Everything you want to know about the Australian Bernedoodle.
The Australian Bernedoodle
The Australian Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with an Australian Labradoodle. Unlike the standard Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle), this mix adds the genetics of the Australian Labradoodle—a breed that was developed in Australia as a service dog by combining Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and other breeds.
The goal of introducing the Australian Labradoodle into the Bernedoodle line was to:
- Enhance genetic diversity.
- Create a dog with a more consistent, low-shedding, stocky build, allergy-friendly coat.
- Balance the Bernese Mountain Dog’s loyal but sometimes stubborn and sensitive nature with the Australian Labradoodle’s trainability and adaptability.
- Produce a dog with a well-rounded temperament, suitable for families and therapy or service roles.
I believe the Australian Bernedoodle is one of the most versatile family companions. Our goal is to breed them to be the perfect family companions. They are happy lounging on the couch, joining you on a hike and being part of a family. Whether you’re out exploring or relaxing at home, these dogs love being by your side and giving their families lots of love.
The Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog (commonly called the “Berner”) is one of four Swiss mountain dogs developed as working farm dogs in the Swiss Alps. They were bred to be versatile helpers—guarding property, driving cattle, and pulling carts loaded with farm goods. Their name comes from the Swiss canton of Bern, where they were most commonly found. Berners are part of the Sennenhund family (along with the Appenzeller, Entlebucher, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog) and were distinguished by their long, thick, tri-colored coats, making them especially suited to the cold alpine climate. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1937 and have since become beloved worldwide for their gentle nature and striking appearance.
Bernese are typically known for their easygoing nature and loyalty. They are known for being gentle giants with a kind, patient, and affectionate nature. They are completely dedicated to their families, with a special fondness for children. In fact, they are so loyal that it can be difficult to re-home an adult Berner and break its original bond. Berners are known for leaning on people to soak up all possible attention.
Berners are exceptionally beautiful dogs with their tri-coloured coats. Bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs that pulled carts or drove cattle to market, the Bernese do well in cold weather, and have a double coat that sheds heavily. They’re an intelligent and strong dog, having a moderate need for exercise. They do well in agility, tracking, herding, and therapy work.
A significant number of Bernese are afflicted with hip and elbow dysplasia, or succumb to inherited cancer, heart disease, degenerative myelopathy, or epilepsy in middle age. While cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, Bernese have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Overall, the Berner is one of the shorter-lived dog breeds, with a life expectancy of just seven years. This is very sad as the Berner is known for being slow to mature, and can be challenging to train.
Without proper socialization, these naturally cautious and reserved dogs can become skittish and suspicious and may develop separation anxiety. They can also be decidedly stubborn. Yet, the Bernese also has a deep need to please their humans and are surprisingly sensitive. As a result, training a Berner requires a great deal of patience and a gentle hand.
The Australian
Labradoodle
The Australian Labradoodle is a unique and carefully developed breed that originated in Australia in the late 1980s. While the name suggests it is a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle, the true Australian Labradoodle is a multi-generational dog that has been bred for consistency in temperament, health, and coat. The Australian Labradoodle was first developed when the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia set out to create a hypoallergenic service dog by crossing a Standard Poodle with a Labrador Retriever. While the initial Labradoodles were well-received, their coats and temperaments varied widely. To bring more consistency, Australian breeders later introduced other breeds, including the English and American Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and Irish Water Spaniel. By adding the genetics of other breeds this helped produce a dog with a predictable coat, a friendly and intuitive personality, and excellent suitability for service and therapy work. Today, the Australian Labradoodle is recognized by organizations such as the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) and the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association (WALA) as a distinct breed in development.
The temperament of the Australian Labradoodle is one of its most appealing qualities. These dogs are known for being friendly, intuitive, and highly people-oriented. They thrive on human interaction, getting along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. Intelligent and eager to please, they are quick to learn and respond well to training, especially with positive reinforcement. Their affectionate and loyal nature means they bond deeply with their families and often prefer to stay close to their people. Most seem to have balanced energy levels—happy to join in on outdoor adventures and exercise, yet just as content to relax indoors with their family. Because of their intuitive and empathetic nature, Australian Labradoodles often excel as therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and service animals.
In terms of health, the Australian Labradoodle is generally a hardy and healthy breed when carefully bred. Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. Like all breeds, however, they can be predisposed to certain conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), allergies and skin sensitivities. Responsible breeders monitor these issues closely and use health testing to reduce risk.
