Mini Bernedoodle: Your Complete Guide

Mini Bernedoodles are a unique crossbreed between the Bernese mountain dog and the standard poodle. This intelligent, lovable, and playful pup is small and highly adaptable. Many individuals find the mini Bernedoodle is a loyal companion that thrives in apartments or larger homes, as long as their exercise needs are met.

If you’re considering adding a mini Bernedoodle to your family, it’s important to understand the care needs of this breed. Our complete guide gives you details on caring for your mini Bernedoodle and what you can expect from this breed as they grow up alongside you.

Quick Look at the Mini Bernedoodle

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Mini Bernedoodles?

The mini Bernedoodle doesn’t have a specific history of its own, as this dog is considered a designer breed or a crossbreed.

The Bernese mountain dog and the standard poodle are the two parent breeds of the mini Bernedoodle, and both breeds have long histories as companion dogs and working dogs. Both parent breeds are considered intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, and the mini Bernedoodle also exhibits these traits.

The mini Bernedoodle is generally considered to have been created around 2003, when Sherry Rupke, owner of SwissRidge Kennels, began deliberately crossing the Bernese mountain dog with the standard poodle. However, it’s likely that there were accidental crosses of this breed in the years leading up to its widespread popularity.

Because there is no breed standardization among mini Bernedoodles, the typical size, coloration, and personalities of these dogs range quite a bit. It’s important to look to the parents of your mini Bernedoodle to get a more specific idea about their appearance and temperament.

What Do Mini Bernedoodles Look Like?

Mini Bernedoodles typically look like smaller versions of the Bernese mountain dog, though they may have curly or wavy coats that are more reflective of their poodle parentage.

The coloration of a mini Bernedoodle tends to be tricolor with black, white, and a hint of red. However, some dogs that take more after their poodle parents will have solid coats or bi-color coats. Black, white, red, and shades of brown are all common, as are shades of grey.

You can look at the coat colors of the parent dogs to determine what your mini Bernedoodle may look like.

What Size Is a Mini Bernedoodle?

Mini Bernedoodles range in their average height and weight, as there aren’t breed standardizations for this crossbreed. Some mini Bernedoodles may be on the smaller side, while others can easily reach the size of a medium dog. On average, mini Bernedoodles will stand between 18 and 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 50 pounds.

What Is a Mini Bernedoodle’s Coat Type and Length?

Depending on which parent they take most after, the mini Bernedoodle may have wavier or curlier hair; thick curly coats come from poodle genetics while wavier and silkier hair is an expression of Bernese mountain dog genetics.

Your mini Bernedoodle’s coat may be short to medium in length, and they are often thick. Your mini Bernedoodle may have a double coat depending on how strong their Bernese mountain dog’s genetics are.

What Is a Mini Bernedoodle’s Temperament?

Mini Bernedoodles have wonderful temperaments, and they often find their places in families or as a sociable, fun-loving pup. These dogs are outgoing, and they tend to make friends with anyone they come across.

Your mini Bernedoodle will enjoy spending lots of time playing outdoors with you, and they need to be active in order to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors from occurring.

This breed is adaptable, and they can thrive in a smaller space or an apartment as long as they have their ample exercise needs met. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent and they love spending time with their families, though they will likely need training on a regular basis to stay mentally stimulated.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Good With Kids?

The mini Bernedoodle is good with children, as they can be gentle and fairly tolerant of loud noises. It’s important to teach your children how to properly interact with your mini Bernedoodle, as these dogs may be injured by rough play or nip and bark at children from time to time.

In general, a mini Bernedoodle can be a good family dog as they enjoy playing with children and are fairly protective.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Good With Other Animals?

This breed usually gets along well with other animals, especially if they are introduced from a young age and grow up together. The mini Bernedoodle doesn’t have the strongest prey drive, but they still might chase prey animals for fun, so it’s important to monitor interactions with this type of pet.

In general, the mini Bernedoodle gets along with both dogs and cats as long as they are properly socialized and initial interactions are monitored to ensure the safety of both animals.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Aggressive?

Mini Bernedoodles aren’t particularly aggressive, but they can be protective of their families in a way that manifests as growling, barking, or exhibiting territorial behaviors. However, the intensity of this does depend on your specific dog, as mini Bernedoodles range in their exact temperaments.

If you are having trouble with your mini Bernedoodle being aggressive, you may want to engage in regular training to curb these behaviors.

Do Mini Bernedoodles Bark?

Mini Bernedoodles do bark from time to time, but they aren’t known for being the most vocal dog. The bark of a mini Bernedoodle isn’t particularly loud, though you may have to train your mini Bernedoodle to stop them from barking too often if you live in an apartment with noise restrictions.

Sometimes, the protective nature of the mini Bernedoodle causes them to bark in excess if they deem a threat is nearby.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Affectionate?

Mini Bernedoodles are affectionate dogs, and these pups love to spend time with their families whenever possible. Your mini Bernedoodle will enjoy being active alongside you, spending lots of time playing with you, and cuddling up next to you on the couch after a long day of playing.

This breed is also quick to warm up to strangers and generally makes friends wherever they go, though some dogs may be a little protective of their families and wary of new people in their home at first.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Intelligent?

