Characteristics

Bernedoodles inherit the trainable intelligence of the Poodle and the loyal, gentle, people-pleasing personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog. They are known for their shaggy, lovable, teddy bear look and low allergy, low to non-shedding coat. They are typically bulkier than a standard poodle with a wavy coat. Bernedoodles come in numerous color varieties: pure black, black and brown, black-and-white, or tri-color (black, white and brown).

Most Bernedoodles need a moderate amount of daily activity such as walking, running and hiking. They will tend to crash each evening, sometimes completely on their backs, and enjoy plenty of snuggle time with their humans. In addition to their striking good looks, these dogs have wonderful temperaments and are known for being eager to please, highly devoted, tolerant, and extremely loyal. Bernedoodles will often do the Berner “lean” where they affectionately press into your leg with their entire body weight or even try to sit right in your lap.

This is a companion dog. They are calm, patient, often gregarious, and sometimes goofy when they play with their families. They can, however, be sensitive and headstrong at times. Participating in family activities is where the Bernedoodle is most happy.

Origin

Bernedoodles are a hybrid of the Bernese Mountain Dog (or BMD) and Standard Poodle, and come in three sizes: standard, medium, and miniature. Hybrids carry characteristics and traits from each of their purebred parents; in this case, an AKC Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Crossing dogs of different breeds tends to result in puppies that not only have the best attributes of each parent but are also healthier than either of their parents. Hybrids such as the Bernedoodle are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the BMD and the Poodle, and these two purebreds share few common diseases. Many cross-breeds such as the Bernedoodle (and the Goldendoodle) have what is referred to as “hybrid vigor.”

They can be expected to live healthier, longer lives than either of their parents.

The first intentional breeding of Bernedoodles was in 2003 by Sherry Rupke in Ontario, Canada. Since then they have grown in popularity and are bred throughout the United States. The Bernese Mountain Dog was first bred in Bern, Switzerland to be a sturdy working dog, and is inherently a calm, friendly, and loyal companion. The Poodle is originally from Germany and France and was used as a retriever of waterfowl.

The Bernedoodle is not recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), as it is a hybrid of two pure breeds instead of a new breed. It is, however, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Fancy Terminology

F1 (1st Generation) – Bernese Mountain Dog bred to a Poodle (50% Bernese Mountain Dog, 50% Poodle). F1’s have straight, borderline wavy, or wavy coats. More of the Berner characteristics come through in these pups compared to other generations. Generally, the wavier/curlier the coat, the less these puppies will shed due to the poodle influence.

F1B (2nd Generation) - F1 bred to a Poodle (75% Poodle, 25% Bernese Mountain Dog)
F1B’s have wavy, curly, or wooly coats and are low to non-shedding and are allergy friendly.

Multi-Generational – F1B bred to an F1B or a Multi-Gen bred to a Multi-Gen.
Multi-Gens also have a fleece, curly fleece or wool coat and are low to non-shedding and allergy friendly.

Coloring

Bi-Color Bernedoodles

  • Phantom coloring is made up of Rotweiler-like markings over the eyes.

  • Chocolate puppies are light or dark brown in color.

  • Parti puppies are 2-toned, with 50% or more of the coloring being white

  • Abstract puppies will be mostly black with white markings

Tri-Color Bernedoodles

  • Beautiful black, white, and tan colors of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Sizing

Standard Bernedoodles: Height: 25 inches or more at the tallest point of the shoulder; Weight: generally 60+ pounds. Males tend to be larger than females, regardless of the size category.

Medium Bernedoodles: Height: 19-25 inches to the shoulder; Weight: usually 35-59 pounds.

Miniature Bernedoodles: Height: under 18 inches to the shoulder; Weight: generally under 35 pounds.