The Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, typically the Standard or Miniature size. This designer dog brings together the laid-back sweetness of the Bernese and the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. The result is a fluffy, affectionate, and smart companion that fits in well with active families or anyone looking for a loyal and playful dog.
They’re known for their goofy personality, gentle nature, and eye-catching tri-color coats.
Breed Overview
| Trait | Details |
| Breed Purpose | Companion dog |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Height | 18 to 29 inches (46 to 74 cm) |
| Weight | 25 to 90 pounds (11 to 41 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Coat Type | Wavy or curly, thick and soft |
| Colors | Black, white, rust, brown, cream, or tri-color |
| Temperament | Gentle, affectionate, intelligent |
| Energy Level | Moderate to high |
| Exercise Needs | 60 minutes daily |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
| Trainability | High |
| Average Price | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Best For | Families, allergy-sensitive owners, first-time pet parents |
A Look at the Breed’s Background
The Bernedoodle was first bred in the early 2000s with the goal of creating a dog that combined the best traits of two lovable breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog offers a calm, family-friendly attitude, while the Poodle contributes its smarts and allergy-friendly coat.
While they’re not recognized as a purebred, they’ve quickly become one of the most sought-after Doodle mixes due to their great temperament and striking appearance.
What They Look Like
Bernedoodles are undeniably adorable. Most have a soft, shaggy coat that can be wavy or curly, depending on their Poodle parent. Their body is strong and sturdy, with a rounded face, floppy ears, and dark, expressive eyes.
They come in a variety of colors, with tri-color (black, white, and rust) being the most popular. Others may be bi-color or solid-colored, including brown, cream, or merle.
Mini and Standard sizes are common, depending on which Poodle size is used in the mix.
Temperament and Behavior
This breed is known for being cheerful, calm, and affectionate. Bernedoodles bond closely with their families and are usually great with children and other pets.
Common personality traits include:
- Playful and silly, often with a goofy side
- Loyal and people-focused
- Smart and eager to please
- Sometimes shy or cautious with strangers
They tend to do well in social environments but benefit from early socialization to build confidence, especially during puppyhood.
Are They Good Family Dogs?
Bernedoodles are among the top picks for families. They’re patient with kids, often gentle with smaller pets, and happy to be involved in all household activities.
They’re usually calm indoors but do need daily activity to stay balanced. Their affectionate nature means they don’t like being left alone too long—they want to be near their people.
Training and Activity Needs
These dogs are highly trainable thanks to their Poodle parent. They enjoy learning and do well with consistent, reward-based training. Bernedoodles love praise and are sensitive to harsh corrections, so positive reinforcement is best.
Training tips:
- Start early with basic commands and socialization
- Use treats, toys, and praise as motivation
- Keep sessions fun and short to hold their attention
They need around 60 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, games of fetch, or light hiking. They also benefit from mental stimulation like puzzle toys or trick training. For helpful advice on effective techniques, check out these Best Dog Training Methods.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Bernedoodles don’t shed much, but their coat does need upkeep. Curly coats (more like a Poodle) require more maintenance, while wavy coats are a bit easier to manage.
Grooming essentials:
- Brush 3–4 times a week to avoid tangles
- Trim every 6–8 weeks if keeping their coat long
- Clean ears regularly to prevent infection
- Trim nails and brush teeth regularly
Because they’re low-shedding, they’re often a good fit for dog allergy-prone homes, but coat type can vary from dog to dog. For more examples of breeds with similar coats and grooming needs, explore these Curly-Haired Dogs.
Health and Lifespan
With proper care, Bernedoodles are healthy dogs with a good lifespan. However, they can inherit health issues from either parent. Things to watch for include:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Eye problems (cataracts, PRA)
- Skin problems
- Bloat (especially in large Bernedoodles)
- Certain types of cancer from the Bernese side
Choosing a breeder who tests both parent dogs for common issues is essential. Regular vet visits and a healthy lifestyle also help extend their life.
Diet and Nutrition
Feed your Bernedoodle a high-quality diet based on their size and activity level. They do best with protein-rich food that supports their joints and coat health.
Feeding tips:
- 2 to 4 cups of kibble per day (varies by size)
- Split into two meals
- Watch for overeating—some can be food-driven
- Add omega fatty acids to support their thick coat
Fresh water should always be available, and portion sizes should be adjusted as they grow.
Cost and Availability
Bernedoodles are in high demand, so expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 from a reputable breeder. Mini Bernedoodles may be on the higher end due to breeding complexity.
Adoption is rare but not impossible—some Doodle-specific rescues may have them. Monthly care costs include grooming, food, and regular vet visits.
Is the Bernedoodle Right for You?
This mix is a great fit for owners who want a big-hearted, cuddly, and smart dog. They do best with:
- Active families who enjoy walking and playing
- People with time for grooming and training
- Homes with children or other pets
- Allergy-sensitive owners looking for a low-shedding dog
They’re probably not ideal for people who are gone all day or want a low-maintenance pet.
If you’re looking for a dog that offers love, laughs, and loyalty in a fluffy package, the Bernedoodle checks all the boxes.
I loved the write up as my wife and I are exploring a Bernedoodle as our next family member. Joining 3 children and a mini-shnoodle. Just one concern is the diet recommendation. All pet owners need to research now and ask their vets about grain free diets as its causing a condition called DCM, which leads to heart failure in all size breeds. We lost our giant schnauzer to this two weeks ago and only just discovered this was a leading cause. Our vet explained this is a very new discovery and they are now guiding all their clients away from grain free.
Thank you again for the write up.
I really want one and appreciate this article very much. Thank you for putting all the important info into one concise article. One thing I cannot find info on is whether they smell. If the Bernedoodle has a low rating in the “stink” department, then he’s the one for us!