Bernedoodle Basics
If you are looking for a fluffy dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. Also known as the Bernese Mountain Poo, this breed is a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. While the name may sound a little funny, these dogs make wonderful pets and they are especially great with children.
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Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards
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Temperament: Friendly, gentle, smart, affectionate
Origin
The Bernedoodle is a 50/50 mix of purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and a purebred Poodle. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent in its heritage if a first generation Bernedoodle is mated with a Poodle. Bernedoodles are playful and affectionate - they do well with Children and they love to spend time with their families.
Food/Diet
The Bernedoodle comes in three different sizes so you should choose a dog food formula appropriate for the dog’s size. Toy and mini Bernedoodles should be offered a dog food formulated for small-breed dogs while the standard Bernedoodle should be fed a large-breed formula.
Training
When they are still young, some Bernedoodles can be a little bit headstrong – this is particularly true of the toy and mini versions. For this reason, it is important that you start your Bernedoodle puppy with socialization and training early. This headstrong quality comes from the Bernese Mountain Dog line so crosses with less of this breed may not have this problem.
Weight
Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Because the Poodle comes in three different sizes, so does the Bernedoodle. A toy Bernedoodle stands 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs 10 to 24 lbs. A mini Bernedoodle stands 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 lbs. A standard Bernedoodle stands 23 to 29 inches tall and weighs 70 to 90 lbs.
Temperament/Behavior
Because the Bernedoodle is a combination of two different breeds, the puppies will a combination of personality traits from each parent breed depending on the amount of each breed involved in the cross. For the most part, however, Bernedoodles are playful and affectionate – they do well with children and they love to spend time with their families. From the Bernese Mountain Dog side, Bernedoodles can be a little wary around strangers so early socialization is important. Toy and mini Bernedoodles also tend to be more energetic and stubborn than standard Bernedoodles. One thing to be wary of with this breed is that they need a lot of human interaction – they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time.
Common Health Problems
For the most part, the Bernedoodle is a healthy breed. In many cases, crossbred dogs are less likely to develop congenital conditions than purebred dogs simply because the gene pool is much larger. That is not to say that the Bernedoodle isn’t prone to developing certain conditions – all breeds have the potential to be affected by a number of different diseases. Some of the conditions that may affect the Bernedoodle include hip dysplasia, eye problems, skin problems, and elbow dysplasia.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is between 12 and 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
The activity level of Bernedoodles varies depending on breeding, but they are typically a moderately active breed. The smaller varieties – toy and mini Bernedoodles – tend to be more active than the larger varieties. In any case, a daily walk should be enough to satisfy the exercise requirements of a Bernedoodle. Toy and mini Bernedoodles also tend to be more energetic and stubborn than standard Bernedoodles.
AKC
The Bernedoodle is not recognized by the AKC because it is technically a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. This breed is, however, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.
Coat
Bernedoodles come in any combination of white, black, and brown. Many Bernedoodles are all-black or some combination of black-and-white or black-and-brown. It is also possible for Bernedoodles to be tricolor – black, white and brown. Just as Bernedoodles come in different colors according to breeding, they also have different types of coats. Most Bernedoodles have long, wavy coats that shed minimally. Curly coats are also very common and these shed very little, like the Poodle’s coat, and they are great for allergy sufferers. Straight-coated Bernedoodles are less common and they tend to shed more than wavy- or curly-coated Bernedoodles.
Puppies
Bernedoodle puppies look like little bundles of curly fur and they are just full of love and affection. Because these dogs are intelligent, it is important to start training puppies from a young age – early socialization is also very important. During the puppy stage especially, Bernedoodles can be a little headstrong but this tends to lessen as the dog matures and receives training.
Denny's Bernedoodles
Goldendoodle Basics
Fun-loving and playful, the Goldendoodle is an active and energetic athlete. Goldendoodles love to run around, play fetch and swim. With a little work, this intelligent dog will learn to catch a Frisbee or jump through a hoop. Highly trainable, Goldendoodles are great for first-time pet owners. This crossbreed loves everybody, especially kids. Goldendoodles keep the kids busy and active for hours and even try to get guests involved in a game of chase. Goldendoodles will warn their families when someone approaches and then welcome them as if they were long lost friends. They do not make good guard dogs. I like to call them "Love dogs".
