If you’ve been looking at doodles, you’ve probably seen a Bernedoodle: the big, fluffy, black, white, and rust puppy that looks like a teddy bear. Bernedoodles have become one of the most-asked-about doodle breeds, and for good reason. Here’s what they are, what they’re like to live with, and what to ask any breeder before you bring one home.
What Is a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. The Bernese brings a calm, devoted, gentle nature; the Poodle brings intelligence, trainability, and a lower-shedding coat. The goal is a family dog with the best of both.
Temperament
Bernedoodles are affectionate and loyal, and they tend to attach closely to their people. Many follow their family from room to room. They’re often a little more laid-back than Goldendoodles, with a goofy, playful side that comes out with the people they know best.
Some Bernedoodles are a little reserved with strangers at first. That’s a Bernese trait, and it’s exactly why early socialization matters. Our puppies are raised inside our home around children, everyday noise, and lots of handling from the first days, so they head home confident and used to busy family life.
Coat and Color
The classic Bernedoodle look is the tri-color coat: black, white, and rust, just like a Bernese Mountain Dog. You’ll also see black and white, solid black, and other combinations. Coats run from wavy to curly. Either way, plan on regular brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks.
Shedding and Allergies
Like Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles shed less than their non-Poodle parent, and generations with more Poodle in them (such as F1B) tend to shed the least. No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, so if allergies are a concern in your home, talk with us about which generation makes sense.
Health
Bernese Mountain Dogs carry some well-known health concerns, including hip and elbow dysplasia. A responsible Bernedoodle breeder health tests the parent dogs rather than counting on the cross to sort it out. We Embark DNA test our parent dogs, and every Strong Oaks puppy comes with a 5-year health guarantee.
Exercise and Training
Bernedoodles need daily exercise, like walks, yard time, and play, but most are happy to settle in with the family afterward. They’re smart and eager to please, and they respond best to gentle, consistent, positive training. Start early and keep sessions short and fun.
Is a Bernedoodle Right for Your Family?
If you want a loving, loyal, lower-shedding dog who wants to be part of everything your family does, a well-bred Bernedoodle is a wonderful choice. Not sure whether a Bernedoodle or a Goldendoodle fits you better? Read our Breed Info page, or call or text Logan at 678-877-9561. She’s always happy to talk it through.
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Family-raised in Senoia, Georgia. Health-tested parents, a 5-year guarantee, and a family with 30+ years of experience.