Bernese Meets Australian Labradoodle… Magic Ensues
If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because the two breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as the Australian Bernedoodle are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the Australian Labradoodle and the Bernese – two breeds that share few common diseases. Australian Bernedoodles therefore have what is called a “hybrid vigor”, and can be expected to live healthier, longer lives than the Bernese.
A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents. With careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the Australian Bernedoodle, the blend of the Bernese and the Australian Labradoodle usually produces a very balanced dog who is smart, affectionate, friendly, playful and people focused. They tend to have the sweetness and loyalty of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the Australian Labradoodle. Like the Bernese, they are gentle around children and the elderly, and because they love to work, they often make excellent therapy dogs.
Key traits include:
Intuitive and empathetic – Many make excellent therapy or emotional support dogs.
Affectionate and loyal – They bond deeply with their families and enjoy being involved in daily life.
Intelligent and trainable – Quick learners who excel with positive reinforcement methods.
Playful but gentle – They have an adaptable energy level, able to run and play but also settle indoors.
Social and friendly – Generally good with children, other dogs, and even cats when socialized early.
Most Australian Bernedoodles have a moderate activity level, depending on the lineage. They love to play, run, and hike. When it’s time to relax, Australian Bernedoodles are usually happy to join you on the couch for a snuggle. Most of them have little need for personal space. They are eager learners, responding best to positive reinforcement, consistency, and early socialization. Their intelligence makes them excellent candidates for advanced training, agility, or therapy work. They require about 45–90 minutes of daily exercise, with both physical and mental stimulation.
Many people ask me about the difference between a Bernedoodle and an Australian Bernedoodle. In my experience, the biggest difference is in appearance. Australian Bernedoodles tend to be stockier, with a more square build. Because the Australian Labradoodle has a softer, teddy bear look compared to the Poodle, mixing in the Australian Labradoodle instead of the Poodle gives the Australian Bernedoodle a more teddy bear look and square appearance. Their coats also tend to be softer, with a fleece-like texture that adds to their cuddly, plush look and feel. They tend to avoid the extreme stubbornness sometimes seen in Bernese and may be more confident in new environments, thanks to the Australian Labradoodle influence.
My clients most commonly describe their Australian Bernedoodles as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly, and loving.
Australian Bernedoodles aren’t without their challenges. Even with careful breeding and selecting only the best parents, some puppies may still inherit traits such as stubbornness, protectiveness, or sensitivity from the Bernese side. Fortunately, these tendencies are often greatly softened by the influence of the Australian Labradoodle, which contributes confidence, adaptability, and an eagerness to please. It’s important to remember that training is essential with any puppy. You should be prepared to dedicate the first two years to consistent guidance and training, helping your puppy grow into a well-mannered, wonderful adult dog.
In general, the Australian Bernedoodle is an intelligent, social, fun crossbreed with character and charisma. On the whole, Australian Bernedoodles tend to be quite similar to Goldendoodles in nature. Every dog has a different personality, but the two breeds have much in common, and those traits make them excellent family pets.
Appearance
Australian Bernedoodles are most commonly seen in pure black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-color (black, white, and brown). They can also come in a variety of other patterns and shades, including bi-color, phantom, sable, merle, chocolate, cream, apricot, and parti. Their overall appearance blends features of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Labradoodle. Compared to the classic Bernedoodle, they tend to be stockier, with a more square, teddy bear–like build. Beyond color, carefully selected parents usually produce puppies that consistently combine the best traits of both breeds. In short, Australian Bernedoodles often look like adorable, shaggy teddy bears!
Many clients specifically request a tri-color Bernedoodle with markings that closely resemble those of the Bernese Mountain Dog. While this look is undeniably striking, I personally love Australian Bernedoodles in every color. For me, temperament is always far more important than coat color, especially since colors can fade or change over time.
Coat
The Australian Bernedoodle is well known for its luxurious, soft fleece coat, one of the features that makes this hybrid so appealing to families. By introducing the Australian Labradoodle into the Bernedoodle line, we’ve been able to produce coats that are not only allergy-friendly but also exceptionally plush and teddy bear-like in both look and feel.
Texture & Feel
- The fleece coat is incredibly soft and silky, often described as similar to cashmere or angora wool.
- It has a gentle, airy quality that makes the dog feel almost like a living stuffed animal.
- Unlike the coarse or wiry coats found in some other breeds, the Australian Bernedoodle’s coat is smooth to the touch and its hard not to want to cuddle them.
