Mini Bernedoodle: The Complete Dog Breed Guide - K9 Web (2024)

Last Updated on April 21, 2023

The Mini Bernedoodle is simply the smaller version of the Standard Bernedoodle and it’s a crossbreed between the Mini Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as Miniature Bernedoodle or Toy Bernedoodle. It’s characterized as small to medium in size, measuring 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) tall and weighing around 25 to 49 pounds (64 to 124 kg). The average lifespan of the Mini Bernedoodle is around 12 to 18 years.

Miniature Bernedoodles have similar looks and characteristics to regular Bernedoodles. You can expect that they are loyal, friendly, and loving, making them excellent family companion dogs. With proper training and socialization, Mini Bernedoodles are also playful and very gentle with kids. If you’re planning to own a Miniature Bernedoodle puppy, you can get it between $3,000 to $5,000 from a reputable breeder.

We will cover all you need to know about the Mini Bernedoodle breed. From its origin, temperament, diet, exercise, and grooming needs, to its common health issues. Read our complete guide and see if this smart, active, and energetic doodle mix is right for you!

The Mini Bernedoodle at a Glance

We’ve put together a table below to give you a quick overview of the Mini Bernedoodle.

Where Do Mini Bernedoodles Come From?

This designer dog’s exact origin is unknown. What we do know, however, is that Canadian canine breeder Sherry Rupke was the first person to breed Standard Bernedoodles back in 2003 intentionally. Later, she started breeding the miniature variety.

Bernedoodles were initially bred to produce a low-shedding dog for owners with allergies. Still, their intelligence and easy-going personalities mean that some Bernese Mountain Poos are bred to be therapy or service dogs.

Mini Bernesedoodles are smaller versions of Rupke’s Standard Bernedoodle.

The key difference is that Mini Bernedoodles are a cross between Miniature Poodles, resulting in their more manageable size.

Besides stature, how else do Miniature Poodles and Berners influence their crossbreed offspring? What traits can we attribute to these parent breeds?

All about the Mini Poodle

Poodles get their name from the German word pudel, meaning “to splash.” and were initially used for duck hunting throughout Europe. Eventually, it became the breed of choice for the French aristocracy, with their smaller version being more in-demand.

Weighing in at an average of 6-9 pounds (3 to 4 kg) and measuring 11-14 inches (28 to 36 cm) at the withers, Mini Poodles are responsible for the Mini Bernedoodle’s small-to-medium size.

This curly fido is also intelligent, alert, responsive, and eager to please its owners, so training is a breeze. But no matter the size, Poodles can be shy and sensitive.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, a gentle giant

The Bernese Mountain Dog is massive compared to the Mini Poodle. (Okay, maybe not that big.) Its size is impressive, though: it can weigh between 80-110 pounds (36 to 50 kg) and can be as tall as 28 inches (71 cm).

Bred to work the cold farms of Switzerland, Berners have stocky builds and long, thick fur. They’re known for its particular tri-color coat, which is why you can find Mini Bernesepoos in so many colors and color combinations.

Similar to the Mini Poodle, Bernese Cattle Dogs are known for being intelligent working canines who love their families.

Generation: What’s this F1 vs. F2 business?

In your Mini Bernedoodle research, you’ve probably seen breeders talk about their dogs being “F1” or “F2.” But what does that mean exactly?

Simply put, “F1” and “F2” would tell about your Mini Bernedoodle’s parents or lineage.

In a first-generation dog (F1), each parent is a purebred – the Miniature Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog.

When two F1 Mini Bernedoodles mate, we call that litter as second-generation crosses (F2).

Some breeders have F1b Mini Bernedoodles, where an F1 Mini Bernedoodle is crossed with a purebred Poodle. This process, called backcrossing, is done to intensify the Poodle’s desirable traits further. For example, F1b Doodles may shed less than F1 or F2 litters.

“Still confused? Check out this guide that shows a complete family tree or lineage of hybrids. After all, these terminologies are most common with Poodle mixes or Doodles”.

What Does a Mini Bernedoodle Look Like?

Most designer dogs are such a surprise when it comes to their physical features. We can expect the same with the Miniature Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle cross.

Ears hang down at the side of their face, with oval eyes, a fairly short, triangular snout, and a black nose.

For cases where the Mini Bernese Poodle is merle, then they can have blue eyes or one eye having a different color from the other.

