Bernedoodle Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. It is known for a gentle, affectionate nature and a thick, often wavy coat in the Bernese tricolor pattern, though solid colors also occur.

Origins and appearance

The cross was first promoted in the early twenty-first century and is now bred in several sizes, from tiny to standard. Bernedoodles have a broad head, drop ears, a plush coat from straight to curly and colors including tricolor, sable, black and white and solid black.

Temperament

They are usually gentle, affectionate and sociable. They tend to love people and are often good with children and other pets. They can be sensitive. They dislike being left alone. Some are energetic when young and mature slowly.

Exercise

They need an hour or so of daily exercise, with walks, hiking and play. Mental work matters. Many enjoy swimming and cooler weather.

Training

They are intelligent and eager. Use positive methods, short sessions and early socialization. Teach polite leash manners early, since standard crosses are strong. See how to teach a dog to walk on a loose leash.

Coat and grooming

Coats need brushing several times a week and a trim every six to eight weeks. See curly coat dog grooming guide. Mats form behind the ears and in the armpits. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

A cross can inherit conditions from either parent. Topics include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Cancer, a concern in Bernese. See signs of cancer in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Skin conditions. See dog skin allergies
• Eye conditions, with exams
• von Willebrand disease. See von Willebrand disease in dogs

Living with a Bernedoodle

They suit families who want a gentle, sizable companion and will groom. They do best with company and cool conditions. They are poorly suited to hot climates or long hours alone.

A typical day

A Bernedoodle wants a morning walk, play, a rest, family time and an evening outing. Many are calm indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are fluffy, bouncy and mouthy. Begin socialization, handling and grooming early. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a larger dog, regular grooming, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well but overheat in hot weather. Provide shade and water. They travel well with a sturdy crate.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include assuming the coat is hypoallergenic, skipping grooming, leaving the dog alone and choosing a puppy from a seller who does not test parents.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, elbow and DNA testing on both parents and meet them. Ask about cancer in the family lines, and be wary of sellers who promise coat type.

Hybrid vigor, honestly

Some sellers claim crosses are healthier than purebreds, but the evidence is mixed. A cross can inherit problems from both parents, and the Bernese side carries a high cancer risk. Health testing and family history matter more than the label.

Sizes and generations

Standard Bernedoodles use a Standard Poodle, while mini and tiny versions use smaller Poodles and can be hard to predict. Later generations may be more consistent, but ask breeders about the parents' sizes, coats and health.

Daily care checklist

• A walk or play session, at cool times.
• Brushing and checking for mats.
• Ear checks.
• Training or puzzle games.
• Company and a cool place to rest.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Bernedoodle suits social, active owners who want a gentle, sizable companion and will groom. It may not suit hot climates. For a parent breed, see the Bernese Mountain Dog.

The takeaway

Bernedoodles are gentle, affectionate and plush, and they need grooming, exercise, company and health-tested parents.