INTRO
Bernedoodles are rising in popularity across the nation as one of the best family dogs. One of the best aspects of this designer breed is its “doodle” heritage, which makes them hypoallergenic and great for individuals who suffer from certain dog allergies.
If you are considering bringing home Bernedoodles, there are a few things to consider. First, there are a few different versions of the Bernedoodle, so figuring out which one is right for you is the first step.
Additionally, it is important to consider the breed’s personality, needs, and financial commitment that you will be making when purchasing your new best friend.
- Let’s get going
- What is a Bernedoodle? Is This Breed Right For Me?
- Bernedoodle Temperament
- Taking Care of a Bernedoodle
- How Much Does a Bernedoodle Puppy Cost?
- Factors Affecting the Cost of a Bernedoodle Puppy
- Breeder Reputation
- How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Bernedoodle?
- Additional Costs of Owning a Bernedoodle
- Summary:
- Sources :
Let’s get going
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know when it comes to Bernedoodle dogs including their parent dogs, possible health issues, how to look for quality breeders and the different factors that go into the price tag of Standard Bernedoodles!
What is a Bernedoodle? Is This Breed Right For Me?
Before you get a Bernedoodle puppy, you should research the breed itself, the needs of this dog, and the kind of personality that is standard for the breed. This is the best way to determine if a dog is right for you and your lifestyle.
A Bernedoodle is a mixed, designer dog that consists of two parent breeds: the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Standard Poodle. A Miniature Poodle can also be used in breeding to create Miniature Bernedoodles.
The breed comes in a variety of colors. Just like most other doodle breeds, these lovable creatures are in high demand.
Take a look below for a breakdown of the different temperaments and tips for taking care of a Bernedoodle.
Bernedoodle Temperament
Knowing the personality of your potential dog breed is an important part of being a dog owner. The temperament of a Bernedoodle is affectionate and playful, making it the perfect family member.
These dogs are often seen working as therapy dogs because of how sweet and attentive they are to their humans. Bernedoodles are also great with kids and make wonderful companions as they grow up.
A Bernedoodle can be nervous around strangers, so proper introductions are a must. Because of the Poodle parent breed, you will find that Bernedoodles are active and very energetic.
Taking Care of a Bernedoodle
Bringing home a puppy is just the beginning of the story. Having a puppy and an adult dog will require your time, dedication, and commitment to keeping your Bernedoodle happy and healthy.
Below are a few categories that every dog owner should be aware of.
Everyday Activity
Just as we mentioned, Bernedoodles are known to be high-energy dogs, especially puppies. Both parent breeds of the Bernedoodle are considered working dogs, meaning they need a job or activity to keep them busy.
Activities such as hiking, walking, swimming, and other agility courses will be popular among this breed. It’s important to give a Bernedoodle room to stretch out, so it’s best to have a backyard if you are considering this breed.
Additionally, a Bernedoodle should not be left bored at home for long periods, as this could lead to destructive behavior.
Grooming
A big part of the demand for Bernedoodles comes from their hypoallergenic coat stemming from the Poodle parent. Just because their coat won’t cause allergic reactions, doesn’t mean you won’t have to spend time grooming this breed.
Because of their thick, curly coats, Bernedoodles require daily or weekly brushing sessions at home in combination with monthly trips to a professional groomer for a bath, cleaning, and haircut.
Health Concerns
As with all dog breeds, there are common health issues that can occur. It’s a good idea to be aware of these conditions so that you can address the illness as quickly as possible for successful treatment and keep your pup in good health.
A good breeder will run health checks on their puppies to breed out dogs who are more prone to health problems. You can ask most dog breeders for a health guarantee and medical history for a new puppy.
Below are some common health concerns for a Bernedoodle:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Ocular Diseases
- Hot Spots
How Much Does a Bernedoodle Puppy Cost?
The cost of a Bernedoodle can depend on many different factors. Higher prices can be attached to more desirable traits in a dog such as different colors, coat types, and generation types.
You will also see a fluctuation in the initial price depending on the reputation of the breeder and even your location. The average cost of a Bernedoodle from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 – $5,000.
Adopting a Bernedoodle will be cheaper than getting a dog from a breeder, but due to the high demand, this is rare. While that price may seem like a lot of money, you can’t put a price on the unconditional love you will receive from this adorable breed!
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Bernedoodle Puppy
As we said, there are a few factors that determine the Bernedoodle cost. There are plenty of variations when it comes to the Bernedoodle breed, so it is a good idea to know what traits attribute to the total cost of a Bernedoodle puppy.
To help you understand, we’ve broken down the specifics on generations, sizes, coat types, and breeders.
Generation Types
Just like humans, dogs come from two parents. The puppies are a mixture of genes from each parent, and each puppy can have different qualities from each parent, like human siblings.
As we know, Bernedoodles are a crossbreed of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dogs, but the number of genes from each breed can differ.
Once each Bernedoodle puppy grows up, they can breed with another Bernedoodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, or Poodle to continue the Bernedoodle genes, this is referred to as a “generation” in the mixed breed community.
When purchasing a Bernedoodle, you will commonly hear terms such as “F1” or “FB.”
