Everything you want to know about the Bernedoodle.
About Bernedoodles
The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. This hybrid blends the clever goofiness of the Poodle, with the placid loyalty of the Bernese. What’s more, the Bernedoodle is low to non-shedding, making it a safe bet for most people with allergies.
I believe the Bernedoodle is the perfect companion dog. Although many are stunning, they are not bred for the show ring. They are meant to be at your side no matter whether you are hiking, snowshoeing, or lying on the couch watching a movie. Their only job is to be your best friend.
No two Bernedoodles are identical. The genes from the parent breeds meld in unique ways, and it’s endlessly fascinating to see what each litter produces. That said, prospective owners must understand that there can be a lot of variation in a hybrid litter, and must therefore choose a breeder who can help match them with the best dog for their circumstances.
Well bred purebreds or multigenerational Bernedoodle may be the preferred choice for people who want predictability. When I was writing descriptions of my dogs, I was struck by the consistency of the traits among the purebreds. With some minor variations, one well-bred Berner is very similar to the next: sweet, loving, loyal and gentle. One well-bred Poodle is also very similar to the next: playful, intelligent, and goofy.
Notice that I emphasize “well-bred.” Like so many purebreds, Bernese and Poodles have been highly inbred over the past century. This has led not only to health problems, but also to temperament issues. Poorly bred Berners may be extremely stubborn and skittish. Poorly bred Poodles may be hyper and neurotic. It is incredibly difficult to find healthy Bernese and Poodles with calm and confident temperaments that also happen to be gorgeous.
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 Poodle
The Poodle is one of the oldest and most versatile breeds in the world. Although often associated with France, where it became a national symbol, the breed actually originated in Germany, where it was developed as a water retriever. The name “Poodle” comes from the German word pudel or pudelin, meaning “to splash in water.” Early Poodles were prized for their intelligence, athleticism, and exceptional retrieving ability, particularly in marshes and lakes. Over time, the breed was refined in France into the elegant, stylish dog that became synonymous with French culture, but its true roots are as a hardworking, hardy hunting dog.
Poodles rank high on the canine intelligence scale and excel in obedience. Most people are aware that this lovely breed has a low- to non-shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. What people don’t realize is how lively and fun-loving Poodles can be. They are the clowns of the dog world, and it’s no coincidence they were used in circus acts for centuries.
Poodles are lively and playful, and have an assertive prance to their walk. They thrive in a busy household where there is plenty of attention to go around. Vigorous exercise and ongoing training are the keys to managing the Poodle’s exuberance. If bored, Poodles may find their way into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert and have earned a reputation for barking.
Poodles can be nervous and sensitive to stress, and are typically affected by eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. The most common problems are bloat/torsion, thyroid issues, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer.
Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colors. They have a single layer of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally but will mat without proper care.
Bernese Meets Poodle… 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 Bernedoodle are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the Poodle and the Bernese – two breeds that share few common diseases. Bernedoodles therefore have what is referred to as “hybrid vigor”, and can be expected to live healthier, longer lives than their purebred parents.
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 Bernedoodle, the blend of the Bernese and the Poodle produces a smart, friendly, playful dog. They tend to have the sweetness and loyalty of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the Poodle. Like the Bernese, they are gentle around children and the elderly.
Most Bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. They love to play, run, and hike with you. When it’s time to relax, Bernedoodles are usually happy to join you on the couch for a snuggle. Most of them have little need for personal space.
My clients most commonly describe their Bernedoodles as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly and loving with a touch of sass and stubbornness.
Bernedoodles aren’t always perfect, however. Despite my efforts to breed only the best purebreds, some offspring may inherit stubbornness or sensitivity from the Bernese. Their training requires patience, a light touch, and positive reinforcement.
Bernedoodles may also inherit the Berner’s cautiousness with strangers and end up being somewhat skittish. Further, from the poodle they can inherit an extremely high level of energy.
In general, the Bernedoodle is an intelligent, social, fun crossbreed with character and charisma. On the whole, Bernedoodles tend to be quite similar to Goldendoodles in nature, with the most notable difference being that the Bernedoodle can be headstrong. I find the Goldendoodle is better for first time dog owners. Every dog has a different personality, but the two breeds have much in common, and those traits make them excellent family pets.
Appearance
Bernedoodles come in all colours, but the most common color is tri color. Their overall appearance combines elements of the Bernese and the Poodle. Beyond colour, well-chosen parents tend to blend the traits of the poodle and the Berner in a fairly consistent way. Although some pups may lean more toward either the poodle’s slighter build or the Berner’s sheer bulk, there is a common “look,” and a breeder can, to some extent, control that by studying the results of matching various pairs.
Many clients want a tri-color Bernedoodle, with markings as similar as possible to those of the Bernese mountain dog. Personally, I love Bernedoodles of all colours. Temperament is far more important to me than colour and colours can fade.
Coat
Bernedoodles can inherit a variety of coat types, ranging from straight to wavy to curly. The majority have a wavy coats, which is soft, and sheds minimally, if at all. This is the most popular type and what we strive to breed towards, as it provides the “teddy bear” look while still being relatively low-maintenance compared to tighter curls. We can tell a puppies coat by knowing the genetics of the parents and looking at the coat when they are seven weeks of age. An experienced breeder can help families choose the coat that will best suit their lifestyle.
