The Bernedoodle is a hybrid canine created by crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Poodle. With their wavy or curly coats, Bernedoodles have become a sought-after breed in recent years. These charming and affectionate hybrid dogs have won over the hearts of many dog lovers with their adorable appearance and friendly temperament.
Bernedoodles are a great choice for families with allergies owing to their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the characteristics, history, and care requirements of the Bernedoodle to help you decide if this furry friend is the right fit for your family.
History of Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a relatively new designer dog breed with a history that spans back only a few decades. It was first bred in North America in the early 2000s to combine the loyal and friendly personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat of the Poodle.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was nearly extinct by the late 1800s but revived in the early 1900s by a group of breed enthusiasts. However, the Poodle has a long and storied history that dates back several hundred years.
About The Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or the Berner Sennenhund, is originally from Switzerland. The breed was originally used as a general farm dog for tasks such as herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding the home and farm.
They are known for their striking appearance, featuring a tri coloured coat of black, white, and rust, thick in nature. They are popular family pets owing to their gentle and affectionate personalities.
While Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally friendly and outgoing, they can be wary of strangers and may exhibit protective behaviour.
About The Poodle
The Poodle originated in Germany, where it was used as a water retriever for hunting. The breed is known for its distinctive curly or corded coat, which comes in a range of colours, including black, white, brown, and grey.
Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable, and they are often used as performance dogs in activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking. They are a popular choice for individuals with allergies.
They are also popular in dog shows and as companion dogs for many years. They are known for being gentle and friendly, but they can be reserved with strangers.
About The Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle
The Bernedoodle is a relatively new hybrid breed that is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. As a hybrid breed, the characteristics of Bernedoodles can vary depending on the individual dog, with some having more traits from one parent breed than the other.
One of the main advantages of Bernedoodles is that they tend to be low-shedding or hypoallergenic, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. They are known for their friendly personalities and love spending time with their owners.
1. Physical Attributes
Bernedoodles generally have a sturdy and well-proportioned build with a broad chest and a strong neck. They can range in size depending on the size of the Poodle parent.
| Attributes | Bernese Mountain Dog | Poodle | Bernedoodle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 30 to 36 inches | 9 to 24 inches | 12 to 29 inches |
| Weight | 70 to 120 lbs | 6 to 60 pounds | 10 to 90 lbs |
| Lifespan | 6 to 8 years | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 18 years |
2. Personality And Temperament
Because Bernedoodles are a hybrid breed, they may inherit traits from their parent breeds that can affect their personality and temperament. Bernedoodles may be a good fit for a variety of different households, from families with children to active singles or couples.
They tend to be social and enjoy spending time with their owners, often following them around the house or cuddling up for a nap. Like many dog breeds, Bernedoodles can be prone to separation anxiety if they are not properly socialised and trained.
Bernedoodles come in a range of sizes, from tiny or toy breeds to standard sizes. This makes them adaptable to a variety of living situations, from small apartments to larger homes with plenty of outdoor space.
3. With Family, Kids, And Pets
When properly socialised and trained, Bernedoodles can be gentle and patient with children. They are generally tolerant of being handled and enjoy playing with kids. Nevertheless, as with any breed, it’s important to supervise interactions between dogs and children to ensure that both parties are safe and comfortable.
Bernedoodles are also generally good with other pets, including dogs and cats. They may take time to adjust to a new pet in the home, but with proper introductions and socialisation, they form strong bonds with other pets.
4. Appearance
Bernedoodles are known for their charming and cuddly appearance. They have curly or wavy coats that are low-shedding or hypoallergenic, and come in a range of colours including black, white, brown, and various shades of tan and grey.
In terms of facial features, Bernedoodles typically inherit a mix of traits from their parent breeds. They often have a round head with expressive eyes that can be brown, hazel, or blue. They also tend to have a long muzzle with a black nose and floppy ears that can be either straight or curly.
5. Activity Level
Bernedoodles have a moderate activity level, which means that they require regular exercise and playtime to keep them healthy and happy, but they don’t need as much exercise as some other breeds.
