Cart
Your cart is currently empty.
Standard Bernedoodle: Your Guide to This Large Doodle Delight - PawSafe

Standard Bernedoodle: Your Guide to This Large Doodle Delight

Photo of Tamsin De La Harpe

Written by Tamsin De La Harpe

Standard Bernedoodle

Standard Bernedoodles are the perfect lifelong companions with their glamorous looks and delightful personalities. These fun mixes blend a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle, leaving you with a large, happy-go-lucky dog.

Also called the Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernesepoo, Bernesedoodle, and Bernepoo, these dogs combine size and temperament perfectly. Bred for their gentle and calm personalities topped with a low-shedding coat, Bernedoodles will certainly grab you by your heart. However, they may be prone to joint issues, so be sure that they take lifelong mobility dog supplements.

While this excellently balanced mix may be what you need, you must know more about the dog. With David Anderson’s manual on Bernedoodles and further digging into the mix, we have compiled a comprehensive guide for these curly cuties, the Standard Bernedoodles. 

They are usually low shedding and can be a more hypoallergenic alternativ-e-archive to the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Where Did The Standard Bernedoodle Come From? History and Origins

Where Did The Standard Bernedoodle Come From? History and Origins

Standard Bernedoodles are one of the few designer dogs with a detailed and documented history. The other mixes with such well-documented records include Standard and mini Labradoodles, toy Goldendoodles, teacup Goldendoodles, and Teacup Pomskies. They’re also used to create the popular Aussie Mountain Doodle.

The Bernedoodle mix was first made by Sherry Rupke at SwissRidge Kennels, and the first litter of two was born in 2003. The goal of the blend was to create a dog with the Bernese affectionate, laid-back nature and the Poodle’s low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat.

The parent breeds’ histories will give you an even deeper understanding of why they look and act like they do. Luckily, both breeds have centuries of rich and fascinating history alongside their hooman best friends.

The Bernese Mountain Dog hails from the Swiss Alps. They are believed to have been brought to Switzerland over 200 years ago by the Romans, linking them to the ancient Molloser dogs from Rome. The canine was used mainly to pull carts, drive cattle, and protect farms.

Poodles are also old dogs bred as water Retrievers and valued for their intelligence and swimming skills. Though commonly associated with France, Poodles actually came from Germany in the 14th century.

Since the development of the Bernedoodle mix in 2003, their popularity has only been on a steady incline. Even other Bernese blends like Aussie Mountain Doodles are taking the dog community by storm.

Other common Standard Bernedoodle names include:

  • Bernese Mountain Poo;
  • Bernesepoo;
  • Bernesedoodle; and
  • Bernepop.

What Does The Standard Bernedoodle Look Like? Physical Characteristics

What Does The Standard Bernedoodle Look Like? Physical Characteristics

A Standard Bernedoodle looks like a curly-haired Bernese Mountain Dog with deep hints of Poodle. They are generally large dogs with a well-muscled and sturdy build. They are significantly smaller than Bernese Mountain Dogs but much larger than Poodles. An F1 Bernedoodle is first generation mix with purebred Bernese Mountain Dog Parent and Purebred Poodle parent. When bred again to a Poodle, they become an F1b Bernedoodle.

Bernepoos have expressive, dark, almond-shaped eyes with a shorter snout than normal Poodles. They have a very endearing and friendly facial expression, true to their Bernese roots. They also have flat heads and droopy ears, and most have hair on their face.

This mix’s coats are very dense and plush, most resembling a Bernese in color but a Poodle in texture and shedding. Most of these dogs have curly coats, but some have wavy and shaggy coats.

Most of these canines have Bernese Mountain Dog colors. This means that they will have white and tan markings on the head, chest, paws, and above the eyes. They are usually tricolored with black, tan, and white markings. Other common Bernepoo colors include:

  • Tri-color;
  • Black;
  • Sable;
  • Brown;
  • Brindle;
  • Chocolate; and
  • Phantom.

