Bernedoodle: Characteristics, Lifespan And More

bernedoodle

Ever since the Bernedoodle hybrid was created in 2003, people haven’t stopped talking about this breed. The hype is real. Bernedoodles remain one of the top choices of pet enthusiasts looking for adorable and extremely helpful dogs, not only in the United States but also in other countries.

Here’s everything you need to know about this magic mix — their traits, colors, and any questions you may have!

What Is Bernedoodle?

What Is Bernedoodle

It was Sherry Rupke, a Canadian dog breeder, who crossbred the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle in 2003 to create the Bernedoodle. While her intention behind mixing these breeds was for collective health benefit reasons, people were elated with how they could enjoy the temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog in a dog with a longer lifespan.

Bernedoodle hasn’t been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, but the likes of the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Designer Breed Registry, and the American Canine Hybrid Club have recognized this breed.

Here are a few specifics you’d want to know about the Bernedoodle.

1. Personality

They’ve got the best from their parent breeds — the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernedoodle has inherited the former’s long lifespan and energy levels and the latter’s love for children and gentle cuddling.

Bernedoodles require a lot of attention and thrive best in active families. They are highly intelligent, loyal, and can get very goofy once they’re comfortable. Training them requires patience and persistence, but it pays off well.

They also arrive in several colors, including:

• Traditional tri-color (black, white, brown)

• Phantom tri-color

• Bi-color

• Phantom bi-color

• Sable parti

• Merle/Color only

2. Lifespan

Given that the age of this breed is still young, there is limited information available about Bernedoodles’ health concerns and lifespan. However, Bernedoodle owners reckon that these dogs generally live up to 15 years.

The smaller they are in size, the longer they live. Mini Bernedoodles can live up to 17 years, and tiny Bernedoodles stay around for close to 18 years. Genetic testing would help you figure out any health concerns or diseases that may arise due to their genetics.

3. Temperament

Bernedoodles are one of the most active breeds of puppies you’ll ever meet. They often behave like they have adult zoomies, courtesy of their Poodle genes.

Extremely outgoing and full of energy, they have a tendency to chew on anything they can find. It’s best to buy them chew toys often if you want to avoid finding them gnawing on your furniture.

They also require training so they don’t tire you out during physical activity. Bernedoodles adore children and form close bonds with the house inhabitants.

If you want a mini or a tiny Bernedoodle, make sure you have the energy level required to keep up with them.

However, you could get relatively calmer Bernedoodles if you cross-breed calm Poodles.

How Big Can They Get?

Big

The size of Bernedoodles typically depends on cross-breeding. Cross-breeding different sizes of Poodles with Bernese Mountain Dogs gives you several variations. Generation can also impact the size of your Bernedoodle.

Remember, training them at a young age is vital. If they grow up to their adult size, it will be tough to get them to behave politely. They love flinging themselves around and jumping on people they recognize.

A standard Bernedoodle would require a yard to run around and tire themselves out. An apartment will do if you own a tiny or miniature Bernedoodle. Regardless of the size, they do require an abundant amount of activity and a healthy generous diet.

Different Sizes of Bernedoodle

Three different sizes of Bernedoodle exist — tiny, miniature, and standard.

#1. The tiny Bernedoodle weighs about 10-24 lbs and is about 12-17 inches at their shoulders. Their energy levels are through the roof, and they are constantly excited. They may have a tendency to bark excessively and can get stressed easily.

#2. The miniature Bernedoodle weighs 25-50 lbs and is about 18-22 inches at the shoulders. These dogs can also be a bit high-strung and constantly demand activity.

#3. The standard Bernedoodle weighs around 70-90 lbs and is around 23-29 inches at the shoulders. These are the most well-balanced Bernedoodles of the lot, given their mountain dog traits. But they can get mischievous if left untrained.

It is best to ask for a docile Poodle while cross-breeding, so you don’t end up with a firecracker you struggle to manage.

What Impacts the Height and Weight Of a Bernedoodle?

It is the size of the Poodle that determines the height and weight of a Bernedoodle. Poodles can be toy-sized, miniature-sized, and standard-sized.

Tiny Bernedoodles are the cross of a toy Poodle and a mini Bernedoodle.

Miniature Bernedoodles are the cross of a miniature Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Standard Bernedoodles are the cross of a standard Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Why Are They So Expensive?

Expensive

Bernedoodles are designer dogs.

Their exorbitant price tag is because of their high demand and their multi-colored coats, which may be straight or wavy and curly. Your expenses would range from $500 to $5000, depending on whether you adopt or purchase a Bernedoodle.

They are the third most desired crossbreed, after the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle.

Beyond purchase expenses, the food, grooming, and healthcare costs involved for a Bernedoodle can reach up to $1500-$2000 every year.

Unfortunately, their designer status is sometimes ignored, and they end up in kennels due to difficulty in maintaining them.

Adopting them would be the best option, and prices would range from $100 to $500. While you could save a lot of money, the Bernedoodle would revel in the attention of human companions and get the love they deserve.

A Few Parting Words

Apart from caveats like time and expenses, if you’re looking for a wholesome experience with a canine companion, a Bernedoodle might be your answer.

Find your furry best friend in this ball of energy and loyalty, and they’ll love you back tenfold!

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