Mini Bernedoodles are no less than show stoppers. As a dog enthusiast, when you see them, you surely want the dog wrapped in cuteness at your home. Of course, its “Mini” tag makes it even more interesting. They are manageable and ideal for living even in small apartments. Curious prospective individuals who are considering a Mini Bernedoodle often inquire about how big the dog can actually get. Will it remain toy-sized, or would it be something in the middle range?
Indeed, their size can vary more than we expect. So, in this guide, let us delve deeper and familiarize you with the height, weight, growth stages, and factors that influence its size. To put it in a nutshell, you will get a good understanding of what “Mini” really means in the world of Bernedoodles.
Know the Mini Bernedoodle
As most dog lovers know, a Mini Bernedoodle is a hybrid, created by crossing a Bernese mountain dog with a Miniature Poodle. The goal is to combine the calmness and affection of the Bernese mountain dog with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle, while keeping their size manageable. This hybrid is unlike purebred dogs, and as it happens, for any designer breeds, they do not have an exact size standard. That is the reason why understanding their sizes can vary.
- Average size of a Mini Bernedoodle
- Most full-grown Mini Bernedoodles would fall in the following range:
- Height: 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder.
- Weight: 25 to 50 pounds at the most.
- Build: They are usually sturdy, athletic, but never bulky like a full-grown Bernese mountain dog.
Some of them may lean smaller or larger depending on genetics, but the above-mentioned figures are the ones most breeders aim for. Regardless of their size, you will always find reasons to appreciate Mini Bernedoodles as a pet.
A comparison between the Mini Bernedoodle size and other Bernedoodles
To truly understand their size, it can help when you compare the vital statistics of the Standard Bernedoodle with a Mini Bernedoodle:
Standard Bernedoodles can grow up to 23-29 inches and weigh up to 70-90 pounds. The stats for Mini Bernedoodle are already given for you, and lastly, the Tiny or Toy Bernedoodle stands at 12-17 inches in height and weighs between 10-24 pounds. So, we can say, the Mini Bernedoodles are medium-sized dogs and not lap dogs as some people might think. As mentioned earlier, the Mini Bernedoodle’s size is not overwhelming for apartment living or suburban homes.
When to consider a Mini Bernedoodle fully grown?
Typically, Mini Bernedoodles reach their adult height and weight by 10=12 months. Even after the period, they tend to fill out, gain muscle, and develop chest and bone density till they reach 14-18 months.
Mini Bernedoodle growth chart (A general guide)
Here is an approximate idea of what you can expect while a Mini Bernedoodle is growing:
By 8 weeks, their weight would be 6-10 lbs. When they reach 3 months, their weight would be around 10-15 lbs. In 6, 9, and 12 months, their weight should reach 18-30 lbs. 22-40 lbs. and 25-50 lbs. respectively.
We reiterate, this is just an estimate and not guaranteed. Genetics always plays an upper hand in determining their size and weight.
The factors that affect a Mini Bernedoodle’s size
As said before, genetics is the most crucial factor in determining its size. Therefore, you should always ask the breeder about the parent sizes and previous litters. It can give you a better estimate of how big the Mini Bernedoodle you bring home can grow and how heavy it can get. Preparing early can help you manage them more conveniently.
Nutrition during puppyhood can also make a significant difference in their growth. Those who avail themselves of proper nutrition would grow healthier. However, overfeeding them can complicate problems. It will not lead to a bigger dog; it will be an unhealthy one. To make matters worse, excess calories can stress the joints and bones, especially during their growth years.
Mini Bernedoodles tend to be active dogs. Regular exercise can help them develop muscle tone. It is much more feasible to remain active and keep an eye on one’s weight. You should also ensure following the right steps to settle your new Mini Bernedoodle pup at home.
Do Mini Bernedoodles stop growing suddenly?
You must have heard about this from others. This is not the case; their growth pattern is simply different. During their initial months (2-6 months), they will grow rapidly, in the next 6-10 months their growth will be steady, and lastly in the 10-18 months stage their growth will become slow. Generally, their legs grow first, the chest broadens later, and the face matures last.
How big can a Mini Bernedoodle puppy get?
So, are there any methods to help determine how big the Mini Bernedoodle might get? Well, it is impossible to speculate, yet here are some clues:
- Watch for its paw size: Keep an eye on the paws of the pup; if they are big relative to the body size, it means it will need more growing to do.
- Weight at 16 weeks: Generally, it is believed that the puppy reaches their adult weight by the time it is 16 weeks old. Again, this isn’t the gold standard, but in most cases it works for Minis.
- Parent dogs: This remains the most reliable predictor for estimating their size.
Are Mini Bernedoodles ideal for apartments?
In most cases, they will fit well in apartments, as they are medium-sized and never massive. Furthermore, they do adapt well to indoor living, and care more about their companionship with their family members, and not so much about the area they are living in. As long as they get daily walks, mental stimulation, and ample playtime, they would adjust well in apartments and small homes.
Are Mini Bernedoodles strong dogs?
Well, the Mini Bernedoodle is not a powerhouse like one of its parent, the Bernese, but that does not mean you can underestimate them. Owing to their Bernese side, they sport a solid build, have strong legs, and are surprisingly sturdy even though they aren’t as big. Their manageable size makes them the best option for families with kids, moderate outdoor activities, and light hiking. Mini Bernedoodles tend to remain gentle and calm in any kind of home setting.
Can coat type affect their appearance?
Indeed, their coat type can make a significant difference in their size-wise appearance. For example, the Mini Bernedoodle with a curly or fluffy coat will appear larger, while the ones with a straighter coat will look slimmer and more athletic. Here is a fun fact: many previous owners of Mini Bernedoodles were shocked after they took their dogs for grooming, as they were stunned to see how small they seemed after getting their curls trimmed.
In this aspect, as it happens in all species, males are slightly taller and heavier, and females tend to be leaner and a bit shorter. Although the difference isn’t as significant as it sounds, it does become noticeable once the Mini Bernedoodle grows into an adult.
Common myths about the size of a Mini Bernedoodle
- Myth 1: Mini refers to a small dog. No, by “Mini” it means it is smaller than the standard, but not tiny.
- Myth 2: All Mini Bernedoodles grow up to the same size. As you have read earlier, it is not true, and variation is very normal.
- Myth 3: Their size can be controlled by feeding them in smaller quantities. This is rubbish; size is genetic, and nutrition is all about health and has nothing to do with size.
Is a Mini Bernedoodle the right size for you?
A Mini Bernedoodle would fit the bill if you are looking for a dog that is big enough to feel like a real companion, small enough to manage conveniently, and adaptable to different lifestyles, including home. Then the Mini Bernedoodle can be the ideal choice. They are not the pocket-sized version, and not overwhelmingly large either. Usually, for most families, it is this balance and unique personality that makes the Mini Bernedoodle so special.