Thinking about getting a bernedoodle? Or do you already have one? No worries! We’ve got you covered! We will cover all the basics – including what a bernedoodle is, what a puppy costs, different types of bernedoodles, and answer all your burning questions!
What is a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a mixed breed dog. It is a mix between a pure bred Bernese Mountain dog and a pure bred standard poodle. To understand more about the breed, it is important you first understand more about the Bernese Mountain dog and the Standard Poodle. After all, it is half of each!
A Bernese Mountain dog is a calm, laid back dog. Our Berner (for short) is named Dumplin’. She is the first Bernese Mountain dog we have ever owned, and we have fallen in love with her! As the momma (hopefully!) to our first litter of Bernedoodles, we love her personality and her absolutely beautiful coat. Mostly black, she has white and copper in various spots throughout. The Bernese Mountain dog has lifespan of anywhere from 6 to 9 years.
The Standard Poodle is a kind, intelligent dog. Our standard poodle, is named Beau. He is our standard poodle stud. Poodles are known for finding their “person,” and sticking with him or her. For Beau, that’s me. Poodles can be emotionally sensitive – goodness knows Beau sure is! I particularly enjoy spending time with Beau – he is just so smart and loving. The downside to a poodle is the maintenance of the coat. That curly hair is unruly and if not brushed daily, will have to be shaved. The Standard Poodle has a life span of anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
The Bernedoodle, the mix of the two, is an incredibly smart, calm, sweet dog – not to mention, absolutely beautiful. The bernedoodle life span is between 12 and 15 years. The size of a standard is anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds.
What Does a Bernedoodle Cost?
A Bernedoodle puppy price will vary depending on the breeder. You will pay an estimated $2,000 to $5,000 for a Bernedoodle puppy. Yes, you read that right. They are high. Why do one of these puppies cost so much? Well, it’s all in the breeding.
As a breeder, we can tell you, that if you are going to do it responsibly, it will be expensive and time-consuming. We raise these babies and their parents! We love them. Therefore, we are very selective when it comes to who takes them home.
A single litter of puppies can cost thousands of dollars by the time they all go home. Think of all the puppy food, vet visits, supplements, medication (deworming, vaccinations), and more that is paid for, for at least 8 weeks. And on top of all that? TIME! Imagine having a litter of 6-12 puppies. It’s like taking care of 6-12 newborns… plus monitoring momma’s health.
Are There Different Types of Bernedoodles?
So just like with any other doodle, there are different types of Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles vary in coat color, but also in how much Bernese Mountain dog vs Standard Poodle is in them.
F1, F2, and F1b – Say What
Ever heard of an F1 or F2 Bernedoodle? An F1b? I know. It’s confusing!
An F1 Bernedoodle is likely the most sought after. An F1 simply means the dog is 50% pure Bernese Mountain dog and 50% pure Standard poodle.
An F2 Bernedoodle is an F1 Bernedoodle crossed with another F1 Bernedoodle.
An F1b Bernedoodle is an F1 Bernedoodle crossed with a standard poodle.
Clear as mud?!
Coat Colors
The typical coat color for a Bernedoodle is tricolor, or standard. However, you may see any of these:
Tricolor, or Standard
Black Bernedoodle
Sable
Black and White
White Bernedoodle
Chocolate Bernedoodle
Do Bernedoodles Shed? (Click HERE to read more)
These dogs are generally low-shedding dogs. Having experience with doodles in general, I will always say that the amount of shed is directly related to how much poodle is in the dog. Just like our human genetics play a role in our traits expressed, dog genetics are the same!
Standard, F1 Bernedoodles are likely low-shed. An F2 or F1b will be even lower shed, as these dogs will have more poodle than Bernese Mountain dog genetically.
From personal experience with our Saint Berdoodles (Saint Bernard + Poodle), we find the puppies to be extremely low shed. This is especially considering that Mom is a Saint Bernard and sheds a ton! Again, this can vary from puppy to puppy genetically, even from the same litter. You may notice that one puppy has straighter hair, while another has curlier.
When looking for low shed, talk to your breeder about it. He or she can likely pair you with a puppy they anticipate will be lower shed. Typically the curlier or wavier the puppy coat, the lower shed the puppy will be.
Are Bernedoodles HypoAllergenic? (Click HERE to read more)
As an aside, I am a nurse practitioner. The more hair and dander, the more allergies! Poodles have hypoallergenic coats. So anytime you mix a poodle with another breed, it automatically makes the dog more hypoallergenic.
However, like I mentioned before, it will vary dog to dog, or puppy to puppy. If you want something more hypoallergenic, go for a puppy that has more poodle in it. The F1b or F2 might be a better option for you. The F1 Bernedoodle is still very hypoallergenic, in my opinion. But if you have significant concerns regarding allergies, you may want to consider an F1b or an F2.
A Bernedoodle Haircut: What Does It Involve?
Regular grooming is important. Poodle coats are notoriously high maintenance. Thus, a Bernedoodle is going to require regular grooming and brushing to avoid matting.
We groom at The Furry Farmhouse. Consequently, we recommend bringing a doodle in every 6 weeks for regular grooming, on a schedule.
Find out more information on Bernedoodle Haircut