The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed companion dog, developed by mating a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. This hybrid was initially bred to combine the Bernese Mountain Dog’s calm, loyal disposition with the Poodle’s high intelligence and low-shedding coat. Bernedoodles have gained widespread popularity among families due to their generally friendly nature and diverse physical presentation.
The Bernedoodle’s Hybrid Heritage
The Bernedoodle’s genetic background combines the Bernese Mountain Dog’s robust build and tri-color markings with the Poodle’s athletic grace and low-shedding qualities. Breeders aim for a dog that is physically striking while mitigating the heavy shedding and some common health concerns of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The predictability of the resulting offspring depends on the generational cross. For instance, an F1 Bernedoodle is a direct 50/50 mix of the two purebred parents, offering the most genetic variability. A backcross, such as the F1B generation, is created by breeding an F1 Bernedoodle back to a purebred Poodle, resulting in a dog that is approximately 75% Poodle. This increased Poodle content is sought after to produce a curlier coat that is more reliably low-shedding.
Appearance and Physical Traits
The Bernedoodle’s physical appearance is highly diverse, varying significantly in size, coat type, and color pattern based on the parentage. The final size is determined by the size of the Poodle used in the breeding, leading to three common categories.
Size Variations
Standard Bernedoodles result from crossing with a Standard Poodle, typically weighing 70 to 90 pounds. Miniature Bernedoodles, bred using a Miniature Poodle, usually fall into a smaller range. Tiny or Toy Bernedoodles are the smallest variation, resulting from a Toy Poodle cross.
Coat Texture
Coat texture can range from straight and shaggy, which tends to shed more, to wavy or tightly curled, which is characteristic of the Poodle and often sheds less. The presence of “furnishings” (longer hair on the muzzle and eyebrows) contributes to the low-shedding quality.
Coloration
Coloration is widely varied, though the classic tri-color pattern (black, white, and rust markings) is highly desired. Other common coat patterns include bi-color (black and white), solid colors like black or brown, and the phantom pattern. The Poodle parent also introduces patterns like merle or parti-color, which features large white patches.
Temperament and Family Suitability
The Bernedoodle personality blends the intelligence and playful energy of the Poodle with the relaxed, affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. These dogs display high levels of loyalty and a good-natured disposition, making them popular companions. They are highly social animals and prefer to be near their human family members.
Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistent guidance. They require mental stimulation through training or varied activities to prevent boredom. The calm demeanor inherited from the Bernese side allows them to be gentle and patient with children. Bernedoodles need regular interaction and activity to remain content, making them adaptable to various living situations provided their needs for companionship and moderate activity are met.
Essential Care Requirements
Grooming and Exercise
Maintenance needs are dictated by the coat type the dog inherits. Wavy or curly coats require consistent and frequent grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This involves brushing several times a week and professional clipping every six to eight weeks. While often marketed as “hypoallergenic,” the Bernedoodle is more accurately described as low-shedding, reducing the amount of dander released. Regular exercise is necessary, as the breed has a moderate energy level that benefits from daily walks or play sessions.
Health Considerations
Bernedoodles can inherit genetic predispositions from either parent breed. Common health concerns from the Bernese Mountain Dog side include orthopedic issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia. From the Poodle lineage, they may be susceptible to conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (a degenerative eye disorder) or Von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood clotting condition). Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing to screen for these hereditary conditions, and owners should maintain consistent veterinary check-ups.