Do you want a lovable, fun loving companion that has the very best qualities from two wonderful breeds? A Miniature Bernedoodle may be the answer to your prayers. Mini Bernedoodle, a cross between an intelligent, playful Poodle and an affectionate Bernese Mountain Dog, this hybrid has already captured the hearts of many dog owners around the world.
Wouldn’t it be great to cuddle up to a sweet, intelligent, fun-loving companion? Miniature Bernedoodles are ideal for families, singles, or anyone looking for a loyal companion. However, before rushing out to get one for your family, there is so much to learn about the history of these wonderful dogs, as well as their grooming needs and tips on training them. Let’s take a closer look at all things related to the ownership of a Miniature Bernedoodle.
What is a Mini Bernedoodle?
The Miniature Bernedoodle is a sweet little hybrid of a Miniature Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Combining these two breeds produces a puppy that has inherited all of the wonderful qualities of both breeds.
On average, these Bernedoodle puppies will weigh in the area of 10-50 pounds, and stand approximately 12-22 inches high at the shoulder, making them suitable for virtually any type of home environment (apartments or houses with backyards).
Their coats can be either curly or wavy, and they generally have a black/brown/white color pattern. Since every puppy is different, this gives each one its own unique “look”.
Friendly, fun-loving, and energetic, Miniature Bernedoodles are ideal as family pets, and/or as a pet companion for individuals. If you’re looking for a playful partner to run with or someone to snuggle on the couch, there’s a Miniature Bernedoodle perfect for your lifestyle.
History and Origin of the Mini Bernedoodle
The Miniature Bernedoodle (Mini Bernedoodle) is a fun mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Miniature Poodle. This fun hybrid was bred in the early 2000’s by breeders wanting a smaller version of the Standard Bernedoodle but with the same loving personality.
The goal of breeding these two breeds was to have a small version of the Standard Bernedoodle that had all of the same characteristics (temperament wise), however, with a much lower shed and be hypoallergenic.
As more people look for dogs that can fit into their busy lifestyle and still want a dog with a great personality and look, the interest in the mini Bernedoodle has grown.
Currently, mini bernedoodles are being praised not only for how they look, but also for how smart they are and how easily trainable they are. With a genetic make-up from both parent breeds, you get a fantastic family pet.
Characteristics and Appearance
A Miniature Bernedoodle is a unique combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog, a Poodle, and a little something of its own special self. They will typically weigh anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds, which ultimately depends on the size of the Toy or Miniature Poodle being bred with it.
One of the best things about this dog is its coat. The Miniature Bernedoodle’s coat has a soft curl/wave texture that can also possess some hypoallergenic qualities because of the Poodle bloodline. Miniature Bernedoodles’ coats can be found in a variety of colors, ranging from bold tri-colored combinations (black, white, and rust) to solid colors (cream/sable).
Their eyes are usually quite large, expressive, and full of warmth and intelligence. Their ears are usually hanging/floppy with curls framing the ear area. As you can see, their unique appearance is definitely going to make for a very cute dog, which will no doubt add to their charm, making them noticeable wherever they go, but at the same time keeping their “dog” appeal.
Temperament and Personality
Miniature bernedoodles have a very loving, gentle and playful personality, which makes them an amazing companion dog for anyone, be it families, single people and the elderly as well. Inheriting the gentle nature of the Bernese mountain dog, mini bernedoodles inherit the intelligent and trainable aspect from the poodle. Miniature bernedoodles need and love to interact with humans and create a bond with their family, and will seek out your cuddles and companionship at all times during the day.
In addition to being extremely social, miniature bernedoodles are usually friendly and outgoing towards children, other pets and even strangers, which is why they make great therapy and emotional support animals. The playful, goofy side of a miniature bernedoodle can last into adult hood and provide you and your family members hours of fun and enjoyment. Miniature bernedoodles are fast learners, love to please, and respond to training in a positive way.
While miniature bernedoodles are active enough to go on many hikes, adventures outdoors, they are also calm enough to live in apartments. Due to their love for human interaction however, miniature bernedoodles do not do well being left alone for extended time periods and may develop separation anxiety if they are not provided with adequate companionship. In general, miniature bernedoodles offer the perfect balance of love, intelligence and playfulness, which is why they are considered one of the most versatile and lovable crossbreeds available.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Mini Bernedoodle
Pros and cons come with owning a Mini Bernedoodle. On the good side, their temperament has made them an ideal pet for families and can get along well with children and other animals.
