Bernedoodles are a popular breed for many reasons. Their versatility, gorgeous curly coats, silly behaviors, and intelligent nature make them a favorite among many. This breed was created by breeding the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Poodle. By breeding these two dogs, the result was a dog that possessed the best genetic traits from both parental lines.
Unfortunately, there are also negative traits that can be passed on. Which are positive and which are negative are of course a matter of perspective.
Every dog owner has different preferences in the dog that they are looking for in terms of activity level, clinginess, and other characteristics. Therefore, the most important thing to do is research any potential breed before adopting. This will ensure that you can provide the breed with what it needs, and both you, and your new companion will be happy.
Here the following information includes potential pros and cons that are associated with the Bernedoodle.
Table of Contents
Bernedoodle Intelligence
Pros: Easy to Train
Bernedoodles are a highly intelligent breed because of their Poodle parentage. Training comes easily because of this intelligence. Bernedoodles are driven to please their owners, so once they understand a command, and it results in positive feedback from their owner, they strive to repeat the behavior.
Cons: Headstrong
The Bernedoodle is notorious for being headstrong. The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its stubborn tendencies. Your Bernedoodle may have inherited some of these headstrong behaviors, but these will get better as your dog matures.
Smart dogs also need constant mental stimulation, or they can grow bored. A bored and smart pup can become destructive with chewing household items. It is important to provide a Berne doodle with mentally stimulating games and toys to keep it busy.
Bernedoodle Temperament
Pros: Generally Happy, Gentle
Bernedoodles are loving and gentle, making them safe around children and the elderly. Bernedoodles make wonderful family pets, as well as therapy and companion dogs. They are generally happy pups who are eager to please. Owners often describe them as goofy and confident. They are a proud family dog and enjoy being part of their home.
Cons: Need Constant Attention
They may inherit the apprehensive nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog and therefore early socialization is crucial.
Bernedoodles do not do well in a home without constant attention. This is because they are family-oriented dogs. Bernedoodles need to live in a household where someone is home the majority of the time to give them attention. Bernedoodles aren’t a good option for those who work all day.
This is especially true when they are puppies for socialization, exercise, training, and overall good temperament. If you do not have someone home the majority of the time you may want to consider another breed.
Bernedoodle Exercise Requirements
Pros: Bernedoodles are great for active families.
Bernedoodles are a highly active breed making them great for active families, couples, or a single active owner who works from home. They are known to enjoy new places for hiking or walking. Owners who like to run enjoy their newfound companion. Many owners also report that their Bernedoodle loves to swim, this comes from the poodle parentage, although this is not always true because not all Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy the water.
Owners should take the size of their Bernedoodle into account when exercising to keep its activity level within appropriate boundaries.
Cons: Bernedoodles Need a Minimum Two Hours a Day of Exercise
The activity requirements of the Bernedoodle can be too much for many owners. This breed is not a good choice for those who don’t have the time, or physical ability, to dedicate two hours a day to exercise with them.
Bernedoodle Coat and Grooming
Pros: Low-Shedding
Bernedoodles, like nearly all poodle mixes, are a great choice for allergy sufferers because they are exceptionally low shedders. Bernedoodle coats vary in waviness; some being only mildly wavy, to others possessing the tight curls of the Poodle. The curlier the coat the less likely they are to shed.
Related: Do Mini Bernedoodles Shed?
Cons: High-Maintenance
You must groom your Bernedoodle’s coat regularly to keep it happy and healthy. This involves regular brushing and trimming to keep it from tangling. Neglecting to keep their coat brushed and untangled can result in skin irritation and health issues for your dog.
Before getting a Bernedoodle you must consider whether you have the time, ability, and financial security to keep up with this high level of grooming.
Related: Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
Bernedoodle Health
Pros: Bernedoodle Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dogs are well-loved, but many potential dog owners stray away due to their short lifespans due to a high prevalence of illness. This breed lives only 6-8 years on average. This is one of the reasons that the Bernese Mountain was bred with the Poodle. The Bernedoodle has a longer lifespan and fewer health issues.
Bernedoodles are said to be healthier than both of their parental breeds and can live from 12-16 years.
Cons: Like any living creature, this breed can still fall ill with health issues.
Potential Health Issues Could Include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cancers
If you are getting your Bernedoodle from a breeder they should provide you with information, including genetic testing to reduce health concerns.
Make sure that you have the financial resources available to provide your dog, of any breed, with proper veterinary care before you get one. Regular visits are the key to detecting illnesses early and preventing complications.
An Overview of Pros and Cons of the Bernedoodle
Let us review the pros and cons of the Bernedoodle, as well as explore aspects that didn’t fit into the previous segments but are important to mention.
Pros:
- Bernedoodles can come in a variety of sizes. Standard Bernedoodles can range from 50-100 pounds, and anywhere from 22-29 inches tall. There are miniature and tiny versions available.
- Generally, a happy and sociable breed.
- Great for active families.
- Healthy
- Hypo-allergenic
Cons:
- Their coat requires extensive grooming, which can be expensive.
- Not suitable to be left for extended periods of time.
- Highly active, need a minimum of 2 hours a day of exercise.
- Can be hard to acquire and pricey.
Should You Get a Bernedoodle?
It is important to consider all the aforementioned aspects when deciding if a Bernedoodle is right for you and your family. These factors are important for you and your dog’s happiness. If you have the patience to train, the ability to exercise, time to provide attention, and resources for their level of grooming, the Bernedoodle will reward you with love and loyalty.
Because this is an expensive breed you should look at your local shelter before contacting a breeder. Many owners have been forced to give up their Bernedoodle because they did not know about the time and energy needed for this breed.
If you do choose a breeder, be sure that the breeder is reputable and able to provide you information about the pup as well as the genetic information about its parents.
Related: Bernedoodle Health Issues
More Information About Bernedoodles
Visit the United Bernedoodle Registry online for more information. This organization is made up of thousands of people who share the same love for the Bernedoodle. Their website is a place where owners connect and share experiences.
The main goal of the United Bernedoodle registry is to achieve a breed standard. They do this by promoting Bernedoodle development and optimum health through a registry of reputable breeders.
This organization also strives to help families connect with these breeders. Their website contains tips for training your Bernedoodle, grooming tips, and other information that you need.
You should also check out:
- Spoodle Dog Breed – Everything you need to know!
- Schnoodle Dog Breed Guide – Everything you need to know!
Garrett Yamasaki
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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