Both the parent dogs of the mini Bernedoodle are intelligent, and the Bernese Mountain dog and the standard poodle are known for their skill at learning new tasks. Your mini Bernedoodle will also be intelligent, and they are considered both curious and alert.

These dogs love to learn new things, and they will take easily to agility training, obedience training, or other tasks you can teach them throughout the day.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Energetic?

Despite their smaller size, the mini Bernedoodle is fairly energetic. These dogs will need at least an hour of playtime each day combined with two to three lengthy walks. You should be taking your mini Bernedoodle to a dog park or other open, enclosed area regularly so they can run around off-leash and play with other dogs.

Consider taking your mini Bernedoodle with you on hiking trips and other outdoor adventures, as they are almost always up for the journey.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Easy to Train?

Mini Bernedoodles can be easy to train, as they are intelligent, curious, and eager to please their owners. These dogs may easily learn complex tricks, and they are good candidates for agility training.

Occasionally, your mini Bernedoodle may be a bit stubborn when it comes to learning, especially if they’d rather play or explore a new area, but it only takes some positive reinforcement and a high-value treat to redirect them.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Good Watchdogs?

While mini Bernedoodles are protective and they may bark to alert their owners of an intruder, they aren’t the best watchdogs because they don’t tend to be naturally suspicious.

These dogs quickly warm up to strangers and make friends with most people they meet. So even though they are protective and brave, they might easily lose focus if they sense a new friend or someone to play with.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Good Service Dogs?

Mini Bernedoodles may be up to the task of being a service dog, though their size determines which specific skills and tasks they can complete.

These dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and enjoy helping their owner, something that makes them a good fit for service dog work. However, mini Bernedoodles that are on the smaller side might not have the size or strength necessary to provide mobility support and guidance tasks. They may still be able to complete psychiatric service dog tasks, however.

Mini Bernedoodles are also quite cuddly and friendly, and this breed may also make a great emotional support animal or a therapy dog.

How to Care for a Mini Bernedoodle

The mini Bernedoodle doesn’t have the most high-maintenance care needs, but there are still some things you will need to ensure your dog has to keep them happy.

Meeting your mini Bernedoodle’s exercise needs is one of the most essential steps in keeping your dog happy – your mini Bernedoodle will need at least an hour of playtime each day along with regular walks and time spent in a dog park or other open area so they can run around.

Neglecting to meet your dog’s exercise needs may result in them exhibiting destructive behaviors out of boredom.

You will need to make sure your mini Bernedoodle has their own space in your home complete with a bed and toys. Interactive toys are the best option to keep your dog entertained while you aren’t home, and you should be leaving your mini Bernedoodle for more than 6 to 8 hours at a time, as they get lonely.

Take your mini Bernedoodle to the vet on a regular basis to ensure they stay in good health and brush your mini Bernedoodle twice a week. They may have more extensive grooming needs if their coat is very thick or very curly like a poodle’s.

Do You Need to Groom a Mini Bernedoodle?

You will need to have your mini Bernedoodle groomed on a regular basis, especially if they take more after their poodle parent and have a very thick, curly coat. On average, you will need to brush your mini Bernedoodle once or twice a week, ensure their fur is trimmed regularly, and bathe them as needed to keep their fur clean and looking its best.

Do Mini Bernedoodles Shed?

Mini Bernedoodles don’t shed a huge amount, but they still may leave fur around, especially if they have wavier or silkier fur. Mini Bernedoodles with curly fur tend not to shed, and those that take more closely after their poodle parent have a higher chance of being hypoallergenic. Regular brushing also helps to stop fur from falling all around your home.

What Health Problems Do Mini Bernedoodles Have?

Like many other dogs, mini Bernedoodles may be prone to certain health issues because of genetics. With this dog, it’s important to look out for problems such as eye problems, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, heart problems, and certain types of bone cancers.

Monitoring your dog’s behavior and ensuring they are taken to a veterinarian on a regular basis will ensure that your dog stays in good health throughout their life and that any health issues are caught before they become more serious issues.

How Long Do Mini Bernedoodles Live?

On average, a mini Bernedoodle will live between 10 and 12 years old. You can help your dog live their healthiest and longest life by providing them with regular veterinary care, ample exercise, and a good diet.

What Should a Mini Bernedoodle Eat?

A mini Bernedoodle should eat a high-quality diet of wet or dry food, split up into two to three meals per day. Exactly how much your mini Bernedoodle eats depends on their energy output, the caloric value of their food, and the specific size of your dog. Speak with your vet if you have any questions on what and how much to feed your mini Bernedoodle.

Is a Mini Bernedoodle the Right Dog for Me?

The mini Bernedoodle is a wonderful crossbreed dog that combines the intelligence and loyalty of the standard poodle with the friendliness and gentle nature of the Bernese Mountain dog. The resulting mix of a mini Bernedoodle is loving, affectionate, outgoing, and active, and this dog is ready to join you on outdoor adventures rain or shine.

The mini Bernedoodle may be the right dog for you if you are looking for a family dog, if you want a dog that will get along well with other animals in your family, or if you have an active lifestyle and you’re looking for a fun-loving outdoor companion.