Bernedoodle: Dog breed characteristics & care

• Bernedoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Thanks to their poodle half, these furry friends can be a good option for allergy sufferers.
• They love cold weather. Hailing from the mountains of Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred as farm dogs and would haul fresh milk and produce in snowy weather.
• Bernedoodles can come in three different sizes. Just like their poodle parent, Bernedoodles can come in Tiny, Miniature, or Standard sizes. A Tiny or ‘toy’ breed weighs between 10 and 24 pounds!

These happy, go-lucky dogs are known for their lovable temperaments. Standard Bernedoodles tend to be playful and very affectionate with their families, making them great dogs for anyone with children. Be prepared to give your Bernedoodle plenty of the attention that they crave! This breed can experience separation anxiety if they’re left alone too often. These sweet pups may be skittish around new people or pets at first, but allow some time for them to warm up and they’ll soon be giving kisses all around!

In general, Bernedoodles tend to have fewer health issues than either of their pure-breed parents and tend to live long, healthy lives. However, here are a few health concerns to be aware of.

• Skin issues. Bernedoodles can experience skin irritations due to their thick coats, which may lead to gnawing or chewing of the area. Frequent grooming, along with a vet-approved supplement, can deter dry and irritated skin.
• Elbow and hip dysplasia. Large breeds, including the Bernese Mountain Dog, are prone to joint pain. This issue is less common in mixed-breed dogs, but pet parents should look out for symptoms such as limping or discomfort when walking.
• Cancer. Histiocytosis is a type of cancer that is prevalent among Bernese Mountain Dogs, which make up 25% of all cases. It is less common in Bernedoodles, but, being a hereditary disease, can still occur.
• Eye conditions. Eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, are common in Bernese Mountain Dogs. If left unaddressed, eye conditions can lead to vision loss, so be aware of what symptoms to look out for.

Cost of caring for a Bernedoodle

It’s important to be prepared for the costs of your new furry friend. Luckily, Bernedoodles were bred to be healthy dogs with a long life expectancy. However, if you’re concerned about unwanted vet bills, enrolling your pup into a health insurance plan is always a good idea. These plans provide pet parents with a way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. An alternative to health insurance is a pet savings account, which allows pet parents to budget expenses by setting funds aside for emergency care.

A relatively new breed, breeder Sherry Rupke introduced the first cross of Bernese Mountain Dogs and poodles in 2003. Sometimes called the Bernese Mountain Poo, she sought to combine the sweet, affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the smart and athletic abilities of the poodle. Historically, Bernese Mountain Dogs hail from the Swiss Alps, and were used primarily as farming dogs. However, their loyal and affectionate temperament made them the perfect companion dog to farmers as well.

By breeding these long-haired mountain dogs with the poodle, Rupke found a great combination for dog-lovers who struggle with allergies. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, poodles have non-shedding hair, which lessens the amount of dander they release. Poodles have become a popular breeding dog for this very reason!

There are plenty of factors to consider when deciding to bring home your new puppy. Schedule that first trip to the vet right off the bat,  and get your dog’s vaccinations up to date. And since Bernedoodles require plenty of outdoor time, consider FidoAlert, which provides a free Fido ID and tag so you’re prepared just in case your new pup wanders out of sight.

Exercise

Bernedoodles are very active and playful dogs that require daily exercise. Smaller dogs will do well in smaller spaces, such as apartments, as long as they get out for a regular walk and play. However, larger Bernedoodles thrive in a space where they have room to run, such as a fenced-in backyard or open-air dog park. Bernedoodles make great hiking companions, thanks to their mountain heritage. If your Bernedoodle does not have a physical outlet to release its energy, it may resort to unwanted behavior, such as chewing or digging.

Grooming

Your Bernedoodle’s coat will vary depending on how much of either parent shows up in their litter. For instance, poodles tend to have curly fur that does not shed, while Bernese Mountain Dogs have long, straight fur which sheds more. Each Bernedoodle is a unique combination of its parent breeds, but pet parents should expect a beautiful coat that requires upkeep. Brushing at home helps keep their fur from becoming tangled and matted. Additionally, a trip to the groomer every few months for a trim will help keep your Bernedoodle’s coat comfortable and fresh.

The American Kennel Club recommends regular nail trimming, along with a consistent dental hygiene routine to avoid plaque build-up. And don’t forget to check your pups’ ears every so often to look for signs of infection.

Diet and nutrition

Because Bernedoodles range so dramatically in size—from 10 to 90 lbs—depending on their breeding, it’s important to know what weight range your furry friend fits in. Feeding a miniature Bernedoodle the same amount as a standard Bernedoodle can lead to overeating and weight gain, which is unhealthy for any dog. Be sure to ask your vet about food portioning and which dog food is best for your pup.

Taking after their poodle parent, Bernedoodles are very smart and trainable dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and early socialization will help your pup become well-adjusted in many different scenarios. Your Bernedoodle puppy might take after their Bernese Mountain Dog side and be a bit stubborn, so start training early and reward positive behavior with treats and affection!

Not quite sure that a Bernedoodle is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:

• Goldendooodle. This popular breed is a mix of a golden retriever and a poodle, making them easy-going, active, and less prone to shedding.
• Cockapoo. Cockapoos are one of the oldest ‘designer dogs,’ which combines a cocker spaniel and a poodle. Like Bernedoodles, these pups soak up love and affection from their families.
• Cavapoo. Also known as Cavadoodles, these pups take the best of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the poodle to create a lovable, high-energy breed.