Bernedoodle Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Dogs?

The Bernedoodle is a newer breed of dog, made by combining a Poodle breed with a Bernese Mountain Dog. Because Bernedoodles have only been around since the 2000s, the traits of the breed run from more poodle-ish to more Bernese-like. Yet it seems that pretty much all Bernedoodles have an attitude and demeanor extremely well suited to kids and families. Read on, and we’ll take you through the reasons why Bernedoodles’ temperaments make them good family dogs.

Bernedoodle Traits

Depending on whether they have a touch more poodle or Bernese DNA, you might find your Bernedoo’s coat is curly, wavy or straight. Like their poodle forebears, Bernedoodles can be bred to a medium, small, or tiny (miniature) size. They’re available in a variety of colorways, including black, brown, tan, white and cream.

Do Bernedoodles Make Good Family Dogs?

Your average Bernedoodle is smart, loving and playful — but not too mischievous. They tend to be pretty good at going with the flow. They love a good walk, but unlike, for example, a sporting breed, they don’t need to run marathons to get enough exercise. The larger variety — still medium-sized at 45 to 90 pounds — will need a bit more time to burn off their energy than the small and miniature versions.

They tend to have gentle play and loyal, affectionate personalities. They’re likely to get along with your other pets, and definitely with kids. They also have pretty good doggy brains, picking up commands quickly and retaining them for life. So even if you have an inexpert eight-year-old “trainer” on your hands, your Berne is probably up to the coaching!

Bernedoodles tend to live 10 to 12 years, a good span amongst dog breeds.

Should I Get a Male Bernedoodle Or a Female Bernedoodle?

Both male and female Bernedoodles are sweet, smart and loving. Generally, male dogs can be a little more stubborn — and if your Bernedoodle is more Berne than ‘doodle, that can contribute to a strong will, too. Female Bernedoodles might be a touch more obedient and trainable, but the difference shouldn’t be major in either direction.

If you want your dog to be well-trained and well-socialized with kids, adults and other animals, the sooner you can introduce them to these habits, the better.

Do Bernedoodles Like To Swim?

Like their “parent” breeds, Bernedoodles tend to love a good paddle! Chances are they’ll be excited to take a dunk in any body of water they chance upon. However, individual dogs of any breed can be averse to water. Be sensitive to your Bernedoodle’s response to water. They’ll make it clear if it’s not their favorite.

Do Bernedoodles Bark A Lot?

Your Bernedoodle will occasionally bark; nearly all dogs do, and you want to quiet them within reason. But keeping in mind that Bernedoodles are an affable, trainable breed, you should have no trouble teaching your pooch to use their inside voice when inside — most of the time.

Is The Bernedoodle An American Kennel Club Recognized Breed?

Bernedoodles are technically a hybrid of two purebreds, so the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize it as a pure breed. Even so, Bernedoodles are a designer breed, recognized by many other organizations such as the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Breed Registry. You’ll have no trouble finding a Bernedoodle breeder, but you may also be able to find one at your local rescue.

Care and Grooming of Your Bernedoodle

Most Bernedoodles have curly, non-shedding coats — a major plus for the allergic. Those with straighter coats shed a bit more, and may cause more of an allergic reaction.

Bernes have semi-thick coats that do well in all weather: enough UV protection in summer and sunlight, and enough insulation when it’s cold outside.

Their colors can range from all black, to black and white, to the recognizable signature brown, black and white of a Bernese Mountain Dog.

The curlier your Bernedoo’s coat is, the more you’ll want to groom it, since it won’t shed on its own and can get matted down. Bernedoodles seem to like a good brushing as a rule, so feel free to groom that coat daily. It keeps growing, too, so be prepared to have your Bernedoodle trimmed every few months.

Are Bernedoodles Predisposed to Any Health Concerns?

There are a few you’ll want to watch out for, though the best defense is a healthy, veterinarian-recommended diet, keeping up with your Bernedoodle’s shots and taking them for regular check-ups.

Bernedoodles can develop dysplasia in their elbows or hips, skin and eye problems, inflammatory bowel disease, hypothyroidism, mange and bloat. Brushing their teeth regularly and giving them plenty of daily exercise will help forestall all of these concerns!