Bernedoodle Puppies: Complete Guide

Bernedoodle puppies are adorable hybrids that capture the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. As a cross between the loyal Bernese Mountain Dog and intelligent Poodle, Bernedoodle puppies inherit the best qualities of both parent breeds. Though still considered a relatively new designer breed, Bernedoodles have fast become one of the most popular doodle mixes due to their affectionate temperaments, moderate energy levels, trainability, and low-shedding coats.

Bernedoodle puppies come in three sizes: toy (10-24lbs), miniature (25-49lbs) and standard (50-90lbs). Their curly coats can be black, brown, white, or tri-colored. As puppies, Bernedoodles are bouncy and energetic with sweet, goofy personalities. Proper socialization and training will ensure these smart pups grow into well-rounded adult dogs. Bernedoodle puppies thrive when they receive ample affection and activities that engage both their bodies and minds. If you’re looking for a family-friendly canine companion, Bernedoodle puppies tick all the boxes.

Origin of the Bernedoodle

The first intentional crossing between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle occurred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels. Rupke coined the name “Bernedoodle” and endeavored to breed a friendly and intelligent hybrid companion dog. The success of her Goldendoodle and Labradoodle puppies inspired her to create this new Bernese and Poodle mix.

Rupke carefully selected parent breeds from health-tested lines with calm temperaments. The goal was to produce healthy, good-natured puppies with low-shedding coats suitable for families. Other breeders soon followed her lead, popularizing Bernedoodles worldwide. Within 20 years, this once-unknown hybrid became a coveted family pet.

Appearance of Bernedoodle Puppies

Bernedoodle puppiesInheriting traits from both parent breeds, Bernedoodle puppies display a wide range of appearances. They generally have fluffy, teddy bear-like builds and expressive triangular ears. Their faces usually resemble a Bernese Mountain Dog’s strong muzzle rather than a Poodle’s chiseled profile. Coat colors include black, brown, and white in tricolor, sable, or merle patterns. Solid black is also standard.

Bernedoodle puppy coats can be curly, like a Poodle’s, or moderately wavy. Texture ranges from silky smooth to thick and woolly. Puppies have softer coats, which become curlier or wavier as they mature. Straighter coats that shed more are possible but less desirable for allergy sufferers.

Most Bernedoodle puppies have black noses and round, dark eyes reminiscent of a Poodle’s. As puppies, their noses are usually pink at birth, darkening to black over time. Eye color may also change from blue to brown. Ears hang close to the head, covered in long fur. Tails are typically long and bushy.

Bernedoodle puppies exhibit a broad range of sizes based on their Poodle parent:

• Toy Bernedoodles: 10-24lbs, 12-17” tall
• Mini Bernedoodles: 25-49lbs, 18-22” tall
• Standard Bernedoodles: 50-90lbs, 23-29” tall

While tiny at birth, Bernedoodle puppies grow rapidly during their first year. Mini and standard pups reach their full adult size between 12-18 months old. Proper nutrition and exercise are vital during this developmental stage.

Temperament of Bernedoodle Puppies

The typical Bernedoodle temperament combines the best traits of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. As puppies, they are bouncy, exuberant, and highly affectionate. Bernie puppies bond strongly with their families while remaining polite and gentle. Since they adore being around people, they make excellent companions for retirees, couples, and families with children.

Bernedoodle puppies inherit intelligence, eagerness to please, and low-shedding coats from their Poodle parent. The Bernese Mountain Dog contributes a patient, loyal nature and moderate activity levels. Bernie puppies are less demanding than other doodles in terms of exercise needs. They are content with a long daily walk or two.

Bernedoodle puppies can be initially shy and wary of strangers without proper socialization. Early positive experiences will prevent skittishness toward unfamiliar people or dogs later on. Signs of wariness include cowering, hiding, or barking. Socialization should begin when puppies receive their full vaccines around 16 weeks old.

Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to raising a well-mannered Bernedoodle. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly, but boredom can lead to mischief. Provide toys and activities to stimulate their active minds. Bernie puppies adore games and interacting with their families.

Ideal Home for a Bernedoodle Puppy

Bernedoodle puppies thrive in homes with ample attention, training, and exercise. They form tight bonds with their owners and should not be left alone for long periods. Tiny and mini Bernedoodles adapt well to apartment living, provided their daily walks and playtimes. Standard Bernedoodle puppies require a yard to burn off energy.

Prospective owners should have time to commit to house training, socializing, and basic manners. Bernedoodles are as intelligent and energetic as puppies. They may resort to digging, chewing, barking, or other unwanted behaviors without proper outlets. Consistency and positive reinforcement are vital during the puppy and adolescent stages.

Bernedoodle puppies should be raised in households with older, considerate children. Their moderate activity levels and patience make them ideal family companions. Homes with babies or toddlers may want to consider an adult Bernedoodle instead to prevent accidents or rough handling of a puppy.

First-time owners willing to put in the effort will find a Bernedoodle puppy immensely rewarding. Their affectionate nature, moderate exercise needs, and trainability are beautiful attributes. Please ensure you have the time and resources to properly care for a Bernie pup, and your new addition will quickly become a beloved family member.

