The Mini Bernedoodle is nothing more than a miniature mix between a Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. Now, is there a difference between standard Bernedoodle and Mini Bernedoodle? No, only the size matters.
We live in an era when people want to get smaller and smaller dogs. More and more people are living in apartments where they do not have enough space for a large dog.
So, that is how the popularity of small dogs, including mixes, has soared. Let’s take a look at everything we know about the adorable designer puppy.
Meet The Breed
Mini Bernedoodles are often hypoallergenic, thanks to the genetics of their Poodle parent. That makes them a favorable choice for families with allergies.
The small, yet capable dog breed has the finest qualities of both parents. They have the intelligence and trainability of Poodles and the sociability and friendliness of the Bernese Mountain dog.
Because they are a crossbreed, they are less likely to be available for adoption. After all, this is a highly sought-after breed that can cost quite a lot.
Yet, there are always people that think owning a dog is an easy task. Spoiler alert, it is not.
The Mini Bernedoodle thrives on being close to its human companion and would love to join you everywhere and anywhere. That includes even work if given the opportunity.
These puppies can adapt to various lifestyles. But in every case, their strong need for human companionship and closeness should be taken into account.
Meet The Parents
What we have to note when we talk about crossbreeds, be it any Poodle mix, is that they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. That means there is no official breed standard set by the AKC. Yes, there are other clubs that might set a standard. But generally speaking, we have to take a look at the parents to understand the offspring. So, let’s go.
Bernese Mountain Dog
One of the friendliest dogs in the canine kingdom, the Bernese Mountain Dog is an amazing choice for families with children. This family pet will fit right into the family and capture the hearts of every member of the household.
Their size is the biggest challenge. But once you go over that, you will find out you have a gentle giant inside. These large dogs have a kind and gentle nature. Famous for their calm and patient demeanor, Bernese dogs are excellent companions. Let’s take a look at their common personality traits.
- Incredibly affectionate, they love being around their human members and seek physical contact
- Fiercely loyal by nature, they form a strong bond and will be protective of their loved ones
- Sociable dogs that become friends with everyone they meet, be it small dogs, large dogs, or anything in between. They even love cats
- They tend to have an easygoing and laid-back attitude, handling new environments and situations with a calm demeanor
- While they are not as quick to learn commands as Poodles, they respond well to patient and consistent training
- Despite their size, they have a playful and fun-loving side and enjoy interactive playtime
- They have moderate energy but do require regular exercise that will keep them healthy and mentally stimulated
- Described as having a mellow temperament, they tend to remain calm and composed in every situation
- They are sensitive to their owner’s emotions, making them amazing therapy dogs
Poodle
Of the two parent breeds, the Poodle is the more intelligent one. These highly versatile dogs can be used in any situation. Poodles, originally bred for hunting, have developed into one of the most versatile dogs around.
Their intelligence and hypoallergenic coat are the reason why many people and breeders try to cross them with other dogs.
Let’s take a look at their most common personality traits.
- Highly intelligent, they are second only to the Border Collie in terms of smarts
- Energetic and playful, they enjoy mental stimulation
- Amazing option for individuals and families with an active lifestyle, they will accompany you in every sport
- They have a keen sense of awareness and can be quite alert and watchful when needed. This might surprise you, but a Miniature Poodle might bark at intruders as much as a German Shepherd
- They tend to be social dogs that get along with people and other animals
- Adaptable to different living situations, they can thrive even in apartments as long as you provide regular physical exercise and mental stimulation
- They have a desire to please their owners, but they are also independent. If you do not get on their level intellectually, they will try to outsmart you
- Poodles become bored when they are not mentally stimulated
Appearance
Now let’s go back to the dog breed we want to know more about. And that is the Mini Bernedoodle. This specific breed can come in a wide variety of colors. That is thanks to the genetics of the Poodle. That being said, a Miniature Bernedoolde can be black, black and white, black and brown, cream, or in three different colors.
Their appearance often resembles a cuddly hair small bear cub. They have the build of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the coat of the Poodle.
