Bernedoodle Temperament and Behavior
If you are looking for a smart and loyal dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. These hybrid fluffy pooches combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle, with the laid-back yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. The Bernedoodle is a responsive and loving breed. They are intelligent, social, and good with children. These traits make the Bernedoodle easier to train and a good family dog. Bernedoodles have a relaxed temperament but a moderate energy level.
Since the Bernedoodle is a combination of two different breeds, the puppies will have a combination of personality traits from each parent breed depending on the amount of each breed involved in the cross. It can even depend on the individual pooch — litter mates that have the same parents might turn out to favor different lineages, some leaning more towards their Poodle or Bernese roots than others.
From the Bernese Mountain Dog side, Bernedoodles can be a little wary around strangers so early socialization is important. Toy and mini Bernedoodles also tend to be more energetic and stubborn than standard Bernedoodles. One thing to be wary of with this breed is they need a lot of human interaction – they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. This also means that separation anxiety could end up being a problem for Bernedoodles in case they are not properly socialized. Because of this, it might be smart to start crate training them while they’re young. Teaching them that a crate could be their little safe space while you’re away at work could help them feel calmer and more relaxed while you’re gone.
Bernedoodle Health
For the most part, the Bernedoodle is a healthy breed. In fact, the creators behind this designer breed claim that elimination of health issues typical for the purebred dogs is what drove them to crossbreed dogs in the first place. Bernedoodle breeders also claim that F1 puppies (50/50 Poodle and Bernese cross) are least likely to display serious hereditary health issues. Reputable Bernedoodle breeders will do genetic testing on both the parents and their litters to ensure their puppies don’t have a predisposition to certain hereditary diseases. However, in no scenario is it possible for someone to predict how healthy any dog will be throughout their lifetime: the best you can hope for is that a proper diet, plenty of exercise and regular visits to the vet will help keep your pooch healthy and happy.
Life Expectancy
The Bernedoodle is still considered a new breed still being perfected so there is not enough information about their lifespan. While there is no way to say with certainty how long Bernedoodles live, breeders estimate that the average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is between 12 and 15 years. Of course, there are bound to be slight variations due to the difference in sizes, so a tiny Bernedoodle might live to be 17 years old, while the standard sized are closer to the shorter end of the range.
Exercise Requirements
The activity level of Bernedoodles varies depending on breeding, but they are typically a moderately active breed. They do love their outdoor adventures and will be more than happy to join you on a hike or your morning jog, but they do not need intensive exercise to stay healthy and happy. With that being said, the Bernedoodle can be a good choice for apartment dwellers provided they have enough space and are willing to take their pet on long walks and to the dog park.
Keep in mind that these are not working dogs, and they’re specifically bred to be easygoing companions. This means that Bernedoodles adapt to various lifestyles, including different activity levels. You could be letting them roam about in a securely fenced backyard and maybe play with another canine companion, arrange a visit to the dog park for a game of fetch or simply have a daily walk around the block. If you provide them with a way to spend any extra energy and stay fit, you’re good to go.
Another important consideration when it comes to the Bernedoodle’s exercise needs is their size. The smaller varieties – toy and mini Bernedoodles – tend to be more active than the larger varieties. In any case, a good daily walk should be enough to satisfy the exercise requirements of a Bernedoodle. Their spunky personalities don’t require any excessive outdoor exercise as they’ll find plenty of ways to stay active indoors. A good idea is to offer puzzle toys and interactive toys, too. These will keep your pet entertained and offer a challenge for their smart minds.
Bernedoodle Coat
Bernedoodles come in any combination of white, black, and brown. Many Bernedoodles are all-black or some combination of black-and-white (sometimes called “Oreo Bernedoodles”) or black-and-brown. It is also possible for Bernedoodles to be tricolor or sable – black, white and brown. This color combination is also the most difficult to achieve, and as such, the most desirable. Recently, some breeders have presented a merle Bernedoodle which displays a marbled white and gray pattern on a black coat. Puppies with this coat are very rare and usually the most expensive.
Just as Bernedoodles come in different colors according to breeding, they also have different types of coats. Most Bernedoodles have long, wavy coats that shed minimally. Curly coats are also very common and shed very little like the Poodle’s coat, and they are great for allergy sufferers. Straight-coated Bernedoodles are less common and tend to shed more than wavy or curly-coated Bernedoodles. The goal with crossbreeding these two popular breeds was to create a perfect companion for families of all shapes and sizes. That’s why the breeders didn’t stop at first generation mixes but continued to select and perfect Bernedoodles in different sizes and with slightly different traits.
Bernedoodle Grooming
The amount of shedding depends on the type of coat your dog has inherited from either parent. Those with a straighter type are prone to shed more, whereas if its coat is curly it will tend to shed less. Brushing somewhat regularly will help to prevent matting.
Bernedoodle Training
If bred well, the Bernedoodle should be an easily trainable dog because it inherits intelligence, eagerness to please, and a calm demeanor from its parents. However, expecting that every single dog of this hybrid breed turns out to have an ideal temperament is not something that’s realistic. As with other breeds, it is good to train and socialize your dog while still a puppy to avoid destructive and nuisance behavior later in life. During the puppy stage Bernedoodles can be a little headstrong, but this tends to lessen as the dog matures and receives training. Make sure to set the right path for your pooch while they’re young and eager to learn. It will make both of your lives so much easier in the long run.
Clubs, Registries & Associations
(Based on breed recognition. See store for details on a particular puppy.)
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- International Designer Canine Registry
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- The International Designer Canine Registry
- Designer Breed Registry
Additional Information
Breed: Hybrid
Average Weight: 60-100 lbs.
Personality Traits: Social, intelligent, playful
Country of Origin: Canada
Coat: Medium/Long Wavy
Check out the Bernedoodle puppies for sale we currently have in our stores. If there are none here, please contact us and we’ll be in touch.
