So you want a Bernedoodle?
Are they the breed for you
General information
Bernedoodles are celebrated for their affectionate and friendly temperament, making them exceptional family companions. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and relatively easy to train. While most Bernedoodles are calm and gentle, some may display a more stubborn or independent streak, which can add to their unique charm.
These delightful dogs come in three sizes:
- Miniature: Under 18kg
- Medium: 18-25kg
- Standard: 25kg and above
Bernedoodles are a wonderful blend of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. As someone who owns both breeds, I can truly see how they complement each other beautifully. The Poodle’s trainability and eagerness to please, combined with the Bernese Mountain Dog’s loyalty and devotion, create a remarkable companion that’s as loving as they are intelligent.
We offer two distinct types of Bernedoodles, each with unique traits and characteristics:
F1 Bernedoodle: 50% Bernese Mountain Dog, 50% Poodle
This variety typically has a shaggy or straight coat and a sturdy, thick-set build. F1 Bernedoodles make excellent family companions, known for their low to moderate energy levels once fully matured. They are laid-back and easygoing, perfect for a relaxed family lifestyle.
F1b Bernedoodle: 75% Poodle, 25% Bernese Mountain Dog
F1b Bernedoodles often have a shaggy, wavy, or curly coat that does not shed. They combine the trainability of the Poodle with the loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Slightly smaller and more manageable in size, they remain sturdy and adventurous, making them great companions for various activities and an social lifestyle.
When searching for your Bernedoodle, it’s important to keep a few key considerations in mind. Both parent breeds can sometimes exhibit traits like aloofness, nervousness, or be prone to certain health issues. To ensure a happy and healthy companion, always confirm that both parents have undergone proper health screenings and possess sound temperaments. This helps reduce the risk of inheriting undesirable traits from either breed.
Did you know that temperament is just as inheritable as physical health?
We take pride in our breeding program, ensuring all of our females undergo official temperament and behavior assessments with certificates.
Health
When breeding or purchasing a Bernedoodle, prioritizing health is essential for both breeders and potential puppy owners. Both parent breeds are prone to certain health conditions that should be screened for. It is the breeder's responsibility to conduct these crucial health tests before bringing puppies into the world to prevent lifelong suffering. Likewise, it is up to the buyer to carefully choose a reputable breeder who performs these vital screenings.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a majestic breed, but sadly, they are prone to various health issues, originally bred for farm work, Bernese Mountain Dogs were the ultimate companions for farmers, excelling in tasks such as protecting livestock, pulling carts, and driving cattle. They were tireless workers with remarkable versatility. However, in modern times, these dogs often struggle with serious health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) lists Bernese Mountain dogs as a priority breed for hip and elbow screening.
Responsible breeders committed to raising healthy dogs always prioritize essential health testing. These tests cost approximately £500 and only need to be conducted once. For a breed as costly as Bernedoodles, there is simply no valid excuse to neglect this crucial step.
In contrast, Poodles—whether Standard or Miniature—are generally a healthier breed with a longer lifespan, which is one of the key advantages of crossing Poodles with Bernese Mountain Dogs to create the Bernedoodle.
However, responsible breeding of Poodles both Standard and Miniature also requires hip scoring recommended by the kennel club and Standards are also requiring elbow screening
Hip and elbow dysplasia are debilitating conditions that can severely impact a dog’s quality of life and often require surgical intervention. While health screening cannot entirely eliminate the risk of dysplasia, it significantly reduces the chances of passing these issues on to the next generation.
Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles also require DNA testing as part of responsible breeding practices. These tests are straightforward for breeders to perform, and the cost of comprehensive health testing is minimal compared to the high price of Bernedoodles. Always question the integrity of breeders who neglect to complete these essential health screenings.
Health tests recommended for both breeds are readily available for review on the Kennel Club website.
We take great pride in ensuring that our girls undergo all the health screenings recommended by the Kennel Club. Their official test results are uploaded and can be viewed directly on the Kennel Club website for complete transparency.
Breed requirements
Is someone home during the day?
Bernedoodles are social, family-oriented dogs that thrive on human interaction. I would not recommend a Bernedoodle for individuals who work long hours away from home or plan to leave their dog alone for more than 4 hours a day. They need companionship to be happy and well-adjusted.
Do you have time to exercise your dog daily?
Adult Bernedoodles require about an hour of exercise each day. Ideally, at least 45 minutes of this should be off-leash to provide full enrichment. If you're concerned about off-leash training, I can guide you with tips and advice. Bernedoodles are active dogs—they’re definitely not couch potatoes!
Are you willing to brush your dog or hire a groomer?
If you'd like to keep your Bernedoodle in a longer coat, regular grooming is essential. You'll need to brush them thoroughly at least three times a week to prevent matting. Additionally, professional grooming is required every 6-8 weeks for longer hairstyles, or 8-12 weeks if kept shorter. Depending on the size of your Bernedoodle, grooming costs can range from £45-90 per session.
Are you ready to commit to training your puppy?
We provide your puppy with the best possible start, including access to both indoor and outdoor spaces to ease the house-training process. However, fully house-training your puppy can still take up to 6 weeks, depending on factors like garden access, human commitment and poodle content—the higher the poodle mix, the easier it tends to be.
Like all puppies, Bernedoodle pups will chew, mouth, cry, and get into mischief during their early months. While I can offer plenty of advice and support, raising a puppy requires patience and effort. Turning your pup into the family dog of your dreams takes time, love, and commitment, but the reward is well worth it!
What is an ethical breeder?