Bernedoodle Pros and Cons • helloBARK! (2024)

Bernedoodles are a popular member of the Doodle community.

This hybrid dog is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle (standard, mini and toy).

Bernedoodles can inherit traits from both their Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle parent.

The Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels are credited with creating this cross breed in 2003 before the Bernedoodle spread in popularity.

If you’ve come across this article during your research on Bernedoodles, it’s important to note that they can also be called Bernese Mountain Poos.

You can get a F1 Bernedoodle – a first generation mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. A F1B is a cross between a Bernedoodle and a Poodle (25% Bernese Mountain Dog, Poodle 75%).

In this article, we’re going to take a look at Bernedoodle pros and Bernedoodle cons.

Bernedoodle Pros

Different sizes

Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. The size of a Bernedoodle will depend on whether a Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle is bred with the Bernese Mountain Dog. Standard Bernedoodles will usually be between 23 to 29 inches tall and 70 to 90 pounds in weight. The Miniature Bernedoodles can range from 18 to 22 inches tall and 25 to 49 pounds in weight. Finally, Toy Bernedoodles tend to be between 12 and 17 inches tall and 10 and 24 pounds in weight. The benefit of the different Bernedoodle sizes is that dog owners can select what size suits your living circ*mstances or your lifestyle.

For instance, Dennis (@dennis.b.doodle) is a Standard Bernedoodle.

Dennis is what you would consider a standard Bernedoodle, although he is definitely on the lower end of the scale in terms of size and weight. He will mature at approximately 55lbs and will be about 23-24 inches in height at the shoulder.

Family pets

Berndoodles, like a lot of Doodle cross breeds, can make excellent family pets. However, it’s important to remember that every dog is different. Bernedoodles can inherit characteristics that are associated with their Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle parent. As an owner of two dogs, I know the importance of socialization. It’s a good idea to socialize your puppy from a young age, whether it’s taking your new addition to socialization classes, puppy manners classes or puppy training classes. The Bernese Mountain Dog are often dubbed “gentle giants”. Their size means that they may still be suited to families with older children. We don’t advice leaving a dog alone unsupervised with children ever.

Here’s what the owners of Dennis (@dennis.b.doodle) said:

Yes! Overall, they are spectacular family dogs, and are usually very easy-going and patient with children. Dennis loves to play with our young nieces and nephew.

Kenzie’s mom Kelly (@kenziedood) added:

Bernedoodles are very cuddly and great with people including kids. They love to be close to you and are very loyal. They are even-tempered and not aggressive.

Don’t shed

Berndoodles are perhaps best known for being hypoallergenic. The American Kennel Club writes that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed. However, the organization do recommend some dog breeds as being more hypoallergenic than other canine varieties. The AKC put forward the Poodle as a breed that could be suited to a prospective pet owner with allergies. If you suspect you have allergies to dogs, you should speak to your doctor to learn more as this article doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice. Having said all that, if you speak to a lot of Bernedoodle owners, they’ll attest to the fact their dog is hypoallergenic or a low shedder.

Here what the mom of Dennis (@dennis.b.doodle) had to say about the topic.

Doodles of various mixes are allergy friendly and most people with allergies will not react to them. However, it is all on an individual basis as to how each individual react to with an individual dog.

Eevee (@eeveethebernedoodle) says her Bernedoodle is hypoallergenic.

Bernedoodle don’t shed (or minimum shedding depends on the % of poodle they have in them) and are usually hypoallergenic.

Intelligence

When you think of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, you’ll probably hazard a guess that it’s the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever or Labrador. However, the Border Collie is the smartest dog in the canine world. Just behind this working dog is the Poodle. Therefore, Bernedoodles can be pretty smart dogs considering the influence of the Poodle genes. Bernese Mountain Dogs are ranked at number 27 in the famous book on dog IQ called The Intelligence of Dogs. These big dogs are ranked just behind Belgian Malinois.

Here’s what Kenzi (@kenzidood) had to say about Bernedoodle intelligence.

Bernedoodles are very smart and can quickly pick up on new tricks as well as remember their previous training. They are very food motivated so that makes positive reinforcement training really effective. We love Zak George’s videos on YouTube for training tips.

Loyal and loving

It’s no surprise that Bernedoodles are such popular dogs giving their affectionate and loving personalities. The Bernese Mountain Poo like to be around their fellow family members. They’re likely to develop a deep bound with their owner and other members of the household. Berendoodles are often dubbed velcro dogs.

Bernedoodle Cons

Grooming requirements

While Bernedoodles are usually low shedding dogs that often considered hypoallergenic, so you won’t have to do lots of vacuuming. Like we mentioned above, they’ll usually be low shedding dogs with hypoallergenic qualities. Bernedoodles are dogs that will require a lot of grooming. They’ll usually require a daily brushing to remove dead hair, dirt and debris from their coat to prevent their hair becoming matted and tangled. It can also prevent an infection starting.

Eevee’s mom (@eeveethebernedoodle) provided us with an insight into their grooming routine.

