Bernese Mountain DogClose relative
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AI-generated imageBernedoodle
Health grade C- Shoulder height58–73 cm
- Weight22–41 kg
- Life expectancy12–15 yrs
- Puppy price2,000–4,000 €
- Energy3/5
The essentials at a glance
The Bernedoodle is a popular hybrid—a genetic grab bag that crosses the stoic farm-dog mentality of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the lightning-fast intelligence of the Poodle. You aren't buying a fixed operating system, but rather a surprise package from two completely opposite worlds.
- Health grade C: As a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, the Bernedoodle carries the health risks of both parent breeds.
- You are prepared to embrace the dog you get, regardless of whether it inherits the territorial vigilance of the Bernese or the reactive energy of the Poodle.
- You have the time and budget for professional grooming, as the mix of tight curls and heavy undercoat is extremely prone to matting.
- You expect a guarantee for a non-shedding, allergy-friendly dog—genetics isn't a modular kit, and many Bernedoodles shed quite a bit.
Self-check
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Similar Breeds
Is the Bernedoodle right for you?
At a glance
Bernedoodle overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
58–73 cm
Weight
22–41 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 4,000 €
- Coat: Curly, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: Canada
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Bernedoodle, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Bernedoodle come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Bernedoodle — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
- Tricolor
- Black and white
- Black and tan
- Brown and white
- Brown and tan
- Red and white
- Sable
- Brindle
- Black
- Brown
- Blue merle
- Red merle
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Blue
Green
Odd-eyed
Partial (split eye)
Coat type
Illustrative imageMedium
Illustrative imageLong
Illustrative imageCurly
Perfect for you if:
- You have an active daily life and can provide both physical exercise and real mental stimulation if the Poodle's drive kicks in.
Less ideal if:
- You live in an apartment without an elevator, as these mixes often reach the massive weight of a mountain dog.
- You assume that a dog with a teddy-bear look will train itself and doesn't need confident leadership.
The real vibes check
A Bernedoodle is like a canine surprise egg in an XXL bear costume. You buy into the hope of the stoic calm of a mountain dog in a non-shedding Poodle coat—and you might end up with a 40-kilo stubborn guardian who possesses the reactive agility of an retriever. If you can handle this genetic unpredictability with humor and firm guidance, you'll gain a fantastic, extremely loyal companion.
Breed Profile
The Bernedoodle is a charming cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, combining both intelligence and a friendly nature. This breed is characterized by its dense, often curly coat, which can come in various color combinations, usually with the typical tricolor of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are medium to large-sized, with a sturdy yet elegant build that supports their agility and endurance. They are known for their social and balanced temperament, making them excellent family dogs. Additionally, they benefit from the Poodle heritage through a hypoallergenic coat structure that reduces shedding. Within the breed, there are different variants depending on whether the Poodle portion is small, medium, or large-sized, which affects size and coat texture. Bernedoodles are active and eager-to-learn dogs that can excel both as companions and in various dog sports.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 58 - 68 cm (Female), 63 - 73 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 22 - 32 kg (Female), 31 - 41 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Intelligent, friendly, adaptable
- Coat
- Curly, medium length, with undercoat
- Coat Color
- Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more.
- Price
- 2000 - 4000 €
Character & Temperament
The Bernedoodle is a loving and intelligent mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, combining the best of both breeds. It is characterized by its friendly, balanced nature and high adaptability. Bernedoodles are very people-oriented and enjoy being close to their family, making them excellent family and companion dogs. Thanks to the Poodle, the Bernedoodle has a high willingness to learn and intelligence, which makes it easy to train. At the same time, the Bernese Mountain Dog provides a calm, patient temperament and natural composure. This combination makes the Bernedoodle a versatile dog that needs both mental and physical exercise to stay balanced. Bernedoodles are often playful and friendly but also show a certain alertness without being aggressive. They are well suited for activities such as retrieving, scent work, or agility and benefit from consistent, loving training. Due to their social nature, they should not be left alone for too long, as they greatly appreciate being close to their people. Overall, the Bernedoodle is a loyal, gentle, and intelligent companion that integrates well into families with children and impresses with its balanced nature in various life situations.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Bernedoodle: The Bernedoodle combines the gentle calmness of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, making it a loving and low-maintenance family dog that is perfect for both cuddle time and active adventures.
What Awaits You
The Bernedoodle is a friendly and intelligent crossbreed of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. These dogs are often very social and family-oriented, easy to train, and adaptable. They are characterized by their curly or wavy coat, which is often considered easier to care for. Bernedoodles are active and require regular exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are well suited as companion and family dogs.
Housing & Care
Bernedoodles are friendly and balanced dogs that are excellent as family pets. They are generally very social and get along well with children as well as other pets, provided they are well socialized early on. Due to their intelligence and active nature, Bernedoodles require regular mental and physical activity. They feel comfortable both in houses with gardens and in apartments, as long as enough time is planned for walks and play. Bernedoodles are very people-oriented and enjoy being close to their family members, which is why they do not like to be left alone for long. Overall, they are loving companions who impress with their friendly nature and adaptability.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Excellent with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
Bernedoodles are intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that require a balanced mix of activity and rest periods. They benefit from positive, reward-based training that appeals to their natural curiosity and desire to please their human. Due to their mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, they bring both a joy of work and sensitivity, which is why patience and consistency in training are important. Bernedoodles are well-suited for various dog sports such as obedience, rally, or retrieving games, with it being important to avoid overexertion. They need mental challenges to prevent boredom and resulting behavioral problems. At the same time, they should learn to accept rest periods. Early socialization and building a strong bond are essential to promote their friendly and balanced nature. Bernedoodles respond especially well to loving but clear leadership and thus develop into reliable and versatile companions. Those who invest time and commitment in training will be rewarded with a loyal, adaptable, and joyful dog.
