Adopting Standard Bernedoodles: Top Tips for Success

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Are you thinking about adopting a Standard Bernedoodle? Congratulations! These are great dogs that are fantastic for a variety of owners and their families.

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To make your adoption go as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together the following tips for you. You’ll learn more about the breed and how to help your puppy settle in for a new life in your household.

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Standard Bernedoodle Breeding

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A Standard Bernedoodle dog is a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle. Both breeds can be either the sire (father) or the dam (mother).

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Sometimes Standard Bernedoodles are also 25 percent Bernese Mountain Dog and 75 percent Poodle, called F1B Bernedoodles. This occurs when the offspring of a dog that is half Bernese Mountain Dog and half Poodle is bred to a Poodle.

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Breeding the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Poodle helps reduce the risk of health issues that can arise in just one breed. And owners get the benefit of the best traits from both breeds, both physically and temperamentally. Since Bernese Mountain Dogs usually have a shorter life span, for example, they live longer when crossed with a Poodle – typically about 12 to 15 years for a Standard Bernedoodle.

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Standard Bernedoodle Conformation

 

The conformation, or physical appearance, of the Standard Bernedoodle is one reason they are so popular. Standard Bernedoodles are fairly tall, as you would expect from their lineage. Most of our Standard Bernedoodles weigh about 55 to 60 pounds as adults.

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Bernedoodles have long, thick coats that are wavy or curly, depending on the amount of Poodle in them. Their coat colors can vary tremendously and can include mixes of black, white, and brown in various patterns.

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Their coats are another reason Bernedoodles are so much in demand today. Standard Bernedoodles have little to no shedding, so they are great for people with allergies. And of course, you’ll have a lot less sweeping and vacuuming to do than with many other breeds!

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Standard Bernedoodle Temperament

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Standard Bernedoodles benefit temperamentally from both breeds that contribute to their gene pool. They are loving and playful, and this combination results in a dog that’s typically ideal for families. They are intelligent and eager learners, which can make training fun.

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We always recommend owners start training early, not only with formal classes but also integrating basic good manners into daily living, which reinforces the behavior you desire in your dog.

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You’ll see the energy of the Poodle in your Standard Bernedoodle, as well as a high degree of loyalty and desire for companionship that comes from the Bernese Mountain Dog. Well-adjusted Standard Bernedoodles love to cuddle and are known for being goofy and enthusiastic.

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Because Standard Bernedoodles are so human-oriented, they don’t like being left for long periods on their own. These are definitely great dogs if you work or stay at home or if you like including your dog on your weekend adventures, such as touring, camping, and hiking.

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Bernedoodles do well in the cold and snow, and many enjoy swimming, too. They do need daily exercise, whether that’s playtime in your yard, a trip to the beach, or walks around your neighborhood.

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Sometimes Standard Bernedoodles can be a bit hesitant with strangers or stubborn, both characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog. However, a firm but kind hand in early training can help develop the confidence your dog needs, and positive reinforcement will keep any Bernedoodle on track for the training results you want.

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Standard Bernedoodles are generally very good with children, hence their popularity with families. We recommend supervising your dog around young kids, however, so you can ensure both are safe and develop a loving relationship with each other.

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If you are interested in adopting a Standard Bernedoodle for service work, you’ve made the right choice. Our dogs make fabulous helpers for all kinds of service and therapy work due to their kind, diligent natures.

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Adopting & Taking Your Standard Bernedoodle Home

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You can learn lots more about picking a puppy in our FAQ section. One of the most common questions is: Should I get a male or a female dog? In general, we recommend females for owners who want a more active dog and males for those who prefer a laid-back pup.

 

Also, consider that male puppies often bond better with female owners and vice versa – something to think about if you will be the sole owner of your Standard Bernedoodle or if you have a single-sex household.

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Puppies are allowed to go home with their new families at eight weeks of age. Here are a few final tips to help you get settled:

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1. Shop in advance for your puppy’s needs, such as bedding, dishes, a leash, and toys. It’s much easier if you have the basics on hand when your dog comes home with you.

2. Prepare your house for a puppy by doing a bit of “puppy-proofing.” In any spaces where your dog will be allowed, remove low-level breakable objects and things it might chew on. You’ll probably want flooring that is easy to clean in the event of any accidents, which do happen even during vigilant potty training. Make sure any toxic plants have been removed from the environment, including your yard.

3. Speaking of your yard, you’ll want to get that ready, too, making sure it is escape-proof if you plan to allow your puppy to run off the leash there.

4. Consider where your dog will stay when you aren’t home or available to supervise it. A puppy can get in a lot of trouble even while you’re taking a quick shower! We recommend a crate and starting crate training right away, so the crate becomes a natural and welcome quiet space for your dog.

5. Think about a veterinarian in advance of bringing your dog home. You’ll need vaccinations and well care early on, so it’s ideal to have someone picked out by the time you arrive home with your new puppy.

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Do you have more questions that aren’t addressed in our FAQs? We’re happy to talk with you via phone, email, social media, or our convenient online form. 

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