What is a Bernedoodle and Why You Should Get One
A bernedoodle is a crossbreed between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. This breed combines the intelligence, loyalty, and fun-loving personality of both parent breeds, making it a great companion for many families. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about bernedoodles, including their history, appearance, temperament, health, and care.
History of Bernedoodles
The bernedoodle is a relatively new breed that was first developed in the early 2000s by a Swiss breeder named Sherry Rupke. She wanted to create a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog that had the gentle and calm nature of the Bernese mountain dog and the smart and playful character of the poodle. She also hoped to improve the health and lifespan of the Bernese mountain dog, which is prone to several genetic diseases and has a short life expectancy of 6 to 8 years. The first litter of bernedoodles was born in 2003, and since then, the breed has gained popularity among dog lovers around the world.
Appearance of Bernedoodles
Bernedoodles come in various sizes, colors, and coat types, depending on the genes they inherit from their parents. The size of a bernedoodle can range from 10 to 29 inches at the shoulder and from 10 to 90 pounds in weight. There are three main sizes of bernedoodles: standard, mini, and micro. The standard bernedoodle is the result of crossing a Bernese mountain dog with a standard poodle, the mini bernedoodle is the result of crossing a Bernese mountain dog with a miniature poodle, and the micro bernedoodle is the result of crossing a mini bernedoodle with a toy poodle.
The color of a bernedoodle can vary from black, brown, white, cream, tan, gray, or a combination of these colors. The most common color pattern is the tricolor, which resembles the Bernese mountain dog, with black, white, and tan markings. However, some bernedoodles may have different color patterns, such as sable, phantom, parti, or merle. The coat of a bernedoodle can be curly, wavy, or straight, depending on the amount of poodle genes they inherit. The curly coat is the most hypoallergenic and low-shedding, but it also requires more grooming and maintenance. The wavy coat is a good balance between the curly and straight coat, as it is moderately hypoallergenic and low-shedding, and it has a soft and fluffy texture. The straight coat is the least hypoallergenic and low-shedding, but it also requires the least grooming and maintenance.
Temperament of Bernedoodles
Bernedoodles are known for their friendly, affectionate, and cheerful personality. They love to be around people and other animals, and they thrive on attention and companionship. They are also very intelligent and trainable, as they inherit the poodle's high IQ and eagerness to please. They can learn a variety of tricks and commands, and they enjoy participating in activities such as agility, obedience, or therapy work. Bernedoodles are also very adaptable and can adjust to different lifestyles and environments, as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
However, bernedoodles are not perfect dogs, and they may have some drawbacks or challenges. For example, some bernedoodles may inherit the stubbornness or independence of the Bernese mountain dog, which can make them difficult to train or control. Some bernedoodles may also suffer from separation anxiety or boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors or excessive barking if they are left alone for too long. Some bernedoodles may also be prone to chewing, digging, or jumping, especially when they are young or not well-trained. Therefore, bernedoodles need consistent and positive training, socialization, and supervision to ensure they develop into well-behaved and happy dogs.
Health of Bernedoodles
Bernedoodles are generally healthier than their purebred parents, as they benefit from the hybrid vigor and genetic diversity of crossbreeding. However, bernedoodles may still inherit some health issues from their parents, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, skin problems, or allergies. Therefore, it is important to choose a reputable and responsible breeder who performs health tests on their breeding dogs and provides health guarantees for their puppies. It is also important to provide regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care for your bernedoodle to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Care of Bernedoodles
Bernedoodles require moderate to high levels of care, depending on their size, coat, and activity level. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them fit and entertained. They also need regular grooming and brushing to keep their coat clean and mat-free. They may also need occasional trimming, bathing, and nail clipping to maintain their appearance and hygiene. They also need a balanced and nutritious diet to meet their nutritional needs and prevent obesity or other health problems. They also need a lot of love and attention to make them feel loved and secure.
Conclusion
Bernedoodles are wonderful dogs that can make great companions for many families. They are smart, loyal, and fun-loving, and they have a unique and beautiful appearance. However, they also have some challenges and needs that require commitment and responsibility from their owners. If you are interested in getting a bernedoodle, make sure you do your research and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Also, make sure you are ready to provide your bernedoodle with the best care and love possible. If you do, you will be rewarded with a loyal and loving friend for life.