The Bernedoodle Breed Profile

Bernedoodles are one of the most popular designer hybrids and their popularity is growing! There are lots of different colors, sizes, and coat texture. Bernedoodles can develop an advanced heritable linage; they can become healthier, hybrid vigor, and more likely to live longer than their pure breed parental linage. Below, we will be discussing only First generation (F1) Bernedoodles. Here is what to expect from this wonderful dog breed!

Traits:

Below is a picture of basic traits that Bernedoodles can exhibit

ersonality:

Bernedoodles are going to be very loving, loyal, and sometimes goofy dogs. They do well living with other animals and great with children. They are very affectionate and have a laid-back disposition. Bernedoodles are great for security because they look like they are vicious but really, they are just big goof balls. They are perfect family dogs because of their gentle and loving personalities, thanks to both of their parents breeds. They will need moderate exercise. A walk through the neighborhood will suffice along with a dog park visit from time to time. Remember, these are large breed dogs, so be aware not to overexert your dog. Bernedoodles are happy to be by their humans and are protective of them. Because of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents, they can be trained easily for outdoor adventures. Bernedoodles have excellent dispositions, so much so that people use them as therapy dogs. Remember to set boundaries and manners early in their puppy hood! You can find basic puppy manners here!

Types of Color Coat:

Oh goodness, where do I even begin! There are so many variations of Bernedoodles that I’m sure I’ll miss a few. Bernedoodles can have a tricolor (three color) coat that is inherited from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. Poodles almost always carry a “fading gene” meaning your puppy’s coat will change once mature. Listed below are common Bernedoodle coat color.

Tricolor coats can include:

-Black

-Brown

-Tan

-Apricot

-Red

-Cream

-White

-Sable

Phantom:

The phantom coat color is just one more color variation that you can choose from when deciding on purchasing a new Bernedoodle puppy. They will have a primary coat color that is known as the dominant color with only one other color called “points”. Bernedoodles have a base coat of black or brown with brown on all four legs, paws, eyebrows, checks, and chest. There are several different color combos that can be achieved, too many to write out! But the most common Phantom color is black and brown. Phantom coat color is sometimes referred to as Bi-color (two color)

Merle Color Coat:

This is a controversial topic in the Poodle world! But I will break it down as best I can…

Neither Bernese Mountain Dog nor Poodle, carry the M-locus gene (Merle)- it’s just not in their genes. The Merle gene (M) is a semi dominate gene, and not recessive. It is not a natural pattern in Poodles. The “Merle” Poodle color is not able to enter the AKC show confirmation, because their coat color is not recognized as legitimate to this breed. Most breeders that classify their Poodles as Merle are actually mislabeling them and should be referred to as (S)- Spotted, which in Poodles is called Particolor, and not Merle. The reason for this mislabel (whether intentional or not) is that Merle, no matter the breed, are always priced higher! Breeders will also introduce different breeds that can produce Merle’s (shepherds, collie, ect) not for the betterment of the bloodline but solely on color coat. This is worrisome as certain breeds can carry hereditary diseases, NOT hyperallergic, and unwanted behavior traits. At the end of the day, are you even getting a Bernedoodle?

Whether or not you believe the Merle gene is possible in Poodles, this is why it’s important to have documentation confirmation of both parent’s linage, and breed standards. This is the reason why we also only breed F1, because it’s easier to track down family’s bloodline, through AKC documentation

Coat Type:

No Bernedoodle is alike, even their coat texture can differ from one another. There are typically three types of coat textures. The curlier the coat, the less it will shed. The most common coat texture is a wavy coat. A wavy coat will look like a perfect hybrid of both breeds. Bernedoodles can even have a straight coat, however very rare, but it can happen. This coat type still won’t shed as much as their Berne parent. Now the curlier coat will achieve the least shedding Bernedoodle however, most often these are produced through generational breeding

Regardless of where you get your Bernedoodle, always do your diligence. Visit our blog on choosing the right breeder for more info on what to do next!