About Bernedoodles
Explanation of terms used to describe Bernedoodle generations:
F1 : Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle (50:50)
F1b : F1 Bernedoodle x Poodle (25:75)
F2 : F1 Bernedoodle x F1 Bernedoodle (50:50)
F2b : F1 Bernedoodle x F1b Bernedoodle (37.50 bernedoodle: 62.50 poodle)
F3 or Multigen: F1b x F1b (75:25)
There is no way to distinguish between the generations considering looks only. There isn't a consistent significant difference in coats, either in curliness or shedding.
What is a Bernedoodle?
The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a poodle.
What is an Aussie Bernedoodle?
The Aussie Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd or Australian Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a hybrid blend between a poodle (standard, miniature, or toy), Labrador retriever, English and American Cocker Spaniels and Irish Water Spaniels that originated in Australia. The Australian Shepherd originated in Pyrenees Mountains were the Bernese Mountain Dogs also have their origins. Thus many Australian Shepherds have similar coat coloration to the Bernese Mountain Dogs.
*What is the Bernedoodle's Temperament?
The Bernedoodle tends to have the best attributes of the Bernese and the poodle. They are fun, friendly, playful, goofy, sociable dogs. In other words, the perfect family dog! They are very gentle around children and elderly people and seem to know what people can handle. In fact, they make excellent therapy dogs as they are easy to train, very intelligent and love to work.
Bernedoodles do need to be taught right from wrong. Because they are very intelligent and sociable, a lack of training or human interaction can lead to problems. Purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs can be strong-willed, and that trait may also show in the Bernedoodle. Training and exercise will make both owner and Bernedoodle happy.
Most Bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. While they love to play, swim, run and fetch, when it’s time to relax, they’ll enjoy a nice movie with you.
Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
Every Bernedoodle has a different coat. The curlier the coat the less it will shed. Most Bernedoodles have the wavy type coat that is low- to non-shedding.
Straight Coat: like the Bernese coat – it may have a slight wave to it. This coat will shed—less than a Bernese, but noticeably.
Wavy Coat: Most Bernedoodles have this coat type, which gives them the typical ’doodle look. Wavy coats are very low- to non-shedding. Most people with allergies to dog dander (i.e., experience sneezing, watery eyes) are fine with a wavy coated dog.
Curly Coat: Similar to the poodle coat and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, if you are fine with poodles, a curly-coated Bernedoodle should not bother your allergies.
If you are allergic to dog saliva, however, you will most like be allergic to Bernedoodles. You will know if you are allergic to salvia because your skin will break out in hives when a dog licks you. If you still want a dog, it would be best to go with a smaller dog (’doodle or otherwise) as they produce less saliva than larger dogs.
As for grooming, the curlier the dog’s coat, the harder it is to maintain. Since most Bernedoodles don't shed, or shed very little, you will need to brush them regularly to prevent matting, and have them clipped every 3-4 months.
What colors do Bernedoodles come in?
Bernedoodles tend to be pure black, black-and-white, black-and-brown or tri-colour (black, white and brown). They can also come in other colors but the colors above are the common colours.
What is the height and weight of a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles come in different sizes, depending on the parents.
Standards (Standard Poodle crossed with a Bernese): 50lbs and up, and 21 inches and up at the shoulder. Females are usually smaller than males.
Mini Bernedoodles (Miniature poodle crossed with a Bernese): 25-49lbs and 15-20 inches at the shoulder. Females are usually smaller.
Tiny Bernedoodles (Toy Poodle crossed with a Mini Bernedoodle): 10-24lbs, and 10-14 inches at the shoulder.
What are the generations of Bernedoodles?
F1 Bernedoodles: This is currently the most common cross, in which a Bernese Mountain Dog is bred to a purebred poodle. The F1 cross is usually the healthiest, as it is the strongest type of hybrid. A hybrid is in most cases healthier than a purebred dog because you are mixing lines/breeds that are prone to different genetic problems.
Purebred dogs carry similar genes and in turn pass these genes onto their pups, which makes purebred dogs more prone to genetic diseases.
F1 hybrids such as the Bernedoodle are only likely to have a disease that both the poodle and Bernese are prone to—and they only share a few common diseases. As a result, Bernedoodles have fewer problems, and will likely be healthier and live longer than their purebred parents.
F2 Bernedoodles: F2 Bernedoodles are the result of breed two F1 Bernedoodles. This mix has more consistency in the lines. Where there can be variation in appearance in F1 Bernedoodles (although most are a nice mix between the two parents), when you start breeding F2, F3 or F4 Bernedoodles, you will get more consistency in terms of the dogs’ appearance. A breeder with “a look” in mind will start doing this. The disadvantage of about breeding generation after generation is that you are now doubling up on genetic traits and getting away from the hybrid vigor that makes a crossbreed special in the first place!
F1B Bernedoodles: This is a “back cross,” in which a Bernedoodle is bred back to a poodle. Most of these pups will have curlier coats and therefore suit people with allergies.
