Bernedoodle
A gentle, affectionate Bernese Mountain Dog–Poodle cross that makes a calm, loyal family dog. Often low-shedding with a coat that needs regular grooming. Size ranges from mini to standard and temperament varies depending on which parent they take after.
Bernedoodle scorecard
Overview
The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed produced by mating a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle, with Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodles all used to create different sizes. It is also called a Bernese Mountain Poo or Bernepoo. Like all doodle crosses, it is not recognised by The Kennel Club, has no breed standard and cannot be pedigree-registered, so size, coat and temperament vary widely between dogs and within litters.
In the UK a Bernedoodle can range from quite small to large — broadly around 30–74 cm at the shoulder and roughly 11–40 kg — depending entirely on the size of Poodle used. They are often handsome tricolour dogs with wavy or curly coats. Generally affectionate and family-oriented, they appeal to owners wanting a Bernese-like companion with a coat that tends to shed less.
Good to know — a Bernedoodle needs plenty of space and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Bernedoodle is a recent designer crossbreed with no long history of its own and no Kennel Club recognition. It is part of the modern Poodle-cross trend pursued for trainability and reduced shedding.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large Swiss working and draught breed, traditionally used on farms in the canton of Bern, known for a calm, gentle and affectionate nature but also, sadly, for a relatively short lifespan and a number of inherited health concerns. The Poodle is a historic European water dog valued for intelligence and a low-shedding coat. Crossing the two aims to combine the Bernese temperament with the Poodle's coat and biddability, and some breeders hope for greater hybrid vigour given the Bernese's known health issues — though this is not guaranteed.
Temperament & family fit
Bernedoodles are usually affectionate, gentle and loyal, often inheriting the easy-going, people-loving character of the Bernese Mountain Dog combined with the Poodle's intelligence. Many are calm and patient by doodle standards, enjoy family life and, when well socialised, are good with children and other animals. They tend to form strong attachments to their household.
Individual temperament varies with the mix of parental traits and with the size of dog produced; smaller Bernedoodles can be more lively, while larger ones are often steadier. Some can be a little reserved or sensitive, so confident socialisation helps. Like most crosses bred for companionship, they generally prefer company and may struggle if regularly left alone for long stretches.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Bernedoodles are typically intelligent and trainable, usually responding well to patient, reward-based methods. Early socialisation and basic training help them become confident, well-mannered adults, and with larger individuals it is wise to instil good manners and lead skills before they reach full size and weight.
Keep sessions positive and consistent; the Bernese side can be a touch sensitive, so harsh handling is counterproductive and is discouraged by UK welfare bodies such as the RSPCA and Blue Cross. Mental enrichment through training games and puzzle toys is valuable, particularly for the Poodle-influenced, quicker-minded individuals.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Bernedoodle typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coats range from wavy to curly and are usually low to moderate shedding. Most Bernedoodles need frequent brushing — several times a week or daily for curlier coats — to prevent matting, plus professional grooming or clipping every couple of months. Regular ear checks and cleaning, nail trimming and dental care complete the routine. As with all doodles, none are truly hypoallergenic and shedding differs between dogs.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality food suited to the dog's size, age and activity, following pack guidance and keeping the dog lean. Because adult size varies so much, portion needs differ widely between a Toy-cross and a Standard-cross Bernedoodle. For larger puppies, sensible feeding to support steady rather than rapid growth is important for joint health. Measure meals, account for treats and provide fresh water; your vet can advise on condition.
Bernedoodle health & costs
Before bringing a Bernedoodle home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a first-cross, a Bernedoodle may benefit from greater genetic diversity than the Bernese Mountain Dog, which has well-documented health concerns, but it can still inherit conditions from either parent, so good health is not guaranteed. Health testing of both parents is the most important safeguard, and crossbreed-specific data is limited because these dogs are outside pedigree health-monitoring schemes.
Given the Bernese parent's known predisposition to certain cancers and joint problems, buyers should be especially careful to choose a responsible, health-testing breeder and to ask to see hip and elbow scores, eye testing and relevant DNA results for both parents. The Puppy Contract and UK licensing rules are helpful tools.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — developmental joint conditions relevant to both parents; check parental scores.
- Cancers (including histiocytic sarcoma) — the Bernese Mountain Dog is known to be predisposed to certain cancers.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited cause of blindness; DNA testing available in the parents.
- Von Willebrand's disease — an inherited blood-clotting disorder reported in the parent breeds.