They have a well-proportioned body that is fluffy from head to their bushy tail. And since they’re a smaller version of the Standard Berner Poos, their figure is longer than taller.

How big does the Miniature Bernedoodle get?

With parent breeds being on each end of the size spectrum, Mini Bernedoodles can weigh anywhere from 25 to 49 lbs (64 to 124 kg). F2 Mini Bernepoos can be even smaller at 12-26 pounds (5 to 12 kg).

The Miniature Berner & Poodle mix’s height will vary, too, but they generally measure 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm)at the withers.

If this mini version isn’t small enough for you, then let’s dial the size down a bit. A Toy Poodle can be crossed with the Mountain Dog parent, and it will result in Tiny Bernedoodles. They have shorter legs and a longer body, just like Dachshunds. They stand about 12 to 17 inches (31 to 43 cm) tall and have a weight of 10 to 24 pounds (5 to 11 kg).

They’ll do well in most living situations–even in apartments–so long as they get the right amount of exercise and attention.

Before we continue, watch this video of Mini Bernedoodles playing with these little kiddos and just having fun!

The wonderful coat and colors of the Mini Bernedoodle dog

Mini Bernedoodles can have different types of coats, which may vary between wavy, curly, or straight.

Although they’re common and more appealing, tighter, poofier curls of Poodle hair is better if you’re looking for an allergy-friendly fido.

With that said, Berners are heavy shedders, while Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat. So your little hybrid furball can either be a non- to low-shedding doggo. Some call them semi-hypoallergenic.

You should also be aware that it’s quite challenging to predict the type of coat your pooch will have. Mini Bernedoodle puppies can still change to their adult coat when they turn five or six months of age.

While tri-color coats (black, white, and brown) are the most popular, you can find a Mini Bernedoodle in several colors:

• Sable
• Merle (as well as merle tricolors)
• Gray
• Fawn
• Blue
• Apricot
• Brindle
• Phantom tricolors

They can also be in solid colors such as black, white, and brown.

It doesn’t matter if their coat is wavy, curly, or straight, but they’re all rather fluffy. Expect regular grooming sessions with this dog breed, which we will talk about in a bit.

How Do Mini Bernedoodles Behave?

Not only does this crossbreed have a variety of looks, but also in terms of personality or temperament.

But even with this medley of possibilities, it’s safe to say that Mini Bernedoodles are a top choice for families looking for a new dog to join the pack.

Both parent breeds are known for being loving and well-mannered: Berners are playful and friendly, and Poodles are renowned for their high trainability. As a result, their hybrid offspring are the right balance of calm and vigor.

Poodles, no matter the size, are also known as one of the most intelligent breeds, so you can expect one smart pup out of this crossbreed!

Mini Bernedoodles won’t turn down a walk or run with their favorite human, but they’ll also enjoy lounging around the house with their pack. They’re non-aggressive and have a low prey drive, so they should do well with other pets if socialized early and often. These dogs can be shy around strangers, so be sure to socialize them with people, too.

That being said, don’t expect your Miniature Bernerpoo to win any awards for “Best Guard Dog.” They’re simply too friendly and too carefree. Plus, they don’t bark a lot.

You can expect this hybrid to excel as watchdogs, service, therapy, and assistance dogs.

Take into account their playfulness and that they can be highly active, too. So they’re also suited for owners who enjoy an overall active lifestyle.

If you have a swimming pool, or you live somewhere near a lake or the beach, treat your little Bernese Poo to a refreshing dip. Just like their Poodle parent, they love swimming, running, fetching, or any other activity as long as they get to spend time with you!

As they enjoy being surrounded by people they love and the attention they get, Mini Bernese-Poodle mixes may suffer from separation anxiety.

Taking Care of Your Mini Bernedoodle

This canine is a happy-go-lucky, versatile breed.

Even novice owners will do well with this doggo, as long as you read up on proper grooming techniques and tips, as well as give your Mini Bernedoodle enough exercise.

Does a Mini Bernedoodle Shed a Lot?

Did you know that dogs that shed less actually require more frequent grooming?

Miniature Bernese Mountain Poos come in a variety of coat lengths and textures, but those with longer or curlier fur are susceptible to matting and tangling.

Because of the Poodle genes, it means you’ll need to spend more time maintaining their coat. Besides weekly teeth-brushing and regular nail-trimming, daily brushing is ideal for your Mini Bernedoodle’s fur. Focus on the belly and the area behind the ears (places that mat easily).

