15 Pros and Cons to Consider Before Adopting a Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles are known for their adorable looks and friendly personalities, which makes them a popular choice for dog lovers. This unique mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle brings plenty of joy but also some challenges. Before welcoming one into your home, it’s worth exploring the upsides and the potential downsides of life with a Bernedoodle.

Positive: Affectionate

This breed loves nature and enjoys bonding closely with its humans. They thrive on attention and happily curl up with you after a long day, making them fantastic companions. Their affectionate temperament makes them a favorite for families or individuals seeking a loyal, cuddle-loving pet.

Challenge: Separation Anxiety

Bernedoodles form strong bonds with their humans, which can cause separation anxiety when left alone. They may become anxious if left without company for extended periods. If you have a busy lifestyle and plan on leaving your dog alone for long hours, this could be a real challenge.

Positive: Hypoallergenic

For those with allergies, Bernedoodles can be a dream come true. Their Poodle genes often result in a coat that sheds minimally and produces little to no dander. While no dog is 100% allergen-free, people with allergies find them a good match. Regular grooming will help maintain their hypoallergenic qualities.

Challenge: Grooming Requirements

Those fluffy, hypoallergenic coats don’t take care of themselves. They need regular grooming to keep their fur tangle-free and healthy. Depending on their coat type, they may require brushing several times weekly, along with regular trims and grooming sessions. It can be time and money-consuming, especially for longer, curlier coats.

Positive: Energetic and Playful

If you’re looking for a dog that loves to have fun, the Bernedoodle’s playful nature won’t disappoint. They’re energetic and always ready for a game of fetch, a hike, or even a swim. Their playful side helps keep their owners active, making them perfect companions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Challenge: Exercise Needs

Although their playful nature is a plus for some, it can be a drawback if you’re not up for daily exercise. Bernedoodles need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy, and a couple of short walks won’t cut it as they thrive with more vigorous activities like running or hiking.

Positive: Come in Various Sizes

One of the most incredible things about Bernedoodles is that they come in different sizes! Mini, medium, or standard, there’s always one to fit your living space and preferences. Smaller versions can make excellent apartment dogs, while the larger ones are perfect for families with more space to offer.

Challenge: Space Requirements

Despite their adaptability, larger Bernedoodles, especially standard-sized ones, may require more space to stretch out and roam. If you’re adopting a standard-size one, ensure enough room for them to move around comfortably. Smaller living spaces may work for mini Bernedoodles, but the bigger ones will feel cramped in tight quarters.

Positive: Intelligent and Trainable

Thanks to their Poodle genes, Bernedoodles are highly intelligent, which makes training them relatively easy. They are fast to pick up on commands and always willing to please, making them an excellent choice for new or experienced dog parents. Obedience training tends to be a breeze, and they excel in agility or trick training.

Challenge: High Maintenance Cost

Between grooming, vet bills, food, and other supplies, owning this breed can get expensive. Their needs alone can set you back significantly, and health issues could lead to costly veterinary care. With the addition of quality food and toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, they can be a high-maintenance pet.

Positive: Adaptable and Versatile

The Bernedoodle breed can fit into various lifestyles, from city apartments to country homes. They can chill out with you on the couch or happily join you on outdoor adventures. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in different environments as long as they receive plenty of love and exercise.

Challenge: Socialization Needs

As with many intelligent breeds, Bernedoodles require ample socialization to become well–adjusted, well–behaved dogs. Without exposure to different people, animals, and environments, they may become overly cautious or hesitant in new situations. Socialization efforts should start early and continue throughout their life.

Positive: Good with Families

Bernedoodles are known for their gentle, friendly nature, making them great with kids and other pets. Their playful spirit combined with patience allows them to keep up with an active family while still being gentle with younger children. They tend to be protective without being aggressive, providing companionship to their family members.

Challenge: Barking

While not excessively loud, this dog can be vocal, especially when bored or not adequately trained to socialize. If you’re looking for a quiet breed, their barking might be an issue. They tend to alert their owners to every sound or new visitor, which can be problematic in apartments or busy neighborhoods.

Positive: Long Lifespan

With the right care, Bernedoodles typically enjoy long, healthy lives. They benefit from hybrid vigor, a phenomenon that can make mixed-breed dogs less prone to inherited health issues. Their lifespan can range between 12 and 18 years, giving you plenty of time to build a lifetime of memories together.