Bernedoodles, a popular hybrid dog breed of Bernese Mountain Dogs (aka Berners) and Poodles, are friendly, intelligent, and easy-going dogs that can make great family members. But some Bernedoodles can be stubborn; they are not for everyone. Bernedoodle temperament, size, and appearance depend on their breeding.
Are the Bernedoodles family dogs? About Bernedoodle Temperament
Well-behaved Bernedoodles are generally intelligent, social, fun-loving, and charming dogs that make great family pets as long as the family is willing to spend time socializing their Bernedoodle pup. Bernedoodles were bred to be an easy-going, gentle companion and are not a working breed. And, they can adapt to various lifestyles. They are a moderately active dog breed, which can even live in an apartment if given enough exercise, such as a few long daily walks. But, they can be stubborn, especially as puppies. Depending on whether they take from the Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle parent, they may adopt certain characteristics.
Bernedoodle Traits Inherited from Poodles:
- Playfulness
- High intelligence and trainability
- Love of swimming and recovery
- Friendliness
- High energy level
- Low Shedding Curly Coat
- Alert Barkers
Characteristics of the Bernedoodle inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dogs:
- Stubborn and headstrong
- away from strangers
- Very loyal and attached to his family
- Soft
- Great with kids
- Moderate activity level
- Easy going, laid back and carefree
- Straight or slightly wavy coat shedding
How to Train a Bernedoodle
On the Berner side, the puppy can be stubborn and wary of strangers, so socialization should start from the puppy and continue throughout the Bernedoodle’s life. Start exposing the Bernedoodle puppy in a positive way to everything he will encounter in daily life: new people, dogs, sights, sounds, and experiences. This will help temper the Bernese side of the distance. And manners training should also start at 8 weeks and continue throughout the dog’s life to avoid behavioral issues.
If he takes the poodle side, the dog needs outlets for his boundless intelligence and energy. Manners training, recovery, and enrichment activities like puzzle toys can help meet his needs and prevent boredom.
Bernedoodle Training Tails
Here are some basic training cues for teaching your Bernedoodle:
- Watch out (watch)
- Walking on a leash, which is especially important when living with a standard sized Bernedoodle as they can even pull or knock someone down if not trained
- Reminder and emergency recall, which are crucial if the Poodle’s friendly side takes over for new adventures
- Sitting/sitting/staying is necessary for impulse control and to avoid jumping on people
- Giving and letting go are necessary to recover
- Leave him
- Going to a mat and settling down are great, especially for impulse control for the high-yield poodle side
Interesting facts about the Bernedoodle
In 2003, the first Bernedoodles were deliberately bred by Sherry Rupke, owner of SwissRidge Kennels in Canada. Dog breeders generally try to crossbreed dogs that have the most attractive characteristics of each breed. Each Bernedoodle is unique and may take on more of the appearance or temperament of one parent breed than the other. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat with minimal shedding. Some have curly coats similar to their Poodle ancestors. They can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tricolor (black, brown and white).
There are three sizes of Bernedoodles
- The Standard Bernedoodle is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Berner. It weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and between 23 and 29 inches at the shoulder.
- The Mini Bernedoodle is a cross between the Mini Poodle and the Berner. It weighs between 25 and 49 pounds and 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder.
- The Tiny Bernedoodle is a cross between a Toy Poodle and a Mini Bernedoodle and weighs between 10 and 24 pounds and stands 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. Mini and Tiny Bernedoodles can have slightly higher energy levels than the norm.
Bernedoodles can make great family members for people looking for an intelligent, easy-going companion. But be aware that your pup may resemble its friendly and driven Poodle ancestors or its aloof and stubborn Bernese side in appearance and temperament.
For more information, visit the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.