- Hypothyroidism — an under-active thyroid that can occur in the parent breeds.
- Ear infections — drop ears with hair growth need regular cleaning.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Bernedoodle; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Bernedoodle puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Bernedoodle
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, affectionate and good with families
- Often low-shedding and calmer than many doodles
Things to consider
- Coat needs regular grooming to avoid matting
- Large size and can be stubborn or reserved if under-socialised
Compare the Bernedoodle
See how the Bernedoodle measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Same breed group
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Labradoodle
A friendly Labrador × Poodle crossbreed — sociable, often lower-shedding, and a popular family choice.
Cavapoo
One of the UK’s most popular crossbreeds (Cavalier × Poodle) — affectionate, adaptable and usually low-shedding.
Cavapoochon
A small triple-cross (Cavalier × Bichon × Poodle) — friendly, low-shedding and well suited to family and flat life.
Similar temperament
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant — calm, affectionate and wonderful with families, if you have the space and a big heart.
Cavapoo
One of the UK’s most popular crossbreeds (Cavalier × Poodle) — affectionate, adaptable and usually low-shedding.
Cavapoochon
A small triple-cross (Cavalier × Bichon × Poodle) — friendly, low-shedding and well suited to family and flat life.
Labradoodle
A friendly Labrador × Poodle crossbreed — sociable, often lower-shedding, and a popular family choice.
Similar size, different type
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a crossbreed produced by mating a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle, with Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodles all used to create different sizes. It is also called a Bernese Mountain Poo or Bernepoo. Like all doodles it is not recognised by The Kennel Club, has no breed standard and cannot be pedigree-registered, so size, coat and temperament vary widely.
How big do Bernedoodles get?
A Bernedoodle can range from quite small to large, broadly around 30–74 cm at the shoulder and roughly 11–40 kg, depending entirely on the size of Poodle used. Miniature and micro Bernedoodles, bred from smaller Poodles, sit at the lower end. With no breed standard, adult size is never fully predictable, so meeting the parents helps.
Are Bernedoodles calm or high-energy?
Many Bernedoodles are calm and patient by doodle standards, often inheriting the easy-going, people-loving character of the Bernese Mountain Dog combined with the Poodle's intelligence. Smaller Bernedoodles can be more lively, while larger ones are often steadier. Exercise needs are moderate, with around an hour a day plus mental stimulation suiting most, though Poodle-influenced dogs may need more.
Do Bernedoodles shed much?
Coats range from wavy to curly and are usually low to moderate shedding, which is a key reason owners choose the cross. Most need frequent brushing, several times a week or daily for curlier coats, to prevent matting, plus professional grooming or clipping every couple of months. As with all doodles, none are truly hypoallergenic and shedding differs between dogs.
Are Bernedoodles good family dogs?
Bernedoodles are usually affectionate, gentle and loyal, and when well socialised are typically good with children and other animals. They form strong attachments to their household and generally prefer company, so they may struggle if regularly left alone for long stretches. Larger individuals need adequate space, but with kind training they make devoted, gentle companions.
Are Bernedoodles healthy dogs?
As a first-cross a Bernedoodle may benefit from greater genetic diversity than the Bernese Mountain Dog, which has well-documented health concerns including a predisposition to certain cancers and joint problems, but it can still inherit conditions from either parent. Ask to see hip and elbow scores, eye testing and relevant DNA results for both parents, and choose a responsible breeder.
How long do Bernedoodles live?
A Bernedoodle typically lives around 12–16 years. Crossing with the Poodle is one reason many live longer than the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, which is generally shorter-lived. Lifespan still depends on genetics, the health of both parents, weight management and veterinary care, so researching the Bernese parent's health is worthwhile before committing.
Are Bernedoodles easy to train?
Bernedoodles are typically intelligent and trainable, usually responding well to patient, reward-based methods. With larger individuals it is wise to instil good manners and lead skills before they reach full size. The Bernese side can be a touch sensitive, so harsh handling is counterproductive and discouraged by UK welfare bodies such as the RSPCA and Blue Cross.
Are Bernedoodles good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Bernedoodles tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Bernedoodle need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Bernedoodle needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Bernedoodles shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Bernedoodles easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Bernedoodles are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Bernedoodles bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Bernedoodles good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Bernedoodles suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Bernedoodle really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog and crossbreeds (https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/)
- RSPCA — Dog care and choosing a dog (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs)
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and behaviour advice (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog)
- PDSA — Dog health and crossbreed advice (https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice)
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.