A Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. The goal of the pairing is to combine the calm, affectionate nature of the Bernese with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle, and the result is one of the most popular family companion dogs around today. If you have been wondering what a Bernedoodle actually is and whether one is right for your home, here is a clear, straightforward breed guide.
Where Bernedoodles Come From
The Bernedoodle is a relatively new designer breed, first intentionally bred in the early 2000s. Breeders set out to keep the loyal, gentle temperament the Bernese Mountain Dog is loved for while reducing the heavy shedding and adding the Poodle's smarts and coat. Because the breed is still young, traits can vary from litter to litter, which is why choosing a thoughtful breeder matters so much.
Bernedoodle Temperament
Bernedoodles are best known for being gentle, loyal, and people-focused. They tend to be affectionate without being high-strung, playful without being frantic, and smart enough to pick up training quickly. That balance makes them a strong fit for families with children, first-time dog owners, and anyone who wants a dog that is happy to be part of everyday life. Like any dog, they do best with early socialization and consistent, positive training.
The Bernedoodle Coat
One of the biggest draws of the breed is the coat. Bernedoodles are typically low-shedding, and many are considered allergy-friendly, which is a major reason families who could never keep a heavy-shedding dog do well with a Bernedoodle. Coats range from wavy to curly to straighter, and the curlier the coat, the lower the shedding tends to be. You can learn more in our Bernedoodle Coat and Color Guide.
Sizes and Generations
Bernedoodles come in more than one size, so you can choose a dog that fits your space and lifestyle. We raise Mini and Standard Bernedoodles, and you can compare them on our Bernedoodle Sizes page. You will also see terms like F1, F1B, Ultra, and Multigen, which describe how a puppy was bred and affect its coat and shedding. Our Bernedoodle Generations guide breaks those down in plain language.
Are Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs?
For most families, yes. Their patient, easygoing temperament, their trainability, and their low-shedding coats make Bernedoodles one of the more practical family dogs you can bring home. They do want to be with their people, so they are happiest in homes where they get daily attention, walks, and playtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bernedoodle a purebred dog?
No. A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, which makes it a designer or hybrid breed rather than a single purebred.
Do Bernedoodles shed?
They are low-shedding compared to most breeds. The exact amount depends on the coat and the generation, with curlier coats and higher Poodle percentages generally shedding the least.
How big do Bernedoodles get?
It depends on the size you choose. We raise Mini and Standard Bernedoodles, and you can see typical weight and height ranges on our Bernedoodle Sizes page.
Are Bernedoodles hard to train?
Not usually. Thanks to their Poodle heritage they are intelligent and eager to please, which tends to make training smoother, especially with consistency and early socialization.
Ready to Meet Your Bernedoodle?
If a Bernedoodle sounds like the right fit for your family, the fastest way to get started is to call or text us. We are happy to answer questions and walk you through our available litters.
