Discover Everything About Bernedoodle
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Bernedoodle overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
As a designer dog, the Bernedoodle is not subject to strictly regulated breeding standards, which is why buyers need to be especially careful. Because they carry the genetic heritage of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, they are at risk for hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Unfortunately, without voluntary and comprehensive health testing of the parent dogs, you are often buying into a significant health risk.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
58–73 cm
Weight
22–41 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 4,000 €
- Coat: Curly, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: Canada
Typical coat colors
- Varied
- including black
- blue
- brown
- fawn
- red
- more.
Temperament
Daily life
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 →Is the Bernedoodle right for you?
The Bernedoodle is a popular designer mix—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.
Perfect for you if:
- 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 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 expect a guarantee for a non-shedding, allergy-friendly dog—genetics isn't a modular kit, and many Bernedoodles shed quite a bit.
- 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 Apportierhund (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.
| Height | 58 - 68 cm (Female), 63 - 73 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 22 - 32 kg (Female), 31 - 41 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Intelligent, friendly, adaptable |
| Coat | Curly, medium length, with undercoat |
| Coat Color | Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more. |
| Price | 2000 - 4000 € |
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.
The Bernedoodle is a designer breed bred to be a family-friendly companion dog with hypoallergenic properties.
Canada
2003
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.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| 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.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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 | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
As a designer dog, the Bernedoodle is not subject to strictly regulated breeding standards, which is why buyers need to be especially careful. Because they carry the genetic heritage of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, they are at risk for hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Unfortunately, without voluntary and comprehensive health testing of the parent dogs, you are often buying into a significant health risk.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
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.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Bernedoodle
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2023)
Wir haben uns vor drei Jahren eine Bernedoodle-Hündin in unsere fünfköpfige Familie geholt. Sie ist unglaublich schlau, lernt Kommandos extrem schnell und war innerhalb von anderthalb Wochen stubenrein. Sie ist ein absolut alberner, verspielter und liebevoller Familienhund, der uns jeden Tag zum Lachen bringt.
Allerdings sollte man die Arbeit nicht unterschätzen. Sie hat unglaublich viel Energie und fordert ihre täglichen Beschäftigungen ein. Im Gegensatz zu unserem früheren Golden Retriever hat sie kein so weiches Maul – sie schreddert ihr Spielzeug regelrecht und wir mussten in der Welpenzeit höllisch aufpassen, dass sie nicht an unseren Holzmöbeln herumknabbert.
Ein weiterer Punkt, den viele unterschätzen, ist die Fellpflege. Während beim Golden einmal die Woche bürsten reichte, müssen wir unsere Hündin jeden Tag gründlich mit Bürste und Kamm pflegen, da ihr lockiges Fell sonst extrem schnell verfilzt.
Christian W., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2024)
Ich habe mir nach dem schmerzhaften Verlust meines alten Hundes recht spontan einen Bernedoodle-Welpen geholt, weil ich mich in die Teddy-Optik verliebt habe. Erst danach habe ich mich intensiver mit der Genetik beschäftigt und muss ehrlich sagen, dass ich mir anfangs große Sorgen gemacht habe. Die gesundheitlichen Risiken des Berner Sennenhundes – wie die geringe Lebenserwartung von oft nur 6 bis 8 Jahren, Krebsrisiken und Hüftdysplasie – können natürlich auch beim Mix durchschlagen.
Zudem ist der Bernedoodle keine anerkannte Rasse, weshalb es keine Kontrollen durch große Verbände wie den VDH gibt. Man zahlt sehr viel Geld für einen Mischling und muss extrem aufpassen, nicht an unseriöse Vermehrer zu geraten. Man sollte sich unbedingt die Gesundheitsdaten der Elterntiere zeigen lassen.
Mein Rüde ist zum Glück gesund und ein toller Begleiter, aber man sollte sich vor dem Kauf im Klaren sein, dass man hier eine genetische Wundertüte kauft. Man weiß nie genau, welche Eigenschaften der beiden Rassen sich am Ende durchsetzen.
Julia T., Halterin aus Niedersachsen (Rüde, seit 2022)
Bei uns in der Hundeschule sieht man gut, wie unterschiedlich Bernedoodles sein können. Ein Bekannter hat einen sehr pudellastigen Doodle, der problemlos 8 Kilometer am Stück wandert und extrem agil ist. Unser Rüde hingegen hat deutlich mehr vom Berner Sennenhund geerbt – er ist ein großer, flauschiger Couch-Potato, der es lieber gemütlich angeht.
Was man definitiv wissen muss: Der Bernedoodle kann eine ordentliche Portion Sturheit und Eigensinn mitbringen. In der Erziehung braucht man also viel Geduld, Humor und Konsequenz. Er ist unglaublich anhänglich und treu, aber eben kein Hund, der Kadavergehorsam zeigt.
Die Fellpflege ist ein Vollzeitjob für Fortgeschrittene. Das Fell haart zwar kaum, wächst aber unaufhörlich. Ohne regelmäßiges Scheren und tägliches Ausbürsten verfilzt die Unterwolle sofort. Wer einen pflegeleichten Hund sucht, ist hier definitiv an der falschen Adresse.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Bernedoodle
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.
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