Another positive is their intelligence. Mini Bernedoodles can learn quickly, which will help to make training much simpler for new dog owners. Additionally, since they have a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, they cause allergy issues in people who suffer from allergies.
On the negative side, there are some disadvantages when it comes to owning a Mini Bernedoodle. Their coats need to be groomed regularly to keep them looking good and this can take up both your time and money.
Mini Bernedoodles are social creatures, and need attention at all times. If you are going to leave them alone for an extended period of time, you could see signs of separation anxiety. Mini Bernedoodles are considered to be relatively healthy, but like any breed of dog, they could inherit certain health issues from their parent breeds, and these are things you should think about very seriously before deciding to bring a Mini Bernedoodle into your home.
Training and Exercise Needs
The fun of training a Mini Bernedoodle can begin immediately. Miniature Bernedoodles are smart and want to please you so they are very easy to train. Begin with the most basic of commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘come’.
Positive reinforcement can really work magic when it comes to teaching your puppy new things. Use lots of treats and verbal encouragement to keep your pup excited about learning and wanting to learn.
Early socialization is important for all breeds of dogs and especially for a breed that is naturally outgoing and friendly, like the Miniature Bernedoodle. Socializing your puppy to many different places, people and other animals can go a long way in preventing fear based behaviors as they mature into adult dogs.
Your Miniature Bernedoodle will need regular physical activity, but there will be plenty of time to provide that through daily walks or playtime and mental stimulation by providing some structure in your training (i.e., agility training, fetch) and using quiet time at home to fill those minds with problem solving through use of puzzle toys.
If you meet your dog’s need for physical and mental stimulation, your Miniature Bernedoodle will thrive in your home environment as a loving member of your family.
Grooming Requirements
To ensure that you are taking good care of your mini Bernedoodle, it’s essential that you provide regular grooming on a weekly basis. Because of their wavy, hypoallergenic coats that tend to mat, this will help to prevent mats from forming and to help to maintain a healthy-looking coat.
You should bathe your mini Bernedoodle on occasion when necessary; preferably no more than every 2-3 months, depending on how much time your puppy spends playing outside. When bathing your puppy, use a mild dog shampoo so you don’t irritate the skin.
Remember to also clip their toenails to avoid pain and promote a natural gait while walking. Regularly check their ears to make sure there isn’t excessive wax or debris building up in them and clean out any debris using gentle ear cleaners approved by veterinarians.
Schedule a professional groomer to come to your home every 6-8 weeks to give your mini Bernedoodle a full trim and keep their appearance looking great! If you take the time to take care of your mini Bernedoodles’ coat, it will look wonderful and feel great for years to come.
Health Concerns and Lifespan
While Mini Bernedoodles are generally healthy, they are susceptible to inherited health problems, which could potentially include hip dysplasia, eye disorders (such as cataracts), and heart conditions (like dilated cardiomyopathy). Routine veterinary visits are very important in order to detect these issues early on so that management or treatment can occur.
The average life span of a Mini Bernedoodle is around 12-15 years. The fact that the Mini Bernedoodle has the potential for this long life span is due to its hybrid vigor; however, being an older dog does not mean the potential for age related health issues goes away.
Properly maintaining a good diet, providing adequate amounts of exercise, and preventing obesity will greatly contribute to the overall well-being of your Mini Bernedoodle. Monitoring your pet’s weight is crucial because excessive weight can result in a multitude of health problems.
Genetic testing of the parent breeds may also help reduce the risk of inherited conditions associated with the parent breeds. Understanding the potential health issues of your Mini Bernedoodle will allow you to give your pet the best possible care.
Choosing a Breeder for a Mini Bernedoodle
Selecting a breeder to acquire your mini Bernedoodle is very important. The selection process can influence the temperament and behavior of your new pet as well as its overall health.
First, you will want to research reputable local breeders specializing in Doodles (or specifically Bernedoodles). Check the online reviews and testimonials of other customers to see what their experiences have been.