Younger Bernedoodles may have more energy and require more exercise, while older Bernedoodles may have a lower activity level and prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. Additionally, Bernedoodles with a higher proportion of poodles in their genetics may have a lower activity level, as poodles are known for being less active than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Conversely, Bernedoodles with more Bernese Mountain Dog genes may have a higher activity level.
A typical Bernedoodle may need around 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, which can include activities such as walks, runs, hikes, and playtime in the backyard. They also enjoy mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or obedience training, to keep them engaged and mentally stimulated.
6. Diet And Nutrition
When choosing food for a Bernedoodle, it is important to look for one that is made with high-quality proteins and healthy carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives.
Some Bernedoodle owners may choose to feed their dogs a raw food or homemade diet. Work with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure that the diet is nutritionally balanced and meets the specific needs of the individual dog.
In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, it’s important to ensure that Bernedoodles have access to clean and fresh water at all times. Keep in mind to monitor their weight and adjust their diet and exercise as needed to maintain a healthy body condition.
7. Training
Bernedoodles are generally considered to be highly trainable and intelligent dogs. They often respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, which involve rewarding good behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime.
They are adaptable and able to adjust to new situations and environments relatively easily, which makes training easier. Bernedoodles are often used as therapy dogs or service animals because of their trainability and ability to learn new skills. They excel in a variety of training areas, including obedience, agility, and tracking.
It’s important to start training a Bernedoodle at a young age to establish good habits and behaviours. Early socialisation and exposure to different people, animals, and environments can also help them become well-rounded and well-behaved adult dogs.
8. Health Concerns
Like all dog breeds, Bernedoodles are prone to certain health concerns. Here are some of the most common health issues that Bernedoodles may experience:
- Hip Dysplasia: In this condition, the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly, which can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Elbow Dysplasia: This is a condition where the elbow joint doesn’t develop correctly, which can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a group of genetic eye disorders that can cause vision loss and blindness.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is a blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding and bruising.
- Bloat: Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, which can cut off blood flow to the stomach and other organs.
- Allergies: Bernedoodles may be prone to various types of allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies, and skin allergies.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures and other symptoms.
- Ear Infections: Bernedoodles may be prone to ear infections, especially if they have floppy ears that trap moisture and bacteria.
9. Care
- Bernedoodles have thick, curly or wavy coats that require regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Most Bernedoodles need to be brushed at least once a week, and some may require more frequent grooming depending on the texture of their coat. Professional grooming may also be necessary every few months to maintain the coat’s length and shape.
- Bernedoodles’ nails grow quickly and require regular trimming to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or injury. Nails should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks or as needed.
- Bernedoodles only need to be bathed every 2-3 months, or as needed if they become particularly dirty or smelly. It’s important to use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and to rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation or dryness.
- Good dental hygiene is important for all dogs, including Bernedoodles. Regular brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush, as well as providing dental chews or toys, can help prevent dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
FAQ’s
Q1. Are Bernedoodles good with kids?
Ans. Yes, Bernedoodles are generally great with kids and make wonderful family pets. They are friendly, sociable, and enjoy playing.
Q2. Do Bernedoodles shed?
Ans. Bernedoodles have low-shedding coats, which makes them a good option for people with allergies or who don’t want a lot of dog hair in their home.
Q3. Are Bernedoodles easy to train?
Ans. Yes, Bernedoodles are known for being intelligent and easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
Q4. How often do Bernedoodles need grooming?
Ans. Bernedoodles have thick, curly or wavy coats that require regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Most Bernedoodles need to be brushed at least once a week, and some may require professional grooming every few months.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Bernedoodle is a popular and beloved hybrid breed that combines the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle with the loyalty and affection of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
These dogs are known for their friendly and sociable personalities, as well as their low-shedding coats and moderate to high exercise needs.
While they may be prone to certain health concerns and require regular grooming and care, Bernedoodles make wonderful pets for families, individuals, and anyone looking for a loyal and loving companion.