Introduction
The Bernedoodle canine breed is a fabulous mixture of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, which creates an affectionate and bright partner. These crossbred dogs are admired for their unique appearance, pleasant temperament, and nonshedding coats. If you’re mulling over the idea of increasing the headcount of your household by one Bernedoodle, it’s a good idea to learn about this breed’s history, size, exercise demands, character traits, health, and how to care for them. This vital knowledge will help you decide if a Bernedoodle is the right dog for you.
History
Created by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels, the crossbreed of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles known as the Bernedoodle made its debut in the early 2000s. This affable and intelligent canine has only gained favor since, and for good reason. Like many designer breeds, the Bernedoodle is a first-generation cross. In this case, the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are the two purebreds. Such hybrids possess many of the best traits of both the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Size
The size of a Bernedoodle depends on the size of its Poodle parent. There are three main sizes.
Bernedoodles come in various sizes, with the smallest being ten-pound tiny Bernedoodles. The largest ones are called standard Bernedoodles. If you are looking for a BMD that won’t be too large or small, then the standard Bernedoodle is the best choice for you. It stands from 23 to 29 inches tall and can weigh between 70 and 90 pounds.
“Miniature Bernedoodles are less than 50 pounds in weight and are about the same height as a Mauxshndoodle—around 20 inches.”
The tiniest of the Bernedoodles, these ones are the ones most people think of when they think of mini. Ranging on the small side of things, they top out at 17 inches in height and weigh anywhere between 10 and 24 pounds.
Exercise
The Bernedoodle breed demands regular exercise in order to maintain their health and well-being. They are an active, lively breed and need to expend their energy one way or another. They need a lot of exercise, compared to some breeds. In my experience, a Bernedoodle needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of walking or playtime a day in order to be happy and well. Just going out in the yard and hanging out with your dog won’t cut it, in most cases. Just as with people, dogs can get in a “rut” and even become a bit depressed if they don’t get the regular physical and mental stimulation that they need.
Personality
The Bernedoodle breed is adequately reputed for its congenial, tender, and mindfully acute demeanor. These dogs are usually mellow and amiable, rendering them fantastic candidates for a family pet. Indeed, the Bernedoodle has an uncanny affinity for the presence of people and other animals in its environment. It always seems to radiate a vibe of pleasure and serenity. They are people-dogs and are generally friendly with strangers, especially after they have been properly introduced.
Health
Bernedoodles are, for the most part, a healthy breed; however, they still experience some of the common and unfortunate health issues that other large dog breeds do. For instance, hip dysplasia is a severe skeletal condition that can be quite debilitating and painful. Essential joints in the body, including the hips, do not form correctly and can dislocate. Another concerning issue is elbow dysplasia, where the three bones that make up the elbow grow abnormally; this, too, can be painful and result in lameness. Eye disorders and heart conditions can also occur in these dogs, as with any other breed.
Care and Feeding
It is crucial to give your Bernedoodle a diet that is good for its health and that is also well balanced. To make sure that your dog is eating the right amount and the right kinds of food, consult a vet. They can help you figure all that out—what food, how much food, how often—that pertains not just to your dog, but to your dog’s specific needs and life stage. And be careful when it comes to portion sizes; overfeeding is the leading cause of obesity in dogs.
Coat and Color
Bernedoodles have a coat that can be wavy, curly, or straight. These are typically low-shedding and are generally tolerated well by people with allergies. You can also find variations within the colors of their coats, which can be black, white, or brown in different combinations. Some are black and white or black and brown, and others may be tri-color, which is favored by some breeders. The look of a tricolor Bernedoodle resembles that of a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Grooming
Bernedoodles need to be groomed often. It is important to keep their hair clean and free from tangles. Bernedoodles should be brushed a few times a week. They should also see a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. The hairstylist will trim the dog’s hair everywhere. When they visit the groomer, Bernedoodles should have their ears checked for parasites, their teeth examined for dental disease, and their nails trimmed to the correct length.
Lifespan
The average Bernedoodle lives for 12 to 15 years, although some live even longer, up to 18 years. By maintaining a nutritious diet, getting consistent exercise, and receiving routine veterinary check-ups, you can do a lot to keep your Bernedoodle happy, healthy, and more likely to live for the longer side of this potential lifespan.
Interacting with Children
Generally, Bernedoodles are very friendly. They have lots of love and are good companions for children. They are even-tempered, friendly, and gentle, relishing the chance to play and cuddle. Although being with a Bernedoodle is an anti-depressant in itself, once you teach a child to be responsible and nourish the good interaction between children and dogs, good things happen. I did mention supervising, didn’t I? Well, it’s important, particularly when young children are in the same house as these dogs.
Interacting with Other Pets
Bernedoodles mostly like to be around other animals and usually get along rather well with them, especially if they have been properly socialized from a young age. Some Bernedoodles may, of course, through no fault of their own, not quite like all dogs or all cats, but even these can be taught that living with certain animals is just part of being a well-behaved Bernedoodle. Because Bernedoodles are sociable in nature, they generally like for there to be a decent amount of commotion in the house, and if you don’t have another dog or a cat, they might get lonely when you’re away for any significant amount of time.
Conclusion
The Bernedoodle is a lovable, innovative hybrid—part Poodle, part Bernese Mountain Dog—that truly appeals to a lot of families. An excellent prospect, the Bernedoodle has an exceptionally nice personality and is a good deal more adventurous than many of the Poodle crosses. They are wonderful with children and exhibit none of the high-energy antics of some of their fellow half-breeds. They have a low penchant for barking, seem to enjoy sleep almost as much as the audience they can effortlessly amuse, and, like their Poodle cousins, are highly intelligent. For many modern families, the Bernedoodle has sealed the deal—although, it must be said, they are very much a crossbreed and can inherit health and temperament problems from either parent.