What is a Bernedoodle?

The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These pups are stunning, and they grow into healthy family dogs with amazing personalities. While their popularity is growing, they are still relatively uncommon.

How can we make a deposit?

Once you have been contacted that we have a pup available for you, you can use Venmo or Paypal to put down the $500 deposit. See more about pricing & deposits ->

What size is a Bernedoodle?

There are three sizes of Bernedoodle: tiny/micro, miniature, and standard. These result from the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard size. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds. The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches and weigh 50 to 90 pounds. Males are generally larger than females.

What are the different generations?

​F1 Bernedoodles are a first generation cross where the puppy is 50 percent Bernese Mountain Dog and 50 percent poodle. 

F1b Bernedoodles are a backcross, puppies are 25 percent Bernese and 75 percent poodle.  F1b reverse is 25 percent poodle and 75 percent Bernese.

F2 Bernedoodles are a second generation cross, which means an F1 Bernedoodle crossed with an F1 Bernedoodle.

WHAT COLORS AND PATTERNS ARE BERNEDOODLES?

Bernedoodles come in so many different colors, but it’s not even the numerous colors that make this dog so attractive and unique. They also come in various colors and patterns. Choosing a Bernedoodle is almost like choosing fabric in a sewing store – the sky is the limit. Genetics plays a big part in what color a dog may be when they’re born and when they’re adult dogs. It’s not uncommon at all for a puppy to be one color when it’s little and look entirely different as an adult dog.

In the case of the Bernedoodle, genetics really play a big part in the dog’s colors and patterns. In addition to the very basic solid colors often found in Bernedoodles, their color patterns may be determined by generational breeding. F1 Bernedoodles, which are the result of breeding a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle, traditionally come in colors similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog, including:

  • Black

  • Phantom

  • Tri-color Phantom

  • Tri-color Sable

  • Merle Phantom

  • Sable & White

  • Brindle & White

  • Sable Phantom

  • Merle & White

  • Black & White

  • Tri-Color Merle

What is the Bernedoodle temperament like?

Well-bred Bernedoodles tend to blend the best attributes of the Bernese and the Poodle. They are fun, friendly, playful, goofy, sociable dogs. In other words, the perfect companion dogs! Gentle around children and the elderly, these dogs just seem to know what people can handle. In fact, they make excellent therapy dogs as they are easy to train, very intelligent and love to work.

Bernedoodles do need to be taught right from wrong. Because they are very intelligent and sociable, a lack of training or human interaction can lead to problems. Purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs can be strong-willed, and that trait may also show in the Bernedoodle. Training and exercise will make both owner and Bernedoodle happy.

Most Bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. They love to play, run, hike and fetch, but when it’s time to relax, they definitely have an “off” switch. 

These are social, loyal dogs, and do best when fully integrated in your life. Like most dogs, they want to be with you and part of the action.

Are Bernedoodles hypo-allergenic?

While there is no such thing as a fully-hypoallergenic dog, Bernedoodles tend to be allergy-friendly. Most people with allergies to dog dander (i.e., those who experience sneezing, watery eyes) are fine with a Bernedoodle.

Every Bernedoodle has a different coat. The curlier the coat the less it will shed. Most Bernedoodles have the wavy type coat which gives them the typical ’doodle look. This type of coat is low- to non-shedding and fine for most people with allergies to dog dander.

If you are allergic to dog saliva, however, you will most likely be allergic to Bernedoodles -you will know if you are allergic to salvia if your skin will break out in hives when a dog licks you. I always suggest that prospective clients meet some Bernedoodles if they can!

How long do Bernedoodles live?

As a breed, the Bernedoodle is still young, so there is limited information about longevity. However, it appears that hybrid vigor is indeed at play in creating a hardy dog that will be with you for a long time. Standard Bernedoodles are predicted to live 12-15 years.

How do we get matched to a pup?

We have a Coronation Day when the pups are between 4-6 weeks old where all our families come to choose their reserved pup, usually in the order the deposit was received. However, we do offer personality picks if you know traits and behaviors you’re looking for in a pup, so we can help you make a match.

What is the difference between male and female Bernedoodles?

Males tend to be larger than females, but beyond that, there is not a major difference between the genders. Males tend to be more affectionate, goofy, but also a bit more stubborn. Females tend to be more independent but easier to train and less stubborn. These differences are actually quite subtle, and both males and females make amazing pets. I think temperament is more important than gender when matching dogs to owners.

What are the grooming requirements for a Bernedoodle?

Like Poodles, Bernedoodles have hair, not fur, and shedding is minimal or non-existent. That’s the upside. The downside is that it does need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and clipped every 8-12 weeks, or so, depending on your preferences and the dog’s activities. If your Bernedoodle is very active outdoors, you will likely find a shorter clip easier to maintain. But many owners enjoy the bonding time of regular brushing and choose to keep their Bernedoodle in a fuller coat.

Generally speaking, a curly coat is less likely to shed but more likely to become matted if not brushed regularly. Daily brushing will probably be required, as well as professional grooming every 8-12 weeks. Make sure to be very specific with the groomer as to how you want your dog groomed; most groomers will not have encountered a Bernedoodle and may default to a standard Poodle clip unless directed otherwise. Be specific and show the groomer photos of how you want your dog to look.

You should take your pup to the groomer only after its full set of vaccines (at around 14- 16 weeks). To get them used to the process, ask the groomer not to use clippers. Just have the pup bathed, clean the ears and cut the nails. The next time you visit, you can have the pup clipped.

Avoid bathing your Bernedoodle too often, as it strips essential oils from the coat.