Bernedoodle | Purina UK (2024)

The Bernedoodle, while more popular in the US and Canada, is an unusual crossbreed in the UK - given the relative scarcity of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the breed club’s desire to protect the breed. However, the Bernedoodle was first intentionally bred bySherryRupkeofSwissridgeKennelsin 2003, as she wanted to combine the Poodles clever and goofy personality with the unfaltering loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Where the Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, the two breeds involved in its make-up go way back. The origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog can be traced back 2,000 years when the Romans invaded Switzerland with their cattle drovers and guard dogs. The Roman mastiff-type dogs were probably crossed with the region’s flock-guarding dogs who were of a size and coat-type to withstand the severe weather in the Alps, and which also served to soften their temperaments. These dogs worked for hundreds of years in this area - often being referred to as the Farmer’s Dog, the Butcher’s Dog or even the Cheesery Dog as along with being flock guards, they were used as cart-pullers to transport goods to markets, as most villagers were too poor to own horses.

It’sdifficult to predict the exercise needs of this cross. The Poodle is an active working dog who needs plenty of exercise, thrives on having a job to do, and loves training and exercising their busy brains. The Bernese Mountain Dog is far calmer and laid-back and is often happy lying around watching what is going on.So,you could end up with a light-ishbuild dog who needs a lot of exercise and training,or you could end up with a heavier dog whose body and brain is more that of a friendly couch potato! Even an activeBernedoodlemay not mature for quite some time,so short periods of exercise several times a day are far better so as not to permanently damage growing bones and joints.

If yourBernedoodleinherits the thick coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog, it’s worth noting that these aredesigned to withstand the cold of the Alps and so theydon’tcopewell in the heat of the summer.With this in mind, exercising first thing in the morning and last thingin the eveningwhen the sun is cooler may be necessary.

Take advice from both your breeder and your vet.

If you have a largeBernedoodle, they’ll have significant appetites andwillbenefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting different joint and cartilage needs. TheBernedoodlecan be prone to bloating and stomach problems,sotry feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise the risk.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feedthemat least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines oftheirparticular food.

It’sdifficult to predict what kind of coat theBernedoodleis going to have - as they may inherit a huge thick coat like a Bernese or they may inherit the Poodle coat (or any mixtures of the two!).

This means they may not shed or shed minimally (the Poodle coat),but in that case will require regular trimming, or else they may shed (the Bernese coat) and may or may not have an unruly coat that is prone to matting. Mats can be a problem with this cross - especially behind the ears, at the side of the neck, thighs, stomach and base of tail.

Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Bernedoodle’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops. They can be anything from low maintenance to high maintenance so be prepared for either!

Ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears which can cause infections or sore ears.

For largerBernedoodles, theywill needtraining so you can walk them easily on a leadand ensure they will come back to you when you call them. They also need tolearn not to jump up at people- or knock them over in their enthusiasm!

The two breeds that go into theBernedoodleare very owner-oriented and so training and handling should always be positive and reward-based. It’simportant to train aBernedoodleto enjoy handling and grooming (as they will need a lot of it).

Given the Poodle has a workinggundogbackground, they should be well socialised with cats (who they can learn to live with very happily) but they should be watched with caution around other small animals and birds.