SmartPawsGuides & trusted resources — always independent.

SmartPawsSmartPaws
Bernedoodle
Mixed Breed Hypoallergenic

Bernedoodle

Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle

Origin: United States/Canada

GentleIntelligentLoyalPlayfulAffectionate

Weight

10–90 lbs (varies by Poodle size)

Height

12–29 inches

Lifespan

12–18 years

Coat

Wavy to curly

Breeder Cost

$2,000–$5,000

Adoption Cost

$100–$400

Personality & Temperament

The Bernedoodle combines the Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle, loyal nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. They are often tricolored (black, white, and brown) and are known for their goofy, playful personalities. Bernedoodles may benefit from hybrid vigor, potentially living longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog's average of 7–10 years.

Best For

Families with children, those who want a gentle giant companion, active households with space

Exercise & Activity Needs

Bernedoodles need 30–60 minutes of moderate exercise daily. They enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and play sessions. Their calm nature makes them more adaptable than many high-energy doodle breeds.

Grooming & Coat Care

The Bernedoodle's wavy or curly coat requires brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent mats. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is essential.

Coat type: Wavy to curly; low-to-moderate shedding; often tricolor

Common Health Conditions

Bernedoodles may benefit from hybrid vigor, potentially reducing the Bernese Mountain Dog's high cancer risk. Buy from breeders who health-test both parents for hip dysplasia and PRA.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Inherited from the Bernese side. Buy from breeders who OFA-certify both parents.

Cancer

The Bernese Mountain Dog has one of the highest cancer rates of any breed. Hybrid vigor may reduce this risk, but it's still a concern.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Inherited from the Poodle side. DNA testing of parents is important.

Addison's Disease

Inherited from the Poodle side.

Bloat (GDV)

Standard Bernedoodles have a deep chest. Feed multiple small meals.

History & Origin

The Bernedoodle was first intentionally bred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels in Ontario, Canada. The goal was to combine the Bernese Mountain Dog's loyal, calm temperament with the Poodle's hypoallergenic coat and longer lifespan. The Bernese Mountain Dog's short lifespan (7–10 years) was a significant motivation — crossing with a Poodle has produced dogs that often live 12–15 years.

Interesting Facts

  • 1

    Bernedoodles were first intentionally bred in 2003 — one of the newer designer breeds.

  • 2

    The Poodle cross significantly extends the Bernese Mountain Dog's short lifespan from 7–10 years to 12–15 years.

  • 3

    Their tri-color coat (black, white, and rust) is one of the most sought-after patterns in the designer dog world.

  • 4

    Tiny Bernedoodles (crossed with Toy Poodles) can weigh as little as 10 lbs, while Standard Bernedoodles can reach 90 lbs.

  • 5

    They inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog's love of cold weather and snow.

Cost of Ownership

Owning a Bernedoodle is a long-term financial commitment. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.

Annual Cost

$1,800–$3,200

First Year (incl. setup)

$4,000–$7,000

Food$600–$1,000/yr

Varies by size; quality food important for joint health

Vet Care$500–$900/yr

Hip dysplasia, skin conditions, and eye issues possible

Grooming$600–$1,200/yr

Wavy/curly coat needs professional grooming every 6–8 weeks

Training$200–$600 (first year)

Intelligent and gentle; positive training works beautifully

Supplies & Toys$200–$400/yr

Mental enrichment for this clever hybrid

Pet Insurance$500–$900/yr

Recommended; cancer risk inherited from Bernese side

* Estimates based on national averages. Costs vary by location, lifestyle, and individual health needs. Emergency vet visits are not included.

Popularity & Adoption Trends

Estimated US Population

~200,000 in the US

Adoption Trend

rising

Bernedoodles have grown rapidly in popularity as buyers seek a large, low-shedding family dog with the Bernese Mountain Dog's striking tri-color appearance. Their combination of the Berner's calm temperament and the Poodle's intelligence makes them highly sought after. Their shorter lifespan (inherited from the Berner side) is a consideration for prospective owners.

Plan daily life with your Bernedoodle

Use the guides below to compare practical options alongside this breed's care needs.

Pet Tech Essentials

The right technology makes dog ownership easier, safer, and more connected — whether you're home or away. These are the products our editors consider must-haves for every dog owner.

Breed Traits

Best forfamilies with kids · first-time owners · multi-pet homes
Not idealapartment living · owners away long hours · low-maintenance lifestyles
Positive for ownersNeeds managementInformational
Energy Level
Moderate
Trainability
Very High
Apartment OK
Low
Kid-Friendly
Very High
Pet-Friendly
Very High
Affection Level
Very High
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Hypoallergenic — lower dander & allergen levels

Temperament

Barking
Moderate
Protective
Low
Sep. Anxiety
High
Stubbornness
Moderate
Noise Sensitive
Moderate

Climate & Physical

Heat Tolerance
Low
Cold Tolerance
High
Water Affinity
Moderate
Drool Level
Low

Compatibility

Rural & Outdoor

Livestock Safe
High
Off-Leash Reliable
High

Scores reflect breed tendencies. Individual training significantly affects both livestock safety and off-leash reliability.

Dog Friendly
High
Cat Friendly
High
Prey Drive
Low
✓
Good for first-time owners

Health & Longevity

Health Score
Good (6/10)

Based on breed-specific genetic health risks and common conditions

Longevity
12–18 years
5 yrs20 yrs
🏠

Consider Adopting

Many Bernedoodles are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption costs are typically $100–$400 vs. $2,000–$5,000 from a breeder.

Read our Rescue Guide →
Training Guide

How to Train a Bernedoodle

Breed-specific challenges, techniques, and training timeline — written specifically for Bernedoodle owners.

Read Training Guide
📄

Download the Bernedoodle Guide

Get a printable PDF with traits, cost of ownership, health notes, and best-fit summary — free.

Back to All Breeds