Bernedoodle
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Find Bernedoodle BreedersGet to Know Bernedoodles
- Charming Temperament: Bernedoodles are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, inheriting the friendly demeanor of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligence of the Poodle. They are often described as loving, playful, and great companions for families.
- Coat Variety and Care: Bernedoodles can have a variety of coat types, from wavy to curly, and their coat colors often include a mix of black, white, and brown. Their coats are typically low-shedding, which can make them a good choice for people with allergies, but they require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a crossbreed between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, Bernedoodles often benefit from hybrid vigor, meaning they may have fewer health issues than their purebred parents. This blending of traits also contributes to their unique and versatile characteristics.
- Varied Sizes: Bernedoodles come in a range of sizes, depending on whether they are bred from a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. This variety means there’s a Bernedoodle to suit different living environments, from larger homes with yards to smaller apartments.
- Highly Trainable and Intelligent: Thanks to their Poodle lineage, Bernedoodles are highly intelligent and respond well to training. They are eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train in obedience and even complex tricks, making them a joy to work with for both novice and experienced dog owners.
Breed History
The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed that combines the traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, two breeds known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. The goal behind creating the Bernedoodle was to combine the friendly and calm temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding curly coat. This breed first emerged in North America in the early 2000s and has since grown in popularity due to their friendly disposition, striking looks, and adaptability to family life. Bernedoodles come in various sizes, depending on whether the Poodle parent was standard, miniature, or toy, making them suitable for a range of living situations.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate and Social: Bernedoodles are known for their affectionate nature and love for human interaction. They are often described as “people-oriented” and thrive when they are part of the family. This breed forms strong bonds with their owners and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Their friendly temperament makes them great with children and other pets, making them well-suited for family homes.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Bernedoodles are highly intelligent and respond well to training. They are quick learners and enjoy activities that stimulate their minds. This trait makes them suitable for various dog sports and activities, such as agility training and obedience classes. However, their intelligence can sometimes be paired with a stubborn streak, so consistent training using positive reinforcement is recommended to ensure they grow into well-mannered adults.
- Playful and Energetic: Bernedoodles are known for their playful and energetic nature. They love to play and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Whether it's a game of fetch, a hike, or a long walk, they thrive on activities that allow them to expend energy and bond with their family. This breed is best suited for active households that can provide the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay content.
Care
- Exercise: The Bernedoodle is an active and playful breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and avoid boredom. Depending on their size, Bernedoodles may need anywhere from 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day. Activities like long walks, runs, and play sessions in a secure backyard are ideal. They also enjoy interactive games and activities that challenge them mentally, such as puzzle toys and training sessions. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they may become restless or develop undesired behaviors.
- Grooming: The grooming needs of a Bernedoodle can vary based on the type of coat they inherit, which may be more like the Poodle's curly coat or the Bernese Mountain Dog's wavy or straight fur. Generally, Bernedoodles can have a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Brushing their coat at least two to three times a week helps maintain its appearance and health. Bernedoodles may need professional grooming every few months, especially if they have a dense, curly coat. Regular grooming should also include nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to keep them healthy.
- Training and Socialization: Bernedoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making training easier than with some other breeds. Early training and socialization are important to help them develop into well-adjusted adults. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work best for this breed and strengthen the bond between owner and dog. Early exposure to new people, places, and other animals is essential to prevent any potential shyness or fearfulness. Bernedoodles enjoy tasks that engage their minds, so training sessions should be fun and rewarding to keep them engaged. Consistent training and socialization help ensure that they grow into friendly and confident dogs.
Bernedoodle Summary
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Congenital Cardiac Exam with exam by cardiologist Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam with exam by cardiologist |
| Degenerative Mylopathy (DM) DNA results for both SOD1-A and SOD1-B, or an at-risk result for either SOD1-A or SOD1-B registered with the OFA. | From the following: DNA based DM SOD1-A test results from an approved lab. DNA based DM SOD1-B test results from an approved lab. |
| Elective Testing | DNA-based vWD result registered with the OFA. Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. Histiocytic Sarcoma Pre-test DNA test results from Antagene, recorded with the OFA. |
Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Elective Testing | One of the following: Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. Sebaceous Adenitis evaluation by an approved dermapathologist. Results registered with OFA. Basic Cardiac Exam Advanced Cardiac Exam |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Bernedoodle Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Bernedoodle is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Bernedoodle
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Bernedoodle puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Bernedoodle, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Bernedoodle is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
