About Bernedoodles
*Please know we currently breed for medium and standard Bernedoodles, no mini’s as of yet.
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.
Characteristics
Generally speaking, Bernedoodles are similar to Goldendoodles in nature. Young Bernedoodles may exhibit stubbornness or indifference at times, taking after the BMD, but every pup is unique. Typical at the puppy stage, this will usually disappear when the Bernedoodle is older and has had more training. Each dog has its own personality, but the two breeds share many commonalities and those traits make them excellent family pets.
Bernedoodles can inherit the Poodle’s remarkable intelligence as well as, in some cases, their elevated energy and activity level. This can mean that training for some families may require more patience than others. When well bred, the Bernedoodle is an alert extrovert with charm and charisma to match their great looks. 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.
Pictured below is my husband, John, and I, along with Heidi, who loves to hike! We are at the top of Madonna Mountain in picturesque San Luis Obispo.
Features/Coat
Bernedoodles are usually black and white, black and rust, or tri-color, meaning black, rust and brilliant white. The overall look combines traits of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog, or BMD. Some puppies in a particular litter may have the overall bulk of the Bernese while others may lean more towards the Poodle with a slighter build. In looking at a litter of Bernedoodles, it’s easy to see why they are often compared to scruffy teddy bears. Pictured below is our handsome F1 Bernedoodle, Bernee, who we co-own with my sister, Gail, of Gail’s Doodles. Bernee is tri-colored and will be a future breeder for us.
Just like each person has a different head of hair, so it is with the coat of a Bernedoodle. Most will have a slight wave in their coat that may shed some, but certainly not as much as their Bernese parent. Many people who are allergic to the dander in dogs are typically able to tolerate wavy coats. If a coat happens to be straight, it will shed more than its wavy counterpart, and people with allergies will likely sneeze and have other symptoms such as itchy eyes and throats. If the coat on a Bernedoodle is curly, it will not shed and will be similar to its Poodle parent. The curlier the coat, the more allergy-friendly the dog. A curlier coat is more prone to periodic grooming needs as it can be challenging to maintain.
As we have subsequent litters and continue our breeding program with future F1B’s and multi-gens, the allergy friendliness of these dogs will increase—excellent news for allergy-sufferers.
The Honeymooners
Heidi of Central Coast Doodles is our AKC Bernese Mountain Dog and the foundation of our breeding program. She weighs in on the conservative end of most BMD females at a petite 69 pounds. Heidi is the most gentle, amiable dog we’ve ever owned. A mean or aggressive bone in her body is yet to be found. Heidi wants to be with us 24/7 and is simply content to be where we are. Her general description and health testing results are on the Dams link of our website. She has, of course, passed with flying colors.
The sire for our second litter is Tradesmark’s Tucker. Tucker is an AKC Standard Tri-colored Poodle who is a fantastic combination of brains and brawn. He weighs in at 38 pounds. Slater’s description and health testing results can be seen on the Studs link of our website. He, too, has passed with flying colors!
Bernedoodle Sizes:
Depending on the size of the Bernese and the size of the Poodle, there will be varying sizes of Bernedoodles. Females tend to be smaller than males most of the time.
Standard: A Standard Poodle is bred to a Bernese Mountain Dog and will be roughly 50+ pounds and stand approximately 23-29 inches tall.
Medium: A Medium (Moyan) Poodle is bred to a Bernese Mountain Dog and will be roughly 26-49 pounds and stand approximately 18-22 inches tall.
Mini: A Mini Poodle is bred to a Mini Bernedoodle and will be roughly 10-24 pounds and stand approximately 12-17″ tall.
*At this point we are a couple years away in the breeding process from having any litters of minis.
**Please know that we estimate the size of your fully grown puppy based on the size and weight of the particular dam and sire. Just as in families with children, genetics may throw a curve ball from time to time and there can be exceptions to this rule. We cannot guarantee size.
F1 Standard Bernedoodle Prices :
- Tri-colored: $4,000.00
- Phantom, Chocolate, Sable & Parti: $3,750.00
- Abstract (black/white markings): $3,750.00
F1B Bernedoodle :
- Tri-colored: $4,250.00
- Phantom, Chocolate, Sable & Parti: $4,000.00
- Abstract (black/white markings): $4,000.00
F2B Bernedoodle:
- Tri-colored: $4400.00
- Phantom, Abstract $4250.00
Fun Facts About Bernese Mountain Dogs
Because of the explosion in popularity over the last ten years in Poodle hybrids (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, etc.), people seem to be generally familiar with the Poodle breed. Bernedoodles are just making their way onto the scene, and many are not as familiar with Bernese Mountain Dogs. To give a bit of history, BMD’s are originally from Switzerland and were named for the Canton of Bern. It is thought they were introduced in the early 1900’s. Alpine herdsmen typically used them as working dogs hitched to a cart for hauling milk and other items to the dairy as well as driving cattle to pasture and serving as farm watchdogs.
In addition to their striking good looks, Berners have wonderful temperaments and are known for being eager to please, highly devoted, tolerant, and extremely loyal. Berners 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. The Berner 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 Berner is most happy.