Take a look at the chart below to understand the Generations of Bernedoodles:
| Generation Type | Description | Price Range |
| F1 Bernedoodle (First Generation) | One Poodle parent and the other parent is Bernice Mountain Dog | Most Expensive ($4,000 – $5,000) |
| F2 Bernedoodle (Second Generation) | Two Bernedoodle parents | Median Cost ($3,000 – $4,500) |
| F1B Bernedoodle (First Generation Back Crossed) | Back crossed, meaning to breed back to original parent genes. One Bernedoodle parent, one Poodle OR Bernese Mountain Dog parent | Least Expensive ($1,000 – $3,000) |
Coat Color and Type
Bernedoodles can come in a variety of different coat types and colors. More desired coat types and colors will factor into the price of a Bernedoodle. See the charts below for more information.
| Coat Type | Description | Desirable |
| Straight Coats | Most resembles the hair of a Bernese Mountain Dog, not hypoallergenic | Least Popular |
| Wavy Coats | A perfect mix of Poodle hair and Bernese Mountain Dog hair, easier to maintain than a full curly coat | Most Popular |
| Curly Coats | Most resembles the hair of a Poodle, requires more maintenance but fully hypoallergenic | Middle Popularity |
Bernedoodles also come in a wide range of colors, including traditional tricolor, other multicolored coats, and single colored coats.
The typical colors of a Bernedoodle are black, brown, and white. These are standard colors and will not add any additional cost to the price of your Bernedoodle.
A merle Bernedoodle is a specific gray-speckled color, while a phantom Bernedoodle has much more black fur and tips of another color that resemble mittens. Both these coat colors are rarer than the standard colors and can cost up to $1,000 more.
Size
A Bernedoodle is traditionally bred with a standard-size Poodle parent. This breed has many other smaller sizes, including miniature and toy.
These different-sized Poodles can be bred with a Bernese Mountain Dog to create other versions of the Bernedoodle, such as Medium Bernedoodles, Toy Bernedoodles, Mini Bernedoodles, and even Micro Mini Bernedoodles! Just like with the colors of a Bernedoodle, rarer sizes cost more money.
If your heart is set on a small-size Bernedoodle, be prepared to pay extra.
Bernedoodle Sizes:
- Standard Bernedoodle – 70 to 100 pounds
- Medium Bernedoodle – 55 to 70 pounds
- Mini Bernedoodle – 35 to 55 pounds
- Toy Bernedoodle – 25 to 55 pounds
- Micro Mini Bernedoodle – 10 to 24 pounds
Breeder Reputation
Finding a responsible dog breeder is non-negotiable if you want a healthy, well-bred dog. These breeders use healthy and safe breeding practices, produce the best quality puppies, and may even provide services as they grow up such as socialization and training.
Different breeders may use unsafe practices and may even lie about the breed history.
Reputable Bernedoodle breeders will conduct health tests, and provide a safe and loving shelter, and top-quality food to your puppy during the first eight weeks of life.
Because of the high demand for this breed, a great breeder may even have a waiting list for puppies. This is completely normal, as quality requires patience! T
o determine whether or not a breeder is right for you, it is best to ask them questions about the puppies, meet the parents of your future puppy, and get to know the breeder themselves.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Bernedoodle?
If you want to adopt a dog, local animal shelters are a great place to start. You can even let the shelter know what breed of dog you are looking for and they will alert you if a dog is surrendered.
This is a much more cost-effective option, as you will only have to pay a minimal adoption fee and initial health costs such as vaccines and microchipping. Check with your specific animal shelter for exact costs, but most adoption fees range from $100-$500.
Additional Costs of Owning a Bernedoodle
On top of the initial cost of a dog, you will be responsible for other expenses such as one-time supplies for your dog and recurring monthly costs including food, treats, etc.
One-Time Expenses of Owning a Dog
- Crate – $60-$150
- Brush – $8-$15
- Toys – $25-$100
- Bed – $50-100
- Water and Food Bowls – $10-$20
- Nail Clipper – $7-$10
- Microchip – $45-$65
- ID Tag and Collar – $25-$50
- Spay/Neuter – $80-$500
- Ultrasound – $250-$500
- Initial Vaccine Shots – $100-$300
Recurring Monthly Expenses of Owning a Dog
- Food – $50-$150
- Treats – $10-$30
- Bones or Toys – $10-$30
- Grooming – $100-$300
- Regular Vet Visits – $50-$200
- Flea and Tick Prevention – $50
- Pet Insurance – $50-$100
Summary:
Bernedoodles are a popular cross-bred designer dog that is a mix of two parent breeds: The Standard Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
This breed takes the best qualities of the parent breed to create an adorable, friendly, and energetic companion. If you are considering bringing home a Bernedoodle puppy, you should consider the financial and emotional responsibility that comes with owning a dog.
Bernedoodles are working dogs that require some level of activity each day. Whether it is walking, hiking, swimming, or fetching, you should plan to keep this breed active.
It is a good idea to have a backyard so your Bernedoodle can stretch out. You will also have to frequently groom your Bernedoodle due to their thick coat that is prone to matting.
Different factors go into the initial price of a Bernedoodle puppy. Things like generation type, coat color, coat type, size, and breeder reputation will determine how much you are going to pay for your new best friend.
Rare Bernedoodle types such as the Merle Bernedoodle, Phantom Bernedoodle, and Micro Mini Bernedoodle will cost more than the standard version.
On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $5,000 for a Bernedoodle puppy from a trusted breeder. We hope you enjoyed this full guide to the Bernedoodle breed!
Sources :
https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/bernedoodle#no-back