Getting the first glimpse of a Bernedoodle, you can’t help but fall in love with this incredibly furry teddy bearish pup. Furthermore, their soulful eyes are so appealing; as a dog lover, you cannot ignore them and want to take them home to become a perfect family companion. But, beyond their drop-dead looks, are they really good dogs? This is a question that comes to the mind of many prospective dog buyers. So, let us try to get a suitable answer to the question with the help of a detailed analysis.
If we want to keep the answer short and simple, it would be a resounding yes to the above question. Bernedoodles are known to combine the gentle and loyal nature of the Bernese along with the sharp minds and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Still, like every other breed, the Bernedoodles can have their share of peculiarities, care needs, and unique personalities. So, let us take a look in detail at the factors that make Bernedoodles such a wonderful addition to your family and the challenges new owners might encounter. Last but not least, we will also focus on whether this hybrid is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Decoding Bernedoodles
Before we move forward in judging whether they are good dogs, let us try to know more about them. A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a Poodle, and the goal of this hybrid was to blend the best qualities of both breeds into one. As mentioned earlier, they are indeed affectionate, known to have a great temperament, and are equally intelligent. Thus, the Bernedoodles are renowned as a charming and family-friendly dog that has become one of the most popular designer breeds in North America.
Temperament
Bernedoodles are famous for their winning personalities. They are affectionate but aren’t clingy. They can be very playful but never too wild, and most importantly, they are always loyal without displaying any form of aggression. These unique features make them stand out as far as the temperament is concerned:
- Loyal: Bernedoodles tend to bond deeply with their families. They love being around their owners or any other humans and would usually follow them from one place to another. They do not do this out of separation anxiety, but it is a genuine display of affection.
- Playfulness: The Poodle traits make them goofy and extremely entertaining. They love fetch, water games, and running around the backyard.
- Gentle: Owing to their Bernese genes, the Bernedoodles are always patient and tolerant. Thus, they blend very well with children and other pets in the house.
Emotionally aware: Previous Bernedoodle owners have unanimously agreed that Bernedoodles seem to understand human moods. Thus, they cuddle around their owners when they are having a bad day, and tend to stay calm when their owners are busy.
Intelligence
Most dog lovers know that Poodles rank among the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Quite expectedly, Bernedoodles inherit that brilliance. They tend to learn quickly and often surprise owners with their ability to understand commands, routines, and even emotional cues. Yet, at times, their Bernese side also adds a touch of stubbornness. Thus, when training them, the owner must remain patient, and they respond best when they are dealt positively. For example, they crave praise, treats, and play. If, by any chance, the owner is harsh, it can make them resistant and anxious. They would excel when training sessions are short and filled with fun-based activities. They appreciate the owner maintaining a calm and confident tone. Lastly, they are greatly motivated by rewards. By raising Bernedoodles in the abovementioned manner, you can expect them to grow into well-mannered dogs who listen, adapt, and are always eager to please their human counterparts.
Do Bernedoodles make good family dogs?
If it’s a family-friendly dog you are looking for, then your search ends here, as Bernedoodles check almost every box. Let us elaborate:
- With kids: Bernedoodles are gentle, patient, and playful, thus they make a great match for children. Since they rarely become aggressive, they can get along well with the toddlers, too.
- With other pets: They get along with other dogs and cats in the house perfectly. The chemistry can work even better if the owner introduces the Bernedoodle to the other pets early. They enjoy social company and would never display territorial behavior.
- With seniors: The mini and tiny versions of Bernedoodles, especially, are best suited for older adults. They are both affectionate and manageable in nature, which makes them the ideal companions for elders who may otherwise find it difficult to handle a larger breed.
Considering the above points, we can say that Bernedoodles are not only good family dogs, but they are also simply fantastic.
The Grooming factor
Undoubtedly, one of the factors that makes Bernedoodles everyone’s favorite is their low-shedding coat. Again, they inherit from their Poodle parent. However, here is a catch: just because the Bernedoodles are low-shedding, it does not mean they are low on maintenance. Their curly and wavy coats require great care. Thus, regular brushing, at least 3-4 times a week, is mandatory to prevent matting. Professional grooming is also essential at an interval of 6-8 weeks.
Alongside their grooming needs, ear cleaning and nail trimming should also be included as a routine job. Ultimately, the hard work does pay off as their coats come in gorgeous combinations of black, white, and rust. When you go out with the Bernedoodle, no one can turn their eyes from your companion.
Health and longevity
The good thing about hybrids is that they tend to remain healthier and live longer than their purebred parents. Yet, they are vulnerable to certain health conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, eye conditions, and heart issues (although rare, it can happen).
Based on their sizes, the Standard Bernedoodles live between 12 and 15 years, and the Mini or Tiny Bernedoodles tend to live between 14 and 17 years. With the right combo of diet, exercise, and regular vet checkups, these dogs can enjoy long lives, often outliving many of the larger breeds.
Emotional sensitivity makes them a class apart
We touched on this point earlier; apart from their jaw-dropping looks, Bernedoodles possess a quality that sets them apart from the rest. They are often fondly referred to as empathic dogs. Whenever their owners feel sad or anxious, the Bernedoodle will quietly rest its head on its owner’s lap as a sense of assurance. When they see their owners cheerful, they will jump around, wagging their tails as if they are ready to share the joy too. Thus, this emotional sensitivity makes them exceptional, and most dog lovers appreciate it very much.
The challenges
So far, we have been concentrating on the drooling facts. Now it is time to get real. Every dog lover knows that even the best dogs come with challenges, and the Bernedoodles are no exceptions. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety whenever they are left alone for too long. The grooming needs for Bernedoodles can be both time-consuming and expensive, so owners must be ready for that. Apartment dwellers must take extra care of their energy needs as they require space and activities regularly. Lastly, while training them, the owners must be consistent, else a lazy approach will make them stubborn and selective listeners.
Why Bernedoodles are loved everywhere?
The reason that makes Bernedoodles special compared to other breeds is the rare combo of brains, heart, and humor. Bernedoodles can be goofy one moment and calm the very next moment. They have the spirit to make kids happy and comfort family members during their sad times. It is all about their loyalty, warmth, and joyful nature that make them the most loved breed on the planet. So, without a doubt, Bernedoodles are good dogs for everyone.