Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Quick Take

• Bernese mountain dog mixes may actually outlive their purebred parents, and longer lifespans are not the only health advantage they have over the original. See reduced disease risks →
• The 'mini' Bernedoodle isn't what most people expect, and its size will likely surprise you. See the mini's actual size →
• One common owner habit can quietly sabotage a Bernedoodle's health as it ages, and most people don't even realize they're doing it. Avoid overfeeding mistakes →
• A Bernedoodle left alone too long won't just get bored. The consequences are more disruptive than most owners anticipate. Understand separation anxiety →

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working dog known for rescue missions and pulling carts. This breed is incredibly patient and peaceful, making them great companions. However, many people are attracted to a Bernese mountain dog mix, as some of these hybrids are not only comfortable in extreme temperatures but may also have longer lifespans than purebred Bernese mountain dogs and fewer health issues. Additionally, purebreds are more expensive than Bernese mixes.

This article will focus on the Bernedoodle (Bernese mountain dog and Poodle mix), but first, here are some other popular Bernese mountain dog mixes.

Types of Bernese Mountain Dog Mixes

While The Bernese mountain dog is absolutely breathtaking, but combining it with other purebreds is a winning formula. Here are three of the most popular Bernese mixes.

Bernesky (Bernese Mountain Dog and Husky Mix)

Bernesky puppies have bodies with a double coat and medium-length fur. Thankfully, these hybrids will require much less coat maintenance than the Bernese mountain dog, and they don’t shed as much.

These adorable hybrids are affectionate towards their families and love getting all the attention. In addition, they are eager to please and incredibly loving. While these Bernese mountain dog mixes get along well with children, they might be wary of strangers.

The Bernesky is a moderately active dog and needs to exercise for at least 30 to 40 minutes daily. Therefore, a low-to-medium intensity walk will suffice. In addition, they love playing fetch and doing obstacle courses.

Labranese (Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever Mix)

The Labranese has reduced risks of developing hereditary diseases because of the enlarged gene pool. Owners can reduce this risk even further by providing them with the best care, for example, their diet and fitness. However, when buying a designer breed, ensure the breeder is reputable. Ask for any medical certificates to prove the dog is healthy and that the parents have been screened for health conditions.

The Labernese was developed in a Canadian guide dog facility in 1996 to create assistance dogs. Since Labradors are loyal and intelligent, and the Bernese mountain dog is pleasant and patient, they thought this mix would be ideal.

Training this hybrid is easy, as they are eager to learn and very smart. However, some pups can be aloof and uninterested. But with a bit of patience and plenty of positive reinforcement, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Bernese Collie (Bernese Mountain Dog and Border Collie Mix)

Since Bernese collies are moderately active, they need plenty of exercise and playtime daily. These hybrids need at least half an hour of physical stimulation every day. This can include walks, backyard shenanigans, or obedience training.

The Bernese collie is often referred to as the Bordernese. They are incredibly charming and love to please their owners. Additionally, they are energetic, alert, and fantastic watchdogs!  Their friendly and loyal nature makes them great with children and pets.  

While this Bernese mountain dog mix is generally healthier than its purebred parents, it is still susceptible to the following conditions:

• Deafness
• Diabetes
• Eye problems
• Epilepsy
• Neurological problems

Pros and Cons of Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Size and Weight

There are two types of Bernedoodles, which differ in size.

Mini Bernedoodle

The mini Bernedoodle combines a miniature Poodle and a Bernese mountain dog; thus, they are smaller. However, due to the latter’s large size, they aren’t actually that small. For example, these hybrids fall into the medium-sized category, weighing between 25 and 50 pounds and measuring approximately 18 to 22 inches in height.

Standard Bernedoodle

The standard Bernedoodle is a cross between a regular Poodle and a Bernese mountain dog, so they fall into the large dog category. These hybrids weigh around 45 to 115 pounds and grow between 23 to 29 inches tall.

Common Health Issues

This Bernese mountain dog mix is vibrant and healthy. However, they are still prone to potential health issues inherited from their Poodle and Bernese mountain dog parents. Therefore, hip and elbow dysplasia is possible, similar to many larger dog breeds. Other conditions can include the following:

• Epilepsy
• Von Willebrand disease
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Sebaceous adenitis
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Luxating Patella

Temperament

Unfortunately, there is a lot of variation among Bernedoodles, even in the same litter, so it’s hard to determine what type of personality they might inherit. However, while they can take after their docile Bernese mountain dog parent, they are far from lazy; they are generally outgoing, social, and love learning new skills. Therefore, these hybrids are receptive to training and will probably be the best-mannered pooch you have ever owned. However, they are more wary of strangers than other doodle hybrids, so early socialization will significantly benefit them. But, some owners prefer their wariness, as this trait makes them fantastic guard dogs.

