The bernedoodle is a popular cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. This hybrid breed combines the friendly, loyal nature of the Bernese with the intelligence and low-shed coat of the poodle. Bernedoodle puppies are playful, and affectionate and make wonderful family companions.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about bernedoodle puppies including their history, appearance, temperament, exercise needs, training, health issues, and finding a reputable breeder.

With their adorable teddy bear faces and fun-loving personalities, it’s easy to see why bernedoodle puppies are growing in popularity.

History of the Bernedoodle

The bernedoodle is a relatively new crossbreed that was first bred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels. Sherry bred a smaller miniature poodle with a Bernese mountain dog in the hopes of combining the friendly temperament of the Bernese with the intelligence and non-shedding coat of the poodle.

The result was a friendly, smart dog with a low-shedding coat – the perfect family companion. The bernedoodle quickly grew in popularity as more people learned about their wonderful temperaments and hypoallergenic coat.

While SwissRidge Kennels first bred the bernedoodle in 2003, the breed did not gain widespread popularity until several years later. In the late 2000s, as people began learning about “designer dogs”, the demand for bernedoodles grew exponentially.

Breeders started selectively breeding bernedoodles for several generations to create a dog breed with consistent traits and temperament. Today, the bernedoodle is one of the most popular doodle breeds. Their popularity continues to rise as more families look for a friendly, low-maintenance family dog.

Appearance of Bernedoodle Puppies

One of the most appealing traits of bernedoodle puppies is their adorable teddy bear appearance. With their fluffy, soft coat and sweet expression, bernedoodle puppies look like cuddly stuffed animals.Bernedoodle puppies can vary significantly in size and appearance depending on whether they are an F1, F1B, or multi-generational cross.

F1 Bernedoodle

An F1 bernedoodle is a first-generation cross between a purebred Bernese mountain dog and a purebred poodle. F1 bernedoodle puppies typically have the iconic black and white or tri-color coat of the Bernese mountain dog. Their coat is a mix between the Bernese fur and poodle hair, ranging from straight to wavy or curly.

F1 bernedoodle puppies can widely vary in size depending on whether a standard, miniature or toy poodle was used in the cross. On average, F1 bernedoodles grow to 50-70 lbs.

F1B Bernedoodle

An F1B bernedoodle is a backcross between an F1 bernedoodle and a poodle. This cross results in puppies that are 75% poodle and 25% Bernese.

F1B bernedoodle puppies have a higher likelihood of inheriting the poodle’s hypoallergenic coat qualities. Their coat is usually curlier and sheds less than an F1 bernedoodle. F1B puppies range from 25-49 lbs depending on whether a miniature or standard poodle was used.

Multigenerational Bernedoodle

Once bernedoodles are bred together for several generations, they achieve more uniformity and move beyond the F1 or F1B status. Multi-generational bernedoodles have consistent traits since only bernedoodles have been used in the breeding.

Multigen bernedoodle puppies have an increased chance of inheriting the poodle coat and range from 25-100+ lbs in size depending on whether a toy, miniature, or standard poodles were used in their lineage. Their coloring can be black, white, brown, gray, or a mix of colors.

Temperament of Bernedoodle Puppies

One of the biggest appeals of bernedoodle puppies is their affectionate, playful and loyal temperament. Since bernedoodles are bred from two breeds known for their friendly nature, they make exceptional family companions.

Friendly

Bernedoodle puppies inherit the sociable and patient temperament of the Bernese mountain dog. They form strong bonds with their family and love being around people. Bernedoodle puppies get along well with children, other pets and strangers. With early socialization, they become friendly, outgoing dogs.

Intelligent

From the poodle side, bernedoodle puppies inherit intelligence and trainability. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Bernedoodles pick up on commands quickly and can learn a wide variety of obedience skills and tricks.

Playful

Bernedoodle puppies have an endearing playful, goofy nature. They love playing games of fetch, chasing balls and playing with toys. Bernedoodles maintain a puppy-like silliness well into adulthood. They make an excellent choice for active families looking for a playmate.

Loyal

Like Bernese mountain dogs, bernedoodles form strong attachments to their family. They thrive when included as part of the family and quickly pick up on household routines. Bernedoodles are often velcro dogs that follow their owners from room to room. Their loyalty and affection make them wonderful companions.

Low Shedding

Thanks to their poodle ancestry, most bernedoodles have a low-to-non shedding coat. This makes them a good choice for those with allergies or who want to minimize hair and dander around the house. Proper brushing is required to prevent matting in their thick coat.

Exercise Needs of Bernedoodle Puppies

Bernedoodle puppies have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy 20-60 minutes of activity per day along with plenty of play time and mental stimulation.As a general rule, bernedoodle puppies need 5 minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day.

For example, a 4-month-old puppy would need about 20 minutes of activity per session. This can include going for walks, playing fetch, socializing with other dogs and free play.

Puppies have shorter attention spans when learning. Training sessions and playtime should be kept short, positive, and rewarding. Interactive toys and food puzzles provide important mental stimulation for growing puppy minds.