How Big Do Standard Bernedoodles get?

Full Grown Standard Bernedoodles are huge dogs that reach 23 to 29 inches (58 to 74 cm) at the shoulder. In terms of weight, they typically range from 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kg). 

How to Take Care of a Standard Bernedoodle

  • Hypoallergenic: Most likely
  • Shedding: Mild shedding
  • Exercise: 1 to 2 hours daily exercise 
  • Temperament: Lively, loving, friendly, intelligent, playful, eager to please 
  • Trainability: Easy to train due to their pleasing drive and intelligence

Energy Levels 

Standard Bernedoodles are energetic dogs, although the Bernese side introduces more calm to the mix. Excess energy poses the risk of a large dog you can’t control due to unwanted behaviors like biting, chewing, and vocalization. 

Housing Needs

Standard Bernepoos do best in a yarded home where they can get some extra playtime. These dogs do better with some space to play and roam.

Exercise Requirements

Bernedoodles need about 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise, even if they have a yard to play in. Mental activities like food puzzles and snuffle mats keep their intelligent minds stimulated. They succeed in sports like agility, running, retrieving, and even swimming.

Dietary Needs

Bernepoos need food for large dogs, depending on the individual dog’s weight. This means low calorie food as too much high-calorie food can encourage fast growth that causes joint issues in later life. The dog food must be protein-abundant (at least 25%) and balanced with the vitamins, carbs, minerals, and fats. These pups can be highly food motivated, so sticking to proper food and treats (10 % of the daily food intake) is vital.

Your vet can help you formulate a proper meal plan based on any underlying medical issues. It’s best to split their meals into at least two daily portions to reduce the risk of GDV (Gastric dilatation and volvulus or bloat). 

Grooming a Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles have moderate-to-high grooming needs. Make sure to do the following:

  1. Brush the coats at least twice a week to prevent knotting
  2. Teeth cleaning 2 to 3 times a week because small breeds are more susceptible to dental issues
  3. Ear and eye cleaning to prevent infection in these areas 
  4. Monthly baths or more if they have an odor or are muddy
  5. Regular nail trimming doggy claw clippers to prevent ingrown and overgrown nails
  6. Bernedoodle may need to go to a doggy parlor regularly to trim their coats and keep it manageable. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63SS-2yhO0U

What are Some of the Bernedoodle Health Issues?

Standard Bernedoodles enjoy “hybrid vigor” due to the widened gene pool, making them healthier than many purebred dogs. However, they are still at risk of health issues and risks prevalent in their parent breeds.

The most considerable threat is arguably hip dysplasia affecting both parent breeds. OFA has actually stated the Bernese Mountain Dog ancestor has about 82% occurrence of hip dysplasia. The condition causes the hip and joint to fit improperly, leading to mobility issues.

The mixes are also susceptible to eye conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. Heart issues may also be common in the mix as inherited from both parents. Research has shown that dogs have a 0.2 to 35 chance of developing heart issues depending on their breed.

Large mixes, including Bernepoos and others like Golden Mountain Dogs and German Huskies, have high risks of GDV. The mix’s deep chest increases the chances of bloat where air fills the stomach, causing it to twist. Studies have shown that GDV is a major cause of simultaneous death, so prevention is critical through splitting meals and gastropexy.

They also have high incidences of immune disorders like von Willebrand disease (a blood clotting disorder), from the Poodle parent. Their cancer risk is also noticeable seeing as Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the most affected dogs.

Other Bernsepoo health risks according to their parent breeds include:

Severe Health Conditions

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia;
  • Luxating patella (shifting or dislocated kneecaps); 
  • Bloat;
  • Thyroid problems necessitating yearly checkups;
  • Addison’s disease;
  • Von Willebrand’s disease;
  • Eye problems like PRA;
  • Neurological and spinal issues like degenerative myelopathy (DM);
  • Cancers; and
  • Heart issues like arrhythmia and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Mild to Moderate Issues

  • Dental problems; 
  • Allergies; 
  • Skin issues like Sebaceous Adenitis;
  • Stomach sensitivity; 
  • Overweight; and 
  • Ear infections.