This Bernese mountain dog mix gets very attached to its loved ones and demands plenty of attention. Therefore, owners shouldn’t leave these hybrids alone for too long, as it makes them anxious and scared. If they are left to their own devices for extended periods, they can act out destructively by barking, chewing, messing in the house, and engaging in hyperactive play.

How to Take Care of a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Taking care of the Bernedoodle is probably the most challenging part of owning one. They have many needs that must be met daily, including:

The Best Dog Food

Providing your Bernedoodle with the best dog food is vital to their well-being. The more owners focus their attention on their dog’s individual nutritional requirements, the less they’ll spend on vet bills, and the longer their hybrid will live. While it might be hard to ignore your dog’s pleading eyes when eating, you must not give in. Overfeeding this Bernese mountain dog mix is a surefire way to cause health issues as they get older. So, only feed your hybrid the best-quality food you can afford, and be strict about adhering to a routine.

There are four types of dog food you can choose from:

• Kibble
• Wet food
• Raw
• Cooked

While cooked and raw food are increasingly popular these days and provides a lot of nutritional value, owners should always consult with their veterinarian to ensure they provide their pooches with a balanced diet. However, the most practical way to feed a large dog like this is with a combination of wet and dry food. But always ensure to purchase brands with high protein content. If meat isn’t the first ingredient on the label, it is not a suitable option.

Grooming

The Bernedoodle needs a good brush at least twice weekly to keep its knots and tangles in check. However, a visit to the groomer every five months will leave your hybrid feeling refreshed and happy.

Owners should only bathe their Bernese mountain dog mixes when necessary. Their skin has natural oils that keep it moisturized and healthy, and if you wash them too often, their skin becomes dry and flaky.

Lastly, their nails and ears need clipping and cleaning every month. Ensure you take them to a professional for these tasks, because if you don’t know what you are doing, you can severely injure your dog. Additionally, their oral health is very important, so they need their teeth brushed at least three times a week with dog-friendly toothpaste.

Training

While Bernedoodles can be quite stubborn, they are highly responsive when provided with the correct input because of their eager-to-please, calm, and intelligent nature. However, owners should still expect mischievous behavior from them, along with some additional cheekiness. But with some patience and repetition, you’ll have a well-balanced dog in no time.

Because this Bernese mountain dog mix is incredibly sensitive, yelling or losing your temper will negatively affect their progress. Instead, opt for positive reinforcement, using lots of healthy treats and praise. Socialization is essential for this breed; by exposing them to different places, people, and animals, you are helping them overcome their fear of strangers.

Exercise

Because the Bernedoodle is a hybrid, its energy levels will differ depending on which parent it takes after. However, these dogs are considered moderately active. Therefore, they enjoy spending lots of time outdoors, doing activities like walking, running, and especially swimming. A good 30 to 40 minutes of exercise daily should suffice. Additionally, they also require plenty of mental stimulation; giving them puzzle toys and playing interactive games will keep them out of trouble.

Puppies

Female Bernedoodles can give birth to six to ten puppies at a time. Bernedoodle puppies tend to be headstrong, but will outgrow this trait with proper training. The size of the puppies will differ, but a breeder should be able to give you an estimate based on previous litters or the parents’ size. These Bernese mountain dog mixes only fully mature at 18 months old.

Bernese Mountain Dog Mix and Children

A properly socialized and trained Bernedoodle is fantastic with children. However, kids should be instructed on how to treat these hybrids, especially when the dogs are fragile puppies. This designer breed is affectionate and enjoys playing with the whole family. Additionally, they get along well with other dogs but will require socialization to ensure they are comfortable around new pets.

Cost

Purchasing a Bernedoodle from a reputable breeder will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500. However, prices will vary depending on the breeder, location, size, and pedigree. Because this is one of the rarer hybrids, finding a breeder may not be easy. Therefore, seeking out a breeder who can answer all your questions about lineage, health, and pedigree is highly recommended.

Dogs similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

• Entlebucher Mountain Dog
• Appenzeller Sennenhund
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog