If you’ve ever fallen in love with a high-spirited poodle or a seriously loving Bernese mountain dog, we have a dog you need to meet: the Bernedoodle. Yep, we’re talking about another “doodle dog” that looks a bit like a giant teddy bear. Sometimes known as the Bernese mountain poo (apt for those of you who enjoy toilet humour), like many of the doodles out there, the breed is known as a designer dog.
Whether you already know and love a Bernedoodle, are considering the next best fit for your family, or are just browsing because they’re a seriously cute pet, here are a few things worth knowing about this fabulous dog.
1. They’re a mix of Bernese mountain dog and poodle
That might mean a 50/50 split between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog. But you also find Bernedoodle puppies who have a Bernedoodle parent and a poodle parent, or a Bernedoodle parent and a Bernese mountain dog parent, or even two Bernedoodle parents. Knowing your pet’s heritage can help you be more informed about their possible health issues, as well as traits that might be important to you, like how much they shed.
2. Berndedoodles come in as many sizes as poodles
Talk about a dog for any kind of family. Although Bernese mountain dogs don’t tend to get smaller than 32kg (70 lbs), that’s not true for the Bernedoodle. Thanks to the poodle breed’s varying stature, Bernedoodles range from 4.5kg (10 lbs) all the way up to 41kg (90 lbs). So yes, this level of cute can be a sweet lap dog or a full-sized adventure buddy.
3. Fluffy as they are, they don’t shed much
Love a dog, but dread the shed? Thanks again to their poodle-influenced coat, the Bernedoodle offers the best of both worlds. When you love a good poofy pet, but can’t stand the shedding, this breed is a good in-between. And again, thanks to this coat, some would consider this to be a pet that falls under the ‘hypoallergenic’ umbrella, although hypoallergenic dogs don’t necessarily mean you’ll be sneeze-free if you’re allergic to dogs, so make sure you do your research ahead of time.
4. They tend to be relaxed like the Bernese mountain dog
Although poodles can sometimes be particularly energetic, thanks to the Bernese mountain dog’s influence, Bernedoodles tend to be easygoing pets and are happy to have a chill day at home. While every dog needs some level of exercise, you won’t be run ragged trying to satisfy this pup’s energy appetite.
5. That said, they are happy to go hiking
And yes, they will pose for a million landscape photos. Who doesn’t love a cute dog in a beautiful spot? Instagram will thank you.
6. They can be a little stubborn
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While it’s hard to tell just by meeting the pup the first time, you might find that Bernedoodle pets can be a little stubborn when it comes to training. Don’t worry too much, though—with dedication on your part, their natural intelligence (thanks, poodle breed!) will make them highly trainable. We’ve also got some great dog training tips if you need them.
7. They’re super loyal
That’s great when it comes to finding a BFF, but their Velcro-like bonding from their Bernese mountain dog background also means they can be prone to separation anxiety. So if you can’t be around as much as you’d like to be, you can find a local sitter on Rover.com who offers dog boarding and can give your dog all the attention they deserve while you’re gone.
8. Being a mixed breed means they have fewer health problems
Purebred dogs often have inherent health issues that owners must be ready for and aware of. The poodle, for example, is prone to blindness and epilepsy, while the Bernese mountain dog can sometimes get mast cell tumours. Although they still can have problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, Bernedoodles tend to get the benefit of a more diverse genetic makeup, and often suffer fewer health woes.
9. They have a coat of many colours
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You never really know what a litter of pups will look like, and Bernedoodles can be white, brown, black, or some mixture of the colours. Sometimes you’ll get all three colours in a pattern that takes after the Bernese mountain dog, but it’s rare, and even rarer is a black coat with a marbled grey and white back. Good news: any Bernedoodle owner will tell you their pet’s personality far outshines their coat, anyway.
10. You will totally fall for their puppy dog eyes
Really though, who can resist that face? Hopefully you, sometimes, or you’ll need to buy stock in dog treats.
11. They love to be outside, rain or shine
Or, ahem, snow. This is a hardy dog is willing to go where you want to go (within reason, of course) so no need to leave them behind on your weekend getaways.
12. They’re happy to blend into your multi-dog family
Big dogs? Little dogs? They’re all potential new friends!