How long do bernedoodles live?
Standard Bernedoodles: 12-15years
Mini Bernedoodles: 13 -17 years
Tiny Bernedoodles: 14-18 years
Usually, the smaller the dog the longer they live.
What are the health concerns for Bernedoodles?
As a hybrid, Bernedoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, but they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems.
Skin problems, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix. Just like almost every other breed of dog, they can get cancer.
While Bernedoodles are less prone to genetic disease, testing is still required. A lot of people randomly breeding Bernedoodles aren’t doing the appropriate testing, or caring for the advancement of the breed as a whole. Far better to spend more money up front for a good pup from a reputable breeder than to support a careless breeder and end up with expensive vet bills down the road. You want this new member of your family to be healthy, and with you a long time.
Please do your research and make sure breeders are performing the necessary testing.
Are Bernedoodles registered?
This is a mixed breed dog and therefore cannot be registered with the American or Canadian kennel clubs.
How much exercise does my Bernedoodle need?
Bernedoodles just like the goldendoodles require a moderate amount of exercise. They should to be taken for at least three walks a day for 15-30 minutes. They love being with people and if you’re active they will participate. If you’re just chilling on the couch, they’ll join you. They are happiest being with people. You can take these dogs almost anywhere and they acclimatize well to new situations.
How do I groom my Bernedoodle?
The curlier the Bernedoodles’s coat, the harder it is to care for. If your Bernedoodle is very low to non-shedding, you will need to brush it every day to prevent matting, and it will need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Make sure to be very specific with the groomer as to how you want your dog groomed because some owners have been horrified when their Bernedoodle comes out looking like a poodle. Be specific and show the groomer a picture of how you want your dog to look.
You should take your pup to the groomer only after its full set of three vaccines (at around 14-16 weeks). To get them used to the process, ask the groomer only to give them a bath, clean the ears and cut the nails. The full clip might scare your pup. The next time you visit the groomer, you can have the pup clipped.
You should only bath your Bernedoodle every 3-4 months as bathing strips all the essential oils out of the fur.
What is the difference in temperament between males and females?
There isn't a huge difference between males and females. Males tend to be bigger, more affectionate, goofy, but also a little more stubborn. Females tend to be smaller, more independent but easier to train and less stubborn. These differences are minor, and both males and females make amazing pets.
*Above information from book Bernedoodles: A Head to Tail Guide written by Sherry Rupke. Used with permission.
F1 : Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle (50:50)
F1b : F1 Bernedoodle x Poodle (25:75)
F2 : F1 Bernedoodle x F1 Bernedoodle (50:50)
F2b : F1 Bernedoodle x F1b Bernedoodle (37.50 bernedoodle: 62.50 poodle)
F3 or Multigen: F1b x F1b (75:25)
There is no way to distinguish between the generations considering looks only. There isn't a consistent significant difference in coats, either in curliness or shedding.
What is a Bernedoodle?
The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a poodle.
What is an Aussie Bernedoodle?
The Aussie Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd or Australian Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a hybrid blend between a poodle (standard, miniature, or toy), Labrador retriever, English and American Cocker Spaniels and Irish Water Spaniels that originated in Australia. The Australian Shepherd originated in Pyrenees Mountains were the Bernese Mountain Dogs also have their origins. Thus many Australian Shepherds have similar coat coloration to the Bernese Mountain Dogs.
*What is the Bernedoodle's Temperament?
The Bernedoodle tends to have the best attributes of the Bernese and the poodle. They are fun, friendly, playful, goofy, sociable dogs. In other words, the perfect family dog! They are very gentle around children and elderly people and seem to know what people can handle. In fact, they make excellent therapy dogs as they are easy to train, very intelligent and love to work.
Bernedoodles do need to be taught right from wrong. Because they are very intelligent and sociable, a lack of training or human interaction can lead to problems. Purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs can be strong-willed, and that trait may also show in the Bernedoodle. Training and exercise will make both owner and Bernedoodle happy.
Most Bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. While they love to play, swim, run and fetch, when it’s time to relax, they’ll enjoy a nice movie with you.
Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
Every Bernedoodle has a different coat. The curlier the coat the less it will shed. Most Bernedoodles have the wavy type coat that is low- to non-shedding.
Straight Coat: like the Bernese coat – it may have a slight wave to it. This coat will shed—less than a Bernese, but noticeably.
Wavy Coat: Most Bernedoodles have this coat type, which gives them the typical ’doodle look. Wavy coats are very low- to non-shedding. Most people with allergies to dog dander (i.e., experience sneezing, watery eyes) are fine with a wavy coated dog.
Curly Coat: Similar to the poodle coat and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, if you are fine with poodles, a curly-coated Bernedoodle should not bother your allergies.