- The coat typically falls in loose waves or soft spirals, rather than tight curls
Maintenance & Grooming
The fleece coat is low-shedding, but it does require upkeep to stay beautiful and healthy:
- Brushing: 2–3 times per week to prevent tangles and mats.
- Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks to maintain coat shape and keep the coat from matting.
Families who commit to regular grooming find the benefits far outweigh the effort, as the fleece coat minimizes shedding and allergens in the home.
Benefits for Families
Comfort & Therapy Appeal: Its softness makes Australian Bernedoodles natural therapy dogs—people can’t resist running their hands through the coat, which provides comfort and connection.
Allergy-Friendly: While everyone’s allergies are different, the fleece/double furnished coat is one of the most suitable options for allergy-sensitive households.
Low Odor: The coat tends to carry less natural dog odor compared to heavy-shedding double coats.
Sizes
Australian Bernedoodles come in a range of sizes, depending on their parentage and genetics. As with most breeds, females are generally smaller than males.
- Standard: 22 – 29 inches at the shoulder, 66+ lbs
- Medium: 18 – 21 inches at the shoulder, 46–65 lbs
- Miniature: 14 – 17 inches at the shoulder, 26 –45 lbs
- Tiny: 10 – 13 inches at the shoulder, 10 –25lbs
These ranges reflect the typical averages, but occasionally a puppy may fall outside the expected height or weight.
Different Generations
When breeding Australian Bernedoodles, we produce different generations, each with slightly different traits. Here’s an overview:
- F1 (First Generation) – This is the initial cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Labradoodle. The result is a 50/50 mix, combining the loyalty and beauty of the Bernese with the low-to-non-shedding coat and trainability of the Australian Labradoodle. This generation is often considered the healthiest because the parents come from two distinct gene pools, which reduces the likelihood of passing on common hereditary conditions.
- F1B (Bernese Backcross) – This is when an F1 Australian Bernedoodle is bred back to a Bernese Mountain Dog. The result is a puppy with a higher percentage of Bernese, giving them even more of the classic Bernese Mountain Dog look and temperament, while still carrying the benefit of a softer, low-to-non-shedding coat.
- F2 (Second Generation) – This occurs when two F1 Australian Bernedoodles are bred together. F2s can have inconsistent coats if both parents only have one furnishing gene.
- Multigenerational (Multigen) – Any Australian Bernedoodle beyond the F2 generation falls into this category. With several generations of Australian Bernedoodles bred together, the traits become even more predictable than in the F2 generation. Through careful and selective breeding, coat texture, shedding level, and temperament are further refined and consistent.
Health and Lifespan
The infusion of multiple breeds often provides the benefit of hybrid vigor, which can help reduce the risk of certain inherited conditions. The average lifespan of an Australian Bernedoodle is typically 10–15 years, depending on size, genetics, and overall care.
While they tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, Australian Bernedoodles can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, certain eye disorders, and skin issues like hot spots or allergies. As with any breed, cancer is also a possibility.
Genetic testing helps reduce the risk of many inherited diseases. Reputable breeders conduct extensive health testing on their breeding dogs and provide proof of results. It’s important for prospective families to understand that breeders invest significant resources upfront to source healthy breeding stock and complete these tests. This investment is reflected in the price of the puppy—but that higher upfront cost often translates into lower veterinary expenses and a healthier, happier dog in the long run.
Bernedoodle Mismatch
The Australian Bernedoodle is a versatile companion, well-suited for a wide range of families and lifestyles; with a few caveats:
- This is a very social dog that thrives on plenty of human interaction; if you have limited time for a dog, this may not be the breed for you. They need exercise and mental engagement.
- You should be prepared to dedicate the first two years to consistent guidance and training, helping your puppy grow into a well-mannered, wonderful adult dog.
- A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming.
- If your Australian Bernedoodle should happen to inherit the stubbornness or sensitivity of the Bernese – it will need more of your attention in the form of exercise and training, especially in the first couple of years.
But if you have the time and enthusiasm, I predict your Australian Bernedoodle will become the best friend you ever had – at least of the canine variety.
We wrote the first book on Bernedoodles
This comprehensive, easy-to-read and entertaining book covers everything you need to know about this amazing hybrid. Since Bernedoodles can vary significantly in size, build, coloring, and even personality, prospective owners need advice from someone who knows the breed inside out. Who better than the breeder who created them?