Occasional Risks

Bernedoodle Temperament and Trainability: How Do Standard Berne Poos Behave?

Bernedoodles are happy-go-lucky dogs that are nearly energetic as they are calm and gentle, depending on the day. They are affectionate, friendly, outgoing, intelligent, and happy dogs that love to please their hoomans. In fact, they’re known for wanting to do anything they can to make you happy.

They combine the laid-back, affection-crazy Bernese nature with the playful, intelligent, and slightly mischievous Poodle. Overall, these dogs are incredibly sensitive, bonding with their loved ones to the point of developing separation anxiety.

One point to note is they can be suspicious of new people and they often don’t like change and can take a while to adapt to new things, such as new pets or a new environment. As much as they thrive on exercise, they also enjoy snuggling with you on the couch.

Training them is a breeze because they have an excellent blend of intelligence and drive to please. You can take advantage of their food drive to use treats to make training all the more effective. Training and socializing these dogs from puppyhood is crucial to their proper development.

Are Bernese Poos Good With Kids and Other Pets?

Bernepoos are well-behaved and usually love young children and elderly persons, although they should never be left unsupervised as they can be exuberant and knock them over by accident. They are also great with other animals since neither parent has passed hunting and chasing genes. Early training and socialization promote good relations with people and animals.

Ideal Standard Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix Home

  1. Allergic households because they’re more likely than other breeds to be hypoallergenic;
  2. People who prefer larger dogs;
  3. Owners with active lifestyles; 
  4. Novice owners are they’re easy to train (but prepared for the challenge of an active dog); 
  5. Multi-pet households;
  6. Dog owners prepared for plenty of grooming; and
  7. Adult supervision if small kids are around.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Bernedoodles Bark A lot?

Bernedoodles do bark, but not a lot, and are not the noisiest dogs. These dogs are considered moderate barkers, especially with the proper training, only barking to alert and on command. 

How Much is a Standard Bernedoodle Puppy?

Standard Bernedoodle Puppies for sale are quite pricy, ranging from $3000 to $5000, although you can find some for $2000. The high prices are good indicators because it typically means that ethical breeders dominate the market. You may be lucky to find one in an organization that specializes in Doodle rescue.

Are Bernepoos Allergy Friendly?

There is a high probability that a Berndoodle will be hypoallergenic. Since the entire purpose of developing the breed was a friendly, low-shedding dog, most are allergy friendly. However, those with dominant Bernese genes and coats may shed more. 

How Long Do Standard Bernedoodles Live?

The sturdy Bernepoos lives 2 to 15 years. This lifespan is very lengthy for large dogs, and we have a widened gene pool to thank for that. Proper healthcare, nutrition, and breeding are the main contributors to longevity.

How Much Does A Standard Doodle Weigh?

A male Standard Bernedoodle typically weighs between 70 to 90 pounds (32 to 41 kg), while a female Standard Bernedoodle generally weighs between 65 to 85 pounds (29 to 39 kg).

Do Standard Bernedoodle Shed?

Standard Bernedoodles typically have low shedding coats, thanks to their Poodle heritage. However, the degree of shedding can vary among individuals. They are often considered hypoallergenic or more allergy-friendly compared to breeds that shed more.

Are Standard Bernedoodles Aggressive?

Standard Bernedoodles are generally not known for being aggressive. Like any dog, their temperament can vary depending on various factors, including genetics, socialization, and training. Proper socialization and training from an early age can help ensure a well-rounded and well-behaved dog.

Final Thoughts

Standard Bernepoos are great family dogs for those looking for a large, low-shedding dog. They are among the healthiest mixed breeds around, and though large, they can live with you in an apartment. They are happy dogs that are easy to train that will most likely charm you upon meeting.

Meet Your Experts

Avatar of author

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.