Bernedoodles 101

Seems like everyone wants a doodle of some sort or another, but why? What is so great about Bernedoodles? Why not just a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle? Well, let's consider...

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What are our favorite things about dogs? They...

• LOVE US unconditionally, every day

• can be so smart - like mind readers

• are so obedient

• play with us

• work with us

• hunt with us

• hike with us

• swim with us

• lounge with us

• are loyal and faithful

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What do most of us hate about dogs? They...

• get dog hair all over

• have short life spans

• get sick and unhealthy

• bark too much

• can be difficult to train

• can be frustratingly dumb

• can be unpredictable around other pets and children

• drool

• dig

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ENTER the Bernedoodle - they are part of two very special purebreds:

Bernes Mountain Dogs are double coated Swiss farm country cold weather gorgeous companions. They were bred to watch over sheep and guarding farm yards and cattle in Switzerland. They have very distinguished markings with a beautiful tri-colored face and coat. 'Berners' are great family dogs, very affectionate and faithful. They are good with young children and with other dogs. They are a very stout working dog that excel in cold weather climates. Berners also love to hike and play outdoors - they require moderate exercise. They do tend to have shorter lifespans (7-10 years) and can have hip problems. They also shed a moderate amount and a high amount twice a year during shedding season.

 

and part POODLEs. Poodles are great water and hunting dogs. They are intelligent, alert active, trainable, and exceptional jumpers. They DON'T SHED!!! They have really interesting colors including blue, silver, chocolate, and apricot (in addition to black and white and a few others). They don't drool or lick too much and they are lean eaters. People don't think of them as hunters but their name in French is 'caniche' which means duck dog (even though they of German origin). They are great show-dogs and guide dogs and even police dogs. They can even herd sheep AND they usually live 12-14 years - sometimes as many as 17. BUT they are exceptionally energetic, sometimes high-strung. They can be very hyper and have a tendency to bark a lot. They require a lot of attention and can be protective. They also need a lot of grooming. 

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MIX THEM TOGETHER and you GET a BERNEDOODLE:

• Gorgeous coats like the Berners

• Easy to train

• Lower shed

• thicker more beautiful

• lower grooming needs than poodles

• great family dog - gets along with people and animals

• low bark

• great water dogs and swimmers

• awesome service dogs

• less energetic than poodles - moderately active but very comfortable indoors and out

• guard dog potential - they have some protective traits from the Berner side

• colors include white, black, brown, tri-colored and merle

• lifespan of 12-15 years

• standards Bernedoodles are between 70-90 pounds

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These are companions that require a lot of attention - they dote on their family's and can suffer from separation anxiety if they don't have sufficient socialization

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Although they are not purebred dogs, they are considered a valuable designer breed and can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club. 

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