Bernedoodle

The Bernedoodle is a relatively new crossbreed but the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle have long histories in Europe. Bernese Mountain Dogs can be traced back about 2,000 years to when the Romans invaded what is now Switzerland, breeding their Roman mastiff dogs with hearty, helpful flock-guarding dogs. This produced a hardworking, loveable dog with a soft temperament that was used for hundreds of years to transport things through villages. The Poodle isn’t just the eye candy we associate with the French. They were originally a water-retrieving breed in Germany. While traditional Poodle grooming might look silly to some, they were originally cut like that to help them glide quickly through the water while protecting their vital organs with hair. (Fun fact: those fluffy balls are called pompons!) Toy and Miniature Poodles were first bred in the 20th century as city companions for those who wanted a fashionable, smart, and enchanting lap dog with a quick wit and playfulness.

While there are variables like size, weight, and grooming, on the whole, Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mixes' are very smart and need owners who love to challenge their quick minds and can devote lots of outdoor play time to them. They can do well with children and families if trained correctly, providing endless loyalty and love.

Bernedoodles can be content flopping around in front of a fireplace observing their family, or they might need lots of outdoor time, sniffing, and challenges to exhaust their bodies and minds. If you do get an active Bernedoodle, it’s good to remember that they were originally bred to work in the Swiss Alps and are used to cooler temperatures. They, like so many of us, don’t cope well with the heat in the summer, so it’s best to get your steps in when it’s cooler outside, such as early in the morning or late at night.

The size of your Bernedoodle will depend on the space needed to exercise him or her. Larger dogs will need a good-sized outdoor space or lots of opportunities for decent walks.

There’s unfortunately no magic wand to predict what kind of grooming a Bernedoodle will need. They may inherit a huge thick coat like a Bernese Mountain Dog, or they may have more of a hypoallergenic Poodle coat. Get your wallet ready: their grooming requirements can get expensive. Regardless of whether they shed a lot or shed a little, they will require regular grooming. Get your arm muscles ready, too. Bernedoodles can require daily or weekly brushing as matting can be a problem, especially behind the ears, at the side of the neck, thighs, stomach, and base of the tail. Find a good local groomer you trust who can look after your Bernedoodle’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself. Ear care is extremely important to prevent ear infections.

If they were humans, Berniedoodles might be called social butterflies and people pleasers, making them affable companions. They are smart but can also have a stubborn streak, which could require more patience (and more positive reinforcements like treats) when training them. Investing in quality training can help with basic commands, such as coming when called, leash walking, being around other animals, and learning not to jump on people (especially tiny humans they could knock over!).

Bernedoodles make excellent family dogs. Loyal, affectionate, goofy, and playful, they adapt well to family life. Their tolerant, patient, and calm demeanors mean that chaos won’t necessarily ruffle their fluff.