier coats may shed lightly.
- F1b Bernedoodles (75% Poodle, 25% Bernese) are more likely to have curly, non-shedding coats, making them the best option for severe allergy sufferers.
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Bernedoodles come very close. Regular grooming is still essential to manage their coat and keep it healthy.
What are the different Bernedoodle varieties and sizes?
Bernedoodles come in a few different sizes, depending on whether the Poodle parent was a Standard, Medium, Miniature, or Toy.
- Standard Bernedoodles: These are the largest, typically weighing 60-90 pounds and standing 23-29 inches tall. They result from crossing a Standard Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog.
- Medium Bernedoodles: A smaller Bernedoodle bred with a medium poodle, these are typically in the 40s to mid-50s for weight.
- Mini Bernedoodles: A cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, they usually weigh 25-49 pounds and stand 18-22 inches tall.
- Tiny (or Micro) Bernedoodles: The smallest variety, these are a cross with a Toy Poodle. They generally weigh 10-24 pounds and stand 12-17 inches tall.
Here at Morning Glory Doodles, we breed standard and medium-sized Bernedoodles.
What color coats are expected from Bernedoodles?
Bernedoodles have a beautiful array of coat colors and patterns, which adds to their unique appeal. Some of the most common include:
- Tricolor: The classic pattern inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog, with patches of black, rust, and white. This is often a very popular coat.
- Merle: A Merle Bernedoodle has a beautiful marbled coat pattern with patches of darker color over a lighter base. This creates a stunning, unique look.
- Multi-color Bernedoodle: This is a broad term that can include parti (a white base with large patches of another color), sable, brindle, and other combinations. Each multi-color Bernedoodle is truly one-of-a-kind.
- Solid: Some bernedoodles are solid black, chocolate, or cream.
What do I need to know about Bernedoodle puppies?
Bringing home a Bernedoodle puppy is an incredibly exciting time! They are bundles of fluffy energy and love. It’s important to be prepared. Start with puppy-proofing your home, just as you would for a human toddler.
Socialization is critical. Expose your puppy to different sights, sounds, people, and other vaccinated dogs in a positive way between 8 and 16 weeks of age. This will help them grow into a well-adjusted, confident adult. Crate training is also recommended in moderation to help with housebreaking and to give them a safe, cozy space of their own.
What should I look for when buying a Bernedoodle?
Choosing the right breeder is the most important step in your journey. A responsible breeder is focused on the health, temperament, and well-being of their dogs. Here are a few things to look for:
- Health Testing: Reputable breeders test for common issues in both Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Transparency: A good breeder will be happy to answer all your questions and let you see where the puppies are raised
- Clean and Safe Environment: The puppies should be raised in a clean, stimulating, and loving environment.
- Lifetime Support: We believe in being a resource for our puppy families for the entire life of the dog. A good breeder will always be there to offer guidance and support.
Ready to Add a Bernedoodle to Your Family?
I hope this has helped answer some of your questions and given you a clearer picture of what life with a Bernedoodle is like. They are truly special dogs that bring so much joy and love into a home.
If you’ve decided that a Bernedoodle is the right fit for you, we would be honored to help you. We often have Bernedoodle puppies and are always planning our next litters. If you’re ready to expand your Bernedoodle family, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you and help you find your perfect furry companion.
As always feel free to explore our website at morningglorydoodles.com to see more blog posts, pictures of cute puppies, current litters looking for their forever homes and upcoming litters!
