Bernedoodle Dog Breed Information And Guide

The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. This hybrid blends the clever goofiness of the poodle with the placid loyalty of the Bernese.

Way back in 2003, in Canada, these dogs were initially bred. Sherry Rupke, the breeder, produced her first litter in Ontario.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog was bred in Switzerland in a place called Bern. This breed was mainly bred to be as a companion, working & herding dog, and for pulling carts.

These are obedient dogs that can perform the given tasks.

Poodles

The Poodles were bred in France and Germany as early as the 13th century. They were initially employed as waterfowl retrievers.

In German, the word “pudel” means splash. The Poodle coat design was created for safeguarding vital organs and also reduces the chance of fur snagging.

Standard Poodle dogs are mixed with many breeds like Maltese, Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Labrador, etc.

The respective Poodle mix hybrid dogs like Maltipoo, Cockapoo, Shihpoo, Labradoodle are excellent designer dogs. Some Labradoodles bark and are prone to shed like Labradors.

Bernedoodle Facts

• Tiny Bernedoodles are known to live much longer than standard.
• Sherry Rupke, Swiss Ridge Kennels, is credited for creating these dogs’ first set in 2003. She has also written a book titled “Bernedoodles: A Head to Tail Guide” that gives a detailed account of this adorable dog.
• Their natural trait is an unassuming slow trot.

Male dogs are always in higher size than female ones.

Different Varieties

F1 – This dog is 50 percent Poodle and 50 Percent Bernese mountain dog. This mix is regarded as the healthiest of the lot.

F1b – This is a backcross; a poodle dog is bred with a Bernedoodle. The result is a dog that is 75% Poodle and 25 percent Bernese.

F1b puppies are allergy-friendly and do not shed.

F2 – Crossing an F1 Bernedoodle with another same breed, F1 Bernedoodle produces the F2 Bernedoodle.

How Big Do Bernedoodles Get?

There are three known sizes of bernedoodles.

• The standard bernedoodle grows to a height of 23-29 inches and weighs around 70-90 lbs.
• The miniature or mini bernedoodle is a crossbreed of Bernese mountain dog and Miniature poodle and weighs around 25-49 lbs. It grows to an average height of 18-22 inches.
• Tiny Bernedoodle or F1B Bernedoodle Mini is the cross between a mini poodle and a Bernese mountain dog in the ratio of 75:25 with a more genetic pass over from the poodle parent. The average height of the tiny bernedoodle dog will be between
  12-17 inches and weight between 10-24 lbs.

• They are family-friendly dogs. Being people-oriented dogs, they love to spend quality time with their human beings and act as wonderful companions.
• They are very smart, sensible, loyal, and gentle. These dogs are of high therapeutic service and can work as assistance dogs.
• Poodle dogs can be energetic but thanks to the Bernese Mountain breed the Bernedoodle is an easy-going pet.
• Stubborn and curious in training, they outgrow their childish trait when trained and socialized at the earliest.
• These dogs are easily adaptable and go with the flow.
•  They are particularly aware of strangers; they make a decent protective dog for families.
• Bernedoodles are attention seekers and are best suited when the owner avoids leaving these dogs alone for a long time; they are susceptible to anxiety disorder.
• Excellent swimmers; they also enjoy games such as fetching the ball, running around aimlessly.
• These dogs are wonderful with children and are easy to train. These dogs are excellent family companions.

Bernedoodle Names

Some of the popular names are listed in this section.

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Miniature and Tiny dogs are ideal for a flats lifestyle.

Standard Bernedoodles always do better when they are provided with a backyard to run around freely.

They do not require extra personal space, and they do not turn destructive as long as their daily requirements are met.

These dogs love spending time around humans, and cutting down on their alone time is always better for their overall health.

Like Poodles, they are highly smart, which means they are quick learners. They are capable of learning both bad and good habits at the drop of a hat.

Early socialization and training hold the key. Early socialization with other humans and dogs is not a bad idea. It will keep them well-disciplined when meeting new persons or pets.

Things you should buy before you bring home a new Bernedoodle puppy

Some of the essential things you should put in place at your home before the pet arrive –

• Training Treats
• Chew Treats – Take some bully sticks. If your puppy chews something toxic, immediately change the item.
• Slicker Brush
• Dog toys – Rope toy, squeak toy, and stuffed animal ball
• Puppy pads – Place the puppy pad in the crate.
• A couple of inexpensive bath towels and an excellent pet-friendly shampoo for a good wash
• Buy a large crate for a standard dog
• Good quality Bernedoodle puppy food
• An excellent storage bin along with a good airtight lid
• Water and food bowls – Preferably metal dishes
• Leash not less than 6 foot
• Name tag
• Adjustable collar – For standard dogs, the collar can is 10 inches at the smallest. You can expand this around 15 inches. Your dog can manage with this collar for 6-7 months.

How to handle the Bernedoodle puppy on the first night at home?

Your puppy still is a tender baby. He will be sleeping away from his littermates for the first time and may find it challenging to adapt.

Place your dog’s crate as close as possible to the bed. This will ensure that the puppy feels secure — no smoking near your pet.

Turn off the lights. Patiently wait for your puppy to go to sleep.

As a general rule, never take your puppy outside after sunset for the first few weeks.

Bernedoodle Grooming

Their coats can change and look more like the Bernese mountain dog or the Poodle. These dogs usually will have curly, wavy coats that shed relatively less, making them an ideal choice for people allergic to dander.

It is essential to groom and frequent brushing in a week of the coats is essential to prevent the coat from matting. The more curly the coats, the harder it is for the owner to maintain or groom.

