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Bernedoodle: The Complete Breed Guide

The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. It is not a recognized breed by the AKC, UKC, or any major kennel club -- it is a designer crossbreed. That does not make it a bad dog. It means you need to understand what you are actually getting, because the outcome is less predictable than with an established purebred.

The appeal is real: Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, loyal, and stunning -- but they have one of the shortest lifespans of any breed (6-8 years) and serious health problems. Crossing with a Poodle can extend lifespan significantly and reduce shedding. But results vary widely depending on the generation (F1, F1b, F2), the individual parents, and whether the breeder is actually health-testing or just cashing in on a trend. This guide covers what matters -- honestly.

Bernedoodle Quick Facts

Breed typeDesigner crossbreed (not AKC recognized)
Parent breedsBernese Mountain Dog x Poodle
Size (Standard)23-29 inches, 70-90 lbs
Size (Mini)18-22 inches, 25-49 lbs
Size (Tiny/Micro)12-17 inches, 10-24 lbs
Lifespan12-15 years (Standard), 14-17 years (Mini/Tiny)
CoatWavy to curly -- varies by generation
TemperamentAffectionate, playful, loyal, sometimes stubborn
ExerciseModerate -- 30-60 minutes daily
Good with kidsYes -- gentle and patient when well-socialized
TrainabilityModerate to high -- intelligent but can be stubborn
SheddingLow to moderate -- depends on coat type and generation

Is a Bernedoodle Right for You?

A Bernedoodle might be right if you:

  • Love the Bernese look but want a longer-lived dog
  • Want a lower-shedding family companion
  • Have children -- they are typically gentle and patient
  • Can commit to regular grooming (every 6-8 weeks)
  • Are willing to research breeders thoroughly
  • Understand you are getting a crossbreed with variable traits

A Bernedoodle might not be right if you:

  • Want a predictable, breed-standard dog
  • Are not prepared for professional grooming costs
  • Expect a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog
  • Want an off-leash hiking dog -- recall can be inconsistent
  • Cannot handle stubbornness during training
  • Are not comfortable paying $2,000-$5,000 for a puppy
How much will a Bernedoodle actually cost you?

Puppy price is just the start. Food, grooming, vet bills, and supplies add up fast -- especially for a larger dog.

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Find a Bernedoodle Breeder

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SwissRidge Kennels

Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Pioneer of the Bernedoodle cross with 20+ years of health-tested breeding.

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Alpine Bernedoodles

Colorado

F1 and multigenerational Bernedoodles from health-tested Bernese and Poodle parents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Bernedoodles with curlier, more Poodle-like coats shed less and produce less dander than those with straighter, Bernese-type coats. F1b Bernedoodles (75% Poodle) are the most likely to be low-shedding. But even a curly-coated Bernedoodle still produces allergens. If you have dog allergies, spend time around the specific puppy before committing. Do not rely on a breeder's promise that their puppies are hypoallergenic.
How big do Bernedoodles get?
It depends on the Poodle parent. Standard Bernedoodles (Bernese x Standard Poodle) typically weigh 70-90 pounds and stand 23-29 inches tall. Mini Bernedoodles (Bernese x Miniature Poodle) range from 25-49 pounds. Tiny or Micro Bernedoodles (Bernese x Toy Poodle) can be 10-24 pounds, though breeding for extreme small size raises health concerns. Size is less predictable in first-generation crosses -- littermates can vary significantly.
What is the difference between F1, F1b, and F2 Bernedoodles?
F1 is a first-generation cross -- 50% Bernese Mountain Dog, 50% Poodle. These have the most variation in coat type and shedding. F1b is an F1 Bernedoodle crossed back to a Poodle -- 75% Poodle, 25% Bernese. These are the most consistently low-shedding. F2 is two F1 Bernedoodles bred together. F2 litters have the widest variation in coat, size, and temperament because the genetics are less predictable. Breeders who focus on F1b crosses generally produce the most consistent results.
How long do Bernedoodles live?
Standard Bernedoodles typically live 12-15 years. Mini and Tiny Bernedoodles may live slightly longer, averaging 14-17 years. This is a significant improvement over purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs, which average only 6-8 years -- one of the shortest lifespans of any breed. The Poodle cross does appear to provide a meaningful longevity benefit, which is one of the strongest arguments for the crossbreed.
How much does a Bernedoodle cost?
Most Bernedoodle puppies from health-tested parents cost $2,000-$5,000. Tri-color Bernedoodles (the classic Bernese markings) and smaller sizes often cost more. Some breeders charge $6,000 or higher for "rare" colors or micro sizes. A high price does not guarantee a healthy, well-bred dog. Always verify that both parents have been health-tested -- hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and breed-specific genetic panels. Walk away from any breeder who cannot show you test results.