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Bluegrass Bernedoodle Blog

Temperament, Coat, Size, Color... Everything About Bernedoodles

What is a Bernedoodle

A bernedoodle is a bernese mountain dog mixed with a poodle. It can also be a bernedoodle mixed with a poodle or a bernese mountain dog mixed with a bernedoodle. Keep reading to learn more about each generation.


Bernedoodle Size Comparison

Bernedoodles come in different sizes: standard, mini, and micro mini. The size ranges below are a great rough estimate, but keep in mind that the size of one specific bernedoodle really depends on their parents.


Standard Bernedoodle Size

Standard Bernedoodles range in size from 45-115 pounds 23-29 inches at the shoulder. The reason for this huge range is because standard poodles range in size tremendously. I have had a standard Bernedoodle adult weight only 45 pounds, but that is uncommon. An experienced breeder should be able to tell you within about a 10-20 pound range how big your puppy is expected to be. In some occasions it is impossible to know for sure. This is a big reason we wait until they are 7 weeks for families to select their puppy. This allows us to complete their individual temperament evaluations, but it also allows us to see who is tracking on the larger or smaller side of the litter. We always let our families pick their puppy, but only after we share their individual temperament and learning about the size and coat that will be right for their family.

Mini Bernedoodle Size

Mini Bernedoodle range in size from 18-45 pounds and 18-22 inches at the shoulder. If you need a dog that will stay under 50 pounds I would recommend a small mini or a tiny/f1b mini bernedoodle.

Micro Mini Bernedoodle Size

Micro Mini Bernedoodles range in size from 15-30 pounds. If you need a dog that will stay under 50 pounds I would recommend a small mini or a tiny/f1b mini bernedoodle. Visit our micro mini bernedoodle past litter page to learn more.

bernedoodle size comparison

Bernedoodle Puppies for Sale

Looking to bring home your very own bernedoodle puppy? Feel free to browse through our bernedoodle for sale page. We can't wait to help your family grow by four paws! Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or give us a call directly at 270-350-2513. Whether you're ready now or later we would be honored to welcome you to the Bluegrass Family.


Bernedoodle Temperament

Bernedoodles tend to have the best attributes of both the Bernese and the poodle. They are fun, loving, goofy, sociable, confident dogs. They are very gentle around the elderly and children. They seem to know what people can handle. Because of this they make perfect therapy and service dogs. They are easy to train and love to work. Bernedoodles love to be around people. They do not do well in an outside kennel and need to be a part of the family. Like with any puppy Bernedoodles need training early. Training your Bernedoodle early is best for you and your Bernedoodle. Want to learn more about how we conduct our temperament testing? Want to learn more about each of the temperament traits we test for? Check out our post: What is Temperament and Why is it so Important


Bernedoodle Coat Types

Every Bernedoodle coat is different. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy or curly hair coat that is low to no shedding. Most people with allergies are ok with this hair type. It is very rare to have a bernedoodle with straight hair, unless they are unfurnished. (Keep reading to see photo examples of different coat types.) Brushing your Bernedoodle twice a week will make shedding less noticeable. Bernedoodles need to be brushed at least once a week to prevent mating. You can have your Bernedoodle trimmed every few months or you can do this yourself or have a professional do it.


bernedoodle puppy

Unfurnished Bernedoodle

The term "Furnishings" refers to the long hair on the extremities of the dog including the head and tail. When our Bernese is crossed with a Poodle the resulting dog is furnished. If one of our Bernese is crossed with certain bernedoodles, the result is unfurnished.


We've had many families specifically ask for an unfurnished bernedoodle. Some families don't like the beard of the furnished bernedoodle or they love the bernese look, but like the bernedoodle temperament more. (Keep in mind, unfurnished bernedoodles will shed.)


Here are some photo examples:


Bernedoodles Colors

Bernedoodles can be black & brown, black & white, white and brown, grey brown and white, or a tri-color which is a mix of white, black, and brown. More colors are commonly referred as: sable, chocolate, phantom, and merle. Enjoy some examples from our sweet furbabies!



What is an F1 Bernedoodle

What is an F2 Bernedoodle

f1 bernedoodle

What is an F1b Bernedoodle

An F1b bernedoodle is a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle and a poodle. The result is a dog that is 3/4 poodle and 1/4 bernese mountain dog.

f1 bernedoodle

What is an F2b Bernedoodle

An F2b bernedoodle is a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle and an F1b bernedoodle. It can also be a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle and an F2 Bernedoodle The result is an F2b bernedoodle, more commonly referred to as a multigen.

f2b bernedoodle

F1b Reverse Bernedoodle

A Reverse F1b Bernedoodle is a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. This means they are 3/4 Bernese Mountain Dog and 1/4 Poodle. We love these pairings, because each puppy in this type of litter has a 50/50 chance of having an unfurnished coat. We have had a lot of families reach out to us looking for an unfurnished bernedoodle. Generally, they love the temperament of the bernedoodle, but they don't like the look of the doodle beard as much. This allows them to get exactly what they're looking for in their furever friend!

f1b bernedoodle

Bernedoodle Lifespan

If you want to know how long a Bernedoodle lives, first it is interesting to know that Bernedoodles tend to be healthier than their parents' breeds. The Standard Bernedoodle live 10-12 years. The Mini Bernedoodle lives 14-16 years. The Micro Mini Bernedoodle live 14-16 years.


What Are The Health Concerns of a Bernedoodles

We are all about genetic testing and choosing the right parents. As they can be prone to hip, elbow dysplasia and eye problems. Just like most other breeds they can get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the health concerns for Bernedoodles. Bernese Mountain Dogs need to be tested in Hips, Elbow, Vwd (a genetic disorder), and eyes. Standard Poodles need to be tested for Hips, Eyes, Thyroid, and heart. Mini Poodles need to be tested in Eyes, Hips, and Vwd.

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