If you are allergic to dog saliva, however, you will most like be allergic to Bernedoodles. You will know if you are allergic to salvia because your skin will break out in hives when a dog licks you. If you still want a dog, it would be best to go with a smaller dog (’doodle or otherwise) as they produce less saliva than larger dogs.
As for grooming, the curlier the dog’s coat, the harder it is to maintain. Since most Bernedoodles don't shed, or shed very little, you will need to brush them regularly to prevent matting, and have them clipped every 3-4 months.
What colors do Bernedoodles come in?
Bernedoodles tend to be pure black, black-and-white, black-and-brown or tri-colour (black, white and brown). They can also come in other colors but the colors above are the common colours.
What is the height and weight of a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles come in different sizes, depending on the parents.
Standards (Standard Poodle crossed with a Bernese): 50lbs and up, and 21 inches and up at the shoulder. Females are usually smaller than males.
Mini Bernedoodles (Miniature poodle crossed with a Bernese): 25-49lbs and 15-20 inches at the shoulder. Females are usually smaller.
Tiny Bernedoodles (Toy Poodle crossed with a Mini Bernedoodle): 10-24lbs, and 10-14 inches at the shoulder.
What are the generations of Bernedoodles?
F1 Bernedoodles: This is currently the most common cross, in which a Bernese Mountain Dog is bred to a purebred poodle. The F1 cross is usually the healthiest, as it is the strongest type of hybrid. A hybrid is in most cases healthier than a purebred dog because you are mixing lines/breeds that are prone to different genetic problems.
Purebred dogs carry similar genes and in turn pass these genes onto their pups, which makes purebred dogs more prone to genetic diseases.
F1 hybrids such as the Bernedoodle are only likely to have a disease that both the poodle and Bernese are prone to—and they only share a few common diseases. As a result, Bernedoodles have fewer problems, and will likely be healthier and live longer than their purebred parents.
F2 Bernedoodles: F2 Bernedoodles are the result of breed two F1 Bernedoodles. This mix has more consistency in the lines. Where there can be variation in appearance in F1 Bernedoodles (although most are a nice mix between the two parents), when you start breeding F2, F3 or F4 Bernedoodles, you will get more consistency in terms of the dogs’ appearance. A breeder with “a look” in mind will start doing this. The disadvantage of about breeding generation after generation is that you are now doubling up on genetic traits and getting away from the hybrid vigor that makes a crossbreed special in the first place!
F1B Bernedoodles: This is a “back cross,” in which a Bernedoodle is bred back to a poodle. Most of these pups will have curlier coats and therefore suit people with allergies.
How long do bernedoodles live?
Standard Bernedoodles: 12-15years
Mini Bernedoodles: 13 -17 years
Tiny Bernedoodles: 14-18 years
Usually, the smaller the dog the longer they live.
What are the health concerns for Bernedoodles?
As a hybrid, Bernedoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, but they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems.
Skin problems, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix. Just like almost every other breed of dog, they can get cancer.
While Bernedoodles are less prone to genetic disease, testing is still required. A lot of people randomly breeding Bernedoodles aren’t doing the appropriate testing, or caring for the advancement of the breed as a whole. Far better to spend more money up front for a good pup from a reputable breeder than to support a careless breeder and end up with expensive vet bills down the road. You want this new member of your family to be healthy, and with you a long time.
Please do your research and make sure breeders are performing the necessary testing.
Are Bernedoodles registered?
This is a mixed breed dog and therefore cannot be registered with the American or Canadian kennel clubs.
How much exercise does my Bernedoodle need?
Bernedoodles just like the goldendoodles require a moderate amount of exercise. They should to be taken for at least three walks a day for 15-30 minutes. They love being with people and if you’re active they will participate. If you’re just chilling on the couch, they’ll join you. They are happiest being with people. You can take these dogs almost anywhere and they acclimatize well to new situations.
How do I groom my Bernedoodle?
The curlier the Bernedoodles’s coat, the harder it is to care for. If your Bernedoodle is very low to non-shedding, you will need to brush it every day to prevent matting, and it will need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Make sure to be very specific with the groomer as to how you want your dog groomed because some owners have been horrified when their Bernedoodle comes out looking like a poodle. Be specific and show the groomer a picture of how you want your dog to look.
You should take your pup to the groomer only after its full set of three vaccines (at around 14-16 weeks). To get them used to the process, ask the groomer only to give them a bath, clean the ears and cut the nails. The full clip might scare your pup. The next time you visit the groomer, you can have the pup clipped.
You should only bath your Bernedoodle every 3-4 months as bathing strips all the essential oils out of the fur.
What is the difference in temperament between males and females?
There isn't a huge difference between males and females. Males tend to be bigger, more affectionate, goofy, but also a little more stubborn. Females tend to be smaller, more independent but easier to train and less stubborn. These differences are minor, and both males and females make amazing pets.
*Above information from book Bernedoodles: A Head to Tail Guide written by Sherry Rupke. Used with permission.