Curly-coated Bernedoodles more closely resemble Poodles and are often the best match for families with more severe allergies, as they shed the least. However, these coats require more maintenance: daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Straighter coats are lower maintenance but may shed more if they lack a furnishing gene, resembling a Bernese coat.
For allergy considerations, most people with sensitivities to dog dander do well with wavy or curly coats (with one or two furnishing genes), though every person’s allergies are different. Responsible breeders allow time for families to interact with their puppy and ensure they are not allergic, if needed. It’s important to note that individuals allergic to dog saliva will likely react to all Bernedoodles, regardless of coat type, although choosing a smaller-sized Bernedoodle may help since they naturally produce less saliva.
Because most Bernedoodles shed very little, their coats require regular maintenance. With a coat that continues to grow, mats can easily form. Routine brushing and professional clipping are essential to keeping their coats healthy, comfortable, and beautiful.
Sizes
Bernedoodles come in different sizes, depending on the parents and the vagaries of genetics. Females are usually 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 capture the averages, but sometimes a pup will fall outside the expected height and weight.
In terms of temperament, mini and tiny Bernedoodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard, to reflect the same in the miniature and toy Poodle parents.
Different Generations
F1 Bernedoodle
An F1 is a first-generation cross in which the puppy is 50 percent Bernese Mountain Dog and 50 percent Poodle. 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 Bernedoodle
An F1B is a backcross, meaning a Bernedoodle is bred back to a Poodle. The resulting puppies are approximately 75 percent Poodle and 25 percent Bernese Mountain Dog. Because of the higher percentage of Poodle, F1Bs often have curlier coats, especially if they inherit two curl genes (one from each parent) and they also tend to shed less if they inherit two furnishing genes.
It’s important to note that an F1B pairing isn’t always Bernedoodle × Poodle. It can also be Bernese Mountain Dog × Bernedoodle. The outcome depends heavily on the genetics of the Bernedoodle parent:
- If the Bernedoodle is an F1 (first generation), many of the puppies may have straighter coats and shed more.
- If the Bernedoodle is multigenerational and carries two furnishing genes, the puppies are more likely to inherit a soft, wavy, low-shedding coat with more of a Bernese appearance.
This is why understanding coat genetics is so important and why buyers should always ask their breeder for clarity. Without proper coat testing, F1B’s and F2’s can produce unpredictable results.
F2 Bernedoodle
An F2 is a second-generation cross, created by breeding two F1 Bernedoodles together. Because both parents are already Bernedoodles, F2s can be less predictable in terms of appearance and coat type. Some puppies may inherit the low-shedding, wavy coat that many families desire, while others may end up with an “improper coat” resembling that of a Bernese Mountain Dog, which sheds more. F2 Bernedoodles may also show more variation in color, and coat texture compared to carefully selected multigenerational pairings. While F2s can make wonderful companions, families should be aware that consistency is not guaranteed in this generation.
Multigenerational (Multigen) Bernedoodle
A multigenerational Bernedoodle, often called a “multigen,” is bred from Bernedoodle parents beyond the F2 generation. This means several generations of selective breeding have gone into producing greater consistency in coat type, temperament, and size. Multigens are popular because responsible breeders can use genetic testing and thoughtful pairing to reliably produce soft, wavy, low-shedding coats while also stabilizing size and personality traits.
That said, predictability depends greatly on the breeder’s knowledge of genetics and commitment to health testing. Without careful selection, even multigen puppies can inherit improper coats that shed or health issues common to both the Bernese and Poodle. However, when bred with care, multigenerational Bernedoodles offer the best of both worlds, the loyal, affectionate nature of the Bernese paired with the intelligence and low-shedding qualities of the Poodle which are refined over generations for greater consistency.
Although Bernedoodles vary in appearance and coat type, an experienced breeder can usually give families a good idea of what a puppy will look like as an adult. This is based on the traits of the parents, what they’ve produced in past litters, and the specific qualities seen in each pup.
Health and Lifespan
Over the past two decades of breeding, I’ve found that the majority of Bernedoodles are much healthier and live longer than their Bernese Mountain Dog parents. This strongly supports the idea that hybrid vigor (the health benefits that come from crossing two different breeds) is producing a sturdier, longer-lived dog that families can enjoy for many years. Based on my experience, the average lifespan of a Bernedoodle is typically 10–15 years, depending on size, genetics, and overall care. As with most breeds, smaller sizes tend to live longer than larger ones.
While Bernedoodles are generally healthier than purebred Bernese, they can still be prone to certain conditions. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, inherited eye problems, and skin issues such as hot spots or allergies. Like any other breed, they may also develop cancer.
Fortunately, genetic testing and responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk of these issues. Reputable breeders invest heavily in health screening—testing hips, elbows, eyes, and DNA testing—before breeding. It’s important for prospective families to recognize that this significant upfront investment in healthy breeding stock is reflected in the price of a puppy. While the initial cost may be higher, it often translates into a healthier dog and fewer veterinary bills over the long run.
Bernedoodle Mismatch
I believe the Bernedoodle is a suitable dog for most people, 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.
- 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 Bernedoodle should happen to inherit the higher energy of the Poodle or the stubbornness of the Bernese – or both – 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 Bernedoodle will become the best friend you ever had – at least of the canine variety.
Watch me Grow
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?