Bernedoodle Lifespan: How Long Do These Cute Dogs Live?

Poodle mixes are common household dogs today, making great family pups and offering an energy that can’t be matched. From Goldendoodles to Bernedoodles, there are various Poodle mixes to choose from — many of which have long lifespans.

Bernedoodles, which are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, are gorgeous, curly-haired pups that come in a variety of colors. This gentle, loving breed is a popular therapy dog and a perfect kid-friendly companion. If you’re considering adopting a Bernedoodle, you might be wondering how long this adorable dog lives.

Here is everything you need to know about the average Bernedoodle lifespan.

How Long Do Bernedoodles Live?

Typically, Bernedoodles live between 12 to 18 years, depending on their size. Larger Bernedoodles tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller ones, as small dogs are known to live longer. The exact reason for this is unknown, but some experts believe it’s because larger dogs can’t manage medical conditions as easily as smaller dogs as they age. This often leads to early euthanasia.

Additionally, mixed breeds often experience fewer health concerns than purebreds. Because Bernedoodles are a combination of Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, they tend to lead longer, healthier lives than purebred pups. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a somewhat shorter lifespan of just seven years, and their side carries some fatal health conditions.

Specifically, here is the average lifespan per type of Bernedoodle:

• Standard Bernedoodles: 12 to 15 years.
• Mini Bernedoodles: 14 to 16 years.
• Toy Bernedoodles: up to 18 years.

Common Bernedoodle Health Issues

Here are a few common health concerns for Bernedoodles.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia are abnormalities of the hip and elbow joints, which can eventually lead to arthritis, limited range of motion, and pain. These conditions are common in Bernedoodles and can occur with age. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another inherited disease that affects Bernedoodles. Pups with PRA often experience poor eyesight at night, which can eventually progress to complete loss of vision. Thankfully, this disease has a slow progression, and many dogs can adjust to their blindness and still lead a long, fulfilling life.

Heart Disease

Bernese Mountain Dogs often suffer from heart disease, which can be passed along to Bernedoodles. There are various types of dangerous heart diseases, but keeping your pup in good shape and maintaining a healthy weight will help it avoid serious complications.

Hypothyroidism

Many Poodles experience thyroid issues, and Bernedoodles can pick up this disorder from their parents. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid fails to produce enough hormones, which can contribute to behavioral changes, skin issues, hair loss, lethargy, and weight gain in pups. Thankfully, with the right medication, your dog can still lead a long and healthy life.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

While bloating is normal in Bernedoodles, so is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition that causes a rapid and deadly distention of the stomach. When a dog experiences GDV, its stomach typically fills with fluid and gas, leading to gastric malpositioning and persistent vomiting. This condition inevitably affects the organs and can lead to quick death. It’s most common in larger breeds of Bernedooles.

Allergies

Bernedoodles have a variety of allergies that cause skin irritation, rashes, ear infections, hair loss, and other unpleasant symptoms. It’s important to identify your pup’s allergy so you can prevent these physical manifestations and avoid further exposure.

Cancer

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to several kinds of fatal cancers, which gives Bernedoodles a similar risk. Cancer is a common health concern for all breeds of dogs, but Bernedoodles in particular have a higher chance of contracting a more deadly cancer.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

This inherited bleeding disorder is common in Bernedoodles. Because Von Willebrand’s Disease makes it hard for a dog’s blood to clot, it often causes prolonged bleeding, such as persistent nosebleeds, frequent gum bleeding, or difficulty recovering from surgeries or traumas. 

Epilepsy

Also common on the Bernese side of the family is canine epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes frequent, unprovoked seizures due to brain abnormalities. Dogs with epilepsy might experience generalized or grand mal seizures, focal or partial seizures, and psychomotor seizures. These can be triggered by a variety of factors, from stress to fatigue. 

Histiocytosis

Malignant histiocytosis is a cancer that causes an increased number of histiocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the body. Histiocytes operate as part of the immune system and work to fight off foreign materials. Though a rare disease for most dog breeds, malignant histiocytosis is one of the most common and deadly cancers in Bernese Mountain Dogs. It progresses rapidly and typically leads to death within weeks or months of the diagnosis. 

There is also a benign form of histiocytosis called systemic histiocytosis, which progresses more slowly and involves fewer episodes. However, it often is still considered a fatal condition. 

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy is an inherited spinal cord disease that causes muscular weakness, loss of coordination, and — eventually — paralysis. This progressive condition is common in Bernese Mountain Dogs, which increases Bernedoodles’ risks. Many owners will opt to euthanize their pups before the disease progresses too far.

How to Increase Your Bernoodle’s Lifespan

While many of the above diseases and health issues are unavoidable, you might be able to prevent or lessen the severity of some. Here are a few ways you can ensure your dog has the longest lifespan possible.

Make Sure Your Bernedoodle Maintains a Healthy Weight

Some inherited diseases can progress more quickly or cause more damage to overweight dogs. For example, heart disease is more common in dogs that have unhealthy lifestyles. Additionally, conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia tend to be more troublesome in dogs that carry extra weight, as this puts more pressure on the joints.

Depending on your type of Bernedoodle, such as mini vs. standard, there will be different average weights. Check with your vet to make sure your Bernedoodle is within its healthy weight range.

Feed Your Bernedoodle a Healthy Diet

A nutritious, balanced diet is crucial to ensuring your dog leads a healthy life. Bernedoodles, like most dogs, require diverse sources of protein. You can feed your pup wet food, dry food, or both, depending on its unique needs. Always check with a professional if you’re unsure about your dog’s ideal diet.

Additionally, many Bernedoodle puppies tend to overeat if they have constant access to food. That being said, it helps to schedule your puppy’s meals and keep the serving sizes within their recommended measurements.

Adopt From a Reputable Breeder

Reputable breeders will have no issue providing you with details about your Bernedoodle’s parents, DNA screenings for diseases, and other information that can give you insight into its expected lifespan.

Additionally, if you adopt from a responsible breeder, you are not supporting inhumane practices that could ultimately lead to unhealthy, neglected, or abused dogs. You can find a reputable Bernedoodle breeder by asking for recommendations from your vet or local shelters. The right breeder will prioritize health, well-being, and temperament above all else.

Take Your Bernedoodle for Regular Vet Visits

After an initial vet visit/immunization, many dog owners wait until there’s an issue or health concern before taking their pup to the vet. However, regularly taking your Bernedoodle to the vet can make all the difference in preventing and treating potential health conditions and diseases. You can address many of the above issues if you find them early enough. When in doubt, see a professional rather than wait for problems to arise.