If feasible, visit the breeder’s kennel or facility. A reputable breeder maintains clean surroundings and provides adequate care for their breeding stock as well as socialization opportunities. Observe how the Bernedoodle puppies interact with people as well as with other pets.
Inquire as to whether there have been any health screening performed on the parents; particularly any genetic testing which may be applicable to Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Reputable breeders should be able to provide copies of these test results.
Your intuition plays an important role in this process. Trust your feelings. If anything seems “off” at the time of your interaction, it may be worth your while to continue searching for another breeder who places value in ethics and the welfare of the puppy being produced.
Tips for Introducing Your Mini Bernedoodle to Your Home
Welcome to your home with your new Mini Bernedoodle! Make an area that is safe and comfortable for your new dog to relax in. An area with a comfortable bed in a quiet area will be very helpful.
When bringing your new dog home, introduce him/her to one area at a time and allow your dog to sniff around and get used to the area.
Before you bring your new dog home, it would be best to purchase all of the necessary items such as food and water dishes, toys and pet grooming supplies. These will assist with your new dogs comfort level and help him/her to become acclimated to his/her new home.
Be patient with your new dog during the introduction to family members and other pets. It is best to keep the first encounters between your dog and others calm and gentle and avoid overwhelming your new dog with too many family members and/or pets.
It is best to establish regular feeding and potty breaks immediately after bringing your new dog home. Establishing a routine for these activities will greatly assist your new dog in becoming accustomed to his/her new home.
Give your dog a lot of encouragement and positive reinforcement while he/she is adjusting to his/her new environment. This will provide a pleasant experience for both you and your new dog.
Conclusion
This fun journey begins by selecting a Mini Bernedoodle. Bringing so much love into homes whether as a family pet or companion to an individual.
Mini Bernedoodles have great personalities and are quite playful therefore make perfect pets. Whether you live in a big house, small apartment or anywhere in between, mini bernedoodles are easy to adapt to whatever lifestyle you choose.
Before you select a Mini Bernedoodle, consider all the responsibility associated with owning one. Grooming needs and exercise requirements need to be considered when choosing how to best take care of your new mini bernedoodle.
In addition to finding a good breeder that provides a healthy puppy, and proper breeding, socialization, and training of your new pup will provide an excellent foundation for a strong bond with your new fur baby.
By taking the time to learn about the needs of your mini bernedoodle you will see rewards from your investment in the long run. Your new fur baby has become a member of the family.
FAQs
What is a Mini Bernedoodle?
The mini bernedoodle is a cross between a miniature poodle and a bernese mountain dog. A combination of the two breeds produces a very loving, smart dog that is relatively small.
How big do Mini Bernedoodles get?
Mini Bernedoodles typically weigh between 25 to 49 pounds and range in height from 12 to 22 inches at the shoulder. Height/Weight is dependent upon the parents.
Are Mini Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
As a result of having a Poodle in their background, Mini Bernedoodles have a lower amount of shedding. Therefore, if you suffer from allergies, a mini Bernedoodle could be a better option than some other breeds.
What’s the temperament of a Mini Bernedoodle like?
Temperament-wise, the Mini Bernedoodle is extremely social, loves people, great with kids and other animals, intelligent and a quick learner, but needs consistent training.
How much exercise does a Mini Bernedoodle need?
Mini Bernedoodles require approximately 1 hour of exercise per day to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. Walking, playing in the backyard, or mentally stimulating activities are all acceptable options.
Do they shed fur?
Mini Bernedoodles normally don’t shed as much as most other breeds because of the curl of the coat that comes from the Poodle side. Regular grooming will help prevent matting of loose hair and ensure your dog looks their best.
What health issues should I be aware of when considering this breed?
There are several common health problems found in both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems and various genetic issues. It is crucial to work with a responsible breeder who has tested for the potential problems prior to breeding.
How often should I groom my Mini Bernedoodle?
Brushing your Mini Bernedoodle at least once a week will significantly minimize shedding. Grooming sessions every 6-8 weeks will help maintain the health and look of your dogs coat.
Where can I find a trustworthy breeder?
Responsible Breeders can usually be located through online searches. It is also helpful to talk to friends/family members about where they obtained their puppy and ask questions. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is also a great resource for finding responsible breeders.