Some owners have this habit of brushing their dog’s coat daily. All dogs love this bonding. Trim your dog’s coat every few months based on the length.

Dog owners need to clip the nail of their dogs. Also, it is essential to clean their eyes and ears as a part of the grooming routine.

Is Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?

In reality, no dog is fully hypoallergenic. These dogs are considered allergy-friendly.

People suffering from watery eyes and sneezing are doing well with a Bernedoodle dog. Every dog has a unique coat.

Straight coat – This dog will shed comparatively less than its parent, the Bernese mountain dog.

Wavy coat – Most dogs have this type of coat that has low or no shedding.

Curly Coat – A curly coat offers low shedding, and it is suitable for people with allergies.

People allergic to the dog’s saliva, moreover, will remain allergic to both Golden doodles and Bernedoodles. Doodles with more extensive coats shed considerably less than their retriever counterparts. If you still prefer a dog, you can try any other smaller dogs.

They are excellent dogs for all sorts of fun activities. These cute and amiable pets love and adore their owners on par with their owners showing interest in them.

These dogs offer the best taken from Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs.

Nutritional and Health Needs of Bernedoodles

There are plenty of nutrients your doggie requires to stay healthy.

Some of the essential nutrients include

Protein – They are omnivores, but these dogs still carry their wild ancestry. Protein guides your dog to develop lean, healthy muscle that provides him the strength to enjoy, play, and walk with his family.

Provide animal proteins such as lamb, turkey, chicken, or duck.

These protein sources are highly low in fat content.

Minerals and vitamins – Vital minerals like sodium, calcium, and iron play vital roles in a dog’s overall development.

All development from hair growth to muscle contraction is based on these minerals.

Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates are available in two different varieties-

Simple carbs provide instant energy, while complex carbs are highly preferable and are mostly included in all dog foods.

Never introduce a new food before consulting a vet.

How to find the best food for Bernedoodle dogs?

The best and effective way is to know what you are looking for. Check whether these ingredients exist in their dog food.

Natural preservative – To keep the food fresh for a prolonged period, food manufacturers add preservatives. Search for preservatives, Vitamin C, and E. These vitamins provide ample nutrients and help to keep the food fresh.

Meat-based – protein plays a significant role. How much protein and what source the protein comes from are vital. Check whether the dog food you have selected contains a protein source within the main ingredients. Say “No” to meats mentioned as “by-products.”

There are plenty of food choices available for your dog. Take some time, do your research before selecting the right food for your puppy.

As a very young breed, there are only limited details about health-related problems. In most cases, they are a lot healthier compared to their parent breeds.

There are some predisposed health issues-

• Skin issues such as hot spots or allergies
• Eye problems
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia

The cases of malignancy and tumor-related issues reported are low than those cases found in a Bernese mountain dog.

Genetic testing can quickly reduce the percentage of risk involved. A well-reputed breeder will carry out a range of tests and also provide evidence.

All prospective buyers should understand that all breeders invest excessive money in finding a good quality breeding stock.

This investment translates to higher costs for the buyer. Be regular with the immunization shots.

Do take your own time and consult with your breeder whether they are performing these tests or not:

• Von Willebrand Disease
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Heart
• Elbows – OFA
• Eyes – CERF
• Hips – OFA or PennHip or OVC

Most Bernese is found to have elbow problems, and elbow clearances are not easy to come by.

Essential tests for Standard Poodles

• Thyroid malfunctions – Not essential but suggested for all dog breeds
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Sebaceous Adenitis
• Von Willebrand Disease
• Elbows – OFA
• Eyes – CERF(Yearly clearance is a must)
• Hips – OVC or PennHip and OFA clearance

Standard tests for breeding Toy and Miniature Poodles

• Heart
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Elbows-OFA
• Von Willebrand Disease
• Eyes-CERF(Yearly clearance is a must)
• Luxating Patellas Stifles
• Hip Dysplasia test, OVC 2, PennHip, Leggs-Perves Disease – OFA clearance

Considering their social nature and intelligence, your puppy would pick everything you teach them. Training these dogs is easy if you are consistent with issues like pack-leader syndrome or obedience.

If you fail to start early socialization and training, they can become hyper or neurotic quite quickly. Make sure they know the difference between wrong and right.

Always adapt positive reinforcement training and never punish your dog for wrong behavior.

They make lovely medicinal dogs as they love to work. Exercise and training will ensure that both dog and owner are happy.

Most dogs love moderate activity only. They prefer to fetch, hike, run, and play, but when it’s time to rest, they “switch off” completely.

These dogs are loyal, social dogs, and perform best when fully absorbed in your life.

Some are a bit headstrong due to the Bernese mountain dog ancestry. This trait is more daring at puppyhood and will disappear with training.

Training, in general, plays an integral part in guiding a dog to reach its full potential. Establish your leadership at the earliest and maintain it consistently right through your life.

Obedience training increases the relationship and supports the puppy to integrate. A well-matched and selected puppy takes a consistent effort to raise a Bernedoodle dog.

These breeds, in general, are relatively expensive. Based on the breeder’s reputation, these puppies cost between $1500-$5000 USD.

The price of this puppy depends on the coat and size of the puppy. Bi-color and black Bernedoodle puppies cost relatively less compared to tri-color, merle, or mini Bernedoodles.

Bernedoodle Breeders

SwissRidge Bernedoodles
Ph- 289-608-8164
E-mail-info@swissridgekennels.com

Bernedoodle for adoption

These dogs are rare in rescue and shelter homes. There are some shelters. However, that concentrates only on Poodle mixes.

Keep in touch with your local vet for updated information in this regard.