Trimming this hybrid’s hair every 8-10 weeks is something to consider, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

Bathing can be done monthly or when needed. If you wash their coats too frequently, you’ll strip their fur of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy.

This video may be a bit long, but it tackles great grooming tips that any Doodle parent would love to know:

Can Mini Bernedoodles handle warm weather?

Although they’re adaptable canines, warm climates, and hot temperatures aren’t going to be your Mini Bernepoo’s best friend. With their long coats, they can overheat more quickly than other breeds.

Shaving their coats isn’t recommended, but you should have plenty of clean water available at all times. Outdoor activities should be done early in the morning or before nightfall. Also, never leave your Mini Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix alone in the heat.

Exercising your Mini Bernedoodle

This resilient canine will match your energy and can go between hiking and jogging to lounging about on the couch. But even the best-behaved dogs can become unruly without proper exercise.

Mini Bernedoodles have a medium to high activity level and only need at least 1 hourof exercise a day.

Daily walks are a good idea, especially if your pet doesn’t have a lot of space to run freely.

There are other ways to get your pet to burn energy, or get the physical and mental stimulation they need.

Their friendly personality makes them great candidates for play dates at the dog park.

You should also consider taking your Mini Bernedoodle for a swim or to agility classes–they’d love to do both.

What type of diet is suitable for the Mini Bernedoodle?

Miniature and Tiny Bernedoodles should be given dog food that’s formulated for small breeds. Regardless of your preference over dry kibbles, wet food, and raw diet, you should also consider their age, activity level, or metabolism, and if applicable, health conditions.

For the amount of food, both the Mini and Tiny Berner Poos can be fed ¾ cup of dry kibble if they’re somewhere near the 10-pound range for weight. If your hybrid weighs around 20 pounds, then you can feed your pet up to 1 ⅓ cups.

But did you know that the serving suggestions of each pack of dog food differ from each other?

Since they provide different ingredients, it’s best to feed your Mini Bernese-Poodle cross based on calories. This doggo requires a daily caloric intake of 750 to 1,400.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Healthy?

Mini Mountain Dog and Poodle mixes come from relatively healthy parents, so you can expect this designer pooch to be a hardy, too. They’re generally healthy and can live a long, full life with you for 12 to 18 years.

Still, be watchful for illnesses that are a concern in both parent breeds.

Joint issues and shorter lifespans are common with larger breeds, and Berners are no exception. These dogs live an average of 6-9 years and are at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia.

Take care not to over-exercise your Mini Bernedoodle puppy. Go easy on their joints while they’re young to avoid this problem. With shorter legs, keep your pup from going up and down the stairs, carry her if she needs to go on or off the couch or bed, as well as get in and out of the car.

Though Mini Poodles have a lifespan of up to 15 years, they can still pass on genetic ailments such as epilepsy and joint conditions, like Legg Perthes Disease.

Where to Get a Mini Bernedoodle Puppy?

You may be wondering if you should adopt a Miniature Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle mix from a rescue or go through a reputable breeder. You can now adopt or find a pup for sale online!

Keep in mind that rescue dogs’ backstories usually aren’t known. If you’re hoping for specific qualities in your Mini Bernedoodle, you have a better chance of finding what you’re looking for with a breeder.

Request to meet the parents and puppies, so they can schedule a time for you to observe or interact with them.

Ask questions about each dog’s behavior and health, including documents. This will also allow you to maybe pick out the super-spunky pup from its laidback sibling.

A Mini Bernedoodle puppy can have a price range of $3,000 to $5,000. Costs can vary and depend on factors such as the breeder’s location, the money and time they spent on their breeding stock, and their litter, pedigree, and popularity.

Don’t get hooked with the idea that the higher the price, the higher the quality. It goes the same way if the Mini Berner-Poodle pup has a value that’s too good to be true because it probably is. Do your due diligence before selecting or paying a breeder.

Choosing a Mini Bernedoodle breeder

There are a lot of Doodle breeders or kennels all over the world, so you have options.

Here are a few sites that have a Miniature Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix available:

1. Poodles2Doodles (Alton, IA)
2. Utah Bernedoodles (Penrose, UT)
3. SwissRidge Kennels (Schomberg, ON)

Mini Bernedoodles to adopt or rescue

If you decide to adopt, it may be hard to find Mini Bernesedoodles in shelters. Check out breed-specific rescues for Poodles or Bernese Mountain Dogs, as these places will also have mixes of each breed.

