What is a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a lovable hybrid born from a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle—combining the Bernese’s gentle, affectionate nature with the Poodle’s intelligence and low‑shedding coat. Typically bred in Canada in the early 2000s, the goal was to create a smart, charismatic companion with allergy‑friendly qualities.
Sizes & Appearance
Depending on the Poodle parent (Toy, Mini, or Standard), Bernedoodles come in:
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Tiny: ~10–24 lbs, 12–17″ tall
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Miniature: ~25–49 lbs, 18–22″ tall
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Standard: ~60–90 lbs, 23–29″ tall
Their coats vary from curly to wavy or straighter styles, and colors range from classic tri‑color (black, rust, white) to black and white, sable, merle, and more. Stricter curls generally mean more allergy-friendly coats. Here at San Tan Doodles, we currently breed Standard and Miniature sizes.
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Personality & Temperament
Bernedoodles are loyal, affectionate, and playful—the perfect family companions. They bond easily with children, family members, and other pets, and love being part of everything you do. Known for their sweet, easygoing temperament, each pup is a little different—some more playful, others more laid-back—but most happily match their family’s pace.
Whether lounging on the couch or joining a short outing or hike, they’re content either way. With a low prey drive and eagerness to please, Bernedoodles make adaptable, loyal companions for all kinds of families.

Nutrition & Exercise
Bernedoodles do best with quality food and daily activity.
Nutrition:
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Feed a high-quality puppy (0-6 months) then adult formula
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Stick to regular mealtimes (2–3x/day)
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Avoid free-feeding — routines help with training
Exercise:
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Daily walks and playtime are essential
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Puppies need short activity bursts with naps
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Adults love hikes, games, and being with their people

Activity Needs & Lifestyle Fit
Bernedoodles, especially when young, thrive with daily exercise and mental challenge. Daily walks, play sessions, training, and interactive puzzles help keep boredom—and barking—at bay.
While Bernedoodles love active play and mental challenges, they’re also great at matching the energy in the room. They get genuinely excited when their humans come home but are just as happy to relax and chill alongside the family. This balance makes them easy to live with, fitting well into both lively and calm households.

Why Families Love Them
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Affectionate & social – they thrive on connection and love snuggles, play, and attention
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Low‑shedding – perfect for allergy-conscious homes (though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic)
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Super smart – fast learners who enjoy pleasing their families
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Flexible sizes – choose a Bernedoodle that fits city apartment life or a big backyard home

Grooming
Bernedoodles require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and mat-free:
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Brush 3–5 times a week using a slicker brush and metal comb
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Schedule professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
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Keep ears clean and dry to avoid infections (especially in floppy-eared types)
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Start grooming routines early so your pup grows up loving bath and brush time
Even low-shedding coats can tangle without upkeep, so a little maintenance goes a long way!

Training Tips
Bernedoodles are intelligent, but they do best with structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement:
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Start early with crate training and potty routines
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Use short, upbeat training sessions to teach commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come”
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Socialize early with new places, sounds, people, and gentle dogs
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Watch for signs of boredom — a busy Bernedoodle is a well-behaved one!
We also highly recommend online programs like Baxter & Bella (use our code SANTAN for 25% off) or trainers like My Loyal Hound for personalized help.

Generation Chart



