Bernedoodle 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Loyal and Hypoallergenic Breed
What is a Bernedoodle?
If you are looking for a loyal, smart, and fun-loving dog that can be a great companion for you and your family, you might want to consider a bernedoodle. A bernedoodle is a mixed breed dog that is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. It is a relatively new and popular “designer breed” that sheds minimally and has a low-allergen coat. A bernedoodle can have a varying percentage of one of the two parental breeds in its gene pool, depending on the generation. A bernedoodle is intelligent, trainable, and affectionate, inheriting some of the best traits from both of its parents. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, history, and care of this adorable breed.
Characteristics of a Bernedoodle
A bernedoodle can vary in size, appearance, and temperament, depending on the genes it inherits from its parents. However, some general features of a bernedoodle are:
- Size: A bernedoodle can be a small, medium, or large dog, depending on the size of the poodle parent. A standard bernedoodle is a cross between a standard poodle and a Bernese mountain dog, and can weigh between 50 to 90 pounds and stand 23 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder. A miniature bernedoodle is a cross between a miniature poodle and a Bernese mountain dog, and can weigh between 25 to 49 pounds and stand 18 to 22 inches tall. A tiny bernedoodle is a cross between a toy poodle and a miniature Bernese mountain dog, and can weigh between 10 to 24 pounds and stand 12 to 17 inches tall.
- Coat: A bernedoodle has a thick, wavy, and soft coat that can be solid or have various markings in many colors, such as black, white, brown, tan, silver, or merle. The coat can be straight, wavy, or curly, depending on the influence of the poodle parent. A bernedoodle’s coat is hypoallergenic, meaning it produces less dander and saliva that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. A bernedoodle also sheds very little, making it a good choice for people who don’t want to deal with a lot of dog hair.
- Temperament: A bernedoodle is a friendly, outgoing, and loving dog that enjoys being around people and other animals. It is also intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train, making it a good candidate for various canine sports and activities. A bernedoodle can be playful and energetic, but also calm and gentle, depending on its mood and environment. A bernedoodle can be independent and confident, but also loyal and devoted to its family. A bernedoodle is not a guard dog, but it can be a good watchdog, alerting its owners of any unusual noises or visitors. A bernedoodle needs early socialization and training to ensure that it is well-behaved and well-adjusted.
History of a Bernedoodle
A bernedoodle is a fairly recent breed that first appeared in the early 2000s. It was created by crossing a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, two ancient and well-established breeds with different origins and purposes.
The Bernese mountain dog is a large and fluffy breed that originated in Switzerland in the 1800s. It was developed as a farm dog, helping farmers with herding, guarding, and pulling carts. It was also used as a companion and a therapy dog. The Bernese mountain dog is known for its tricolor coat of black, white, and tan, and its gentle, loyal, and calm personality.
The poodle is a small to medium breed that originated in Germany, where it was bred as a water retriever, hunting ducks and other waterfowl. It was also used as a circus performer, a truffle hunter, and a military dog. The poodle is known for its curly and hypoallergenic coat, which can be clipped in various styles, such as the elaborate Continental clip or the simpler Sporting clip. The poodle is one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds, and excels in various canine sports, such as agility, obedience, and tracking. The poodle is also a friendly, elegant, and lively breed that enjoys human company and attention.
By crossing a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, breeders hoped to create a dog that would combine the best qualities of both breeds, such as the intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat of the poodle, and the gentle, loyal, and calm personality of the Bernese mountain dog. The result was a bernedoodle, a charming and versatile breed that can be a great family pet, a working dog, or a show dog.
Care of a Bernedoodle
A bernedoodle is a relatively easy dog to care for, as long as it is given enough exercise, grooming, and attention. Some of the basic care requirements of a bernedoodle are:
- Exercise: A bernedoodle is an active and athletic dog that needs at least an hour of daily exercise to keep it healthy and happy. A bernedoodle can enjoy various activities, such as walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, or doing agility courses. A bernedoodle can also benefit from mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, obedience training, or learning new tricks. A bernedoodle should not be left alone for long periods of time, as it can become bored, lonely, and destructive.
- Grooming: A bernedoodle has a thick and wavy coat that requires regular grooming to keep it clean, mat-free, and healthy. A bernedoodle should be brushed and combed at least once a week, and more often if the coat is longer or more curly. A bernedoodle should also be bathed every month or as needed, using a mild shampoo and conditioner. A bernedoodle’s coat can be clipped in different styles, depending on the owner’s preference and the dog’s lifestyle. A professional groomer can help with clipping and trimming the coat, as well as the nails, ears, and eyes. A bernedoodle’s ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, as they can be prone to infections. A bernedoodle’s teeth should also be brushed daily or several times a week, using a dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Feeding: A bernedoodle is a small, medium, or large dog that needs a high-quality and balanced diet to meet its nutritional needs. A bernedoodle should be fed according to its age, weight, activity level, and health status. A bernedoodle puppy should be fed three to four times a day, while an adult bernedoodle should be fed twice a day. A bernedoodle should have access to fresh water at all times, and should not be overfed or given too many treats, as it can become overweight and prone to health problems.
Conclusion
A bernedoodle is a wonderful and unique breed that can be a great addition to any family that can provide it with enough exercise, grooming, and attention. A bernedoodle is a smart, loving, and loyal dog that can be trained with ease and fun. A bernedoodle is also a beautiful and hypoallergenic dog that can be suitable for people with allergies. If you are interested in getting a bernedoodle, you should do your research and find a reputable and responsible breeder that can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. You should also be prepared to commit to the care and training of your bernedoodle for its lifetime, and enjoy the companionship and joy that it will bring to your life.