Every dog has a different coat, but there are some common themes. For example, no matter if you have F1 Mini Bernedoodle or F2 Mini Bernedoodle, your dog should have a curly coat to some degree. There are very few doodles with a straight coat.
Now let’s go to size. These dogs grow between 18 and 22 inches, weighing between 25 and 50 pounds. Males, as with other similar breeds, tend to be larger than females.
Their coat is often hypoallergenic. That happens even more with F1 Bernedoodle. Remember, F2 dogs are a bigger wildcard, since there is a lot more genetic material.
F1 dogs are a cross between two purebred dogs. F2 Bernedoodle can be a cross between a Bernedoodle and a Poodle, a Bernedoodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, or between two Bernedoodles.
Temperament
When it comes to the temperament of your Miniature Bernedoodle, you can be sure it is the same as with a standard Bernedoodle.
The only difference is the size. That often results in fewer exercise needs. But despite its small size, this dog is far from content with a casual stroll around the block.
These dogs are the result of mating two energetic dogs. While the Bernese is a moderate-energy dog, the Poodle parent is a high-energy dog. So, you can expect an energetic dog that loves to play.
They tend to inherit the social aspect of their parents. Mini Bernedoodles are quite friendly and sociable as their parent breeds. The difference as small dogs, they are a bit more anxious in the presence of larger dogs.
Now, the small Bernedoodle puppy might not be the best option for apartment life. They can be overprotective and noisy, and that is not always compatible with shared living spaces.
The best description for this dog is an active puppy that can keep pace with your family. They are happy, goofy, loving, and loyal dogs that use every chance to interact with their pet parents.
Now, while every dog is different, they tend to inherit some of the common personality traits. Those are goofy, eager to please, a bit stubborn, and a bit lazy.
In the end, you will often end up with a mischievous puppy, something they inherit from their Poodle parent.
Training
When it comes to training any Poodle mix, you have to understand that you are dealing with an intelligent dog. And often, intelligent dogs are stubborn dogs.
In this case, you are dealing with a bit of a stubborn streak. Having a Poodle mix has its benefits. These dogs are intelligent and pick up commands quite easily.
Yet, the challenge is that if you do not get on their level intellectually, they will outsmart you. They do have a mischievous nature. And that manifests the most when you try to train them.
These dogs tend to try and do things their way. With consistent training, and adding plenty of mental stimulation, you can get the upper hand.
Exercise
These dogs range somewhere between moderate-energy and high-energy dogs. Generally speaking, they need between 45 and 60 minutes of physical exercise per day.
That can come in the form of walks in the park, playtime in the yard, or interacting with other dogs. The good news is these puppies are quite sociable and friendly. But never assume that you can use the dog park for exercise. Do not go there with a dog with zoomies.
Health
The good news is that despite being the offspring of two larger dogs, these puppies are quite healthy. That is because both the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are considered healthy puppies.
There are some health risks, concerns, and issues. For example, they are susceptible to cataracts, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions.
Yet, with regular veterinary checkups, and responsible ownership, you can minimize those risks. Be sure to get your Mini Bernedoodle puppy from a reputable breeder. And always feed them quality dog food. If you do that, this excellent breed will live a long and happy life.
Grooming Needs
Now, as we said before, often, these dogs have a curly coat. That is due to their Poodle genetics. The tiny Bernedoodle might not take as much time brushing as a Standard Poodle. But they do need their brushing once or twice per week.
Also, make sure to take your dog to the grooming salon every two to three months. This is the price you pay for an excellent breed that doesn’t shed as much as other dogs.
Their degree of shedding can vary from moderate to no shedding. There is no guarantee about that. Usually, the best chance of getting a hypoallergenic dog is with an F1b Mini Bernedoodle. This is a second generation of Bernedoodle. And it has 75% Poodle genetics. Its parents are standard Bernedoodle and a Poodle parent.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- Usually, these dogs are quite expensive compared to other breeds
- They need plenty of social interaction, and you have to provide that
- They can be quite stubborn when they want to
Why Should You Get One?
- One of the smartest dogs in the canine world
- They can often turn out to be hypoallergenic
- A perfect family dog, loving companion, and loyal dog