Nutrition & Care
Bernedoodles are friendly and intelligent dogs that require a balanced diet to stay healthy. High-quality food with a good amount of proteins and nutrients is important to support their energy and growth. Make sure to avoid overweight, as Bernedoodles can be prone to gaining weight. The coat of the Bernedoodle is usually wavy to curly and can shed more or less depending on the parent breed. Regular brushing, ideally 2-3 times a week, helps to prevent matting and keep the coat clean. During the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, increased shedding can occur, which can be reduced by more intensive brushing. Bernedoodles adapt well to the Central European climate. Their coat protects them from the cold, but in high temperatures, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating.
| Care Level Needs regular professional grooming — time-consuming and costly. | High-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
As a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, the Bernedoodle carries the health risks of both parent breeds. In particular, hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are genuine problems due to the heavy Bernese Mountain Dog genetics that must not be underestimated. Degenerative myelopathy (DM) must also be mandatory tested for prior to mating in order to prevent paralyzed dogs in old age.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, you can help prevent joint issues, but you should plan for regular health check-ups and very intensive grooming as a fixed part of your daily routine.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, knees, and eyes of the parent dogs tested and ensure genetic screenings for neurological disorders and blood clotting are performed to reduce avoidable risks.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
7
Risks tracked
5
Recommended standard
5
High severity
Head & nerves
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Bernedoodle cost?
A Bernedoodle costs around ~€200 per month (€110 – €380, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€6,240 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€36,360.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€200 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€200
In the first year
~€6,240
Across the dog's life
~€36,360
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €2,000 – €4,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the Bernedoodle begins in the late 20th century in North America. Breeders combined the Bernese Mountain Dog, known for its gentleness and robustness, with the Poodle, valued for its intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities. The goal was to create a family-friendly, intelligent, and allergy-friendly companion dog. The Bernedoodle quickly gained popularity as a loving and versatile dog, used both as a family pet and as a therapy or assistance dog. Today, the Bernedoodle is a sought-after breed that combines the best qualities of both parent breeds.
Original Use
The Bernedoodle is a designer breed bred to be a family-friendly companion dog with hypoallergenic properties.
Origin
Canada
Date
2003
Owner experiences
Many owners find life with a Bernedoodle rewarding, since the dog bonds strongly with its family and is an affectionate, playful companio…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners find life with a Bernedoodle rewarding, since the dog bonds strongly with its family and is an affectionate, playful companion day to day. Owners often highlight how friendly and patient these dogs are with children. The Poodle side, often described as "clownish" or goofy, brings a lot of laughter to the home.
At the same time, owner accounts keep pointing out that being so people-focused has a downside: many Bernedoodles find it really hard to be left alone. Owners report that without consistent, step-by-step training from puppyhood, separation stress and fear of being left can lead to nonstop barking or destructive chewing on furniture. These dogs actively demand closeness and are hardly suited to households where they are regularly left to their own devices for many hours.
On training, owners stress an interesting mix of very quick understanding and occasional stubbornness.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On training, owners stress an interesting mix of very quick understanding and occasional stubbornness. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, these dogs usually grasp commands very quickly and enjoy shared activities and brain games. Still, the independence of the Bernese Mountain Dog shows through in many of them: owners regularly describe a certain leisureliness or delay, as if the dog first weighs up whether responding to the cue is worth it right now.
Especially with the standard sizes, owner communities warn not to underestimate how much physical force these dogs have. An under-exercised adolescent weighing up to forty kilograms needs steady handling and early loose-leash training. Pressure alone gets you little with this cross; owners consistently recommend patient, positively motivated training so that harshness doesn't unsettle the sensitive dog underneath.
Sources:rover.comreddit.comwirliebenhunter.dedasgesundetier.de
When it comes to grooming, owners largely agree: the fluffy teddy-bear look often gives buyers the wrong idea about how much work it real…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
When it comes to grooming, owners largely agree: the fluffy teddy-bear look often gives buyers the wrong idea about how much work it really takes. Because the coat usually sheds very little, dead hair has to be brushed out, or painful mats form deep down at the roots. Many owners report that thorough combing all the way to the skin several times a week, plus regular trips to the groomer, are essential to avoid having to shave the dog down completely.
On health, owners and trainers talk about the wide variation that comes with hybrid breeding. On the one hand, many owners hope the Poodle side will bring a longer life expectancy than in a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. On the other hand, owners increasingly share worries and experiences about joint diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia, sensitive digestion with a tendency toward recurring diarrhea, and chronic ear infections caused by heavy hair growth in the floppy ears.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Bernedoodle the right dog for me?
The Bernedoodle is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Bernedoodle live?
The average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Bernedoodle need?
Bernedoodle grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Bernedoodle good for families with children?
The Bernedoodle can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Bernedoodle come in?
The Bernedoodle comes in these colors: Tricolor, Black and white, Black and tan, Brown and white, Brown and tan, Red and white, Sable, Brindle, Black, Brown, Blue merle, Red merle. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Guides & Articles about Bernedoodle
Dog Seekers
Buying a Bernedoodle: Costs, Breeders & Tips [2026]
Everything you need to know before buying a Bernedoodle: costs, finding reputable breeders, health checks, and if this breed is right for you.
Dog Knowledge
Bernedoodle Temperament: Is This Breed Right for You?
A deep dive into the Bernedoodle temperament: discover if this intelligent, affectionate breed is the right match for your lifestyle.
Are you a Bernedoodle breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Bernedoodle.