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Health and Care of Bernedoodle Puppies

Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic diseases common in Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Health clearances prove parent dogs are free of hip dysplasia, eye anomalies, and Von Willebrand’s disease. Nevertheless, no dog is 100% guaranteed to be healthy.

Potential health issues to be aware of in Bernedoodle puppies include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Allergies and skin problems
• Eye diseases like cataracts
• Heart conditions
• Bloat
• Hypothyroidism
• Sebaceous adenitis

Avoid strenuous exercise until Bernedoodle puppies are at least 18 months old to prevent joint damage. Feed high-quality large-breed puppy food to support proper bone growth. Schedule veterinary checkups every 3-4 weeks during the first year for vaccinations and monitoring.

Grooming needs depend on coat type. Curly coats require frequent brushing to prevent matting as they do not shed. Wavy and straight coats shed more and need less regular grooming. Bath Bernedoodle puppies when dirty, starting with just their feet and working up to full baths. Introduce brushing and handling early on to create a stress-free experience.

House-training a Bernedoodle puppy takes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Create a predictable schedule of feeding, playing, potty breaks, and crating to help them learn bladder control. Limit access until fully trained. Crate training prevents unsupervised accidents.

Bernedoodle puppies should sleep 14-18 hours daily. Provide a quiet, cozy area for naps and bedtime away from household activity. Puppies may cry initially but will learn to settle if ignored. Give them their own toys and chews to prevent inappropriate chewing. Supervise always unless crated.

Mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity for bright Bernedoodle puppies. Food puzzles, obedience training, leash walks, and socialization all tire them out. Avoid rigorous exercise until bones have finished growing around 12-18 months old. Weight gain should be gradual to prevent orthopedic problems. Feed a large breed puppy formula and monitor portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Bernedoodle puppies get?

The size a Bernedoodle puppy grows to depends on whether its Poodle parent was a toy, miniature, or standard-sized. Most Bernedoodle puppies will achieve their full adult height by around 12 months old but continue filling out through 18 months.

Toy Bernedoodle puppies grow to 12-17 inches tall and 10-24 pounds. Mini Bernedoodle puppies become 18-22 inches tall and 25-49 pounds. Standard Bernedoodle puppies are 23-29 inches tall and 50-90 pounds. Monitor weight gain to prevent obesity, which strains growing joints.

Mini Bernedoodle puppies

The most popular size of Bernedoodle is the miniature or mini Bernedoodle. Mini Bernedoodles result from crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a miniature Poodle. Minis grows to 18-22 inches tall at the shoulder and 25-49 pounds at maturity.

Mini Bernedoodle puppies require less exercise than standards but more than tiny toy Bernedoodles. Their moderate exercise needs make them an excellent choice for apartment, suburban, and country living. Mini Bernedoodle puppies grow rapidly during their first year, nearly doubling their weight. Proper nutrition and vet care ensure healthy development.

Is a Bernedoodle a good dog?

Yes, Bernedoodles make excellent family companions and all-around pets. They are affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and eager to please. Bernedoodles form strong bonds with their owners and get along great with children and other pets. They have moderately active exercise needs and do not require intense workouts.

Bernedoodles inherit low-shedding coats from their Poodle parents, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. They are highly trainable when positive methods are used. Bernedoodles thrive when they can be close to their families. Their combination of outstanding traits makes them an ideal hybrid breed.

What are Bernedoodle puppies like?

Bernedoodle puppies have playful, affectionate personalities. They are bouncy and energetic but not over-the-top hyperactive. Bernedoodle puppies bond closely with their families and adore attention and cuddles. They are eager to please and highly food motivated, which facilitates training.

Bernedoodle puppies do best with patient, consistent owners who use positive reinforcement methods. Their intelligence enables them to learn quickly but also get bored easily. Providing toys and activities prevents destructive behaviors. Socialization is vital to avoid shyness around strangers. Bernedoodle puppies make wonderful family additions.

What is a Bernedoodle dog mix?

A Bernedoodle is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. The Poodle parent can be a toy, miniature, or standard-sized. The resulting Bernedoodle puppies exhibit traits from both parent breeds. This includes the Bernese Mountain Dog’s calm loyalty and the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat.

The ideal Bernedoodle temperament combines the best qualities of each breed. Bernedoodles are affectionate, gentle, eager to please, and moderately active. Their devotion to their families makes them wonderful companions. Due to hybrid vigor, Bernedoodles also tend to be healthier than their purebred parents.

Conclusion

For those seeking an affectionate and trainable hybrid dog breed, Bernedoodle puppies check all the boxes. They inherit their Bernese Mountain Dog parent’s placid loyalty and their Poodle parent’s intelligence and low-shedding coat. Proper socialization and training will ensure a Bernedoodle puppy matures into a well-rounded adult dog.

Bernedoodle puppies thrive with ample human interaction, toys to engage their minds, and daily exercise. Their moderate needs make them an excellent choice for active individuals, families, and retirees. Few can resist the charm of a bouncy Bernedoodle pup! Their popularity as family and companion dogs continues to grow.