Are you considering adding a furry member to your family? Do you love big, cuddly dogs but HATE constantly vacuuming pet fur? Look no further than the Bernedoodle, a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. As a proud owner of two Bernedoodles, a standard, and a mini, I get so many questions about this beautiful breed.
Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
The short answer is not all Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic. As with any crossbreed, there can be a significant variance within litters. That being said, most Bernedoodles have Poodle in their genes, which means they have a curly, non-shedding coat. This type of coat is much less likely to trigger allergies in people. However, it is essential to note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Neither of ours shed very much, but we do have to vacuum up the occasional hair “tumbleweed” around the house.
It is always best to spend time with the specific dog you are considering and see if you have any allergic reactions before committing to adoption.
How big do Bernedoodles get?
Bernedoodles can vary in size depending on what kind of Poodle they are bred with. Mini Bernedoodles, for example, are a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle and will grow to 25-50 pounds. Our mini is 22 lbs, but likely due to having a Poodle Dad was around 11 lbs, so she’s closer to being a micro mini than a mini. Standard Bernedoodles, on the other hand, are bred with a Standard Poodle and can weigh anywhere from 70-100+ pounds. It is essential to research your breeder carefully and ask about the specific size of the Bernedoodles they produce. Our standard finally stopped growing around age 3, and topped out at 95 lbs.
Are Bernedoodles good with children?
Yes, Bernedoodles are great companions for families with children. They are known for their gentle temperament and love to play. However, like with any dog, it is important to supervise interactions between dogs and children. Bernedoodles are big dogs and can unintentionally knock over small children. Early socialization and training can also help ensure that your Bernedoodle is comfortable around children. Both of ours are wonderful with kids, but were both raised around kids from day 1.
Do Bernedoodles bark a lot?
Bernedoodles do have a tendency to bark, especially if they are not adequately trained and socialized. However, this can be managed with consistent training and exercise. Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs and enjoy mental stimulation, so it is important to provide them with regular activities and training to keep them mentally engaged. In our case, our mini barks quite often, but our standard is quiet, unless alerting us that someone is at the front door.
How often do Bernedoodles need grooming?
Bernedoodles have thick, curly coat that needs regular grooming to keep it healthy and prevent matting. Depending on the length of their coat, Bernedoodles should be groomed every 6-12 weeks. This includes regular brushing at home and professional grooming to trim their coats and keep them looking their best. Don’t make the same mistake I did by going too long between grooming appointments. I ended up with a matted dog, which resulted in a full shave. It grew back, but our Poppy looked like a fool for a few months.
In Conclusion…
Bernedoodles are a wonderful breed for families looking for a big, cuddly dog that is great with children. While they are not completely hypoallergenic, their curly coats do make them less likely to trigger allergies. As with any dog, early socialization and consistent training is key to ensuring they are well-behaved and a great addition to your family. With regular grooming and exercise, your Bernedoodle will be a loyal companion for years to come. We absolutely love our two muppets and wouldn’t trade them for the world.
To see more of their daily shenanigans, follow them on TikTok @PoppyLuluandCat
XO
Anna