Since bernedoodles are moderate to high-energy dogs, they need consistent exercise and training starting as puppies. An exercised bernedoodle pup is less likely to develop problem behaviors like chewing, digging and barking. Bernedoodle puppies have sensitive joints that are still developing.

Activities like running alongside bicycles, hiking, and jumping on and off furniture should be avoided to prevent orthopedic injuries. Low impact exercise is best.

As your bernedoodle puppy grows, their exercise needs will increase. Adult bernedoodles require 30-60+ minutes of activity daily such as walking, running, swimming, and playing fetch. Consistent exercise helps keep bernedoodles happy and healthy.

Training Bernedoodle Puppies

Bernedoodle puppies are highly intelligent and respond well to reward-based training methods. Starting training early and consistently is important for raising a well-mannered bernedoodle.

Potty Training

Like all puppies, bernedoodles need considerable potty training starting from 8-12 weeks old. Set a regular feeding and potty schedule. Take puppy outside frequently to encourage going potty outside – especially after meals, naps and playtime.

Crate training assists in potty training. Praise and treat reward when puppy potties in correct spot. Limit access to rooms until fully potty trained.

Crate Training

Crate training utilizes a dog’s natural instinct to keep their space clean. The crate becomes their personal den and most dogs will not potty inside of it. Make crate a positive place with treats and praise. Use an appropriately sized crate and slowly increase time spent inside. Avoid using the crate solely for punishment.

Socialization

Early socialization is imperative for raising a well-adjusted bernedoodle. Introduce puppy to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, places and experiences in a positive, controlled way. Reward calm behavior and correct unwanted reactions. Well-socialized bernedoodles adapt easily to new situations.

Basic Commands

Start teaching basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, down and leave it as early as 8 weeks old using positive reinforcement. Keep training sessions short and rewarding. Practice commands in various settings. Fading food lures and adding hand signals helps proof the commands. Advanced training classes are recommended.

Bite Inhibition

Puppies explore the world with their mouths and may nip when playing. Say “ouch!” and redirect to a toy when puppy’s bite pressure increases. Praise gentle play. Avoid wrestling or rough play that can encourage biting. Consistency helps puppies learn to play gently.

Leash Training

Introduce a collar/leash starting at 10-12 weeks old. Let the pup drag the leash around while supervised. Reward following or walking near you while on a leash. Use treats to lure and motivate movement. Practice loose leash walking in distraction-free areas before going on neighborhood walks.

Consistent, positive training starting in puppyhood sets the foundation for a well-trained adult bernedoodle. Bernedoodles thrive on mental stimulation and excel at many canine sports and activities.

Health Issues in Bernedoodle Puppies

Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for health issues common in Bernese mountain dogs and poodles. However, some inherited conditions may still occur in bernedoodle puppies:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

This painful degenerative joint condition can be screened for with OFA or PennHIP certifications. Look for scores in breeder dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Genetic eye disorder leads to blindness. CERF eye exams help identify affected dogs.

Allergies

Environmental or food allergies cause itchy skin or ear infections. Manage with diet and medications.

Berner Sennenhund Meningitis

A rare inflammatory condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. Can be fatal if not treated urgently.

Addison’s Disease

An endocrine disorder causing inadequate production of adrenal hormones. Lifelong medication is required for treatment. Reputable breeders test their breeding dogs to reduce the chances of puppies inheriting genetic disorders. Familiarize yourself with breed-specific conditions to provide your bernedoodle puppy with the best care.

Finding a Reputable Bernedoodle Breeder

With bernedoodles growing in popularity, there are many breeders offering bernedoodle puppies. However, finding a responsible, ethical breeder is crucial to getting a happy, healthy puppy. Avoid purchasing puppies from pet stores, online ads, or breeders who can’t provide proof of health testing. Here are important signs of a reputable bernedoodle breeder:

• Breeds first generation crosses, multigenerational bernedoodles, or both. Has dogs on the premises.
• Does OFA or PennHIP testing on hips and elbows. Performs annual CERF eye exams.
• Does genetic testing for inherited diseases like DM, vWD, prcd-PRA. Provides proof of testing.
• Breeds for health and temperament – not just coat color or size.
• Raises puppies in the home with proper socialization. Handles puppies frequently.
• Provides vet records showing puppy visits, deworming, and vaccines. Microchips puppies.
• Asks buyers questions to ensure puppies go to lifelong homes. Requires spay/neuter contracts.
• Provides health guarantee, contract, and lifetime breeder support.

Avoid breeders who seem focused on profit over breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies. Be wary of “too good to be true” low prices or breeders willing to ship puppies sight unseen. Patience may be needed to get a puppy from a responsible breeder due to high demand. The wait is worth it to get a happy, healthy bernedoodle puppy that will be part of your family for years to come.

Conclusion

With their teddy bear looks and affectionate personalities, it’s easy to see why bernedoodle puppies are growing rapidly in popularity. When purchased from a reputable breeder, bernedoodles make wonderful companions for families or individuals looking for a friendly, low-shedding dog breed.

Bernedoodle puppies do require time, effort and patience for training and socialization to grow into well-rounded adult dogs. Their exercise and grooming requirements must also be considered. However, in the right home, bernedoodle puppies will reward their families with years of love, fun and devotion.