Mini Bernedoodle
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Find Mini Bernedoodle BreedersGet to Know Mini Bernedoodles
- Slow Maturation: They tend to mature more slowly, both mentally and emotionally. Like Bernese Mountain Dogs, many Mini Bernedoodles retain a “puppy mindset” well into their second year. This makes them playful and goofy, but training may require patience and consistency.
- “Gentle Goofballs": This breed is known for being friendly and affectionate but also silly and entertaining. Many owners describe their dogs as comedians, as if they are always doing something goofy to make their humans laugh.
- Manageable Large Dogs: Miniature Bernedoodles were bred to be more manageable versions of larger dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large and can be prone to shorter lifespans. Mixing them with the Miniature Poodle results in a smaller, longer-living dog with fewer joint issues and more suitability for smaller homes.
- Coats Can Vary: Some Mini Bernedoodles have straighter coats and shed more, while others have tight curls and shed very little. The curlier the coat, the more intensive the grooming needs. Many Mini Bernedoodles have the classic tricolor black, white, and rust coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog, but with the soft, curly or wavy texture of a Poodle — making them especially striking.
- "Phantom Colouring": Some Mini Bernedoodles display a rare coat pattern known as phantom coloring, where tan or rust markings appear in very specific areas — above the eyes, on the chest, legs, and under the tail — much like a Doberman or Rottweiler. This striking look is inherited from the Poodle side and is especially prized for its dramatic, well-defined contrast on a curly or wavy coat.
Breed History
The Miniature Bernedoodle is a designer hybrid breed created by crossing a Miniature Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog, aiming to blend the best of both: the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle and the sweet, loyal nature of the Bernese. This breed likely originated in the early 2000s in North America, following the popularity of other “doodle” mixes. Breeders hoped to develop a smaller, more manageable version of the standard Bernedoodle without sacrificing temperament or beauty. Today, Mini Bernedoodles are prized for their family-friendly personalities, adorable teddy bear looks, and allergy-friendly coats.
Personality and Behaviour
- Loving Breed: Mini Bernedoodles are deeply attached to their families. Mini Bernedoodles form strong bonds and are happiest when close to their humans. They are sensitive and affectionate, making them great companions for families and singles alike.
- Playful & Entertaining: Their goofy personality makes them a joy to live with. They often clown around and engage in silly behaviors that keep everyone laughing. They’re great with kids due to their gentle play style.
- Possible Stubborn Streak: These dogs are very smart and inherit intelligence from the Poodle but sometimes the independence of the Bernese. They need consistent, positive reinforcement and early socialization to become well-mannered adults.
Care
- Exercise: Miniature Bernedoodles need daily activity but not excessive amounts. A couple of moderate walks and some playtime each day will satisfy their exercise needs. They enjoy mental stimulation too, like puzzle toys or training games, to prevent boredom.
- Grooming: High-maintenance coat care is required with these dogs. Their thick, often curly or wavy coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats, and regular professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Neglecting grooming can lead to painful tangles and skin issues.
- Training: These dogs are very trainable, but early socialization is key. They respond well to positive training methods, but they can be a little stubborn or slow to mature emotionally. Gentle consistency and early exposure to different people and environments help them become confident adults.
Mini Bernedoodle Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Miniature Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | DNA-based prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration) test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
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 | One of the following: 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. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Mini Bernedoodle Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Mini 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 Mini Bernedoodle
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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.