Origin
There is some controversy as to where the Goldendoodle originated. Those in England assert that the Goldendoodle originated there however; breeders in the United States swear that the first Goldendoodle was bred in America. This hybrid was created to be a hypoallergenic and active family pet.
Food/Diet
It is essential that the Goldendoodle be fed a high-quality diet of dry kibble. Foods that are specifically formulated for the dog’s activity level are best and will ensure that he is getting the optimum nutrition. Dry food will help to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and bad breath.
Highly intelligent, the Goldendoodle is easy to train, even for a first time pet owner.
Training
Highly intelligent, the Goldendoodle is easy to train, even for a first time pet owner. Fun-loving and playful, the Goldendoodle is an active and energetic athlete.Positive training techniques work much better than harsh words or physical methods. Goldendoodles take well to obedience training and because they are so bright and eager to please, they also do well in agility.
Weight
Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes. The Standard Goldendoodle should weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and stand 20 to 29 inches tall at the withers. Mini Goldendoodles tip the scales between 25 and 50 pounds and are from 13 to 21 inches high at the shoulder. The Tiny Goldendoodle weighs between 10 and 30 pounds and is from 10 to 15 inches tall at the withers.
Temperament/Behavior
For the most part, Goldendoodles are pleasant dogs that are welcoming and accepting of strangers. He thinks that everybody should be his friend and take the time to play ball or go for a swim with him. Outgoing and playful, this hybrid dog is an exceptional companion for adults and children alike. Goldendoodles enjoy playing fetch, chase, tug of war, jogging and swimming however; they are also happy to lounge on the couch and watch TV with his family. The Goldendoodle will bark to alert his family when someone or something is around but he is not a problem barker. If left alone for too long outside, he will dig. Digging is a favorite pastime of the Goldendoodle. He will happily create holes all over your yard!
Common Health Problems
Goldendoodles can be predisposed to all of the health issues faced by Golden Retrievers and Poodles because they are a combination of the two breeds. Some of the most common health problems are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, subaortic stenosis, sebaceous adenitis, patella luxation, hypothyroidism and ear infections.
Life Expectancy
The average Goldendoodle lives between 10 and 13 years.
Exercise Requirements
Goldendoodles require a fair amount of exercise each day. They need to be walked at least three times daily. Each walk should last for around half an hour. Time to stretch their legs and run is essential for the Goldendoodle. Living in the city is fine, provided they will have access to a dog park weekly. Those who have a fenced in yard will find that the Goldendoodle will get all the exercise he needs by playing ball with the kids in the backyard. Never let this dog exercise without being in a securely, fenced area or on a leash.
Goldendoodles are pleasant dogs that are welcoming and accepting of strangers.
AKC
The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize the Goldendoodle as a purebred dog. This hybrid dog is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., International Designer Canine Registry and Designer Breed Registry.
Coat
Because it is a crossbreed, the Goldendoodle can have a variety of coats. Mixing breeds means that the puppy can have coats that resemble either parent’s breeds. The coats can be wavy or curly and they may or may not be hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Coat colors can be apricot, red, gold, black, silver, blue, chocolate, fawn, white or parti-colored. Goldendoodles require a fair amount of grooming. They must be brushed everyday or their coats will become matted. This crossbreed must be professionally groomed at least every other month. The groomer will trim and clip his coat as well as give him a good bath.
Puppies
Goldendoodle puppies are wonderful balls of fluff, but don’t let their cuteness fool you. These young pups can chew up your furniture, demolish your favorite slippers and leave excessive amounts of excrement everywhere! Goldendoodles should be watched carefully and should be placed in a crate or other safe and secure area when unattended. Early socialization and Puppy Kindergarten classes are beneficial to the Goldendoodle. He will learn to play nicely with other pets as well as obtain the foundation for all of the training he will need throughout his life.