Adopting or rescuing a canine is also easier on your pocket or wallet. Adoption fees range from $100 to $750, depending on the dog, how long it stayed in the shelter and other charges that kennels or shelters may ask for.

Take a look at these Miniature Bernedoodles, as well as Poodle or Bernese Mountain Dog mixes, waiting for a new home:

1. Walnut Valley Puppies (Flat Rock, IL)
2. Briarwood Sheepadoodles & Bernedoodles (Virginia & Washington, DC)
3. NorCal Poodle Rescue (Concord, CA)
4. BFW Rescue Inc. (McCormick, SC)

What about the other Doodles?

Poodle mixes, aka Doodles, are all the rage. You can find Doodles of almost any variety! There’s no wonder why people compare them.

So just how does the Mini Bernedoodle stack up against its Poodle-mix relatives?

Mini Bernedoodle vs. Mini Goldendoodle

These two have a lot in common. They’re both friendly, loyal breeds, though the Mini Bernerpoos can be more active.

Miniature Poodle and Golden Retriever mix, also known as Mini Groodles, has a height of 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm) and a weight of 15 to 30 pounds (7 to 14 kg). Generally, they’re a bit smaller than the Mini Bernese Mountain Dog & Poodle cross, but it can also vary more or less from this range.

Like Mini Bernese-Poodle mixes, Mini Golden Poos are the small version of Goldendoodles, but their physical characteristics are the same.

This fido has floppy ears, expressive eyes, a short muzzle, and a tail that can be fluffy or feathered. Mini Golden-Poodles don’t just have wavy or curly hair, but their fur can also be straight. They’re available in a wide array of colors, aside from golden or cream tones.

Mini Bernedoodles tend to be a bit more stubborn than the Mini Goldendoodle, but overall, these breeds are quite similar.

Mini Bernedoodle vs. Mini Labradoodle

Thanks to their Miniature Poodle genes, the small versions of Bernedoodles and Labradoodles have a few shared characteristics. They both make outstanding family pets and strive to please their humans.

Mini Labradoodles are shaggy hybrids that are known for their teddy bear-look.

Aside from their passionate stare with big oval or round eyes, they have very long lashes that help keep their long coat away from their eyes.

In general, Mini Labbidoos can be as tall as 21 to 24 inches (63 to 60 cm) and only weigh 16 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg).

The Labrador side of Mini Labradorpoos makes them susceptible to loneliness and boredom when they spend hours by themselves. This isn’t quite as common in Mini Bernedoodles, which could be a consideration for people who work long hours away from home.

Mini Bernedoodle vs. Cavapoo

Cavapoos are a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle.

A Miniature Poodle is often used to create the Cavoodle as they tend to be healthier than the toy version.

Their average height is around 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm) and weighs 12 to 25 pounds (5 to 11 kg).

Cavalier King Charles-Poodle mixes are also known for looking like a teddy bear – dark eyes, long ears, black nose, and a curly coat. They can either have the long hair of English Toy Spaniel or the curly fur of their Poodle parent.

The Cavadoo’s color can also range from solid to multi-colored. Some even have a Blenheim pattern where white is mixed with a chestnut shade, a merle pattern, or a coat color with swirls.

In terms of traits, they’re pretty much like the Mini Bernerpoos. They’re playful, adaptable, intelligent, and great for families.

The Cavapoo has a high prey drive, so they might not be as friendly with other small pets in your home. But they’re more courageous than Miniature Bernedoodles, but it will alert you with its barking if it senses a threat.

The Versatile, Unpredictable Mini Bernedoodle

Owning a Mini Bernedoodle can be a lot of fun. They’re smart, adaptable, and friendly. They’ll sync their energy with yours. If you want to go hiking or go for a run on the beach, they’ll be right by your side. Prefer to binge-watch Netflix? Make room on the couch for this furbaby.

As long as you include this fido in your active lifestyle, you’d satisfy its needs for physical stimulation and attention. Whether you have kids or pets in your home, the Miniature Bernese-Poodle cross will gladly get along with them.

Even if they’re excellent family companions, be mindful of its size when you let it play with toddlers, as well as bigger dogs.

Your Mini Bernedoodle may surprise you in terms of temperament and appearance, but their love and devotion are totally predictable.

What do you think about the Mini Bernedoodle? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Reference

• https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_legg_calve_perthes_disease