Eevee has only had two full grooms so far. The groomers recommended us to wait until she lost her baby coat until a full groom! We took her for a face and paw trim when she was 6 months but we now try to trim her face and paws ourself when her hair gets too long (I would definitely recommend to get your puppy use to scissors and brush really young).

Some Bernedoodle owners will prefer to use the services of a professional groomer rather than a DIY grooming attempt at home. You’ll have to budget for a trip to a professional groomer every three months or so.

Eevee’s mom (@eeveethebernedoodle) added:

At 9 months we took her for her first full groom! Almost 4 hours and $160 later, she was a new dog! If you get a Bernedoodle (or any doodle dog) you have to be ready to brush them often to avoid mats and pay for pricey groom but it’s so worth not having hair all over you and the house! I would say that Bernedoodles need a full groom every season (depends on how short you want their coat and how often you keep up with home brushing and trimming).

Stubborn

Some Bernedoodle owners can attest to experiencing a stubborn streak with their Bernese Mountain Poo cross. Poodles are a highly intelligent breed but they can also be independent thinkers. Bernese Mountain Dogs were used to protect flock in mountains so these big dogs developed the ability to think on their feet. Of course, as with all cross breeds, each Bernedoodle could have slightly different personality traits. Either way, consistent and persistent training from a young age can encourage your dog to be more obedient.

Eevee’s mom (@eeveethebernedoodle) has experienced some of this stubborness.

If your Bernedoodle gets more of the Poodle personality, they sometimes can be a little stubborn (Eevee is definitely stubborn and a little sassy).

Dennis’s mom (@dennis.b.doodle) backed up this point.

They can be extremely stubborn and while they are easy to teach using food and motivational methods, they will also ignore you if it suits them.

Exercise needs

Bernedoodles, just like any dog breed, need sufficient mental and physical stimulation to promote a happy and healthy lifestyle. The Poodle is a very active dog breed that requires between 60 and 120 minutes of exercise a day. The American Kennel Club write on their website:

Poodles of any size are very active dogs who require good exercise every day to suit their high energy level. Poodles are eager for all kinds of activity, and they enjoy keeping busy.

The American organization writes that the Bernese Mountain Dog needs around 30 minutes of exercise a day, so they’re physical needs aren’t quite as demanding as the Poodle breed.

Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. While they are definitely meant to live indoors with their human family, Berners enjoy outdoor activities and make great companions on long walks or hikes.

Expensive

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that Bernedoodles, just like other Doodle varieties, don’t come cheap. There’s a reason they’re sometimes branded as a designer breed like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. During our research on the Bernedoodle breed, we found that most Bernedoodle breeder appeared to be charging between $3,000 and $4,000 for a pup.

While you’ll more than likely have to dig deep into your pockets to buy a Bernedoodle, Kenzie’s mum (@kenziedood) believes Bernedoodles a worth the investment.

Bernedoodles are a “designer” breed, it’s rare that you’d find one at a rescue, and more likely you’d have to get it from a breeder. However they are worth it! Our is from Crockett Doodles.

Herding instinct

Herding instinct is a trait that is often associated with common dog breeds such as Border Collies and Corgis. However, some Bernedoodles can be prone to herding. The AKC explain on their website that Bernese Mountain Dogs earned their keep by droving cattle, guarding farmyards from predators, and serving as gentle companions when the hard work of the day was done.

Famous dog trainer Cesar Milan provides an explanation into herding on his website.

Though this breed group is still a favorite farm dog, the majority of herding dogs today never see a farm animal. Still, many owners may notice their pet’s inclination to “herd” their families, particularly small children. And they may become worried about their dog’s tendency to urgently nudge or even nip at people. These behaviors are not aggressive, however. It’s important, however, to note that the innate herding instinct of breeds in this group will develop into problem behavior if not satisfied.

Food intolerances

It’s often said that cross breeds are healthier than purebred dogs. However, Bernedoodles are prone to some health conditions. During our research on the Bernedoodle breed, we met some owners who discussed food intolerances. This is something to consider if you’re adopted a Bernedoodle puppy. You should speak to your vet to learn more. You can also purchase a dog allergy test to learn more about potential intolerances.

Vicky explained that Eevee (@eeveethebernedoodle) has experienced some food intolerances.

The only “health” problem that Eevee have is that she’s intolerant to chicken (and most likely to all bird meat). We found out that a lot of Bernedoodles have the same issue (and that also Bernese Mountain Dogs can have really sensitive stomach) but other then that she’s a healthy happy dog! I recommend you really do your research before getting a Bernedoodle to make sure the breeder have all their health certificates for hip issues because Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles are big dogs and can often have hip and back issue growing up.

Wrapping Up – Our Final Thoughts

We’ve reached the end of our article on Bernedoodle Pros and Cons.

Just like any pure breed or hybrid dog, they can come with some pros and some cons that potential dog owners should consider before they go ahead and purchase a puppy.

Bernedoodles can make great family dogs that are loving, smart and loyal. Some Bernedoodles can be hypoallergenic and low shedding dogs – just remember there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic canine.

If you decide to go ahead and adopt a Bernedoodle, you should be prepared for a rigorous grooming schedule.